Celebrating the BSOS Class of 2020

Name:  Al-Hafis Adegun

Major:  AASD with a Concentration in Public Policy

Hometown:  Burtonsville, MD

Song You Have on Repeat During Quarantine:

Here’s my playlist:

• Turks- Nav, Gunna, Travis Scott

• Sailing - Christopher Cross

• One Less Bell to Answer- The 5th Dimension

• A Song For You- The Carpenters

• Sing to me - Jhene Aiko

• Oh No Not My Baby- Carole King

• Fruits of the Spirit- Jay Electronica

• Lil Durk- India pt 2

• Love It if We Made it- The 1975

• One More Hour- Tame Impala

• All the Way Around- Marvin Gaye

Favorite BSOS Class Taken:  AASP 202 - Black Culture in the United States

Favorite Memory at UMD:  Playing club and intramural flag football football for the past three years was definitely my single greatest source of happiness.

Greatest Accomplishment at UMD:  Beating my roommates in Mario Kart in front of all my friends ?. I would also add getting an A in Mammalian Physiology.  

How You’re Coping with Quarantine:  Currently listening to as much new music as I can while taking walks around the neighborhood (when I’m not in all these Zoom classes).

Post-Graduation Plans:  I am currently studying for my MCAT as I am applying for the 2021 application cycle for medical school. In the meantime, I plan to continue working at Adventist Rehabilitation.

Name:  Adriane Michaelis

Major and Degree:  Anthropology, PhD

Hometown:  Woodhaven, MI

Song You Have on Repeat During Quarantine:  "Road to Nowhere" by the Talking Heads. Not sure what that says about my quarantine experience... :) 

Favorite Memory at UMD:  I don't have a single memory, but three collective big memories involve three winter semesters in Indonesia as part of Dr. Hilde's Public Policy course: "Social-Ecological Systems, Environmental Policy, and Sustainable Development". I was fortunate enough to take part in the course first as a student and then as an assistant. I'll never forget the overall experience, the knowledge gained, the amazing landscape, and especially the wonderful people. (And I hope to return to Indonesia!)

Greatest Accomplishment at UMD:  Graduating with a PhD!

How You’re Coping with Quarantine:  Since quarantine began as I was in the end stages of writing my dissertation, life actually isn't a whole lot different. Slightly less time on the computer now?

Post-Graduation Plans:  I have joined the Auburn University Shellfish Laboratory as a post-doctoral research fellow.

Name:  Alix Brooks

Major:  Anthropology

Hometown:  Baltimore, MD

Song You Have on Repeat During Quarantine:  Giveon's entire "TAKE TIME" EP and a mix of 70s Rock/Disco/Funk

Favorite BSOS Class Taken:  Either ANTH310, CCJS325, or SOCY335 (Sorry I can't pick one!)

Favorite Memory at UMD:  Watching both basketball teams get their Big Ten titles last month!

Greatest Accomplishment at UMD:  Becoming Chair of the BSOS Dean’s Student Advisory Council this past year!

How You’re Coping with Quarantine:  Lots of FaceTime calls, music, and setting time limits on my social media apps

Post-Graduation Plans: I plan to travel (post-Quarantine), complete a post-bacc program, and then start applying to medical school!

Name:  Cameryn Cole

Major:  Anthropology & English

Hometown:  Baltimore, MD

Song You Have on Repeat During Quarantine:  Sunflower by Dizzy

Favorite BSOS Class Taken:  ANTH412: Hypermarginality and Urban Health. This class nuanced my perspective on poverty, addiction, and healthcare.

Favorite Memory at UMD:  Too many to count! I'll choose Maryland Day 2018. My friend and I were two of the few adults at the insect petting zoo without children (worth it) and we got to spend some time with horses at the farm (adorable).

Greatest Accomplishment at UMD:  This is an accomplishment in progress but I am almost finished writing my English Honors thesis on The X-Files!

How You’re Coping with Quarantine:  I miss things about campus that I didn't even realize I would miss, like walking to class on a sunny day and studying in McKeldin late at night with friends. Quarantine is hard, but I'm so thankful for technology that allows me to stay in touch with my friends!

Post-Graduation Plans:  TBD! I'm currently in the process of applying to jobs. Things are up in the air right now, but I'm faithful that I'll end up where I'm supposed to be.

Name:  H. Yong Yeo

Major and Degree:  Anthropology, Master of Applied Anthropology (M.A.A.)

Hometown:  Singapore

Song You Have on Repeat During Quarantine:  

Favorite BSOS Class Taken:  A tie between Advanced Studies in Global Health (ANTH613), and Health Disparities in the US (ANTH615)

Favorite Memory at UMD:  

Greatest Accomplishment at UMD:  Presenting my summer internship findings at Colloquium 2020

How You’re Coping with Quarantine:  Zoom calls with family and friends, cooking, and Netflix

Post-Graduation Plans:  (Hopefully) Getting a job in the field of health care research/policy

Name:  Nehali Patel

Major:  Anthropology and English

Hometown:  Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey

Song You Have on Repeat During Quarantine:  Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen - Santana

Favorite BSOS Class Taken:  ANTH210: Introduction to Medical Anthropology and Global Health

Favorite Memory at UMD:  Going to the Library of Congress with Professor Tita Chico to look at some old editions of Frankenstein.

Greatest Accomplishment at UMD:  Interning as a teaching assistant for 5 semesters!

How You’re Coping with Quarantine:  Going on long walks while listening to podcasts and audiobooks. And petting my neighbor's dogs through the fence.

Post-Graduation Plans:  Graduate school in English to enhance my teaching abilities and engage with programs to help minority education. 

Name:  Paden Tranter

Major:  Criminology and Criminal Justice

Hometown:  Lewisberry, Pennsylvania

Song You Have on Repeat During Quarantine:  Wasteland, Baby! by Hozier

Favorite BSOS Class Taken:  CCJS320: Criminalistics

Favorite Memory at UMD:  Swimming in the fountain at Maryland Day

Greatest Accomplishment at UMD:  Earning the Dr. Peter P. Lejins Award for Academic Excellence in CCJS

How You’re Coping with Quarantine:  Playing Stardew Valley and eating ice cream!

Post-Graduation Plans:  Getting my Master's with UMD's School of Public Policy

Name:  Paris Rowe

Major:  Criminology and Criminal Justice; Minors: Spanish and Law and Society

Hometown:  Bowie, MD

Song You Have on Repeat During Quarantine: Say So by Doja Cat & Chicago Freestyle by Drake

Favorite BSOS Class Taken: CCJS 230: Criminal Law in Action

Favorite Memory at UMD:  Hosting the inaugural Beauty and Fashion Expo at Stamp 

Greatest Accomplishment at UMD: Starting the first and only makeup club at UMD in 2017, now known as The Beauty Community, and being selected to carry the CCJS flag and lead the student procession at graduation.

How You’re Coping with Quarantine:  Watching comedy shows like Dave on Hulu

Post-Graduation Plans:  I will be serving as full-time tutor for The Literacy Lab 

Name: Cody Tuttle

Major/degree: Public Economics / PhD in Economics

Hometown: Owensboro, KY

Post-graduation plans: One-year post-doc at Princeton from 2020-21, Assistant professor at UT Austin in 2021

Name: Gayane Matevosyan 

Major: Economics and Finance 

Hometown: Born in Yerevan, Armenia but grew up in Germantown, Maryland 

Song You Have on Repeat During Quarantine: Say So by Doja Cat 

Favorite BSOS Class Taken: Experimental Economics

Favorite Memory at UMD: Maryland Day   

Greatest Accomplishment at UMD: Helping first-year students build lifelong relationships as a Resident Assistant

How You’re Coping with Quarantine: Spending time with family

Post-Graduation Plans: Harvard Law School 

Name: Rahila Olanrewaju

Major: Economics, Government & Politics

Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria (born) // Rockville, MD (raised)

Song You Have on Repeat During Quarantine: Lovely Day, Bill Withers (R.I.P <3)

Favorite BSOS Class Taken: ECON417, Estimating Policy and Program Impact, Dr. Goldberg

Favorite Memory at UMD: During my first few days in the Honors Humanities Program, I stayed up one night chatting with others about identity and religion. It's my favorite memory at UMD because I felt so comfortable speaking about seemingly controversial topics. Our perspectives were incredibly different, but we each shared a profound capacity for respect and empathy that allowed us to see commonalities in our lived experiences.

Greatest Accomplishment at UMD: Establishing the University's first academic program in African Studies; the African Studies Minor.

How You’re Coping with Quarantine: I'm working on a passion project: a career site for students in economics and related fields, called Comparative Advantage. The site will provide students with career services, internship and job listings, and advice on how to navigate the job market. I've always been passionate about workforce development and I started this project to help students who don't have access to the same kind of support and guidance that's been integral to my success.

Post-Graduation Plans: Strategy & Operations Business Analyst at Deloitte, New York Office 

Name: Jake Wills

Major:  Environmental Science and Policy - Politics and Policy

Hometown:  Sykesville, MD

Song You Have on Repeat During Quarantine:  Feels Alright by the Nude Party

Favorite BSOS Class Taken:  Environmental Law (330)

Favorite Memory at UMD: Playing shows and parties with my old bands. I loved ripping some guitar licks for all those beautiful Terps!

Greatest Accomplishment at UMD:  Co-curated the Clarice’s NextNOW Fest in 2018, I was able to work with some amazing people and book some great artists. 

How You’re Coping with Quarantine:  Really trying to view it as an opportunity to work on hobbies and skills that I didn’t have (or make) the time for; mainly videography and writing. Also, candles. 

Post-Graduation Plans: I’m working as an instructor for Outward Bound, an outdoor education non-profit, with long-term goals of pursuing adventure media. HMU for adventures!

Name: Ariel Golightly

Major: Geographical Sciences

Hometown: Baltimore, MD

Song You Have on Repeat During Quarantine: Excuse Me by Asanté and Aubrey Joseph

Favorite BSOS Class Taken: BSOS 248D: DSAC or GEOG 330: As the World Turns: Society and Sustainability in a Time of Great Change

Favorite Memory at UMD: It's not one specific memory but rather many memories of the women who have supported me in my time through college. Many of my most enjoyable times at UMD have been made possible by the women I've worked with, had as mentors, as professors, and friends. I dedicate all of my success to them and am so thankful to have made memories with them along the way.

Greatest Accomplishment at UMD: Finding my passion and pursuing a career in it, regardless of what people think about it. Also, developing strong, genuine relationships that I hope will last a lifetime.

How You’re Coping with Quarantine: I signed up to foster with the Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA) and was recently given a young cat to care for, which has been wonderful! I've also spent a lot of time exploring new recipes to cook or bake.

Post-Graduation Plans: Find a career in the environmental sector that brings me fulfillment and happiness, I'm not sure yet exactly what that will be, but I look forward to finding out! 

Name: Danielle Rappaport

Major and Degree:  PhD in Geographical Sciences 

Hometown:  Leesburg, VA

Song You Have on Repeat During Quarantine:  The album "Let it Rock" by the Jerry Garcia Band 

Favorite BSOS Class Taken:  I had a few favorites, but GEOG's remote sensing courses (taught by Dr. Loboda and Dr. Hansen) certainly got me the most amped.  Learning how to process and analyze aircraft and satellite data felt like a superpower.

How You’re Coping with Quarantine:  With lots of long runs, self compassion, and pistachio ice cream

Name:  Analía Gómez Vidal

Major and Degree:  Government and Politics, Ph.D. 

Hometown:  Morón, Buenos Aires (Argentina)

Song You Have on Repeat During Quarantine: Everything I Wanted (Billie Eilish) 

Favorite Memory at UMD:  Too many to count, but most of them involve the camaraderie and friendship of my peers across campus, and especially my friends in the Government and Politics Department. They have been my community, and their friendship and support made a great difference in adapting and adjusting to living in the U.S.  Oh, and my dissertation defense, too!

Greatest Accomplishment at UMD:  I take pride in having been an active member of my department and college, and in having worked hard for the Center for International Development and Conflict Management (CIDCM), the Minor in International Development and Conflict Management (MIDCM) and the Global Communities Living and Learning Program. I have learned tremendously throughout that time, and I have enjoyed working with the rest of the staff, some of whom I now consider great friends. Most of all, I truly enjoyed working with MIDCM and GC students, seeing them grow and helping them think about their careers and goals. That is also without a doubt what I miss the most about these jobs. 

How You’re Coping with Quarantine: There are a few things that help me deal with this quarantine. I sleep as much as possible, and I continue therapy through video calls. In my time off work, I pursue my curiosity alongside my partner through improvising recipes, reading, watching TV, using Duolingo, building LEGOs, or painting. I stay in touch with my friends, mostly one-on-one (Zoom meetings overwhelm me!), and I reach out to my community to help in any way I can.  

Post-Graduation Plans: I am currently a Research Consultant at the Inter-American Development Bank. I also continue developing my own research agenda independently, and mentoring and advising students and young professionals. In the long run, I aim at crafting a career that combines research and mentoring, working closely with first-generation and international students just like myself, so I can pay it forward for them to have similar opportunities to the ones I have had.  

Name:  Ireland Lesley

Major: GVPT

Hometown:  Bethesda, MD

Song You Have on Repeat During Quarantine:  Little Things by Louis The Child, Quinn XCII, and Chelsea Cutler 

Favorite BSOS Class Taken:  Any Class with Professor Spivey

Favorite Memory at UMD: A year ago I was elected Student Body President and I remember just being so elated, overwhelmed, and so proud of our campaign. It had been a crazy two weeks of elections, but I was so proud of the work we had done and how it had all paid off. 

Greatest Accomplishment at UMD:  I am super proud of a lot of things I have done as Student Body President this year, but most recently SGA allocated $65,000 to the Student Crisis Fund. I worked with Administrators to make sure we got the permission to allocate our leftover funds this way. That money is going to help so many students directly and I am so glad SGA can still be serving students during COVID-19. 

How You’re Coping with Quarantine:  I love reading, but never have time for it during the academic year so I've been trying to read more for fun during the week. It helps me fall asleep, de-stress, and I’ve been able to start to make progress on my huge reading list. 

Post-Graduation Plans:  Great question! I am currently on the job hunt, which is proving to be a bit difficult right now, and I am planning on taking the LSAT again before I apply to law school in the Fall.

Name:  Jacob Silverman

Major:  Mechanical Engineering and Government & Politics

Hometown:  East Meadow, NY

Song You Have on Repeat During Quarantine:  I Play the Road by Zac Brown Band

Favorite BSOS Class Taken:  GVPT424 (Quantitative Study of International Relations) and GVPT459E (Comparative Politics of the Middle East)

Greatest Accomplishment at UMD:  Being published in the Washington Post for my research with Dr. Croco.

Favorite Memory at UMD: My first time running by Lake Artemesia.

How You’re Coping with Quarantine:  Running, listening to a ton of country, binging the Marvel movies, and, of course, virtual rails on Wednesdays.

Post-Graduation Plans: I’ll be attending Harvard Law.

Name:  Julia Levine

Major:  Government & Politics with an International Relations Concentration, Minor in Spanish Language, Culture, and Professional Contexts

Hometown:  Baltimore, MD

Song You Have on Repeat During Quarantine:  Roses (Imanbek Remix) by SAINt JHN

Favorite BSOS Class Taken:  GVPT439B - The First Amendment: Speech, Religion, and the Constitution taught by Professor Spivey

Favorite Memory at UMD:  I went to the last Maryland home basketball game this year when Maryland won the Big 10 title!

Greatest Accomplishment at UMD:  I became fluent in Spanish through my minor and studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain, which I am really proud to say.

How You’re Coping with Quarantine: I’ve been doing a mixture of things to keep busy like arts and crafts, maintaining a routine, working out, talking to friends, tik-toking and trying a lot of new recipes.

Post-Graduation Plans: I will be attending law school starting this fall! I haven’t decided on a school just yet but will have it finalized very soon.

Name: Trey Billing

Major and Degree:  Government and Politics, PhD

Hometown:  Anna, Ohio

Song You Have on Repeat During Quarantine:  Summer's End - John Prine

Favorite BSOS Class Taken:  Field Methods in Comparative Politics

Greatest Accomplishment at UMD: BSOS Excellence in Teaching Award

Post-Graduation Plans:  Post-Doc at The Ohio State University

Name:  Avery Rain

Major and Degree:  MA in Speech-Language Pathology

Hometown:  Washington, DC

Song You Have on Repeat During Quarantine:  "Talking to You" by Izzy Bizu

Post-Graduation Plans: Completing Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY) - location TBD

Name: Brinley Farrall

Major:  Hearing and Speech Sciences

Hometown:  Elkton, MD

Song You Have on Repeat During Quarantine: Cayendo by Frank Ocean

Favorite BSOS Class Taken:  HESP 402

Favorite Memory at UMD: Swimming in the fountain with friends

Greatest Accomplishment at UMD: Becoming NSSLHA president

How You’re Coping with Quarantine:  Redecorating and working out

Post-Graduation Plans:  Attending the University of Delaware for a Master's program in Speech-Language Pathology

Name: Sandra Guevara

Major and Degree: Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology

Hometown: Silver Spring, Maryland

Song You Have on Repeat During Quarantine:  “Savage” -Megan Thee Stallion

Favorite BSOS Class Taken:  “Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in Communication and its Disorders”

Favorite Memory at UMD: Moments with my friends in the HESP student room and late night Chick-Fil-A and Chipotle runs! :)

Greatest Accomplishment at UMD:  Successfully defending my thesis and presenting at the 2019 American Speech-Language Hearing Association Convention!

How You’re Coping with Quarantine: Exercise and outdoor walks/hikes!

Post-Graduation Plans: Hopefully will be working in a medical setting, where I will be serving bilingual communities as a certified bilingual provider!

Name:  Lingxiao Wang

Major and Degree:  Survey methodology, Ph.D.

Hometown:  Shandong, China

Song You Have on Repeat During Quarantine:  See you again 

Favorite BSOS Class Taken:  SURV 699N Statistical methods for analysis of complex samples in public health

Favorite Memory at UMD:  I got married with my husband, who also graduated from UMD, and we had our first baby during my seven years of graduate study at UMD.  We took a lot of pictures on campus to memorize the most important moments in our lives. 

Greatest Accomplishment at UMD:  I won the UMD Ann G. Aylie dissertation fellowship for AY 2019-20 

How You’re Coping with Quarantine:  Wrapping up my dissertation, cooking, baking, and doing handcrafts. 

Post-Graduation Plans:  I have joint the Biostatistic branch, Division of cancer epidemiology and genetics at  National Cancer Institute as a post-doctoral fellow.

Name:  Elena LeVan

Major:  Psychology

Hometown:  Washington Township, NJ

Song You Have on Repeat During Quarantine:  Magic in the Hamptons // Social House

Favorite BSOS Class Taken:  Probably GVPT289L with McCauley!

Favorite Memory at UMD:  This past fall semester, my committee and I spent pretty much every Thursday night on Route One talking to students about consent with a mock kissing booth activity. It was so cool to have people I love work with me on a project that was so impactful! We had a great time starting conversations and just hanging out.

Greatest Accomplishment at UMD:  Honestly, I've really enjoyed the work I've done in sexual misconduct prevention, but one of the greatest things I've learned and accomplished is how to take care of myself and give myself room to grow. My time at Maryland has taught me so much about following my passions and being myself that I thought I knew before — now I can really live it.

How You're Coping with Quarantine:  I've been reading a lot of books and listening to a lot of music. I'm very blessed to have time to relax during quarantine, so I'm really trying to appreciate that and use the time to take care of myself, and continue to do as much advocacy work as possible from home! 

Name:  Kelsey L. Canada

Major and Degree:  Doctor of Philosophy, Psychology (Area of specialization: Cognitive and Neural Systems)

Hometown:  Alto, Michigan

Song You Have on Repeat During Quarantine:  "Dancing in the Moonlight - 2001 Remix" - Toploader

Favorite BSOS Class Taken:  Human Biopsychology

Favorite Memory at UMD:  Weekly coffee dates with my friends on and around campus

Greatest Accomplishment at UMD: Publishing my first first-author academic paper

How You’re Coping with Quarantine:  Lots of walks and zooming with my friends and family!

Post-Graduation Plans:  Completing a post-doctoral fellowship examining developmental changes in brain function and children's memory

Name:  Logan Dechter

Major:  Psychology and Spanish

Hometown:  Silver Spring, MD

Song You Have on Repeat During Quarantine:  High Road -- Kesha

Favorite BSOS Class Taken:  PSYC318D:  Community Interventions - Theory & Research

Favorite Memory at UMD:  Everyday at Camp Kesem at University of Maryland!

Greatest Accomplishment at UMD:  Serving as Director for Camp Kesem at University of Maryland.

How You’re Coping with Quarantine:  I’ve been running a lot and doing my best to crank out my Honors Thesis by May 1st.

Post-Graduation Plans:  M.Ed in School Counseling at University of Maryland

Name:  Megan Samuels 

Major:  Psychology

Hometown:  North Potomac, MD

Song You Have on Repeat During Quarantine:  "Young" by Vallis Alps

Favorite BSOS Class Taken:  PSYC433 - Basic Helping Skills

Favorite Memory at UMD:  Feeling the sense of Maryland community and pride at Basketball games!

Greatest Accomplishment at UMD:  Being a CARE to stop violence peer advocate and working with survivors of power-based violence on campus!

How You’re Coping with Quarantine:  Watching a lot of the television show, "Dance Moms" and connecting with friends!

Post-Graduation Plans:  I am attending the University of Maryland at Baltimore School of Social Work for the next two years!

Congratulations Mike Scheinberg, B.S. PSYC '20, who will soon earn his degree after beginning his undergraduate journey 25 years ago!

Read more about Mike and his amazing story in The Diamondback.

Name:  Morgan Anvari

Major:  Psychology

Hometown:  Hughesville, MD

Song You Have on Repeat During Quarantine:  All My Friends - Dermot Kennedy

Favorite BSOS Class Taken:  PSYC353 - Adult Psychopathology

Favorite Memory at UMD:  Going on retreat with my co-ed service fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega.

Greatest Accomplishment at UMD:  Getting published as a first author researcher in a peer-reviewed journal.

How You’re Coping with Quarantine:  Planning virtual gatherings with my friends and playing animal crossing!

Post-Graduation Plans: I plan to work 1-2 years as a Post-Bacc Research Assistant and then pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology, researching novel mental healthcare treatments. 

Name:  Shelton Daal

Major:  Sociology, International Development Minor

Hometown:  Needham, MA

Song You Have on Repeat During Quarantine:  Drew Barrymore (SZA)

Favorite BSOS Class Taken:   SOCY202 - Introduction to Research Methods in Sociology

Favorite Memory at UMD:  I think that my favorite UMD memory would have to be this fall's homecoming. Being able to take that break from classes and celebrate with the friends that I've made over these past four years was really amazing. It'd been a while since I felt that connected to the campus community, so I really cherish that time. 

Greatest Accomplishment at UMD:  My greatest accomplishment at UMD has been working with the Sociology department to include more career development in the major. This is something I'm really passionate about because I've been able to make amazing connections through my research and internship opportunities, and I believe that every student deserves those opportunities. 

How You’re Coping with Quarantine:  Even though quarantine is rough, I've been trying to do weekly check-ins with friends that I don't have the chance to see anymore. Knowing that I'll get to see them again someday helps me get through this. 

Post-Graduation Plans:  I'll be spending another year at UMD getting my Masters in Public Policy! 

How You’re Coping with Quarantine:  I’m flourishing within the confines of the quarantine restrictions and handling it like a champ. I enjoy the peace, quiet time and solitude.

Post-Graduation Plans:  I want to continue researching and illuminating health disparities while developing strategies to build and reinforce thriving, sustainable and economically productive communities for marginalized people.