The Philip Merrill Presidential Scholars Program honors UMD’s most outstanding graduating seniors, while also recognizing the teachers who have played a significant role in ensuring their success. Each scholar is given an opportunity to recognize the high school teacher who most inspired their scholastic development and the UMD faculty member who most significantly contributed to their college experience.
We are thrilled to celebrate three UH students among this year’s recipients of this prestigious award: Shawn Edelstein, Avery Moe, and Anna Petersen. Learn more about each of our scholars and hear a snippet of their praises for their mentors below!
To see the full list of Merrill Presidential Scholars, click here.
Shawn Edelstein, Statistics and Public Policy Teacher Mentor: Barbara Felicciardi, P.S. 169 Bay Terrace School, Queens, New York Faculty Mentor: Jiehong Lou, School of Public Policy, Center for Global Sustainability
“…As my first ever science teacher and my primary second-grade teacher, [Ms. Barbara Felicciardi] taught me to be curious and explore the world around me… Professor Lou helped me bridge the gap between my studies in statistics and public policy, while teaching me new skills to analyze complex challenges in clean energy and environmental policy…”
Avery Moe, Kinesiology Teacher Mentor: Andrea Dickie, Hammond High School, Columbia, Maryland Faculty Mentor: Ross Miller, Department of Kinesiology
“My high school calculus teacher, Ms. Andrea Dickie, created a supportive, safe space where I could grow both academically and personally… [Professor Ross Miller from the Department of Kinesiology] noticed my passion for biomechanics and offered his mentorship, playing a crucial role in my research and my path towards graduate school…”
Anna Petersen, Psychology and Criminology & Criminal Justice Teacher Mentor: Amber Perkins, Paint Branch High School, Burtonsville, Maryland Faculty Mentor: Tracy Tomlinson, Department of Psychology
“…Both Ms. Perkins and Professor Tomlinson are committed and dedicated educators who actively engage their students in learning and in confronting the many challenges of our time. I sincerely thank them for their mentorship and meaningful impact on the trajectory of my life.”
UH students have been at the forefront of prestigious DC-area internships over the last few years through their participation in the Federal & Global Fellows Track. Each semester, we’ve seen more companies and administrations express a desire for specifically UH students to apply to their open opportunities.
We caught up with a few members of the most recent cohort to hear more about their exciting experiences and how their UH connections and education influenced their professional journeys off campus.
Autumn K. Ballard Public Health Practice Major, Minors in Public Leadership and Anti-Black Racism Maryland General Assembly- Office of Delegate Karen R. Toles
My favorite memory as a Federal Fellow with a Public Health Policy concentration is having the privilege of being taught by an esteemed thought leader in the public health field, Dr. Woodie Kessel. As a mentor, deeply connected with government work, he generously shared his insights and experiences with us. Being a fellow connected me with hardworking students, current professionals, and opportunities that will contribute to my long-term success.
Tal Bresler Neuroscience: Molecular, Cellular, and Physiological Major, Minor in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies U.S. Department of Health and Human Services- Office of the Inspector General
My primary takeaway from my experience in Federal Fellows and my internship at HHS OIG is a revolutionized view of public health in the United States. As I wrote in my review of the fall Public Health Seminar, “This class was the single most impactful class I think I will ever take in college. Dr. Kessel gives you an unparalleled overview of the American Public Health system… Dr. Kessel made me want to go into public health.” Dr. Kessel truly created an unparalleled class that opened up new career and life aspirations for me.
My internship experience was a practical look into many of the programs and the logistical backbone of our discussions in the fall Public Health Seminar. Working in the nitty-gritty of financial support for IT to support HHS OIG auditors truly showed me the process and sheer amount of human labor involved in every government action. Seeing the depth of the governmental organization and procedural rigidity myself gave me a highly increased sense of awe at how anyone can pass and implement public health legislation.
I would recommend both the Federal Fellows program and HHS OIG to a friend. In fact, I have recommended the Federal Fellows program to several friends, one of whom ended up applying, getting accepted, and will be beginning the program this fall. I feel the Federal Fellows program has been invaluable to my college experience because of the fantastic seminar, the constant professional help from the graduate TAs, and the hands-on experience with government work, a rare opportunity for an undergraduate student.
Medhanit Desta Theatre and Economics Double Major Maryland General Assembly- Office of Delegate Bonnie Cullison
My most memorable moment as a fellow was at the end of my first semester in the program. My fall seminar was on Civic Leadership and Human Services (FGSM315) and it was taught by Delegate Emily Shetty. Our final for the class was a mock floor debate and this assignment is one of my most memorable moments in the program. We were assigned to either the majority or minority party and given a bill on which the debate was to be on. From there, we prepared our statements and met as a team to practice before the debate. During the debate, I was able to experience what it was like to prepare responses on the spot and got to experience what an MGA floor debate was like. I appreciated how this assignment allowed us the opportunity to expand our teamwork and presentation skills. This class prepared me for the internship I then had at the Maryland General Assembly in the spring semester.
Harrison Forest Public Policy and Government & Politics Major U.S. Senate- Senate Foreign Relations Committee
My most memorable moment as a fellow was during my internship when I got to meet a foreign leader. As interns on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, when the Chairman meets with a foreign leader, the interns help prepare and work the meeting. When I worked the meeting I was lucky enough to get to meet the foreign leader.
Arya Forohar Biological Sciences: Neurobiology and Physiology Major U.S. Senate- Office of Senator Chris Van Hollen
My most memorable moment as a fellow was doing the mock committee hearing with Dr. Kessel in my Public Health Policy class. The presentation was fun and intense, and helped give me a thorough understanding of committee hearings as I interned in the U.S. Senate.
Anandita Guar Physiology and Neurobiology Major, Minors in Human Development and Science, Technology, Ethics, and Policy (STEP) Maryland General Assembly- Office of Delegate Samuel I. Rosenberg
My most memorable moments as a fellow occurred while attending bill hearings related to current public health issues. Hearing the differing perspectives of constituents, patients, and stakeholders gave me insight into the behind-the-scenes of patient care that healthcare providers often don’t get the opportunity to see. One of the most meaningful moments for me during this process was drafting testimony for Delegate Rosenberg’s bill to improve the accessibility of medical records for patients receiving Social Security benefits and seeing him present it at the bill hearing.
Mingxin Lei Dual Degree in Chemistry and Mathematics (Statistics Track) U.S. Department of Commerce- National Institute of Standards and Technology
My most memorable moment as a fellow was the banquet at the end of the school year! There were posters around the room with all the fellows’ research and it was really incredible seeing all the great work everyone was doing.
Liliana Norkaitis Government & Politics Major, Minor in Rhetoric U.S. Senate- Office of Senator Joni Ernst
My most memorable moment as a fellow was being able to witness the delivery of the articles of impeachment against Secretary Mayorkas to the U.S. Senate. The galleries were filled, and near every senator was in their seat to watch the historic event. As an intern for U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, I had the honor of witnessing several important votes and decisions in the 118th Congress.
Shoshana Zuck Economics and Philosophy, Politics, & Economics Major U.S. Department of the Navy- Naval Sea Systems Command
My most memorable moments as a fellow were listening to the exciting career experiences of Nadia Farra, my U.S. Diplomacy and Policymaking (HNUH368T) instructor. I felt inspired learning about her passion for foreign affairs in the Middle East and the fascinating ways she has represented U.S. interests abroad. Additionally, Farra gave us the opportunity to converse with several other experts in the foreign policy field. Her classes were undoubtedly some of the most engaging classes that I have taken at the University of Maryland.
