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.”