Student Profiles
The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences is very proud of the accomplishments of our students. Listed alphabetically below are stories of those who have been featured on these pages.
A-B | C-D | E-G | H-K | L-N | O-R | S | T-Z
Afzal, Sara '09—I Love Paris Every Moment…
“I have looked forward to studying abroad in Paris since I first started to learn French in middle school,” says Sara Mitra Afzal ’09 (journalism). “As my first French teacher described the art museums and historical sites, I became intrigued with the culture. I’ve continued to study the language, even though I knew the only way for me to truly improve my speaking is to be around native French speakers. Studying at the Université de Paris Diderot is giving me this opportunity.” Read more...
Aither, Jessica '11—Budding Archaeologist Sees a Future of Digs
This past summer Jessica Aither ’11 (anthropology) participated in the Archaeology Field School in Italy, thanks in part to the Ansin Study Abroad Fellowship. “I was able to spend a full six weeks in the country, both on the dig site of an Etruscan necropolis and traveling Italy,” Aither says. “The entire experience was completely unparalleled by any other I’ve had thus far.” Read more...
Balise, Tim '09 (psychology)—Lacrosse Attackman Brings Intensity
It stands to reason that a psychology major with a 4.0 grade-point average knows something about the human mindset, and Tim Balise ’09 is no exception. For starters, he knows himself. "I'm really hard on myself," said Balise in an interview with the Springfield Republican a few days before his lacrosse team played at Princeton in the first round of the NCAA tournament. "I get down on myself, and I have to remember to relax," he said. "To a point." Read the interview. The team fell 10–7 in their first NCAA tournament appearance since 2006. Read more about men's lacrosse.
Baxamoosa, Sabah '07—Pakistani Student Relishes UMass Amherst Experiences
When Sabah Baxamoosa ’07 (social thought and political economy) attended school in Karachi, Pakistan, she was encouraged to study abroad. “Many people recommended UMass Amherst, so I did some online research. Not many higher learning institutions back home offer liberal arts educations, so I was thrilled to know I could pursue my interests in history, political science and international relations. Read more...
Bergstrom, Andrea G'08—Pop Culture Enthusiast Wins Palleschi Hart Teaching Fellowship
Remember hanging out as a teenager, watching so many reruns of your favorite sit-coms that you could repeat the lines verbatim? Growing up in Northborough, MA, current PhD candidate Andrea Bergstrom ’05 MA (communication) did just that. “Who knew,” she jokes, “that all those episodes of “Beverly Hills 90210” would actually become relevant to my career! Read more...
Bilali, Rezarta PhD Candidate—Guggenheim Award Recognizes Intergroup Conflict Research
This summer the Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation awarded a dissertation fellowship to Rezarta Bilali, a PhD candidate in the Psychology of Peace and Violence Concentration. These awards, after a competitive review process, go to individuals in their final year of PhD work in any of the natural and social sciences or the humanities. Highest priority is given to research that can increase understanding and amelioration of urgent problems of violence, aggression and dominance in the modern world. Read more...
Bissonnette, Zac '11—Student Financial Blogger to Publish Book
Zac Bissonnette ’11 (legal studies) is not your typical college student. An editor for AOL’s WalletPop.com and BloggingStocks.com, and blogger for TheDailyBeast.com, this 20-year-old has a new entry on his already impressive resume: a book deal. Publishers Weekly announced last month that the publishing company Portfolio beat out other bidders at auction for his first book. Read more...
Boromisza-Habashi, David G'08—Grad Student Aims to Open Intercultural Dialogue Among European Communities
“People sometimes ask me why I chose to do my PhD in the Department of Communication at UMass Amherst,” says David Boromisza-Habashi, who expects to defend his dissertation in Summer 2008. “My answer is simple: it had the best faculty that I knew of in my line of research—the relationship between language use and culture.” Read more...
Brassard, Evan '10—PolSci Student Wins Human Rights Award
This past summer Evan Brassard ’10 (political science) participated in an internship at Rehabilitative Resources Inc. (RRI), a nonprofit agency in Sturbridge, Mass. RRI specializes in providing services and support to the developmentally disabled. Brassard’s work focused on the agency’s human rights training manuals, the implementation of a teaching aid to help site supervisors relay human rights lessons to individuals served by the programs, and writing a guide to aid in understanding of the state regulations. To say he did a good job would be an understatement. His work earned him the agency’s Human Rights Award, presented in October at their annual recognition event. Read more...
Briggs, Allison '07—SBS Student is Commencement Speaker
Alison C. Briggs '07 (psychology and sociology) was this year's student speaker at commencement. "I really never thought I'd get picked," Briggs said about her selection. "In my speech I don't quote any great philosophers—I just talk about how I feel." Read more...
Catrinoiu, Alina '07—Moving from Psychology into PreMed, Honors Student Underscores Excellence
“I’m going to be a neurologist, though I don’t know if I’m going to pursue an MD alone or a combination MD/PhD,” says Alina Catrinoiu ’07. “I do know that I want to work with people in a medical setting with a focus on the brain, either through research or through the application of research.” And with her combination of intelligence, hard work, determination and maturity, this honors student—described by professors as “extraordinary”—will. Read more...
Callanan, Gregory J. '07—Amazing Opportunities Give Depth to Educational Experience
A “plethora of opportunities” enticed economics and marketing major Gregory J. Callanan ’07 to come to UMass Amherst from Wisconsin. He ticks off a quick list: community service learning courses, study abroad, residential academic programs, dynamic social life, fascinating classes, and exposure to broad cultural diversity. Read more....
Cessna, Katrina '08—Attending UMass Amherst is Rewarding Experience
Katrina Cessna ’08 (bachelor’s degree with individual concentration [BDIC] and political science) is passionate about exploring new departments and courses that will enhance her studies. “BDIC is perfect for me because I can incorporate courses from political science, economics, communication, sociology and journalism into my focus, Domestic Government: People, Policy and Perception. I entered the political science major without really intending to complete it. Many of the classes that appealed to me were for ‘majors only,’ so I in signed in as a double major to increase the likelihood of getting into them.” Read more...
Cunningham, Kara '08—UMass Amherst Offers Strong Foundation
“When I came to campus as a freshman,” says Kara Cunningham ’08 (anthropology and journalism), “I didn’t have any strong direction that I wanted to pursue. UMass Amherst has helped me find things that I’m passionate about, things that will be my foundation as I think about what I’m going to do for the rest of my life.” Read more...
Divver, Caitlin—Undergraduate Research Assistant in Action
Caitlin Divver ’09 (sociology) spent the summer as an undergraduate research assistant with Professor of Sociology Wenona Rymond-Richmond. Her work was supported by a LeBovidge Undergraduate Research Scholarship, funded by Alan LeBovidge ’64 (economics) and his wife Carol through the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. These scholarships, presented for the first time this year, funded five research assistants. Read more...
Eynullayeva, Elnara '07—Student Says Campus is Land of Opportunities
Having moved three times during high school, Elnara Eynullayeva ’07 (economics and Japanese language and literature) viewed her collegiate experience as an opportunity to be rooted in one place for at least four years. Ultimately, however, she did choose to do a study abroad program at the University of Tsukuba in Japan. “I was always interested in different languages and cultures,” she says, pointing out the she is originally from Azerbaijan. “I really wanted to get better with my Japanese language skills, and the Ansin Study Abroad Fellowship helped make that possible.” Read more...
Fan, Julia G —Student Receives Fulbright to Study Silk Road Trade
Julia Fan, a doctoral student in anthropology, has been awarded a Fulbright grant to study how Asia’s Silk Road trade affected health and human activity during the Iron and Bronze ages. While conducting her research, Fan will be based at the Frontier Archaeology Center of Jilin University in Changchun, China. Read more...
Frontiera, Samantha '08—Internship Paves the Road to Reality
“Landing an internship requires diligence,” says Samantha Frontiera ’08 (psychology and journalism), who just wrapped up a semester-long production stint at ABC News in New York. Meeting important people, like Barbara Walters and Charlie Gibson, was interesting, but most important, Frontiera says, was the immeasurable experience. “The contacts are awesome. Read more...
Gaffney, Tony ’10—Mr. Everything for UMass Basketball
In just nine remarkable games, Tony Gaffney '09 (sociology), who is now second in the nation in both rebounding and blocked shots, has rocketed from role player to role model in a way that has surprised everyone but himself. "He's getting people on his Facebook page that don't even know him," said Ricky Harris, Gaffney's teammate on the men's basketball team, and one of his best friends. "He's Mr. Everything," Harris said. "Without him, we might be 0-9. Read more...
Hai, Jackie '09—Harnessing the Power of Journalism
“I wrote my first story in third grade,” says Jackie Hai ’09 (journalism), “and I’ve been writing ever since.” That’s when she started watching 20/20 on ABC News with her mother as well. “We’d discuss current events, politics, economics, history and philosophy at home. So, when it came time to apply for a major, I naturally gravitated toward journalism. But I’ve added philosophy as a second major, done an independent study in anthropology, and picked up minors in economics and information technology.” Read more...
Halpin, Julie '08—Internship Opens Doors to the Future
“From the moment I stepped on campus, I knew UMass Amherst was the school for me,” says Julie Halpin ’08 (journalism and political science), who grew up in the tiny town of Plainville, MA, and is now a deputy press secretary for U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY). “I loved the energy, the size, the atmosphere, and the possibilities.” Read more...
Huston, Katie '08—Huston named Marshall Scholar
Katie Huston '08 (journalism) is one of 40 students this year to be awarded a Marshall Scholarship—the first UMass Amherst student in thirty years to receive one. The Marshall Scholarship funds two or three years of graduate study at any British university. Created by British Parliament in honor of General George C. Marshall as an enduring gesture of thanks from the people of Britain for U.S. assistance received after World War II, the it is one of the most competitive and prestigious merit scholarships available to graduating American seniors. Read more...
Jennings, Josh ’10—Linebacker is Player of the Week—Again
Josh Jennings '10 (sociology), the 6-foot, 220-pound middle linebacker on the football team, leads UMass Amherst with 80 tackles. His 8.9 tackles per game place him third in the Colonial Athletic Association. All season he has demonstrated an ability to dominate defensively. Against Rhode Island, he led a 49-0 lockdown with two interceptions. One he returned 40 yards for a score. That effort earned Jennings CAA Defensive Player of the Week honors for the third time this year. Read profile in the Boston Globe.
Kostka, Michael '08—Teaming Hockey and Psychology Provides Student Recipe for Success
“The only difference between where you are now and where you want to be is what you are willing to do to get there.” Psychology major and varsity hockey player Michael Kostka ’08 keeps this quote on his desk. “It keeps me driven,” he says. Read more..
Krieger, Ronit '08—Student Aims to Positively Influence Young People
Ronit Krieger ’08 (psychology) came to UMass Amherst as an English major, but almost immediately switched to psychology because she loved the subject matter. Nearly four years later, she says her choice inspired a life goal. “A common theme that is constantly threaded through the majority of Social and Behavioral Sciences’ classes is the concept of helping others. This has inspired me to pursue a career as a motivational high school guidance counselor.” Read more...
Laveaux, Venuza '09 (journalism)—NBC Internship Feeds Student’s Passion
“My internship at NBC’s Dateline was one of the most phenomenal experiences of my college career,” says Venuza Laveaux ’09 (journalism), who has wanted to be a television reporter since childhood and was supported in this effort with a Bacherman Internship Fellowship. “My days included a lot of logging and research, but what took place in between my daily routine made the time so unforgettable.” Read more...
Litton, Sam '07—Triple Major Takes Advantage of UMass Amherst Opportunities
“My academic career at UMass Amherst has been busy,” says Sam Litton ’08, who is pursuing a triple major in legal studies, political science and philosophy. “I love to learn and want to increase my ability to think and get as broad an intellectual background as I can.” Read more....
Louis-Charles, Tarra '08—Student Seeks Path to Stability and Influence
"When I meet international students, I envy their intellectuality and awareness of what is going on in the world,” says Tarra Louis-Charles ’08 (legal studies). “I think study abroad will expand my worldview and give me a deeper appreciation for where I come from—and who I am—as well as how it feels to be disconnected from my own language and culture. Study abroad prepares tomorrow’s leaders to think and act with a global consciousness. Read more...
Malhotra, Kunal '07—Truman Scholar Credits Connections with Personal Success
The results are in, and Kunal Malhotra ’07 (political science/history) is among this year’s prestigious crop of Truman Scholars. The national award, presented by the Harry S. Truman Foundation, annually recognizes about 80 college juniors with exceptional leadership potential who are committed to careers in government, the nonprofit or advocacy sectors, education or elsewhere in public service. Read more...
Maltzman, Dan '07—Study Abroad Experience Adds Depth to Education
“Before I became a proud Minuteman, I spent two years in high school studying in the Netherlands at the American School in The Hague,” recalls Dan Maltzman ’07, a legal studies and political science major. “It was an amazing experience and fed my desire to study abroad again.” Read more....
Manier, Aaron '08—Scholarship Helps Student Find His Way
“The SBS Opportunity Scholarship really helped me out last semester,” says Aaron Manier ’08 (psychology). “Money was tight, as I wasn’t able to work as much as I might have due to extracurricular and personal activities. The scholarship ensured my financial survival.” Read more...
McGovern, Caitlin '08—Student Cancer Survivor Puts Academics First
Growing up in Boston’s North End, Caitlin McGovern ’08 (political science) attended Boston Latin School, was elected to the National Honor Society and received magna cum laude twice on the National Latin Exam. A member of student council, she cofounded Populi Primi, a student volunteer group, tutored math after school and worked as a part-time clerk at Old North Church and as a nanny. Read more...
McGuinness, William '10—A Commitment to Journalism
Let there be no doubt: William McGuinness ’10 (journalism), editor-in-chief of the Daily Collegian, is serious about journalism. “I’ve started my future,” he says. “It’s a simple plan: find something you love and do it as long as you can. Obviously, I’d like to find a place where people will intensively read what I write—an audience that cares. I guess I’ve been something of a journalism Calvinist: work hard, work towards perfection, and see what happens.” Read more...
Motamedi, Rod '08—Scholarships Affirm Efforts of Economics Student
“Before coming to UMass Amherst I really didn’t know what economics is, or what economists do,” says Rod Motamedi ’08, who has been described as an economics junkie. Originally he thought business would be his major, but early in the process of fulfilling the prerequisites, Motamedi took a microeconomics course. Read more...
Novak, Amy '10—Wilma Rudolph Student-Athlete Achievement Award Goes to UMass Student
UMass field hockey player Amy Novak '10 (political science, English) was honored with the Wilma Rudolph Student-Athlete Achievement Award at the N4A Convention in Miami. Intended to honor an individual that has overcome great personal, academic, and emotional odds to achieve academic success while participating in intercollegiate athletics, Novak is one of six recipients this year chosen from 36 entrants nationwide. Along with a Novak’s acceptance speech, a video was shown that chronicled the challenges she overcame. Read more and watch a video...
Paice, Elizabeth '09—Scholarship Helps Student Pave Way to Public Policy Career
Elizabeth Paice ’09 (psychology and political science) of Mansfield, Mass., knows what it means to work hard. Besides fulfilling her basic academic requirements, she also is pursuing a certificate in international relations, a letter in social welfare/social work, and a certificate in public policy and administration. Read more...
Pfannebecker, Lilly '07—Student Finds Niche and a Passion for Human Rights
Although she grew up practically in the shadow of campus, just down the road in South Deerfield, Lilly Pfannebecker ’07 (legal studies/political science) is a worldly young woman. “I have always been curious about people and places that are different and distant from my everyday life,” she says. Read more....
Prout, Mike ’09—Student Participates in Beijing Paralympics
Like many people in the United States, Mike Prout '09 (social thought and political economy) was glued to the television each time Michael Phelps swam en route to his record eight gold medals in the Beijing Olympics in August. But unlike most viewers, Prout watched the pool, knowing that a few weeks later he too would be swimming in the Water Cube, the same venue that produced so many records at the Olympics. Read more...
Salah, Ibrahim ’10—Student’s Community Service Helps Downtown Amherst
When students apply what they learn in the classroom to their work with community organizations, the result is Community Service Learning. The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences strongly encourages its majors to connect with the community in meaningful and significant ways by addressing community-defined needs. Undergraduates can do community service for credit in a course (many such courses currently available on campus and at Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke and Smith Colleges as part of the Five College Consortium), as part of a fraternity/sorority or religious group, through a Federal Work-Study job, or just on their own. Take, for example, Ibrahim Salah ’10 (legal studies and political science). Read more...
Salomon, Karl '08—Ghana Experience Impacts Student’s Life
When Karl Salomon ’08 (economics and legal studies) was nine years old, he and two brothers left Haiti to join their immigrant parents (and a sister and brother who left the previous year) in Boston. At the airport they were greeted with this advice: “To succeed in this country you will have to work extremely hard.” Read more...
Sances, Mike '06—Recent Grad Says UMass Amherst is Great
“They were the best four years of my life, hands down,” says Mike Sances ’06 (political science) of his time at UMass Amherst. “And yes, I mean academically. Every class was a challenge—and I also learned to challenge the material myself. If I could go back and pick any school, I’d go again.” Read more...
Simmons, Zack '09—Soccer and Classroom Star Turns Pro
From soccer walk-on to Academic All-American, Zack Simmons '09 (economics and history) excelled in many settings at UMass Amherst. Now, the goalie who posted a 3.99 GPA off the field is poised to begin another chapter in his improbable story, joining the New England Revolution as a professional soccer player. Read more and watch a video...
Simonds, Tessa '08—Educational Opportunities, Intellectual Challenges Made Possible with Scholarships
For Tessa Simonds ’08, winning an Ansin Study Abroad Fellowship to support her time in England at Trinity College, Oxford University during junior year, is helping make a dream come-true. Read more...
Spinney, Lauren '09—Travel Experience Enriches Education, Sense of Self
“I think traveling is the most mind-opening education one can receive,” says Lauren Spinney ’09 (social thought and political economy), who received an Ansin Study Abroad Fellowship to attend the Institute for Central American Development Studies in Costa Rica and Nicaragua this fall. “I’m a huge advocate for traditional academics, but learning from experience is one of the most rewarding types of education. In fact, I don’t think students are encouraged to do it enough. Without the Ansin, I wouldn’t be able to go.” Read more...
Stout, Jane PhD Candidate—Social Psychology Student Receives NSF Predoctoral Fellowship
The National Science Foundation has awarded a predoctoral fellowship to Jane Stout, a second-year PhD student in social psychology. Each year thousands of first- and second-year doctoral students in science, math and social science apply, but only a very small percentage is selected. This year, of 913 awards granted, UMass Amherst received 5—4 in Natural Sciences and Mathematics and one in Social and Behavioral Sciences. The award includes a $30,000 stipend plus tuition and fees for three years for each awardee. Read more...
Stoyanova, Virginia '06—Econ Major Inspired to Address Environmental and Developmental Issues
The late Mildred (Sherry) Barber ’43 (economics) was an independent and ambitious dynamo who earned a master’s in economics from Harvard and a law degree from Boston College within two years of graduation. When she retired in 1980, she was a top D.C. bureaucrat, serving as chief of both data and reporting operations for the U.S. Department of Labor. But she never forgot her UMass Amherst roots and gave back generously, including the establishment of the Sherry Barber Memorial Scholarship for talented students majoring in economics. Among the recipients this year is Virginia Stoyanova ’06 (economics and finance).... Read more....
Sullivan, S.P. '10 (journalism and anthropology)—Sullivan’s the Name, Media’s the Game
Being selected to participate in the Poynter Institute’s College Fellowship, one of the best-known programs in the world for young journalists, is an enormous honor. This year’s group of 40 students, chosen from a record number of applicants for ingenuity in their essays and the strongest range of skills in their work, includes S.P. (Sean Patrick) Sullivan ’10 (journalism and anthropology). He will be in residence at Poynter Institute for two weeks in May, along with other passionate young writers, photojournalists, graphic artists, designers, broadcast and multimedia journalists. Read more...
Talantikite, Anissa '09 (political science)—Fulbright Fellowship Honors Senior
More national honors have come to UMass Amherst. Among this year’s crop of Fulbright Fellows is Anissa Talantikite ’09 (political science). The Fulbright Program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government. Fulbrighters are more than students, scholars and teachers. They are valuable contributors to the exchange of knowledge, skills, ideas and mutual understanding. Based on bi-national partnerships and open, merit-based competition, the Fulbright Program offers unique opportunities for enrichment and leadership development as well as access to facilities and a vast community of alumni. Read more...
Thomas, William Brennan '08—Political Science Major Focuses on Making Dream a Reality
“Like lots of kids, I grew up with dreams of saving the world,” says political science major William Brennan Thomas ’08. “But unlike most of those kids, I haven’t let those dreams die. I’ve dedicated myself to finding a way to make a difference.” Read more...
Torres, Daniel '07—A Passion for Politics
The Ansin Study Abroad Fellowship this year is helping 21 outstanding students in Social and Behavioral Sciences experience a semester or more in a foreign culture. Among them is Daniel Torres ’07 (political science and economics), who is spending the summer at the Denmark International Study Program in Copenhagen. Read more...
Tradd, Alex '09—Scholarships and Hard Work Make Student’s Dream a Reality
Alex Tradd ’09 (psychology and Spanish) chose to attend UMass Amherst for several reasons. “I was raised in southeastern Massachusetts, and I was looking for a change without being too far from home,” he says. “UMass has a wonderful reputation—as does the psychology department in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Plus, it offers financial advantages. The rural experience combined with the large university and liberal attitude helped me make up my mind.” Read more...
Typadis, Kathleen '08—U.S. Lacrosse Team Finalist
Kathleen Typadis (sociology), a senior on the women’s lacrosse team, has been chosen as one of 98 players who will participate in final tryouts for the U.S. Women’s Lacrosse Development and Elite teams. She earned a spot on the list after an outstanding showing in the first round tryouts in the Stars & Stripes Division at the U.S. Lacrosse Women's Division National Tournament held at Lehigh University in May. Typadis, who hails from Medfield, MA, finished the season ranked 30th nationally in active career goals and begins next season as the No. 3 active goal scorer in the country. Read more...
Wamboldt, Stephanie '07—Legal Studies Major Credits Scholarship Award with Changing her Life
Her dream is to become an FBI agent. Ever since legal studies major Stephanie Wamboldt ’07 worked at the FBI Academy during an internship last summer, she has envisioned herself investigating crimes and helping people. Read more...
White-Sullivan, Conor '09—Young Entrepreneur Connects Leaders with Constituents
How many undergraduates can list CEO and founder of a business on their resume? Meet Conor White-Sullivan ’10 (anthropology) who has led the development of business structure and long-term strategy for Localocracy.org, an online platform that uses voting, ranking and tagging to determine what registered voters believe are their community's most pressing problems and the most efficient means of solving them. Read more...
Zontine, Angelina PhD candidate—Anthropology Student Receives Top Dissertation Fellowship
Last fall PhD candidate Angelina Zontine (anthropology) received a $23,185 Wenner-Gren Dissertation Fellowship for her research project, “Remaking the Political in ‘Fortress Europe’: Cultural and Political Practice In Italian Social Centers.” The Wenner-Gren Dissertation Fellowship is considered the “gold standard” of achievement for anthropology students. Read more....
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