A Celebration of Excellence

It is with great pride that we present the honors theses from the graduating class of 2026. 

These works represent the culmination of dedicated scholarship, intellectual curiosity, and academic excellence. Each thesis represents a substantial study of a carefully defined question or problem that holds particular significance to its author. Through this rigorous process, our graduating seniors have demonstrated not only mastery of their chosen disciplines but also the ability to contribute meaningful insights to their fields. 

The diversity of topics represented in this collection illustrates the breadth of intellectual interests within our graduating class. From scientific inquiry to literary analysis, from social justice explorations to technological innovations, these honors theses showcase the remarkable talents and passionate commitments of our students.  

On behalf of Commonwealth Honors College, I applaud these scholars for their outstanding achievements and invite you to explore the impressive body of work they have created. Their dedication to academic excellence and intellectual growth exemplifies the highest ideals of our institution. 

Congrats, Honors Class of 2026, on completing your honors thesis and your graduation. You rock! 

Warmly, 

Mari Castañeda, PhD 
Dean, Commonwealth Honors College 

Commonwealth Honors College recognizes the graduating seniors who have earned the following distinguished scholarships and awards for their outstanding academic performance, excellence in research and varied contributions to campus and community life. 

Donor-Funded Scholarships  

ASPIRE Community Scholarship 

• Afri Aja Flynn 

John B.’s Ephemeral Fund for Honors Students 

• Emily Elvia Depina-Londono 
• Nicole Wanjiru Mumbi 
• Rou Chen 

Class of 1941 Humanitarian Award  

• Fatima Zahra Marashi  
• Noura Nasah 
• Richard Beke 

Donna Cohen Family Scholarship 

• Keyshla Nannett Lorenzo 

Commonwealth Honors College Opportunity Scholarships – collective fund  

• Mia F Galvam 

Commonwealth Honors College Opportunity Scholarships – Malone fund  

• Caleb B McKearney 

Cooke Family Fund Scholarship  

• Jiarong Carlson  
• Natalie Wessell  

Gerald S. Creem ’67 Scholarship  

• Yasmin Abba Souza 

Emerging Scholars   

• Shawn Zhai 

Charles J. Hoff Scholarship  

• Nantenen Keita 
• Iskandar Nazhar 
• Rachely Antonia Henriquez 

Honors Dean's Award 

• Daniel Distefano 
• Ella Ford 
• Erik Filipe Teodoro 
• Gregory Macdonald 
• Kyle Uchneat 
• Leonardo Scaramozza 
• Mia Galvam 
• Yousuf Al Attar 
• Pavan Cheruku 
• Noy Toledano  

Honors to Honors Scholarship 

• Jiarong Carlson 

International Scholars Program  

Founded and administered through shared effort between the International Programs Office and Commonwealth Honors College, the International Scholars Program (ISP) provides a vehicle for students who wish to intentionally focus on international study over an extended period of time. It is intended to both enhance international study and provide an academic and cultural context for students' experiences abroad. The program's curriculum consists of two preparatory courses in the sophomore year, study abroad in the junior year, and a senior cross-cultural re-entry seminar. The following students have completed this program: 

• Inayah Alam 
• Richard Beke 
• Angel Cruz 
• Ella Ford 
• Mia Galvam 
• Ruby Harris                                              
• Abigail Lewis 
• Brielle Los 
• Hailey Winifred Martin 
• Adeline Martin  
• Owen Mullins 
•  Noura Nasah 
• Cassie Passias 

Linda Lockwood Opportunity Scholarship 

• Ann-Rita Nanyunja 

Lawrence Payne ’77 Public Service Scholarship 

• Griffin Gee 

Howard H. Quint Memorial Prize in Honors 

• Shawn Galligan  

Joseph and Elizabeth Rountree Merit Scholarship  

• Angel Daniel Cruz 
• Sejla Kuldija 
• Caitlyn Francis Alexandra Dimitriou 
• Fatima Zahra Marashi 

Paul Solli Community Scholarship 

• Yarah Kalae 
• Yasmeen Dunya Zureiqi 
• Danish H Humayun 

Tabacco-Schmidt Scholarship 

• Ann-Rita Nanyunja 

UMass Presidential Scholarships

UMass Club Academic Excellence Scholarship 

• Ella Ford 

Rick Pitino Scholarship 

• Ella Ford 

National Scholarships and Fellowships  

A campus-wide program housed within Commonwealth Honors College, the Office of National Scholarship Advisement assists students throughout the university who seek to compete for prestigious national scholarships and fellowships. Commonwealth Honors College recognizes the students who have been awarded such honors in the past year.   

Fulbright US Student Program 

(semi-finalists; final awards not available at press time) 

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program expands perspectives through academic and professional advancement and cross-cultural dialogue. Fulbright creates connections in a complex and changing world. In partnership with more than 140 countries worldwide, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers unparalleled opportunities in all academic disciplines to passionate and accomplished graduating college seniors, graduate students, and young professionals from all backgrounds. Program participants pursue graduate study, conduct research, or teach English abroad.   

• Kristin D’souza, France 
• Michel Flanagan, Spain 
• Sarisha Ray, Nepal 
• Grace Thompson, UK 

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship   

The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program provides students with access to study or intern abroad experiences, helping them to cultivate skills critical to our national security and economic prosperity. The Institute of International Education has administered the program since its inception in 2001.  

• Keira Cook, Spain 
• Gregory Macdonald, Ireland 
• Jade Shum, Romania 

Udall National Scholarship (Honorable Mention) 

The Udall Scholarship Program identifies future leaders in environmental, Tribal public policy, and health care fields. It is highly competitive, with students participating in their schools’ internal competitions before receiving consideration from the Udall Foundation.  

• Ella Ford 

We are especially proud of the achievements of these graduating seniors. 

They now join a select group of UMass Amherst graduates with a long and proud history of having worked at the highest academic levels. 

Commonwealth Honors College recognizes the alums whose generosity has made this “Celebration of Excellence” possible. The continuing support of our alums and their families is instrumental in allowing us to offer this and other special events, as well as many of the opportunities and services available to Commonwealth Honors College students. Through their donations, alumni express gratitude and appreciation for their honors experience and they keep the honors tradition alive for others. We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge their contributions and express our own thanks in return. The support of alums is vital to continue our upward trajectory. 

Welcome

Dean Mari Castañeda
Commonwealth Honors College

Chancellor Javier Reyes
University of Massachusetts Amherst

Provost Fouad Abd-El-Khalick
University of Massachusetts Amherst

Student Speaker

Kya Ransom
Psychology

Recognition of Faculty

Recognition of Honors Students

• College of Education
• Daniel R. Riccio, Jr. College of Engineering
• College of Humanities and Fine Arts
• Robert and Donna Manning College of Information & Computer Sciences
• College of Natural Sciences
• Elaine Marieb College of Nursing
• College of Social & Behavioral Sciences
• Isenberg School of Management  
• School of Public Health & Health Sciences
• Stockbridge School of Agriculture 

Closing Remarks

Dean Mari Castañeda
Commonwealth Honors College

Platform Party

• Mari Castañeda Dean, 
  Commonwealth Honors College
• Javier Reyes Chancellor, 
  University of Massachusetts Amherst
• Fouad Abd-El-Khalick Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, 
  University of Massachusetts Amherst
• Kya Ransom Senior Speaker, 
  Psychology
• Ann Marie Russell Associate Dean for Student Recruitment, Inclusion, and Success, 
  Commonwealth Honors College
• Elena Carbone Associate Dean for Curriculum and Academic Oversight, 
  Commonwealth Honors College
• Dominick Usher Senior Assistant Dean, 
  Commonwealth Honors College
• Angela McCall Assistant Dean of Administration and Finance, 
  Commonwealth Honors College
• Madalina Akli Director, Office of National Scholarship Advisement, University of Massachusetts Amherst; Director, International Scholars Program, Commonwealth Honors College; Senior Lecturer of International Studies, Commonwealth Honors College 
• Anthony Paik Secretary of the Faculty Senate, 
  University of Massachusetts Amherst
• Farshid Hajir Senior Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education, 
  University of Massachusetts Amherst
•  Andrew Mangels Vice Chancellor, Administration and Finance, 
  University of Massachusetts Amherst
• Sanjay Raman Dean,
  Daniel R. Riccio, Jr. College of Engineering
• Traci J. Hess Senior Associate Dean,
  Isenberg School of Management
• Michael Fox Dean,
  College of Natural Sciences
• Allison Vorderstrasse Dean,
  Elaine Marieb College of Nursing
• Karl Rethemeyer Dean,
  College of Social & Behavioral Sciences
• Keith Marzulo Dean,
  Robert and Donna Manning College of Information & Computer Sciences
• Anna Maria Siega-Riz Dean,
  School of Public Health & Health Sciences
• Gregory J. Kelly Dean,
  College of Education
• Beth M. Jacob Interim Dean,
  Graduate School
• Curtis Brundy Dean,
  University Libraries
• Scott Davidson Associate Provost,
  University Without Walls
• Jacqueline Castledine Director,
  Bachelors Degree with Individual Concentration 

Departmental Honors   

Students awarded Departmental Honors undertake advanced research by completing at least four additional honors courses, including an honors thesis or project designed to complement and enhance the course of study in their major. 

Multidisciplinary Honors  

Students awarded Multidisciplinary Honors undertake advanced research by completing four additional honors courses, including an honors thesis or project that is either outside of their declared major or that integrates two or more disciplines. 

Commonwealth Honors College Scholar  

Students are awarded the distinction of Commonwealth Honors College Scholar (CHC Scholar) for successful completion of both the General Studies and advanced research portions of the curriculum.