Richmond Scholars Class of 2024
Maniha Zehra Akram
Hometown: Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Academic areas of interest: Mathematical Economics
Favorite thing about UR so far: The professors! They're incredibly supportive and they genuinely seem to care about how their students are doing.
Abbey Alvarado
Hometown: Lombard, Illinois
Academic areas of interest: Psychology, French, and Criminology
Favorite thing about UR so far: I love the people that I've met. Everyone is so kind, passionate, engaged, and friendly. I love being surrounded by motivated peers who are just as excited about your academic and personal growth as you are.
Katie Baker
Hometown: Chagrin Falls, Ohio
Academic areas of interest: Environmental Studies, Biology, and Leadership Studies
Favorite thing about UR so far: The thing that I have loved the most about UR so far is the amazing community of people that I have met through my classes and extracurriculars.
Yagmur Bingul
Hometown: Istanbul, Turkey
Academic areas of interest: Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Computer Science
Favorite thing about UR so far: Despite only being here for a short semester, I have been able to develop relationships with people that I think will last a lifetime. Being surrounded by nature, walking by the geese, and seeing the beautiful lake every day are some of the small things that keep me motivated.
Andrew Brady
Hometown: Oak Ridge, Tennessee
Academic areas of interest: Math and Computer Science
Favorite thing about UR so far: The professors.
Grace Chahal
Hometown: Greely, Colorado
Academic areas of interest: Sociology and Healthcare Studies
Favorite thing about UR so far: The people I've met here! Both the professors and students have been welcoming and understanding!
Solace Church
Hometown: Floyd, Virginia
Academic areas of interest: Global Studies
Favorite thing about UR so far: The people and community I have met.
Tsering Cole
Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland
Academic areas of interest: As of now I gravitate towards biology and leadership on a pre-med track, but the liberal arts experience allows me to continue my love for public health since high school through my Endeavor courses.
Favorite thing about UR so far: I love how passionate my professors are. Their enthusiasm continues to motivate students like me to push ourselves beyond our comfort level and really discover our interests whether it be through personal conversations with them, internship opportunities, or sharing varied course material that connects our classes to the real world.
Ioana Cristescu
Hometown: Dumbravita, Romania
Academic areas of interest: Computer Science, Mathematics, Integrated Science, and Business Administration
Favorite thing about UR so far: The people and how they are willing to help, but also the campus itself.
Parker Ernst
Hometown: Chagrin Falls, Ohio
Academic areas of interest: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Favorite thing about UR so far: The professors who help to build a sense of community and are very passionate about their subjects.
Jordan Jones
Hometown: Poquoson, Virginia
Academic areas of interest: Global Studies, Political Science, Latin American and Iberian Studies, and Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies
Favorite thing about UR so far: My 7:30 am comparative politics class with Dr. Martha Merritt.
Karthik Lalwani
Hometown: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Academic areas of interest: Chemistry, Spanish, and Computer Science
Favorite thing about UR so far: I have enjoyed being able to interact with professors and peers on-campus, and my favorite thing has been being able to meet others through various clubs, some of which have attempted to safely host in-person activities despite the restrictions.
Mia Lazar
Hometown: Blacksburg, Virginia
Academic areas of interest: History, Math, and Film
Favorite thing about UR so far: The people!
Gabriel Matthews
Hometown: Huntingtown, Maryland
Academic areas of interest: Philosophy and Theatre
Favorite thing about UR so far: The professors!
Alexandra Overby
Hometown: Manchester, Maryland
Academic areas of interest: Cognitive Science and Music
Favorite thing about UR so far: The music and theatre departments!
Noah Robinson
Hometown: Mechanicsville, Virginia
Academic areas of interest: Medicine, Chemistry, Chinese, and Music
Favorite thing about UR so far: A lot of my interests don't necessarily overlap, but UR offers plenty of opportunities to explore and satisfy academic curiosity. For instance, I've heard how easy it is to research and study abroad, and I look forward to participating in those activities soon.
Daniel Verdi do Amarante
Hometown: Pouso Redondo, Brazil
Academic areas of interest: Computer Science, Cognitive Science, and Biology
Favorite thing about UR so far: The people: every student, staff, and faculty I had contact with was always kind and willing to help me with the start of my UR journey!
Hannah Wang
Hometown: Phoenix, Maryland
Academic areas of interest: Business Administration, Marketing, Leadership Studies, and Dance
Favorite thing about UR so far: Meeting new people and getting to take a wide variety of classes.
Helen Xia
Hometown: Coppell, Texas
Academic areas of interest: Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Leadership Studies
Favorite thing about UR so far: My favorite thing about UR so far is the close-knit community. I've been able to build close relationships with many fellow students and professors. I've made so many new friends from all around the world and interacted with my professors on such a personalized basis that has inspired a heightened passion for the subjects I'm learning.