Richmond Scholars Class of 2028
Lia Adams
Lia Adams is from Kansas City, Missouri. She is a graduate of The Barstow School, where she served as president of the student ambassadors, volunteered as a peer tutor, and excelled in varsity soccer and tennis, earning two state medals. Active in youth leadership for female empowerment through sports, she was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2022 and represented the U.S. as a student ambassador in Germany. Lia enjoys volunteering, singing in choirs, and working with preschoolers. Lia plans to pursue a double major in international business and German studies.
Ismael Aly
Ismael Aly is from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. He is a graduate of Brighton College Abu Dhabi where he was co-president of the school's Medical Society and was a member of the Rock Band Club. During his high school internship at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Ismael conducted research into protein structure systems to enhance retinal gene therapy efficiency. Ismael plans to major in biochemistry and molecular biology, with aspirations for a pre-med track.
Annie Benoit
Annie Benoit is from Columbia, South Carolina. She is a graduate of Heathwood Hall, where she served as a member of the student council and club president of the school's Queer-Straight Alliance. She was also Chief Justice of South Carolina's YIG conference. Active in theater, her school's department recently earned a spot at nationals after winning the state chapter of the International Thespian One Act Competition. Beyond academics, she finds fulfillment in outdoor activities and youth engagement, evident in her experience as a camp counselor at Camp Kanuga. Annie plans to major in global studies.
Julian Burke
Julian Burke is from Virginia Beach and a graduate of Norfolk Academy. In high school, he was part of the Cum Laude Society and participated in the Engineering Design and Innovation Fellows Program. He was also a National Merit Commended Scholar. Julian was captain of the varsity tennis and robotics teams, where he helped his school win team competitions at the state level. He participated backstage in school productions, consistently getting behind-the-scenes awards. Julian was also a Medical Scholar, with over 100 shadowing hours. Outside of school he has played table tennis both recreationally and competitively. Julian plans to major in biochemistry and molecular biology on the pre-med track.
Eden Burrell
Eden Burrell is from Greenville, South Carolina. Eden graduated first in her class from J.L. Mann High School where she was president of both the Environmental Club and French Club. Eden also served as the vice president of the Garden Club. She was a dual-sport athlete playing basketball and volleyball. She was a captain of the varsity volleyball team earning All-Region honors twice and named to the South Carolina North/South All-Star Volleyball Team. Eden was also a founding member of her school’s Envirothon Team, winning third place in the statewide competition. Eden plans to double major in environmental studies and biology.
Matthew Fan
Matthew Fan is from Yorktown, Virginia. At York High, Matthew was Valedictorian, president of the National Art Honors Society, vice president of the Tri-M Honors Society, and a member of the varsity track team. He was also deemed an AP scholar with distinction and a National Merit Commended Scholar. He served as Concertmaster and lead student ambassador for the Williamsburg Youth Orchestra. Matthew clinched top spots in the Virginia Music Teachers Association State Piano Competition and the York River Symphony Concerto Competition. Matthew brings joy to retirement communities through piano and violin performances in his free time. Matthew plans to major in business with concentrations in management and entrepreneurship.
Kate Grattan
Kate Grattan is from Severna Park, Maryland. She graduated with distinction from Severn School in 2023. Kate was a member of the Cum Laude Society, National Honor Society and the National High School and Two-Year College Mathematics Honor Society. She also served as president of the Severn Service Society, performed with the Waterstreet Players, competed on the Severn School Math Team, and danced with The Dance Collective MD. In her gap year at the Institute of American Musical Theater (IAMT) in NYC, she choreographed “13: The Musical” and was part of “The Cher Show” national tour pre-professional group. Kate plans to double major in theater and English.
Oana Gutan
Oana Gutan is from Chisinau, Republic of Moldova. Oana is a graduate of the "Orizont" Theoretical Lyceum. She has contributed to the feminist movement in Moldova by training youth across the country on preventing sexual violence. She managed an academy that supports young women from rural areas with skills on social issues and resources to implement their projects. She was featured as a partner for the Global Fund for Children and a panelist at the International Conference on Preventing & Combating Violence Against Women & Domestic Violence. Oana has also been a radio host and reporter at the National Radio Station for over six years.
Jedges Gyasi
Jedges Gyasi is from Ejisu, Ashanti Region, Ghana. Jedges graduated from Kumasi Senior High Technical School. In high school, he was a member of the Debate Team and served as an academic peer mentor. He was elected captain of the Science Club, winning gold at the Ghana Science Olympiad Competition. Outside of school, Jedges was involved in numerous health initiatives, including collaborating with local clinics to build immersive chatbots for accurate diagnostics. He co-authored a published paper on analyzing multi-omics data for genomic profiling in personalized medicine. Jedges plans to major in biochemistry, molecular biology, and data science.
Natalia Jung
Natalia Jung is from Germany and Poland. Natalia is a graduate of the UWC Robert Bosch College in Freiburg, Germany, where she lived together with students from all continents. At the UWC, she founded a project supporting migrants and led a group of students volunteering at a Ukrainian refugee center in Poland. She has tutored Ukrainian children, worked with the school's academic support team, and taught refugees’ various subjects to help them obtain their diplomas. In 2023, Natalia was one of 100 Global Winners of the RISE Schmidt Futures Scholarship. Natalia plans to major in leadership studies and psychology.
Margaret Kauffman
Margaret Kauffman is from Roanoke, Virginia, where she graduated from Roanoke Valley Governor's School. She conducted research on pediatric neuromotor therapy at Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, earning accolades with first and second place finishes at three science fairs. Margaret also volunteered as a "Cuddler" in the NICU at Roanoke Memorial Hospital, dedicating over 100 hours. A committed dancer, she devoted over 15 hours weekly to Southwest Virginia Ballet, taking on lead roles like Clara in "The Nutcracker” and serving as the only student representative on the Board of Directors. Margaret plans to major in biochemistry and molecular biology on the pre-med track.
Minahil Mobeen
Minahil is from Punjab, Pakistan. She graduated from both the THINK Global School in New York and the Beaconhouse School System - Liberty Campus. She ranked first among 10,000 students in GCSE O-Levels in sociology and chemistry. In New York, Minahil earned the title of AP Scholar of Distinction and was joint class Valedictorian. During her time in Pakistan, she conducted impactful research on STI/STD healthcare in Lahore alongside Dr. Ayesha Masood. Passionate about Aikido and theater, Minahil performed in five public shows advocating for causes such as immigrant displacement and combating sexual assault against women. She plans to major in anthropology and women, gender, and sexuality studies.
Britney Nguyen
Britney Nguyen is from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. She is a graduate of VNU-HCM High School for the Gifted, where she founded CoNGhe, an organization that supports girls interested in STEM fields. She has led and co-authored research in machine learning at VNU-HCM University of Science, applying her knowledge to advance the field. As an informatics tutor leader, Britney has helped over 500 students navigate their studies. She was a national finalist and achieved Honorable Mention distinctions in the 2022 ICPC Vietnam and FDI Tournament. Britney plans to major in computer science and mathematical economics.
Pedro Otavio Nascimento Campos de Oliveira
Pedro Otavio Nascimento Campos de Oliveira is from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He is a graduate of Firjan SENAI SESI Jacarepaguá. During high school, he made waves in the global robotics scene, clinching four consecutive national awards at the prestigious First Tech Challenge. Pedro was founder of Alpha TechLab, delving into AI technologies and engaging in educational community service activities. In his gap year, he directed initiatives at the SmartSTEM Institute, organizing career-oriented workshops and webinars for over 500 students. Pedro plans to major in computer science with a minor in business administration.
Doğa Şenyurt
Doğa Şenyurt is from Istanbul, Turkey. Doğa is a graduate of Uskudar American Academy. At the academy, she was the editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, founder and soloist of her rock band, and recipient of the prestigious George Ripley Tracy Award. Outside of the Academy, she continued her studies in music at Istanbul University State Conservatory as an 8th-year cello student. Doğa established a non-profit volunteering organization, Meliora Academy, where she tutored disadvantaged youth to play the cello. She also conducted research on feminist literature as a full-ride Lumiere Research Scholar and volunteered in archaeological fieldwork in Antandros Ancient City. Doğa plans to double major in business administration and English (combined major in theatre) with a minor in music.
Yan Starodubets
Yan Starodubets is from Kyiv, Ukraine. Yan graduated from both The European Collegium in Kyiv and The Stony Brook School in Long Island, New York. During his time in Ukraine, he dedicated three years to pioneering research in adsorbents, culminating in a noteworthy victory at an All-Ukrainian research competition. Yan volunteered as a tutor for young students across Ukraine, earning him recognition as one of the Top 50 Students of the World by Chegg. Outside of his academic pursuits, Yan finds enjoyment in gymnastics. Yan plans to major in chemistry.
Eliz Üstün
Eliz Üstün is from Antalya, Turkey. Eliz graduated from Antalya College Science High School. Passionate about science, she engaged in research and STEM activities, securing an internship at Akdeniz University's genetics and biochemistry labs. Her research focused on vitiligo pathogenesis and image processing techniques. She volunteered at Young Guru Academy for more than 250 hours to increase science literacy and make science more accessible. With a passion for sustainability, she co-founded the VERTIE initiative and became an AFS Global STEM Accelerators Scholar. Eliz plans to major in biochemistry and molecular biology and minor in business.
Anne Vu
Anne Vu is from Hanoi, Vietnam. Anne graduated from Foreign Language Specialized School, where she was an event organizer at the community club. Passionate about sustainability and fashion, she launched a knitwear business with recyclable materials and Vietnamese patterns in her designs. She was also a board member of The Stratic, an environmental club promoting Sustainable Development Goals. Outside of school, Anne organized field trips for children to bamboo craft villages to teach basic economics principles while exploring unique bamboo weaving techniques. Anne plans to major in economics and computer science.
Yana Zenefski
Yana Zenefski is from Yekaterinburg, Russia, but grew up in Door County, Wisconsin. Yana is a graduate of Southern Door High School. She led various projects with the High School Democrats as the Disabled Persons Caucus Vice Chair and Midwest Regional Director. With a passion for activism, she served as an advocate for the YMCA in Congress and represented youth on an advisory council for Y-USA. She further pursued her efforts by founding a program for youth with disabilities and co-authoring legislation that reformed safety procedures in IEP and 504 plans. Yana plans to major in business with a concentration in finance.