2026 AHS Academic Awards and Scholarships

Lauren Cutler—B.S. in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2027

As the undergraduate program assistant for Campus Recreation Personal Training, Cutler is dedicated to fostering positivity and inclusivity in the healthcare industry. She is passionate about empowering individuals to build sustainable lifestyle habits and cultivate lasting self-confidence. Cutler is a junior majoring in interdisciplinary health sciences, with a concentration in health behavior change and a minor in advertising. After transferring from the University of Dayton to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, she has maintained a 4.0 institutional GPA and earned a place on the Dean’s List. With her strong academic performance and leadership at Campus Recreation, Cutler plans to pursue a career in pharmaceutical sales and continue combining her science background with strategic communication skills to improve patient access to effective healthcare solutions.

Maria Long—B.S. in Kinesiology

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2029

Long is a freshman pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. After graduation she plans to attend physical therapy school to continue her journey toward improving the health and well-being of others. Long has completed a research project examining the impact of sleep on athletic performance, reflecting her strong interest in optimizing both performance and recovery. She is involved in multiple registered student organizations, further developing her leadership and collaborative skills. As a member of the Fighting Illini Cheerleading team, Long balances academic excellence with athletic commitment. You may see her on the sidelines as she cheers on the Illini at games, participates at practices and weights sessions and makes public appearances representing the University of Illinois with professionalism and pride. Long aspires to become a physical therapist who works with diverse populations, tailoring training and rehabilitation strategies to each individual. She is eager to use the knowledge gained at Illinois to adapt exercises and treatment that meet the unique needs of every patient, ultimately improving their quality of life.

Dallas Miles—B.S. in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2027

Born and raised in South Holland, Illinois, Miles aspires to become a practicing radiologist. He’s set on the pre-med track, majoring in I-Health and minoring in computer science. He plans to attend medical school by 2028. Miles spends his working hours managing swim lessons at ARC and CRCE as a learn-to-swim coordinator. Outside of work and academics, Miles serves as the philanthropy chair of Sigma Phi Epsilon and volunteers at Carle Foundation Hospital. He also collaborates with several RSOs, including GMT and REACT, making a positive impact on the local community. Due to his campus involvement, Miles was chosen as an AHS ambassador and welcomes incoming first-year students to the university. He also earned James Scholar status and completes an honors project each semester. In his free time, Miles catches up on his favorite TV shows, and when the weather is good, he can be found playing with friends on the Atkins Tennis Center courts.

Samantha Pagnucci—B.S. in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences

Anticipated Graduation Date: December 2026

Pagnucci is a junior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences with a concentration in behavior change. After graduation, she plans to earn a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and work in pediatrics. She works as a CNA in nursing facilities, helping residents with activities of daily living. She also assists the Disability and Movement Biomechanics Lab, researching how physical activity impacts shoulder musculoskeletal health in wheelchair users. As volunteer chair of her medical fraternity for two semesters, she organized member events, and she helped establish a small campus food pantry to support students in need. Additionally, she tutored organic chemistry through the James Scholar program and professor referrals. Pagnucci earned placement on the Dean’s List multiple times, is a James Scholar, and received the Beulah Drom, John O. Whitney, and Don and Denise Mayer scholarships. In her free time, she enjoys running, music and sports.

Rachel Divan—B.S. in Kinesiology

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2027

Divan was raised in St. Joseph, Illinois, and grew up attending Illini events. Now that she is a student at the University of Illinois, she is a sophomore majoring in kinesiology and pursuing a future career in physical therapy. While at the University of Illinois, she presented at the Physical Activity Symposium and Undergraduate Research Symposium through her involvement with the Lifetime Physical Activity Lab. Divan was an equipment and operations manager for women’s volleyball last year and currently manages for the wheelchair basketball teams. These positions have allowed Divan to pursue her interest of the intersection of sport and rehabilitation. She has also been a College of AHS James Scholar since her freshman year, as well as a Dean’s List recipient each semester. Divan looks forward to staying involved in the campus community with future research and volunteering opportunities throughout the rest of her education at the University of Illinois.

Ava Hendershott—B.S. in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2027

After graduating with her degree in interdisciplinary health sciences, Hendershott plans to pursue a Doctorate of Occupational Therapy. She hopes to work in an in-patient setting, in pediatrics or at a stroke care center. Hendershott also hopes to conduct research regarding assistive technology for the aging population, especially those with chronic conditions. At Illinois, Hendershott has volunteered at Disability Resources and Educational Services, where she works with a physical therapist to assist students with different physical disabilities. She is also a research volunteer in the Disability Participation and Quality of Life Lab, in which she is assisting in the development of a fall detection device for wheelchair users. She has also been an Anatomy and Physiology Lab assistant for the past two semesters. Hendershott was a BEST Scholar her freshman year, is a current James Scholar and has been a multiple-time Dean’s List honoree. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, traveling and spending time with friends and family.

Vincent Nguyen—B.S. in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2026

Nguyen is a senior studying interdisciplinary health sciences with a focus on health diversity. After he completes his undergraduate degree, he will pursue the Master of Health Administration program at Illinois. He demonstrates genuine passion for the field of healthcare and wants to pursue hospital administration. His journey toward health administration began when he learned about the challenges and struggles in the healthcare force. With his experience in research and volunteering, he aims to advocate for the voices of healthcare providers and the healthcare team, working alongside the healthcare force in serving not one, but all of those in need. He is involved as an AHS ambassador where he encourages incoming students interested in the field of healthcare to explore the College of AHS, and advocates incoming students to explore various opportunities available on campus. He values giving back to the community and developing strong connections with others.

Asha Suresh—B.S. in Community Health

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2027

Suresh is a junior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Community Health with a concentration in rehabilitation and disability studies. Following graduation, she plans to attend medical school and continue her path toward a career in medicine. Beyond her coursework, she is deeply engaged in research, clinical service and student mentorship. Suresh works in the Lifetime Physical Activity Laboratory under Assistant Professor Rafael Tassitano, where she studies health behaviors across different age groups. She also serves as an emergency medical technician at the State Farm Center, providing immediate medical support for event attendees. In addition, she is a learning assistant for an introductory physics laboratory course at the University of Illinois, supporting students as they build foundational scientific skills. Suresh is a Dean’s List honoree, James Scholar and Illinois Area Health Education Centers Scholar. Suresh also supports her family’s restaurant in Naperville, Illinois, staying closely connected to her community. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, going on long walks and spending time with her loved ones.

Simone Daly—B.S. in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2027

Daly is a pre-medical student from Chicago, majoring in interdisciplinary health sciences with a concentration in health and diversity. A graduate of Whitney Young Magnet High School, she aims to become an adolescent healthcare specialist focused on equitable, developmentally informed care. Daly works as a certified nursing assistant at Lurie Children’s Hospital’s Almost Home Kids location, supporting children with complex medical needs during their transition to home care. On campus, she is part of research in the Infant Cognition Lab. Additionally, she has served as president of Illinois’ chapter of Mu Epsilon Delta since her sophomore year and also sits on the MED National Board, contributing to chapter leadership and national expansion. Daly is actively involved in community service through the Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation program. Alongside her academic and clinical commitments, she plays violin in the university orchestra and spends lots of time enjoying the fun opportunities Illinois has to offer.

Waslat June—B.S. in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2027

​​June is an undergraduate student majoring in interdisciplinary health sciences with a concentration in health diversity and a minor in public health. She is pursuing a career in healthcare administration and is deeply interested in advancing health equity and improving access to care for underserved communities. Through her role as a lead student engagement specialist at the University of Illinois Foundation, June supports initiatives that enhance student education by strengthening donor engagement and alumni outreach. She also serves as a FOCUS mentor at the Career Center, where she enjoys supporting first-generation students through one-on-one mentorship and identity-centered career development workshops. Outside of her academic and professional work, June is an active leader in Women of Color and a member of Future Health Care Executives. She volunteers with the Wesley Food Pantry and Salt & Light and will be studying abroad in Italy to explore Italian public health practices, further shaping her interest in global and community-centered healthcare leadership.

Rachael Adewumi—B.S. in Health Administration

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2026

Adewumi is a senior from Hoffman Estates, Illinois, majoring in community health with a concentration in health administration and a minor in business. During her time at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, she has been actively involved in a variety of organizations and has held several leadership and service roles. She has served as a gender equity intern for the Women’s Resources Center, an information and service associate at the Jeffries Center, a research assistant in the Vascular Physiology Lab and a stress management peer at McKinley Health Center. Alongside her academic commitments, Adewumi is a dedicated member of the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs Inc., where she serves as chaplain and previously held the role of Acts Ministry director, supporting and uplifting the campus community through service and leadership. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading and exploring new foods. After graduation, Adewumi hopes to pursue a career in healthcare consulting and plans to continue her education by earning a master’s degree to ultimately pursue her passion for advancing healthcare equality and improving access to equitable health systems.

Julia Cox—B.S. in Kinesiology

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2027

Cox is a kinesiology major with a strong commitment to academic excellence and improving the lives of others. Originally from Glen Carbon, Illinois, Cox is passionate about the study of human movement and its influence on holistic health. As a James Scholar student, she consistently pursues rigorous academic standards. Cox has gained valuable hands-on experience in Assistant Professor Shelby Keye’s lab, where she has deepened her understanding of kinesiology through research. In addition to her academic pursuits, Cox actively invests in the lives of others through her role as a resident assistant, where she fosters community, supports her peers and encourages personal growth. Cox is also on the executive committee for the Kinesiology Student Association on campus, which works to connect students within the major and provide them with opportunities for professional growth. She aspires to advance the field of kinesiology through innovative research and clinical practice, with the ultimate goal of becoming an occupational therapist who makes a meaningful difference in her patients’ quality of life.

Ian Zubrickas—B.S. in Kinesiology

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2028

Zubrickas is a first-year student studying kinesiology on the pre-medical track. He is passionate about musculoskeletal health, physical activity and chronic disease prevention, with long-term goals of pursuing a career in orthopedic or sports medicine. Zubrickas is actively involved in undergraduate research focused on mobile health technology and chronic disease management, exploring how digital tools can improve patient outcomes and access to care. In addition to research, he serves as an ISSA-certified personal trainer at Campus Recreation and is deeply committed to community service through Habitat for Humanity and local food pantry initiatives. Zubrickas values hands-on work, leadership and service that creates tangible impact. He is honored to be a recipient of the 2026 Helga M. Deutsch Scholarship and remains dedicated to academic excellence, community engagement and advancing health equity.

Michelle Ogungbemi—B.S. in Community Health

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2026

Ogungbemi is a Community Health major with a concentration in education and promotion who aspires to become a nurse leader focused on advancing mental health equity in underserved communities. Her academic interests center on culturally responsive, low-cost mental health interventions that address disparities within African American populations. Drawing from both lived experience and academic training, she is committed to improving access to preventive care and health education. Ogungbemi actively mentors Black students at her university, supporting first-year students as they navigate a predominantly white institution. Her leadership reflects her dedication to advocacy, empowerment, and community-building. Through interdisciplinary study in health sciences, she seeks to bridge gaps between medical care and community-based wellness initiatives. With long-term goals of influencing both clinical practice and community health programming, Ogungbemi is committed to becoming a compassionate healthcare professional who prioritizes prevention, education and equitable access to care.

Calvin Jenkins—B.S. in Kinesiology

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2027

Jenkins is an undergraduate student from Bloomington, Illinois, majoring in kinesiology with a minor in military science. Jenkins is an Army ROTC cadet and is also in the Illinois Army National Guard. Driven by his family’s history in the military, he plans to continue that tradition by attending Special Forces Assessment and Selection upon graduation. Jenkins has been an acting platoon leader in a medical company in the Illinois Army National Guard where he has overseen large-scale casualty evacuation and treatment training operations. Furthermore, he is passionate about endurance running and has completed three ultramarathons, the longest of which being the 50-mile Tunnel Hill ultramarathon in Vienna, Illinois. In addition to his military and academic commitments, Jenkins is dedicated to leadership development, physical resilience and preparing himself mentally and professionally for the demands of future service.

Ben Taylor—B.S. in Kinesiology

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2029

Taylor is an undergraduate student majoring in kinesiology from Kewanee, Illinois. Taylor plans to go to physical therapy school after graduating and eventually intends to open his own private practice. Taylor is involved in research in the Department of Speech and Hearing Science with Associate Professor Justin Aronoff and hopes to be involved in additional research within the coming years in kinesiology alongside this. He is fortunate to come from a military family that provided him with countless opportunities and has assisted him throughout the years in reaching his academic goals and helping guide him on his desired career path.

Daniela Pule—B.S. in Kinesiology

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2027

Pule is a third-year kinesiology student pursuing licensure in physical education. She serves as a research assistant in the Health Equity and Aging Lab under Associate Professor Susie Aguiñaga, where she examines how culturally meaningful activities and dietary practices such as Latino dance can enhance cognition, physical health and psychosocial well-being among older Latino adults. Through this work, she had the opportunity to present her research at an undergraduate research symposium. Pule is also a fellow with Teach For America, where she supports elementary students in developing their math and reading skills using culturally responsive pedagogy and research-based practices. She is actively involved on campus and serves as president of the Physical Education Teacher Education Club, where she works on building an environment that promotes physical activity and service within the community. She served as a peer mentor for first-generation college students through I-LEAP, providing guidance and resources to help students. Pule participated in a study abroad program in Panama, where she explored sustainable development goals and engaged in community-based sustainability initiatives. She plans to further expand her global perspective through an upcoming internship in Thailand. Pule has been named to the Dean’s List multiple times and is a James Scholar. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering at local schools, shadowing in occupational therapy settings, coaching soccer, playing sports, cooking, weightlifting and spending time with family while giving back to her community.

Colby Redman—B.S. in Kinesiology

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2027

Redman is a junior majoring in kinesiology and pursuing a career in physical therapy and sports research. He wants to research how muscle coordination impacts injuries in athletes. Redman has spent time volunteering for his local food bank, as well as the public park in Lebanon, Illinois, his local church and his school’s athletics teams. Before transferring to the University of Illinois, Redman played college baseball at McKendree University and Olney Central College and was on the President’s/Dean’s List. Redman went to high school at Richland County High School in Olney, Illinois, where he was valedictorian of his class, a WSIU Top Teen and a Little Illini Conference scholarship winner.

Lily Montalvo—B.S. in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2027

Montalvo is a junior majoring in interdisciplinary health sciences with a concentration in health diversity. She advocates for women’s health, specifically the health disparities that women of color face both within and beyond medical settings. As a Chicago native, her goal is to attend PA school in the city and pursue a certificate in functional medicine to complement conventional medical practices in order to better serve underrepresented communities. She believes that representation in medicine is essential, which is what inspired her to go into medicine as a queer, biracial woman. On campus she is a James Scholar; the DEI chair for her professional pre-health fraternity Mu Epsilon Delta, where she creates inclusive programming and conversations around health equity; the treasurer for the Illinois Women’s Club Basketball Team; and a volunteer at The Salvation Army food pantry in Champaign. During the summers, she works as a CNA and coaches basketball for the youth in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood, where she mentors young athletes. Her involvement allows her to challenge herself academically, improve leadership skills, build connections within the community and work toward addressing health disparities and their underlying social determinants.

Jesiah Bradshaw—B.S. in Kinesiology

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2026

Bradshaw is a senior majoring in kinesiology with a minor in psychology. On campus, he serves in several leadership roles. He is currently serving his seventh semester in the Disability Participation and Quality of Life Research Laboratory as a lab coordinator and research assistant. He also serves as a resident advisor and president of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. Through his academic and leadership experiences, Bradshaw has developed the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue his goal of becoming a physical therapist, a path inspired by his own rehabilitation journey following multiple knee surgeries. After graduating in May, he plans to begin Washington University in St. Louis’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program in the fall.

Karly Burke—B.S. in Kinesiology

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2027

Burke, from Evergreen Park, Illinois, is a third-year student majoring in kinesiology, minoring in business and is enrolled in the physical education program. On campus, Burke is the treasurer of PETE Club and is a member of the Kinesiology Student Association and the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. In the summers, Burke and her sisters run their small business, which is a barbecue grill cleaning service called GrillGirlz. She plans to graduate in May 2027 with a bachelor’s degree and a certification in PE. Her plans are to become a physical education teacher at the elementary level, while also coaching ice hockey at the high school level and continuing to run her small business. Burke also plans to one day get her master’s degree and become a high school athletic directer and has dreams of getting more involved with women’s ice hockey in any way that she can, after playing her whole life.

Ava Hendershott—B.S. in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2027

After graduating with her degree in interdisciplinary health sciences, Hendershott plans to pursue a Doctorate of Occupational Therapy. She hopes to work in an in-patient setting, in pediatrics or at a stroke care center. Hendershott also hopes to conduct research regarding assistive technology for the aging population, especially those with chronic conditions. At Illinois, Hendershott has volunteered at Disability Resources and Educational Services, where she works with a physical therapist to assist students with different physical disabilities. She is also a research volunteer in the Disability Participation and Quality of Life Lab, in which she is assisting in the development of a fall detection device for wheelchair users. She has also been an Anatomy and Physiology Lab assistant for the past two semesters. Hendershott was a BEST Scholar her freshman year, is a current James Scholar and has been a multiple-time Dean’s List honoree. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, traveling and spending time with friends and family.

Cai Zhang—Ph.D. in Community Health

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2026

Zhang is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Health and Kinesiology. His research focuses on environmental epidemiology, particularly the impact of prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, called PFAS, and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals on early childhood sleep health and neurodevelopment. He works closely with investigators in the NIH-funded Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program, applying advanced mixture modeling and longitudinal methods to examine environmental determinants of child health. Zhang has contributed to multiple peer-reviewed publications and national conference presentations and is actively engaged in interdisciplinary collaboration across cohorts. In addition to his research, he serves as a graduate teaching assistant and mentor to undergraduate researchers. Originally trained in health sciences and rehabilitation, he aims to pursue a research career that integrates environmental exposure science with pediatric population health to inform prevention and policy.

Veronica Falcon Borbolla—M.S. in Community Health

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2029

Falcon is a master’s student in community health conducting research in the Human Factors and Aging Laboratory. Her work centers on trust in human-robot interactions and explores how robotic systems can meaningfully support older adults’ health, independence and quality of life. She serves as vice president of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society student chapter, participates in community-centered initiatives and actively contributes to interdisciplinary research aimed at advancing inclusive, user-centered technology design. In fall 2026, Falcon will begin her Ph.D. in Community Health, where she will continue advancing theory-driven, translational research in human-robot interactions. Building on her master’s work, she seeks to examine how trust in robotic systems is developed, calibrated and repaired over time, and how these processes influence usability, acceptance and long-term engagement in real-world health contexts. She aims to generate empirical evidence that informs the design of robotic technologies that are intuitive, responsive and aligned with the needs and preferences of older adults. Ultimately, her goal is to contribute research that strengthens the integration of robots into healthcare and domestic settings in ways that promote independence, safety and quality of life for aging populations.

Keyana Diaz—Ph.D. in Community Health

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2028

Diaz is a third-year doctoral student in community health at the University of Illinois, where she also earned her Bachelor of Science in Clinical Psychology. Her research examines how adverse childhood experiences and betrayal trauma contribute to intergenerational patterns within Black families. She is particularly interested in expanding the ACEs framework to strengthen measurement, assessment and treatment pathways. As a member of HK Associate Professor Robyn Gobin’s Transforming Trauma and Mental Health Research Lab, Diaz facilitates discussions on ACEs methodology and conducts in-depth literature analyses. She has presented her work at multiple conferences, including the Illinois Summer Research Symposium, where she earned third place for her graduate oral presentation. Beyond her research, Diaz has provided more than 100 volunteer hours at Crisis Nursery, mentored first-generation and underrepresented students through the TRIO McNair Scholars Program and Waukegan to College and led campus initiatives such as Celebration of Scholarship and the panel Decolonizing Knowledge. Diaz aspires to develop community-centered interventions that reduce health disparities and strengthen resilience among Black youth.

Mansoureh Samadi—Ph.D. in Kinesiology

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2028

Samadi is a Ph.D. researcher and licensed physical therapist from Iran with a strong interest in rehabilitation biomechanics and technology-driven healthcare. She earned her physical therapy degree from Tehran University of Medical Sciences, where she developed a strong foundation in clinical practice and research. Her long-term career goal is to become a clinical professor in a Doctor of Physical Therapy program, integrating evidence-based practice with innovative teaching. Her current research focuses on the role of large language models and artificial intelligence in enhancing physical therapy practice, particularly in improving clinical decision-making, patient education and personalized exercise prescription. She is especially interested in how emerging AI tools can support clinicians and expand access to high-quality rehabilitation. In addition to her academic work, she is committed to advancing patient-centered care and interdisciplinary collaboration. Receiving the David Scholarship reflects her dedication to academic excellence, innovation and leadership in the future of rehabilitation science.

Godsway Edem Kpene—Ph.D. in Community Health

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2029

Kpene is a Ph.D. student in Community Health with a multidisciplinary background in public health epidemiology and medical laboratory sciences. His current research focuses on understanding and preventing adolescent overweight and obesity by examining behavior patterns and physical activity using large population datasets and advanced analytics. He is particularly interested in developing innovative, data-driven and AI-enabled approaches to support personalized behavior change and improve population health. Kpene has experience in systematic review and meta-analysis and is open to collaborative research projects. He is committed to translating evidence into practical interventions that promote healthy lifestyles across the lifetime. His career goal is to contribute to impactful public health initiatives that reduce chronic disease risk and health disparities through rigorous research, interdisciplinary collaboration and community-informed solutions.

Casey Lim—Ph.D. in Kinesiology

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2029

Lim is an international scholar from Malaysia and a doctoral researcher at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. After graduating from Illinois with a degree in kinesiology, Lim continued at the institution to pursue a Ph.D. under the mentorship of HK Associate Professor Jacob Allen. His research integrates exercise physiology, immunometabolism and nutritional biochemistry, with a focus on high-fat diet mouse models receiving enriched amino acid interventions. Lim also conducts mechanistic studies involving immune cells, specifically macrophages, and ex vivo aryl-lactate stimulation to investigate metabolic and immune interactions. Lim’s long-term career goal is to become a scientist in industry or academia, where he aims to translate exercise and nutritional research into meaningful therapeutic strategies that improve human health. In recognition of his contributions to physical fitness research, he received the 2025 T.K. Cureton Physical Fitness Research Award. Through his work, Lim is committed to advancing evidence-based interventions that enhance quality of life and metabolic health.

Revati Malani—Ph.D. in Kinesiology

Anticipated Graduation Date: August 2028

Malani is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Health and Kinesiology. Originally from India, Malani began her academic journey as a rank-holding physical therapist, gaining clinical experience in hospitals and a diabetes clinic. Her firsthand exposure to the impact of physical activity fueled a transition into research. She completed a master’s thesis investigating the effects of mind-body exercises on cognition in older adults. Now, her doctoral research focuses on understanding early markers of cognitive decline in middle-aged adults, aiming to develop targeted interventions that promote long-term brain health. With a commitment to bridging the gap between research and clinical practice, Malani strives to create accessible, evidence-based interventions for aging populations. She is honored to contribute to the department’s diverse academic community and to be recognized for her achievements.

Sudhamshi Beeram—M.S. in Community Health

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2026

Beeram is a master’s student in community health, where her work focuses on perinatal mental health and health equity. Her thesis examines racial and ethnic differences in pregnancy and postpartum pain, with a focus on how social and structural factors shape pain experiences. She conducts this research under the mentorship of HK Associate Professor Sandraluz Lara‑Cinisomo, whose guidance has deepened her dedication to advancing culturally competent, evidence‑informed perinatal care. Originally from India, Beeram brings a multidisciplinary background that includes an MPH in Global Health, clinical training and international academic experience in the Netherlands. Her previous roles in governmental and global health settings include maternal health program evaluation and public health operations. Her long‑term goal is to advance maternal and child health research within academic and public health organizations, contributing to equitable policy and practice for reproductive health.

Tracy Bowden—Ph.D. in Community Health

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2028

Bowden is a doctoral student in community health at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She earned her graduate degree from Eastern Illinois University, where she developed a strong foundation in health promotion and leadership. Bowden has spent the past nine years serving as a SNAP-Ed educator, working at the intersection of public health, nutrition education and community outreach. Her work has focused on improving access to health resources for low-income families and strengthening community partnerships. In addition to her professional practice, Bowden has contributed to community-based research initiatives, including the United 4 Champs project and an older adult health project in Vermilion County focused on community needs assessment and program support. She is also the founder and treasurer of the CLU-W Hygiene Pantry. Her long-term goal is to become an assistant teaching professor, integrating teaching, research and community engagement to create meaningful public health impact.

Xuan Lin—Ph.D. in Kinesiology

Anticipated Graduation Date: 2031

Lin is a second-year doctoral student in kinesiology. Originally from China, she is committed to improving well-being through lifestyle-based approaches. Her research focuses on how different physical activity modalities shape health outcomes and how these insights can support scalable interventions across the lifespan, especially for older adults.
Using machine learning and population-level data in the Multilearning Lab, where she is mentored by HK Assistant Professor Bruno Nunes, she examines how different physical activity modalities predict mental health outcomes. Extending this work from population-level prediction to intervention design and behavior change, she also studies how technology and motivational processes influence exercise participation and related health outcomes in the Exercise, Technology, and Cognition Lab, where she is mentored by HK Associate Professor Sean Mullen. Through this combined approach, she aims to build evidence-based, personalized strategies that promote successful aging. In her free time, she enjoys playing piano, guitar, basketball and weight training.

D.J. Gilmer—B.S. in Recreation, Sport and Tourism

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2027

Gilmer is an active-duty Marine with more than 10 years of service and is majoring in recreation, sport and tourism. He is a participant in the Marine Enlisted to Commissioning Education Program and is completing his studies through the Illinois NROTC, with the goal of commissioning as a Marine Corps officer upon graduation. Gilmer’s career objective is to become a Marine aviator, serving as a pilot while continuing his commitment to leadership and service. His academic focus supports his long-term goal of pursuing a second career in public service after military retirement, where he hopes to create programs and opportunities that benefit communities. In addition to his military service, Gilmer volunteers as a firefighter nearby. Outside of his professional commitments, he values spending time with his wife of five years and their 1-year-old daughter.

Jay Choi—B.S. in Recreation, Sport and Tourism

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2027

Choi is a recreation, sport and tourism major with a business minor, expecting to graduate in May 2027. From Athens, Ohio, Choi has built an extensive portfolio within the sports industry, currently serving as a marketing assistant for Illinois Athletics, where he is the secondary marketing contact for men’s tennis, softball and men’s basketball. His leadership spans multiple areas of the Illinois sports community. He is a student manager for both the men’s and women’s Division I golf teams and serves as the event coordinator and former president of the Illinois Club golf team. Additionally, he is on the Illinois Sports Business Conference on the event planning committee. Following a successful internship last year, Choi will return to the Cincinnati Open this summer as the lead court operations Intern. Outside of his professional and academic pursuits, Choi enjoys staying active in sports, connecting with friends and maintaining close ties with his family back home.

Ethan Payne—B.S. in Recreation, Sport and Tourism

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2027

Payne is from Mount Pulaski, Illinois, and graduated with honors from Lincoln Land Community College before transferring to the University of Illinois. He is studying recreation, sport and tourism with a concentration in sport management and anticipates graduating in May 2027. Throughout his time at Illinois, Payne has gained valuable experiences that have helped shape his career goals. He has served on the event planning committee for ISBC, worked as a student ambassador for event management with Illinois Athletics, officiated intramural sports for Campus Recreation and will volunteer at the NCAA Final Four this April. In his free time, Payne enjoys playing and watching sports, spending time with family and friends and staying active. After graduation, Payne plans to pursue a career in athlete representation, event management with a specialization in special events or fan engagement for a professional sports organization.

Carson Damery—B.S. in Recreation, Sport and Tourism

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2028

Damery is a sophomore from Bloomington, Illinois, studying recreation, sport and tourism with a concentration in sport as well as pursuing a minor in business. She hopes to work in event management or marketing for a professional sports team in the future, specifically somewhere in Chicago. She has experience interning for a baseball and softball development business and also an event planning firm. There, she gained skills in a professional setting and developed her strengths and goals to guide her in her future career endeavors. Damery looks forward to her future internship within RST, where she can expand her network and contribute to a new environment. She currently serves as the philanthropy director for her social sorority, where she plans fundraising events and manages a committee to raise money for Make-A-Wish.

Jinye Qiu—B.S. in Recreation, Sport and Tourism

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2028

Qiu is a dual-degree candidate in economics and recreation, sport and tourism, hailing from Fuzhou, China. Qiu expects to graduate in 2028 and also get a certification in personal finance. With a focus on the intersection of sports business, tourism development and cross-border community engagement, he brings hands-on leadership and industry experience to his academic and professional pursuits. He has held internships in sports event management and sales, supporting global brand activations and refining his skills in project execution and audience engagement. Committed to translating academic rigor into real-world impact, Qiu aspires to leverage data-driven insights and cross-cultural expertise to advance inclusive youth sports programs and sustainable tourism initiatives worldwide. Mentored by Teaching Assistant Professor Renata Endres, Qiu is working on an independent research project on agritourism. Being an international student and with a study abroad experience in London, he actively seeks opportunities to bridge global perspectives in recreation, sport and tourism, with a long-term goal of leading community-centered, industry-aligned projects that drive equitable growth in the field.

Michael Evans—B.S. in Recreation, Sport and Tourism

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2027

Evans plans on completing a B.S. in Recreation, Sport and Tourism with a concentration in sport management in May 2027. He has been accepted into the RST M.S./B.S. program, allowing him to begin taking graduate classes in fall 2026 and earn his B.S. and M.S. degrees in RST in five years. He is interested in RST because he played sports and has been going to professional games in Chicago since a very early age. He hopes to be able to give others the opportunity to see how special sport can be just as it was for him growing up. Currently, Evans holds multiple positions on campus including a student video manager for the Illinois football team, event management student ambassador for the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and oversees the RST department’s annual charity pickleball tournament, Illini Get Pickled. He also has professional experience with the NBA, NHL and the college football playoff.

Leia Gilleylen—B.S. in Recreation, Sport and Tourism

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2029

Gilleylen is a first-year student from Tinley Park, Illinois, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in recreation, sport and tourism. She is passionate about creating inclusive and engaging communities and plans to build a career in park districts, community recreation centers and event and facility management. Through academic and campus involvement, Gilleylen is developing skills in leadership, program planning and organization. At Victor J. Andrew High School, she was involved in numerous community volunteer projects and extracurricular activities, which helped her gain teamwork and coordination skills. As a scholarship recipient, Gilleylen is dedicated to continuing academic excellence while gaining hands-on experience in recreation programming and facility operations that positively impact communities. Her passion is to make a meaningful impact on communities by creating spaces that promote physical activity, environmental sustainability and social interaction. Although she is just getting started on her journey in recreational management, she is confident that her drive for community engagement and inclusive programming will guide her toward creating meaningful recreational opportunities for all.

Emmet Rojas Nava—B.S. in Recreation, Sport and Tourism

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2027

Rojas Nava is an Illinois Promise recipient studying recreation, sport and tourism. Born in Chicago and raised in Mexico City before returning to the U.S. for high school, Rojas Nava brings a unique binational perspective to his work, viewing live events as a vital form of “medicine” for community well-being. As president of the Illinois Music Business Club, he doubled the organization’s budget and tripled its membership. A dedicated advocate for Latino culture and representation, Rojas Nava is a member of the ALPFA chapter and serves on the RST Student Council. His leadership is further seen through multiple terms as event director for Phi Sigma Kappa, where he helped raise more than $15,000 for the Special Olympics. A member of Grammy University with experience at Lollapalooza and Ravinia Festival, Rojas Nava also supports the campus music scene as a lead for Jay Goldberg Events & Entertainment, where he assists with artist booking and production operations. Preparing for his summer 2026 operations internship at Soldier Field, Rojas Nava ultimately aims to launch his own events company. He is on a mission to help people reconnect with the primitive, communal energy of live performance and change how they see the world mastering the art of making an entire crowd stand up and cheer.

Dulce Estrada Flores—B.S. in Recreation, Sport and Tourism

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2026

Estrada Flores is a first-generation Latina studying recreation, sport and tourism with a concentration in tourism, and she is from the west suburbs of Chicago. Ever since she can remember, she has loved serving and working with people, making RST the perfect career path for her. Her goal is to work as an event coordinator within parks and recreation, focusing on community events and ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for everyone who wants to participate. Throughout her college career, she has had the opportunity to work in all three sectors of RST, most recently serving as a recreation intern for the Champaign Park District. In addition, she is an Illinois Promise scholar and has held leadership positions in both of her campus organizations, the Society of Women in Public Affairs and Her Campus.

Ella Shapiro—B.S. in Recreation, Sport and Tourism

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2028

Shapiro is a recreation, sport and tourism major with a concentration in sport and a minor in business where she maintains a place as a James Scholar honors student. Originally from Calabasas, California, she is passionate about the business and operations side of the sports industry and has goals to work in Major League Baseball. Shapiro has gained hands-on experience as a director of operations assistant for the University of Illinois baseball team, supporting logistics, marketing initiatives and game-day operations. Beyond athletics, she serves as chair of the speakers committee for the Illinois Sports Business Conference, where she collaborates with industry professionals to develop conference programming. As a student ambassador for the College of Applied Health Sciences and an active member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority, she is dedicated to leadership, service and mentorship. In her free time, Shapiro enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Rebecca Cowgill—B.S. Recreation, Sport and Tourism

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2029

Cowgill is a freshman studying Recreation, Sport and Tourism and plans to graduate in 2029. She is originally from Belleville, Illinois but moved to Breese, Illinois shortly after she was born. Cowgill grew up with her seven siblings which made for a very competitive childhood filled with sports. Her love for sports only increased as she got older. Now at the University of Illinois, she hopes to continue developing her skills to become a director of events for a major league sport team. Cowgill is a SPARK research student working on Combating Neo-Nazi Movements in RST Contexts. She does research and transcribes interviews for the team. She is also in I-LEAP and a James Scholar. This year she has volunteered at Illinois for football, women’s volleyball, women’s soccer and men’s basketball. In her free time, she enjoys playing and watching sports, sewing, babysitting and spending time with friends and family.

Kaitlyn Swigert—B.S. in Recreation, Sport and Tourism

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2027

Swigert is a third-year undergraduate majoring in recreation, sport and tourism, with a concentration in sport. She is passionate about community engagement in the sport industry and actively pursues opportunities that align with her career goals. She transferred to the University of Illinois from a community college, where she graduated with honors and earned her associate degree, developing a strong work ethic and commitment to academic excellence. Within the Recreation, Sport and Tourism program, Swigert has been recognized by faculty for her leadership and professionalism. She spoke on a student panel at Illini Fest, sharing her experiences with prospective students, and served as a student representative during faculty hiring processes, providing a student perspective in departmental decisions. Further, she is part of an ambassadors team for the College of Applied Health Sciences, working with prospective students for the university who are interested in attending. Additionally, she volunteers at Special Olympics health screenings in Bedford Park, Illinois, and uses her fluency in Spanish to engage with diverse communities. These experiences inspire her aspiration to create positive impacts through sport-based community engagement, helping athletes connect with their passions and strengthen the communities they serve.

Kaitlyn Koenigstein—M.S. in Recreation, Sport and Tourism

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2027

Koenigstein earned her bachelor’s degree in recreation sport management at Illinois State University and is completing her online master’s degree in recreation, sport and tourism. She serves as a graduate intern with University of Illinois Extension, working closely with youth through 4‑H in southern Illinois. Her recent work includes strengthening the bonds of the 4-H Military Partnership through scheduled programming and educational resource dispersal at a military base’s youth center. She also worked alongside Master Gardeners as they completed their training course last fall and collected cover crop data with a commercial agriculture educator for research. Additionally, Koenigstein was able to partake in a study abroad experience to Germany to gain insight into European sports leagues, outdoor recreation and park systems. With her background as a farmer, Koenigstein aspires to design parks and be of service in the public sector, focusing on community and environmental needs.

Cristian Lopez—M.S. in Recreation, Sport and Tourism

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2027

Lopez completed his Bachelor of Science in Recreation, Sport and Tourism with a concentration in Sport Management at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in May 2025. During his undergraduate studies, he gained hands-on experience in event planning; diversity, equity and inclusion accessibility initiatives; and served as a sport aide for the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics’ Facilities and Services at the university. One of his short-term goals is to expand his professional network and gain additional experience in the sport management field to build the skills necessary to pursue his long-term goal of becoming an athletic director in collegiate athletics. His primary interest within sport management lies in improving facility accessibility for individuals with disabilities. While interning with DIA F&S, he observed that many facilities lacked adequate accessibility and that gaining access to certain areas—such as benches and other key spaces—was often more challenging than it should be. Based on these experiences, he hopes to further develop this interest and continue promoting accessibility and DEI initiatives throughout his professional career.

Nicole Dudek—M.S. in Recreation, Sport and Tourism

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2026

After five years with RST pursuing her 4+1 B.S./M.S. degree in Recreation, Sport and Tourism, Dudek will graduate this May immensely grateful for her time as a student in this department. She works with the Office of Recreation and Park Resources alongside Laura Payne, also serving RST 335 as a grading assistant. In addition, Dudek has enjoyed working each spring alongside fellow RST students supporting the local Illinois Marathon, promoting the race across campus and providing behind-the-scenes support during race weekend. Across campus she is also greatly involved with Newman Hall Koinonia Retreats and other Catholic Illini ministries, along with other various environmental, philanthropic and athletic pastimes. Dudek has interned with WT Group, Geneva Park District and Allerton Park and Retreat Center. She always strives to see the good in people and loves RST for the benefits these fields can bring to individuals and communities alike. I-L-L!

Genevieve Peters—M.S. in Recreation, Sport and Tourism

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2026

Peters is on track to graduate from the 4+1 B.S. and M.S. in Recreation, Sport and Tourism program this May. After graduation, she wants to work within outdoor recreation and education, working to make the National Park System a space for everyone. She currently works as a graduate assistant at the Campus Recreation Ice Arena. This spring, she is volunteering with Christie Clinic Race Weekend to help plan and run the Michael Houge Team Mile Post-Race Celebration. Peters loves being outside, baking and playing card games with friends during her free time.

Zafar Sarker—Ph.D. in Recreation, Sport and Tourism

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2027

Sarker is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism. Originally from Bangladesh, Sarker’s research examines the relationships between leisure, culture and well‑being, with a focus on how everyday leisure experiences shape health outcomes across diverse communities. She has presented her work at academic conferences, published journal articles and contributed to interdisciplinary projects exploring leisure behavior and quality of life. Sarker is a past recipient of the Christine Ziebarth Howe Graduate Student Award. She is advised by Associate Professor Toni Leichty and her dissertation is directed by Nick Pitas, both of whom she credits for significantly shaping her academic development, research identity and professional growth. Sarker holds a B.S. in Textile Engineering from Bangladesh University of Textiles and worked for three years in Bangladesh’s apparel industry before completing two master’s degrees at Ohio University. At Ohio, she was recognized as an outstanding graduate student. After graduation, Sarker plans to pursue a faculty career focused on advancing leisure and health research and supporting students through inclusive, equity‑centered teaching and mentorship.

Mengqing Wang—Ph.D. in Recreation, Sport and Tourism

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2028

Wang is a second-year Ph.D. student in RST, working under the supervision of Associate Professor Sharon Zou. She plans to pursue a career in academia upon completing her Ph.D. Her research centers on two interconnected areas: regenerative tourism and consumer behavior, with a particular focus on green consumption. As a graduate assistant at Illinois, she contributes to data analysis and manuscript writing while also gaining hands-on teaching experience. She also mentors undergraduate students through the SPARK program, fostering their academic growth and research confidence. Through her work, Wang aims to generate practical, evidence-based insights that help destinations and organizations design more sustainable and community-centered tourism and consumption practices, ultimately bridging the gap between academic research and real-world impact.

Lydia Oesterling—B.S. in Speech and Hearing Science

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2027

Oesterling is an undergraduate researcher and writing consultant pursuing a dual degree in Speech and Hearing Science and Spanish at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Her research interests include multilingual speech perception and production as well as language acquisition. She has conducted research with the Aphasia Behavior Communication Lab and Child Speech Lab at LSU, as well as through the Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program with the French Department at Illinois. As a member of the Child Speech Research Lab, she investigates children’s ability to hear in noise and analyzes EEG data to study Spanish-English bilinguals’ speech processing. Oesterling is also active in several RSOs, including as an editor for Brain Matters, Illinois’ undergraduate neuroscience journal, and for Illinois Undergraduate Research Journal, in addition to facilitating Spanish conversation group meetings for Mi Pueblo. Beyond her experience as a writing consultant for the Writers Workshop on campus, she has tutored ESL, Spanish and French (although she also speaks Portuguese and some Mandarin). As an aspiring speech-language pathologist, she is passionate about supporting both English-speaking and non-English-speaking patients.

Ashley Wilson—B.S. in Speech and Hearing Science

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2028

Wilson is a sophomore majoring in speech and hearing science, with minors in psychology and child health and well-being. She plans to become a speech-language pathologist in the public school setting. Originally from Libertyville, Illinois, she is passionate about helping kids grow in their communication skills. As a research assistant in the Child Speech Research Lab, Wilson tests child participants and supports studies examining how children understand speech in different listening environments. Through this role, she has gained experience working directly with children and contributing to research focused on speech and language development. She especially enjoys working in school settings and being part of students’ everyday learning. Over the summer, she works as a paraprofessional in her hometown district, and she currently serves as a teacher’s aide in Champaign Unit 4 schools, helping students in the classroom and one-on-one. She is also vice president of Vis-A-Vis, a volunteering-in-schools program that connects college students with local classrooms. She plans to pursue graduate study in speech-language pathology.

Reema Patel—B.S. in Speech and Hearing Science

Anticipated Graduation Date: Decemeber 2026

Patel is an undergraduate student in speech and hearing science from Schaumburg, Illinois. She plans to attend graduate school for speech-language pathology with the goal of becoming a pediatric speech therapist. Patel is passionate about supporting children and families through early intervention and evidence-based care. She is an active member of her university’s National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLHA) chapter and has gained hands-on experience through interning in an elementary school and shadowing practicing speech-language pathologists. These experiences have strengthened her commitment to equitable, child-centered care. Patel is particularly interested in integrating technology into speech therapy to expand access and promote equity in communication health services. In her free time, she enjoys baking and spending time with loved ones.

Elise King—B.S. in Speech and Hearing Science

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2027

King is on track to graduate in May 2027 with a B.S. in Speech and Hearing Science. She is working toward becoming a licensed speech-language pathologist with an interest in working with pediatrics. King is currently a research assistant in SHS Associate Professor Marie Moore Channell’s Intellectual DisAbilities Communication Laboratory. Her main responsibility in the lab is transcribing audio files of narrative language samples of individuals, primarily with Down syndrome. Outside of academics, she is an active member of NSSLHA, and she assisted in reactivating the DiabetesLink chapter at the University of Illinois, an organization where students with diabetes connect with others on campus who face the same challenges with this condition. King now serves as treasurer for this organization. She also works for the university as an undergraduate student admissions representative. King has been a James Scholar for the past two years and was a member of the Dean’s List in fall 2025.

Sydney Kroening—B.S. in Speech and Hearing Science

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2027

Kroening is a sophomore majoring in speech and hearing science. After completing her undergraduate degree, she plans to pursue a master’s degree and begin working as a speech-language pathologist in pediatrics, while also exploring a variety of clinical settings throughout her career. She is passionate about helping children feel confident in themselves both academically and socially, especially in their communication skills. Kroening recently began working as an undergraduate research assistant in the Child Speech Research Lab led by Associate Professor Mary Flaherty. The lab focuses on how children understand speech in challenging listening environments and examines the external factors that may influence this ability. This summer, she plans to observe a speech-language pathologist working in a school setting and another clinician in a private practice. Kroening is a member of the James Scholar program. In her free time, she enjoys going on long walks, watching movies with friends and spending time outdoors.

Elise Lavaty—B.S. in Speech and Hearing Science

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2027

Lavaty is a junior majoring in speech and hearing science with a concentration in speech-language pathology. She is also pursuing a minor in Spanish, which has solidified her passion for accessible, inclusive and culturally competent care. On campus, Lavaty works in Associate Professor Laura Mattie’s Development in Neurogenetic Disabilities Lab, researching skills that support early language development in toddlers with fragile X syndrome. She is also a part of the James Scholar Honors Program, Illini Ice Girls and executive board for the National Student Speech-Language Hearing Association. She has worked with children in a variety of settings: a summer camp, a Spanish-speaking preschool classroom, elementary schools, ice skating and dance classes. After graduating, Lavaty will pursue a master’s degree in speech-language pathology. She hopes to work with children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and language disorders in a school-based or private practice setting.

Lydia Oesterling—B.S. in Speech and Hearing Science

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2027

Oesterling is an undergraduate researcher and writing consultant pursuing a dual degree in Speech and Hearing Science and Spanish at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Her research interests include multilingual speech perception and production as well as language acquisition. She has conducted research with the Aphasia Behavior Communication Lab and Child Speech Lab at LSU, as well as through the Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program with the French Department at Illinois. As a member of the Child Speech Research Lab, she investigates children’s ability to hear in noise and analyzes EEG data to study Spanish-English bilinguals’ speech processing. Oesterling is also active in several RSOs, including as an editor for Brain Matters, Illinois’ undergraduate neuroscience journal, and for Illinois Undergraduate Research Journal, in addition to facilitating Spanish conversation group meetings for Mi Pueblo. Beyond her experience as a writing consultant for the Writers Workshop on campus, she has tutored ESL, Spanish and French (although she also speaks Portuguese and some Mandarin). As an aspiring speech-language pathologist, she is passionate about supporting both English-speaking and non-English-speaking patients.

Ava Williams—B.S. in Speech and Hearing Science

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2027

Williams is a second-year undergraduate student from Van Orin, Illinois. She is set to graduate in May 2027 with a B.S. in Speech and Hearing Science and a minor in psychology. After her graduation, Williams plans to pursue further education in the speech and hearing science field. She is passionate about supporting individuals with communication disorders and advocating for accessible, inclusive communication for all. Outside of her university coursework, Williams works part-time as an enrichment substitute teacher at Carle Auditory Oral School. This semester, she is also set to begin volunteer work at Swann Special Care to further expand her experience working with individuals with diverse communication and developmental needs. In addition to her professional and volunteer experiences, Williams is an active member of the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association, a member of Illinois Letters of Love and a member of the Illinois ASL Club. She is also a James Scholar and a multiple-time Dean’s List honoree.

María Ángel—Au.D.

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2027

Ángel is a third-year Doctor of Audiology student in the Department of Speech and Hearing Science. Originally from Mexico, she is committed to expanding access to culturally responsive hearing healthcare for unserved and underserved communities. Ángel earned her undergraduate degrees from Eastern Illinois University, where she triple-majored in public health, Spanish and communication disorders. Her research interests center on speech recognition and auditory perception in bilingual individuals, with a focus on how children and adolescents understand speech in complex listening environments. She has contributed to school-based hearing testing and survey work examining hearing health awareness and hearing thresholds in bilingual and monolingual children and she supports the development of bilingual research materials and community outreach in both English and Spanish. Ángel has begun Ph.D. coursework and plans to return for additional doctoral training. Her long-term goal is to integrate clinical practice, research and outreach to reduce hearing health disparities and improve outcomes for children and families across diverse communities.

Dorota Wulw—M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2027

Wulw plans to complete an M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology in May 2027. She is a second-generation immigrant who is passionate about supporting culturally and linguistically diverse populations. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she also minored in psychology and participated in the James Scholar program. Through the Department of Speech and Hearing Science, Wulw researched early written language development in Meaghan McKenna’s lab and presented this work at the Illinois Language and Linguistic Society Conference and the university’s Undergraduate Research Symposium. Wulw is particularly interested in medical speech-language pathology and plans to work with adults in hospital and clinical settings. Her professional interests include dysphagia management, neurogenic communication disorders and cognitive-communication impairments in individuals recovering from stroke, neurological injury or complex medical conditions. As a bilingual Polish-English speaker, Wulw is committed to providing culturally responsive, evidence-based care to adult patients and their families across diverse medical settings.

Liz Gremer—M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2026

Gremer is a second-year student in the M.A. Speech-Language Pathology program and is on track to graduate this May. She is completing her full-time educational externship at Hinsdale South High School, providing services to students ages 14 to 22. Upon graduation, she hopes to begin her career as a full-time speech-language pathologist in a medical rehabilitation setting. As an alumna of the Illinois undergraduate program, Gremer has spent the past six years giving back to the campus community. She has been a member of Associate Professor Marie Channell’s Intellectual DisAbilities Communication Lab, a teaching assistant in the SHS department and a clinical mentor to undergraduate students at Thomasboro Grade School. In spring 2023, she completed a language-intensive study abroad program at the Universitat de Barcelona with a concentration in Spanish language and culture. Gremer is also a previous recipient of the John C. and Judith D. Turner Applied Health Sciences Scholarship and the Barbara Williams Hodson Scholarship.

Abigail Keasler—M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2026

Keasler is a second-year graduate student in the M.A.-SLP program. Upon completion of her degree, she anticipates working as a speech-language pathologist with adults and has clinical interests in aphasia and cognition. She has worked on the Speech Accessibility Project as a text annotator to improve speech recognition technology for people with ALS, Down syndrome and stroke survivors. Keasler is a member of the department’s Intellectual DisAbilities Communication Lab and has worked on two projects: one involving caregivers of children with Down syndrome and another working alongside adults with Down syndrome. Aligning with her interest in community service, she also served as the lab’s community engagement coordinator where she executed events with local disability advocacy organizations. She has volunteered with various organizations in Champaign-Urbana including Carle Auditory Oral School, the Boys and Girls Club and the Illinois Neurodiversity Initiative. In her graduate program, she served as the graduate student representative on the department’s program policy committee, a teaching assistant for SHS 121, and a mentor to undergraduate clinicians at Thomasboro Grade School.

Kirsten Osborn—Au.D.

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2027

Osborn is a third-year Au.D. student. After completing her Au.D., she hopes to serve medically underserved and rural communities by providing access to audiology services to these communities. Osborn is a graduate research assistant in SHS Associate Professor Ian Mertes’ Hearing Research Lab, where she is working on her capstone, “Comparison of Olivocochlear Efferent Function in Normal-Hearing Adults With and Without Self-Reported Speech-in-Noise Difficulties.” She is the treasurer of the Student Academy of Audiology at the University of Illinois and has participated in free hearing screening events for the University of Illinois community. Osborn has enjoyed volunteering with the SHS department at the Special Olympics as a healthy hearing volunteer by providing hearing screenings to the athletes. In her free time, she likes to spend time with her family, play pickleball and work on jigsaw puzzles.

Prajna BK—Ph.D. in Speech and Hearing Science

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2027

Prajna BK is a Ph.D. student in speech and hearing science under Associate Professor Justin Aronoff at the Binaural Hearing Lab. With a background in mechanical engineering and expertise in acoustics, vibrations and psychoacoustics, combined with her passion for auditory neuroscience, she aims to use her skills to improve the quality of life for cochlear implant users. Prajna BK has been involved in several impactful projects evaluating how effectively cochlear implant users process information when using two CIs, which is crucial for everyday tasks like talker localization. For her dissertation, she aims to address a significant challenge that CI users face: communicating in complex real-world environments with reverberation and competing talkers or sound sources, such as in restaurants. Prajna BK is deeply committed to mentoring undergraduate students and junior lab members, and to fostering a strong, collaborative cohort through active engagement in discussions aimed at improving the Ph.D. program and overall student experience. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and outdoor rock climbing.