Four Seniors Honored as Merrill Presidential Scholars
Four University of Maryland seniors in the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences have been named 2016 Merrill Presidential Scholars. The Merrill Presidential Scholar Program honors the university’s most successful seniors, who each recognize a UMD faculty member and high school teacher for contributing to their education.
Kelsey Malloy, an atmospheric and oceanic science major with a minor in remote sensing of the environment, recognized Henry Leong of Central High School in Philadelphia and Timothy Canty, assistant research professor in atmospheric and oceanic science at UMD. “Professor Canty pushes each of us to go the extra mile,” Malloy said, “and I am very thankful for his guidance throughout my undergraduate career.”
Vered Schwell is a biological sciences major specializing in cell biology and genetics. Schwell honored Leslie Pratt of Lower Merion High School in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, and Patricia Shields, senior lecturer in cell biology and molecular genetics at UMD. “[Shields] is always a willing and understanding listener, who has helped me unite my love of science with teaching,” said Schwell. “I would like to thank Dr. Pratt and Professor Shields for supporting me, teaching me and helping me grow into the person I am today.”
Jonathan Seibert is a double major in atmospheric and oceanic science and computer science. Seibert honored Stan Arnold of Hammond High School in Columbia, Maryland, and Timothy Canty, assistant research professor for atmospheric and oceanic science at UMD. Of Canty, Seibert said, “He goes above and beyond the standard requirements of UMD’s academic advisors, giving me useful advice on scholarships, graduate school, and my education and career path.”
Boyan Xia, a biological sciences major specializing in physiology and neurobiology and a statistics minor, honored Alexandra Brasoveanu-Tarpy of Thomas S. Wootton High School in Rockville, Maryland, and Christopher Capp, UMD chemistry and biochemistry lecturer. “[Dr.] Capp is approachable and always willing to clarify any concepts during class and office hours,” Xia said. “I feel that he genuinely cares deeply about all of his students and wants to see everyone enjoy biochemistry and succeed in the class.”
The Merrill Presidential Scholars Program honors the University of Maryland’s most successful seniors and their designated faculty and K-12 teachers for their mentorship. The legacy of academic excellence, teaching and mentoring continues as scholarships are awarded in the K-12 teacher’s name to a new first-year student from that teacher’s high school or school district.
President Loh welcomed Merrill Scholars, Faculty and Teachers at a luncheon celebration on November 18, 2016, at University House.
