Senior Class of 2023

Michael earned a BS with highest distinction in computer science. Academically, he researched autonomous vehicles with the UNC Department of Computer Science and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa during his senior year. Michael also hosted a weekly radio show on WXYC and performed at local venues in the Chapel Hill/Carrboro area. Professionally, he worked as a software intern during the summer of 2021 and 2022 at Foresight and Intuitive Surgical, respectively.

Miranda earned a BA with highest distinction in English and comparative literature and a BA with highest distinction in medical anthropology. During her time at Carolina, Miranda worked as the managing editor of the Health Humanities Journal, a community health intern at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, and a visiting researcher at Leiden University. She also worked as a videographer for the UNC football team and volunteered as a crisis hotline companion for the Orange County Rape Crisis Center. Academically, Miranda took coursework that developed her interests in creative writing, healthcare, and cultural relativism, and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. To wrap up her time at Carolina, Miranda studied creative non-fiction writing in Galway, Ireland, and spent her last year building a portfolio she hopes to publish in the near future.

Bailey earned a BA with distinction and highest honors in interdisciplinary studies, with a minor in business administration. At Carolina, she was a founder and community outreach chair of Culinary Medicine at UNC-CH, and barbecue intern for the Southern Oral History Program. Bailey also served as the barbecue correspondent for Southern Foodways Alliance, contributing to the publication’s Year of Barbecue by interviewing women pitmasters and pitmasters of color. After spending years learning and working with the American Studies department as a food school, she wrote a senior honors thesis that explores Afro-diaspora foodways and Black temporality. To wrap up her time at Carolina, she is writing her second cookbook that combines her love and knowledge of Afrofuturism and Black Foodways.

Joe earned a BA with distinction in human and organizational leadership development, with a minor in data science. Joe worked with the Matthew Gfeller Sport-Related TBI Clinic as a research assistant where he investigated concussions in high-contact sport athletes and veterans. He wrote and edited pieces for storytelling outlets such as Vintage Blue and UNCUT and produced and guest hosted a podcast called “The Journey of Success,” interviewing athletes, artists, and young entrepreneurs. He served as the AD for Campus Safety and Security for the executive branch of the Student Government, and additionally, was elected as executive director of Tar Heel Navigators, a suicide postvention organization housed under CAPS and the school of social work; most recently, Joe served as project manager for the Josh Neuman Foundation. During his time at Carolina, Joe became a whitewater rafting guide.

Andrew earned a BA in geological sciences with honors and a BA in computer science. He engaged in research at the intersection of earth and computer science all four years, starting in 2019 by building a remote sensing tool for researchers using satellites and ending with his honors thesis, during which he built and trained an artificial neural network to make sense of mountain building processes. He conducted research in Gates of the Arctic National Park, using alpine rock-climbing skills to gather samples from remote peaks, and spent time in South America, Central Asia, and the Himalayas during his gap year. Beyond academics, he had the privilege to serve on the Morehead-Cain Scholarship Fund Board and compete in the 2022 Ironman World Championships.

Naomi earned a BS with highest distinction in business administration, with a minor in data science. At Carolina, she was the president of Consult Your Community, the director of Coulture Magazine’s graphic design team, and a volunteer guitar teacher with Musical Empowerment. Naomi consulted with R65 Labs and Well, two Morehead-Cain Alumni-founded companies in Chapel Hill, to advance technology that promotes health and wellness. She studied abroad at the ESADE Business School in Barcelona, Spain, and also conducted video journalism in Puerto Rico to build awareness and support for independent musicians. To wrap up her time at Carolina, Naomi earned her National Academy of Sports Medicine certification in personal training and coached one-on-one sessions at Campus Recreation.

Kate earned a BA in journalism and a BA in public policy with distinction and honors. She also completed a minor in philosophy, politics, and economics. She wrote her senior honors thesis on B Corporations and cross-sector collaboration in the Department of Public Policy. During her time at Carolina, she worked as a senior writer for the Daily Tar Heel and wrote for several other publications on and off campus, including UNC Media Hub and TREAD Magazine. She interned with Daymaker in Atlanta for her Professional Experience summer and throughout her senior year. Her favorite memories at Carolina include rushing Franklin Street after the 2022 Final Four win over Duke and covering breaking news events at the University.

Sophie earned a BA in public policy, with a minor in business administration and statistics and analytics. She served as president of The Loreleis a cappella group; president of Kenan-Flagler’s Community, Equity, and Inclusion Board; and as a youth teacher at First Korean Baptist Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. She also wrote and acted in four student films and used the Lovelace Fund for opportunities that ranged from singing lessons in Seoul to conducting an auto-ethnography on Koreans in London. She was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and won the Carolina Collective Open Call. In her senior year, she spoke as a SEVEN Speaker for the 2022 Morehead-Cain Alumni Forum and co-hosted the 2023 Discovery Weekend Entertainment Night. She is grateful for the staff, alumni mentors, and scholars of the Morehead-Cain community and the lifelong friends she has made.

Eleanor earned a BSPH in nutrition, health, and society and a BA in medical anthropology with distinction along with a minor in chemistry. While at Carolina, Eleanor served as the president of the Sailing Club, an executive member of the Food Justice Alliance, a shifter leader at TABLE, a Nutrition Ambassador, and a Senior Marshal. Through the Gillings School of Public Health, Eleanor taught cooking lessons to parents and elementary school children, researched complementary feeding and the effect of fresh food nonprofits on nutrition preference, and campaigned for the No Kid Hungry NC effort. Over the pandemic, she worked as a sailing instructor and explored nautical food habits while sailing offshore in the Caribbean. Outside of school, Eleanor explored food systems and public health issues by interning for Senator Amy Klobuchar and Standard Meat Company along with researching porotic hyperostosis.

Carolina earned a BA in economics and public policy. Over her four years at UNC, she worked as an advocate at the Community Empowerment Fund, taking leadership roles in legal referrals and Latinx outreach. Carolina was also inducted into the North Carolina Fellows Program and cofounded the Morehead-Cain Latinx Affinity Group. She continued pursuing her love for tennis as a coach at Southern Village Tennis Club. In addition, Carolina interned with the World Bank over the course of her senior year. Carolina is particularly proud of conducting research on sustainable agricultural practices through Research Triangle International to improve migrant working conditions in North Carolina. She presented her findings at the United Nation’s 67th Commission on the Status of Women in New York.

Ilyas earned a BA in philosophy, with a minor in philosophy, politics, and economics. In addition to his studies, Ilyas was the co-founder and executive director of Triangle Ventures (an entrepreneurship network and regional incubator for hundreds of North Carolina students), played in local soccer leagues, and coordinated communications and recruitment for the Community Empowerment Fund. To wrap up his time at Carolina, he organized North Carolina’s largest collegiate startup competition with $500,000 in prizes, serving to empower innovation and collaboration among aspiring entrepreneurs; unify regional and national resources; and connect students to hundreds of CEOs, serial entrepreneurs, angels, and VC partners from around the world. After graduation, Ilyas will be moving to New York City to work at Pioneer with co-founders Daniel Gross and Rishi Narang to innovate the venture model.

Zoe earned a BA with distinction in English and comparative literature with a concentration in creative writing. During her time at Carolina, Zoe served as the social media manager for the Carolina Quarterly, a campus literary magazine. Zoe was also the treasurer and co-founder of the 703 Society, a gender-inclusive social and merit society.

Tyler earned a BS in biology and a BA in economics with distinction and a minor in chemistry. During her time at Carolina, she was very involved in the Biology Department, serving as the executive coordinator of the Biology Ambassadors Program and as a member of the Biology Student-Faculty Forum. As a member of the Order of the Bell Tower, Tyler was an official student ambassador for the Chancellor and the General Alumni Association. During a stop-out year, Tyler obtained an EMT certification and began working as an EMT in a local 911 service. She also worked as a scribe in UNC’s ENT department. She served her community as an Advocate at the Community Empowerment Fund and as a peer tutor and peer mentor in various biology classes. Tyler conducts clinical research through UNC’s Neurology Department focusing on the aging brain.

Mark earned a business administration BSBA degree with distinction, with a minor in entrepreneurship. At Carolina, he was a four-year letterman on the men’s varsity tennis team, ITA Indoor National Champion in 2021, and team captain his senior year. Mark also was a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and was the social outreach chair for the men’s tennis team. Additionally, Mark was a four-year recipient of the ITA Scholar-Athlete Award as well as named the Athletic Director’s Scholar-Athlete in his senior year. To wrap up his time at Carolina, he was a teaching assistant for a class focused on instilling entrepreneurial values through experiential learning.

Charlotte earned a BS with highest distinction in computer science, with a minor in applied sciences and engineering, and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. In her first year, she started working at BeAM, the on-campus makerspace, and doing computer science research, testing autonomous vehicle racing algorithms. Charlotte pivoted away from technology, diving deep into environmentalism and agriculture, working on farms and doing research throughout the U.S. and abroad. Her time at UNC was enriched by a strong sense of community that she cultivated by joining the first coed class of the 703 Society and later becoming its president. She is most proud of facilitating Courage Over Comfort, a program that has helped Morehead-Cain Scholars break down unrealistic expectations and pressures and explore how to live whole-heartedly.

Cullen earned a BA in media and journalism with a concentration in advertising and public relations. He received a second BA in public policy. He was very involved in Hussman School of Media and Journalism as a Hussman School Ambassador, a student-led initiative to help current and future students navigate the school. In his free time, Cullen served as the head coach for the club basketball team.

Lucy-Rose earned a BS in mathematics and a BA in romance languages—Italian with highest distinction, and a minor in statistics and analytics. As an international student, Lucy-Rose fostered her passion for enriching her global mindset through various endeavors. Lucy-Rose welcomed international students to campus through the International Friends student club, helping them share their unique cultures with others. She achieved varying levels of fluency across Italian, Portuguese, and Turkish through Carolina’s language courses, and enjoyed practicing her Italian language skills when interacting with the locals on her study abroad trip to Florence. While there, Lucy enrolled in a cooking class to discover the intersection between gastronomy and Italy’s broader culture and history. This enriching experience inspired her to explore French cuisine, culture, and language in a similar manner in Paris, at Le Cordon Bleu, via the Lovelace Fund.

Noor earned her BA with highest distinction in economics and political science with a minor in Arabic. Noor completed an honors thesis on the relationship between culture, specifically individualism and collectivism, and perception of democracy across 52 countries, for which she received highest honors and the L. Richardson Preyer Award for Excellence in Political Science. At Carolina, she founded and led the Arab Student Organization, served as a Spark Counselor, worked as an Arabic Teaching Assistant for the UNC Arabic Department, staffed the Carolina Outing Club, and volunteered at the Community Empowerment Fund. During her time at Carolina, Noor learned to wheel-throw pottery, taking classes in the Chapel Hill community.

Roli earned a BA with highest distinction in both economics and political science. During her time at UNC, she engaged in a plethora of activities, including HYPE (providing enrichment to youth in underserved communities) through the Campus Y; a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion external appointment committee for Student Government under the Lamar Administration; and helping small, local businesses through Consult Your Community. She dedicated her time at Carolina to new experiences, which included studying abroad twice: once at the prestigious Oxford University and again at the top university in Asia, NUS in Singapore.

Jordan earned a BS with highest distinction in biomedical and health sciences engineering. At UNC, she was president of the Helping Hand Project and a research assistant in the Applied Biomechanics Laboratory. She received the Abrams Scholarship for BME students and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. She presented her research at the 2022 Human Research Science Symposium at UNC and the 2023 annual meeting of the American Society of Biomechanics. She has planned and hosted events for kids with upper limb differences and their families throughout her time at Carolina through her work with the Helping Hand Project.

Amy earned a BSPH in nutrition and a BA in interdisciplinary studies with highest distinction, with a minor in chemistry. She was the president of APPLES Service-Learning, the president of the Bioethics Society of UNC, and an undergraduate researcher with the Global Food Research Program. Additionally, she served as a hotline advocate with the Compass Center, a member of the executive board of the Parr Center for Ethics, and a teaching assistant in the nutrition department. She also helped conduct research with both the UNC Center for Bioethics and the Stoneygate Center for Excellence in Empathetic Healthcare, and she interned for Wellness in the Schools, a New York City–based child nutrition nonprofit, during her junior and senior years. While at UNC, Amy really loved to rock climb, ride her bike, and hang out with her friends.

Daniel earned a BA in economics and a BA in management and society. At Carolina, he took up an advisory role for PlayerToPlayer, the nonprofit organization he had previously founded. He joined multiple organizations on campus, such as the Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity to explore his interest in the legal field, as well as Mi Pueblo to connect with fellow Hispanic students at UNC. Daniel also studied abroad in London, taking classes while working in the UK Parliament’s House of Commons. Thanks to internship experiences like this one, Daniel wrapped up his senior year with a focus on pre-law studies as he prepared for his future after graduation.

Meagan earned a BA with highest distinction and highest honors in geography and a BA in biology, with a minor in Arabic. At Carolina, Meagan was an admissions ambassador and a peer mentor in the Department of Biology. She has loved connecting with other scholars through the Courage Over Comfort program, including helping to organize the 2022 Failure Forum. After spending three years as a research assistant in various departments, Meagan wrote a senior honors thesis in the Department of Geography studying housing quality and malaria outcomes in Lilongwe, Malawi. During her freshman year, she walked on to the varsity rowing team, though later pivoted back to playing field hockey. During her senior year, Meagan won a national championship with the club field hockey team whilst also coaching at a middle school.

Tylah earned a BSPH with distinction in health policy and management, with a minor in chemistry. During her time at Carolina, she was the president of the Kappa Omicron Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., volunteered with local children through the Communiversity Youth Program, and served in student government and on the MLK Jr. Week of Celebration Student Planning Committee. Tylah also worked as an undergraduate research assistant with the Healthy Food First Study through the UNC Sheps Center for Health Services Research. Additionally, she was a Buckley Public Service Scholar and was inducted into the Order of the Golden Fleece.

Jake earned a BSBA with distinction in business administration, with a minor in philosophy, politics, and economics. Outside of his studies, Jake spent three seasons working as a film editor for the Carolina football team. Additionally, he worked part-time for Learn to Win, a microlearning company partly founded by Morehead-Cain Alumni, where he contributed to both the marketing and customer success teams starting from his sophomore year. Moreover, Jake successfully competed in two sports administration case competitions, including one where his team’s ideas on fan engagement were adopted by a professional soccer team. During his time at Carolina, Jake was commonly seen at intramural sports events and also played for the school’s club flag football team for a brief period.

Maggie earned BAs with highest distinction in food studies and geological sciences, graduating as a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Outside of coursework, she cultivated a passion for teaching, leading her to volunteer in public school gardens, serve as an Undergraduate Learning Assistant in American Studies, and co-teach an undergraduate poetry course. She was an advocate at the Community Empowerment Fund and executive team member of UNC’s Community Justice, Abolition, and Antiracism Collective. In 2022, Maggie was awarded the Bland Simpson Prize in Creative Nonfiction for her piece “Hungry Hands,” which followed her misadventures meeting and eating raccoons. She stepped away from Carolina after sophomore year to work as a Food Systems Research Assistant at The Lexicon and learn about agriculture, compassion, and cows as a dairy farmhand in Vermont. After graduation, she will heed her father’s advice: stay curious.

Charlie earned a BA in history, a BS in economics, and a minor in business administration. At Carolina, he was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and co-founded the national championship-winning pickleball club. Early in his college career he consulted with nonprofit organizations and later recorded podcast interviews with technology leaders in the Triangle. Charlie also coached youth basketball with Chapel Hill Parks and Rec.

Junead earned a BSPH with distinction in computer science and biostatistics with a minor in neuroscience. During his time at Carolina, he served as the vice president of the Google Developer Students Club and social chair for the Muslim Students Association. Junead conducted research with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine as a statistical assistant on the largest scientific study of sexual health in the world as part of an international research effort. In his sophomore year, Junead developed an iOS application called GPAce to help college students across the United States track their grades. The application was well received, achieving over 15,000 impressions on the Apple App Store.

Megan earned a BS with honors in environmental science, a BA with honors in her interdisciplinary studies major—product design—and a minor in physics. At Carolina she was a founding member of The Galore Store, a member of the Club Sports Executive Board, a varsity coxswain and treasurer for the UNC Men’s Rowing team, and a fellow at the Parr Center for Ethics. Outside of the classroom, Megan took a gap year working to help build an electric vehicle micro mobility start-up. Academically, Megan completed an independent study in mechatronics engineering and digital signal processing, analyzed the impact on food systems caused by the Ukraine-Russia conflict, and conducted research on quantitative energy systems. To wrap up her time at Carolina, Megan taught a class on the science of fermentation through the Honors Carolina C-START program.

Amalia earned a BA with highest distinction in global studies and political science. She was involved with student government throughout her time at Carolina, with a focus on civic engagement and encouraging students to vote. Her work in student government led to her receiving a position in the Student Life & Leadership Center, where she created podcast episodes for the Carolina Podcast with a co-host. In her free time, she used the Discovery Fund for flight lessons to finish receiving her private pilot instruction. She has had many enriching summer experiences; one particularly impactful summer included teaching English at an international development nonprofit in Quito, Ecuador, and volunteering to teach Venezuelan refugees in the country. In her last year at Carolina, she has volunteered with the Latinx center and hopes to see the Latino community continue to flourish at the University.

McKenzie earned a BSBA with highest distinction in business administration from UNC–Kenan-Flagler Business School. While there, she worked as a marketing intern at the Family Enterprise Center; served on a diversity, equity, and inclusion research team; and was an Undergraduate Business Program peer tutor and teaching assistant. Additionally, while taking several classes in the Hussman School of Media and Journalism, she joined 919 Marketing as a public relations intern and had her writing published in national magazines, trade journals, and websites. She became a certified personal trainer to follow her passion for fitness and taught kickboxing group fitness classes. In her senior year at Carolina, McKenzie won a National Championship with UNC Club Field Hockey.

MaKenna earned a BSPH with highest distinction in nutrition, with a minor in medical anthropology. At Carolina, she was a member of the Alpha Epsilon Delta Pre-Health Honor Society and a mentor for the Gillings School of Global Public Health. She helped co-found the UNC Virtual Shadowing Series which provided pre-health students with exposure to a variety of medical professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. MaKenna also worked as a research assistant for the UNC Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders and helped to publish a paper in the American Journal of Medical Genetics. Additionally, she wrote a blog post for UNC Exchanges on the relationship between concussions and eating disorders. During her time at Carolina, she started her own business customizing hand-painted sneakers, helmets, and outdoor equipment with the commitment to donate 10 percent of all proceeds to the National Eating Disorder Association.

Tess earned a BA with highest distinction in English and comparative literature, with minors in chemistry and Spanish. While at UNC, she was very involved in Musical Empowerment, acting as a piano teacher, a member of the Teacher Relations Committee, and co-president. She also was an editor for UNC’s Health Humanities Journal, writer for Study Breaks Magazine, and intern with the League of Women Voters.  She was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa in Spring 2021. Near the end of her time, she volunteered at Charles House and did interpreting work at two local clinics, including with the Student Health Action Coalition and Conexiones. She enjoyed taking voice and guitar lessons in her senior year.

Jalen earned a BS in business administration and a BA in communication studies with highest honors. At Carolina, he was a proud member of the Kenan-Flagler Undergraduate Business Program’s Community, Equity, & Inclusion Board and participated in the Carolina Film Association. Academically, Jalen wrote and performed a one-man show on discovering one’s identity as part of his senior honors thesis in communication studies. He received two Chancellor’s Awards—the Hampton Shuping Prize, which is presented to the senior majoring in business who is outstanding in academic achievement, integrity, honor, and leadership potential; and the Wallace Ray Peppers Award in Performance of African and African-American Literature. To end his time at Carolina, Jalen did what he enjoyed most, playing pickup basketball and spending time with friends on campus.

Mable earned a BS with highest distinction in biology and a BA with highest distinction in economics, with a minor in medical anthropology. At UNC, she was involved with Mixed Asian Students’ Heritage Club, Women in Economics, and club swimming, and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. She also worked in the Global Food Research Program at the Carolina Population Center, conducting research on nutrition policies and advertising regulations in South Africa. In her free time, she enjoyed volunteering at UNC Hospitals as a guest services coordinator and at Charles House Eldercare Home as a staff volunteer. Some of Mable’s favorite memories at Carolina were performing in the Pauper Players’ production of Rocky Horror Picture Show and attending every UNC Women’s Soccer game.

Clay earned a BA with highest distinction in media and journalism and political science. At Carolina, Clay held leadership roles in student publications, such as Coulture Magazine, where he was the editor-in-chief for two years, and the Daily Tar Heel, where was the diversity, equity and inclusion chair for two years. Clay also worked with the Black Student Movement as an inaugural co-chair of the LGBT+ visibility committee and with the Campus Y’s criminal justice action committee as communications chair. In his junior year, Clay was inducted into the Order of the Golden Fleece and Kappa Alpha Tau and awarded the Ernest H. Abernathy Chancellor’s Award for work in student publications. Additionally, Clay was honored by the Hussman School with the Jeff MacNelly Award for excellence in writing and received a AAF Award for his fashion editorial work in Coulture Magazine.

Ray earned a BS in business administration, a BA in public policy, and a Spanish for the professions minor, graduating with highest distinction. While at Carolina, he served as the student member of the UNC Board of Governors for two years, served as president of the Daily Tar Heel Media Corporation, and helped establish the UNC Asian American Center. Academically, Ray qualitatively investigated the link between sponsorship and team performance in Formula One by attending three Grands Prix and studied deep south urban/rural dynamics in a small Louisiana town. In addition to graduating as an Honors Carolina laureate, he was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and the Order of the Golden Fleece—UNC’s oldest and highest honorary society. In his free time, Ray loved walking across campus to take in the scenic timelessness of the southern part of heaven.

Simon earned a BA with highest distinction in U.S. history and Hispanic literature and cultures and a minor in creative writing. At Carolina, he was the chair of the UNC Board of Elections and the internal chair of the Mixed Asian-Pacific Islander Student Heritage Club (MASH). Simon also served as chair of Chapel Hill’s Community Policing Advisory Committee and worked on local political campaigns. Simon was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and received the Frank Porter Graham Award—the Chancellor’s Award presented to the graduating senior who has made the most outstanding contribution to a realization of the human ideals of equality, dignity and community. For his senior honors thesis in creative writing, which won highest honors, he wrote a short story collection exploring memory, grief, and identity in the American West.

Ethan earned a BSPH with highest distinction in health policy and management with honors, with minors in public policy and chemistry. At Carolina, he was very involved with student government as a mental health committee member, student advisor to the chancellor, undergraduate director of student wellness and safety, and UNC system Association of Student Government VP for health and wellness. Ethan also worked as a research assistant at both the UNC Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention and the UNC Center for Health Equity Research. He volunteered at the Community Empowerment Fund and wrote a senior honors thesis on the use of data to advance health equity in primary care. He was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and received the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award—the Chancellor’s Award presented annually to two seniors who have best demonstrated unselfish interest in human welfare.

Anna earned a BS with highest distinction in business administration, and a BA with highest distinction in media and journalism. Through her media concentration in sports communications, Anna designed programming for the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee and the Washington Nationals. She also completed Honors projects studying the impacts of eating disorders on female athletes and the anthropological connection between American football and Southern culture. Anna was very involved with Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity, serving as the director of academic achievement. She wrote for several magazines while at Carolina, including Heart of NC Weddings, Chapel Hill Magazine, and InHerSight, a publication that empowers women in business. In 2022, Anna was an experiential events intern at Lenovo, where she will work post-graduation. Outside of academics, Anna loved teaching tap and ballet at a local dance academy.

Harrison earned a BA in economics. At Carolina, Harrison developed an interest in entrepreneurship, working to build his own venture serving the gaming industry; volunteered his time as a soccer coach for local girls; and spent time working on the Campaigns team at 1893 Brand Studio. While studying economics abroad at University College Dublin, Harrison also volunteered his time as a consultant for the Irish Student Consulting Group supporting an international nonprofit. Harrison also held multiple positions at Alpha Sigma of Chi Psi including philanthropy chair, organizing events to support organizations such as Make-a-Wish of Eastern North Carolina and TABLE.

Zianne (Haliwa-Saponi) earned a BA with highest distinction in human development and family studies, with a minor in American Indian and indigenous studies. She was involved with Carolina Indian Circle and Alpha Pi Omega Sorority where she held several leadership positions. She is also a hip-hop instructor at Louisburg School of Dance. Zianne was selected as a member of the Dean’s Working Group on Global Indigeneity for the College of Arts and Sciences. She was on the Dean’s List each semester and each year received the Hayden B. Renwick Academic Achievement Award. In her senior year, Zianne was awarded the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) Award—the Chancellor’s Award presented to a member of an MGC organization dedicated to community service and leadership. In the fall semester of 2022, Zianne was given the honor of attending the White House Tribal Nations Summit.

Olivia earned a BA with highest distinction in Hispanic linguistics and highest distinction and highest honors in global studies, and a minor in business administration. After interning for the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee during a gap year, she wrote a senior honors thesis on Rio 2016’s Olympic legacy. Olivia spent three years working for Learn to Win, where she gained valuable experience in a tech start-up and customer relations. She was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and received a Chancellor’s Award—the Sterling A. Stoudemire Prize for Excellence in Spanish. Olivia served as the triathlon club’s president for two years and as a member of the Sport Clubs Executive Board. To wrap up her time at Carolina, she competed for five sport clubs in one semester and won a second Chancellor’s Award—the Marty Pomerantz Sport Clubs Council Achievement.

Selina earned a BSBA with highest distinction in business administration, a BA with highest distinction in computer science, and a minor in history. Selina was involved with the UNC Asian American Center Campaign as co-chair of development and then as campaign director. She oversaw the campaign’s fastest growth period, which raised $700,000, and the physical opening of the UNC Asian American Center in the fall of 2021. The campaign team also won the UNC Intergroup Collaboration Award—presented to a group for addressing a critical equity issue at UNC. Academically, she was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, studied in London, served as a portfolio manager for the Reynolds Fund, and was awarded the Kenan-Flagler Academic Award in Finance.

Avni double majored in economics and communication studies and graduated with a BA. Avni spent three years performing and traveling with UNC Chalkaa—a nationally ranked collegiate competitive Bollywood dance team. As a fierce advocate for safety, Avni interned at a nonprofit battling sexual assault on college campuses and worked in student government as a sophomore. Avni began seriously pursuing filmmaking in her junior year. She produced and directed a sitcom student television show called General College and interned for an independent documentary production company in Los Angeles. Her capstone experience at Carolina was leading and producing a short film with a 30+ person team titled Sticky Feet—a comedy, coming-of-age movie that used Instagram and in-person events to allow their future audience (other UNC students) to make production decisions and influence the story.

Grayson earned a BA with highest distinction in public policy, with minors in business administration and biology. At Carolina, she was a Buckley Public Service Scholar, member of the Undergraduate Honor Court, engagement manager at the UNC branch of Consult Your Community, and speakers team lead at TEDxUNC. She also pursued her passion for youth mentorship as a fourth-grade tutor at HYPE (Helping Youth by Providing Enrichment). Grayson was an Honors Carolina laureate as well as a two-time published author in the UNC Health Humanities Journal for narratives detailing her open-heart surgery recovery. Grayson was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa in spring 2023. A Tar Heel born, bred, and dead, Grayson’s favorite Carolina memory was flying back to Chapel Hill during her study abroad semester in Paris to watch UNC beat Duke in the 2022 Final Four.

Ananya earned a BSPH with highest honors and highest distinction in health policy and management, and a BA in biology, with a minor in chemistry. She served as chair of Campus Health Advisory Board, Student Safety and Wellness Co-Chair of the Undergraduate Executive Branch, and on the Student Advisory Committee to the Chancellor. In these roles, she led student advocacy regarding the expansion of equitable healthcare services on campus. In the community, Ananya pursued her passion to advocate for families at the Community Empowerment Fund, and as a birth doula. She synthesized her clinical and policy interests as a policy intern at North Carolina Integrated Care for Kids (NC InCK), under the mentorship of Morehead-Cain Alumna Dr. Charlene Wong. Her honors thesis examined screening and follow-up for clinical depression in pediatric primary care settings, and policies related to school-based behavioral health services as an avenue to address the pediatric mental health crisis. Ananya earned a Student Undergraduate Teaching and Service Award for her work as a peer mentor in biology. She was also awarded the James P. Dixon Award for Excellence in Education and the Arnold Kaluzny Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Research by the Department of Health Policy and Management. At Carolina, Ananya pursued her artistic passions as a dancer on UNC Chalkaa.

Aryan earned a BS with distinction in biomedical and health sciences engineering, with minor in chemistry. At Carolina, he served as the vice president for budget/finance for the Association of Student Governments, vice president for the Biomedical Engineering Society, and on the executive team of the Asian American Center. He conducted undergraduate research in the Department of Microbiology and was a medical scribe in the UNC Emergency Department. As an avid advocate for mental health, he helped plan mental health advocacy days, and as a certified mental health first aid instructor facilitated classes to help faculty and students become certified. Aryan impacted the larger community by volunteering in the Burn Center, tutoring with the Refugee Support Center, and helping coach Special Olympics teams. Over the last year, he has been designing a variable stiffness ankle brace to help prevent reinjury in athletes.

Tatum earned a BSBA in business and a BA in public policy with highest distinction. At Carolina, she was a four-year member and senior-year captain of the Carolina Girls Varsity Dance Team. In addition, she founded and led the UNC Club Pickleball team and performed as a character for medically vulnerable children across the state with “A Moment of Magic” club. As director of philanthropy for Delta Delta Delta, she led her organization to the top fundraising position in the nation in support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Jacob will graduate with a BA in political science and a BA in media and journalism with a minor in data science this fall. On campus, Jacob was a member of UNC’s Institute of Politics, a counselor for Carolina Kickoff, and an intern with the Southern Oral History Project. After taking a gap semester to intern for the Obama Foundation, he spent his time off campus exploring various avenues for social impact from canvassing for local candidates to making a documentary on the power grid in Puerto Rico to conducting research on Facebook in Sub-Saharan Africa. During his time at Carolina, he also became a freelance web developer and traveled to over 15 countries across five continents.

Kartik earned a BSPH with highest honors and distinction in health policy and management, with a chemistry minor. He has been especially involved with student government, currently serving as the UNC Senior Class President and as a member of the General Alumni Association Board of Directors. Formerly, he served as the Undergraduate Student Body Vice President. He is significantly involved with the career and technical student organization HOSA–Future Health Professionals, serving as international president. He is an ambassador for Honors Carolina and the BSPH health policy and management program. He was inducted into the Order of the Golden Fleece, is a North Carolina Fellow, and is a Buckley Public Service Scholar. Academically, Kartik wrote a senior honors thesis continuing his work at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in the department of health policy and management.

Hayden earned a BA with highest distinction in biology, with minors in chemistry and Spanish for the health professions, and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. At Carolina, he was a four-year member of the UNC athletic bands program where he performed with and directed numerous ensembles at athletic events. Hayden also served as a learning assistant in the Chemistry Department for all organic chemistry students. Outside of class, Hayden was a volunteer Spanish interpreter at the SHAC Clinic, a free community healthcare center run by UNC School of Medicine. He also was an active member and president of the UNC Men’s Water Polo team. As president, he was responsible for organizing the annual Easter Tournament, one of the largest collegiate water polo tournaments on the east coast.

Christiana earned a BA with highest distinction in history, with minors in English and music. She was a member of UNC Women’s Club Soccer (White Team) as president and captain her senior year, a columnist for the Daily Tar Heel, and a member of several jazz groups on campus. Academically, she worked on a year-long senior honors thesis project about the jazz scene in 20th–century Prague. She also won a History Department prize for her research on Billy Graham, and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa.

Greear earned a BA with highest distinction in political science and African, African American, and Diaspora (AAAD) studies, while minoring in social and economic justice. At Carolina, Greear was active in both student government and the Black Student Movement (BSM), serving as senior advisor to UNC’s 100th Student Body President and as sophomore year co-chair of BSM’s Political Action Committee. Greear also served as an undergraduate research assistant in the Political Science Department, was inducted to Phi Beta Kappa, and received the Ernest L. Mackie Award—the Chancellor’s Award presented annually to the man of the junior class judged most outstanding in character, scholarship, and leadership. For his service both on campus and in the surrounding community, Greear was recognized as an Emerging Black Leader by the vice president of the United States, Kamala Harris, in February 2023.

Fleet earned a BA in both journalism and political science, along with a minor in politics, philosophy, and economics (PPE). In his time at Carolina, he served as the editor in chief of the Carolina Political Review and executive director of the Eve Carson Scholarship. Before the pandemic, you could find Fleet covering sports as a reporter for the Daily Tar Heel and coaching hoops as a volunteer basketball coach at the YMCA. In 2020, he took a gap year to write full time for The Daily Pnut, an email newsletter delivering news with a healthy dose of humor. Upon his return to campus, he became a member of the student leadership team at UNC’s Institute of Politics, took a study abroad semester in London and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa.

Webster earned a BS with highest distinction and honors in economics and a BSBA with distinction in business administration, with a minor in environmental science and studies. At Carolina, he played at fullback for the men’s club rugby team while also serving as operations chair. Webster worked as an undergraduate learning assistant in UNC’s economics department, as a teaching assistant at Kenan-Flagler Business School, was involved with TAMID consulting, and operated as a sports official for campus recreation. Academically, Webster performed research on Moroccan public education services in Marrakech and Casablanca, and travelled to African Leadership Academy in Johannesburg, South Africa, to research brain drain stemming from international schools. He also wrote a senior honors thesis in economics focused on the East-West wage gap in Germany.