The Best and the Brightest
This year’s ACS Scholars have made a mark on the university — and their fellow students — through leadership, volunteerism, academic achievement and philanthropy.
By Kelly Rembold
The ACS Scholars Program recognizes some of Carnegie Mellon’s most talented seniors. Each year, at least 40 scholars are chosen by the university’s deans and department heads for this prestigious program for their exemplary achievement in academics, leadership and volunteerism and involvement in the campus community. Each scholar receives a monetary award to help advance their learning and career goals as well as invaluable mentorship and networking opportunities.
But the ACS Scholars program has a philanthropic component, too. Every year, the scholars participate in a special giveback event that benefits their classmates and the campus community — and imparts important lessons about the impact of philanthropy.
During the giveback event, the scholars award $5,000 to student-led projects and campus organizations. It’s an opportunity for the scholars to learn about and practice philanthropy while working together as a team to make a collective mark on the university and their fellow students.
“The giveback was a very meaningful experience in funding some great initiatives by student organizations,” says ACS Scholar Claire Jin. “Having served on the [Office of Student Affairs] joint funding committee, which allocates the student activities fee to student organizations each year for operational costs, this was a different and particularly fulfilling experience since we funded some exciting new initiatives for these organizations.”
Students must submit a funding application in order for their project or organization to be considered for the giveback program. The application includes a description of the project and who it will serve, a statement of need, measurable goals and objectives, and a budget. The scholars review each application and decide, as a group, how to allocate the funding.
This year, the scholars awarded funds to CMU Wushu, Counterpoint, CMU’s chapter of Global Medical Brigades and Readme.
After the event, they joined ACS board members for lunch to talk about the giveback experience, academics, extracurriculars and more.
“It was wonderful having lunch with the ACS Scholars and hearing about their CMU experiences,” says board member Eric Grotzinger. “First and foremost, they have an enthusiasm for learning and are taking full advantage of all that CMU has to offer.”
Board member Dan Streyle enjoyed hearing about the scholars’ future plans.
“I was extremely impressed with the clarity and passion that our scholars show for their next phase,” Dan says. “They clearly have a defined plan that will guide them.”
For Claire, that plan includes maintaining the valuable connections she’s made as an ACS Scholar.
“I really enjoyed chatting with the board and learning about their different experiences, passions and perspectives,” she says. “We had a great time talking about a variety of topics, from AI to running marathons. It was truly an insightful and fun experience that has me excited to stay in touch with the ACS community.”
Meet the 2023-2024 Scholars
Ahmad Alhallaq
College/Major: Carnegie Mellon University Qatar - Information Systems
Hometown: Jordan
Future Plans: Eventually, I want to continue learning, possibly by getting a master’s degree. I have decided that I would like to expand my knowledge in the fields of data science and AI. Before that, I want to gain some experience by working in the industry.
“My favorite CMU-Q experience was organizing and hosting international night with the student government team. It was a huge event in which students from all over campus displayed their culture, including traditional performances, clothing, food and more. It made me truly appreciate the diverse nature of our community.”
Sarah Abrams
Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences - Technical Writing and Communications
Long Island, New York
Future Plans: To be determined.
Mennatallah Barghout
Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences - Decision Science
Jersey City, New Jersey
Future Plans: Not sure.
Lameck Beni
College of Engineering - Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering
Enola, Pennsylvania
Future Plans: Pursue a mechanical engineering master’s degree at CMU through the IMB program, then either Ph.D. or work in industry.
Madeline Burke
Mellon College of Science - Neuroscience
Butler, Pennsylvania
Future Plans: My plans are to do research during a gap year and then attend medical school.
Hikari Harrison
College/Major: Intercollege Degree Programs - BESA Program - Civil Engineering and Technical Direction
Hometown: Irvine, California
Future Plans: I plan on pursuing the IMB in advanced infrastructure systems within civil engineering.
“One of my most cherished experiences at Carnegie Mellon has been my involvement in Booth for Spring Carnival. It allowed me to apply my knowledge from my engineering studies and arts major, all while being a part of a long-standing CMU tradition. Moreover, I had the privilege of representing the Japanese Student Association, a club to which I've devoted significant time and effort, shaping a significant portion of my college experience. Booth was a profound leadership and learning experience for me, and winning first place stands as one of the most significant achievements in my life."
Kelly Cha
College of Engineering - Electrical and Computer Engineering
Clifton, New Jersey
Future Plans: I plan to pursue a tech career like software engineering.
Aiwen Chen
College of Engineering - Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
Future Plans: I plan to pursue a master of science degree in public health or MPH, and then continue to pursue a doctoral degree in public health or health psychology.
Tal Dassau
College of Engineering - Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering
Acton, Massachusetts
Future Plans: My plan after graduation is to work in industry and then apply to MD-Ph.D. programs.
Anais Del Rosario
College of Engineering - Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering
Mayaguez, Puerto Rico
Future Plans: I plan on pursuing a Ph.D. post-graduation.
Amanda Li
College/Major: School of Computer Science - Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction
Hometown: Austin, Texas
Future Plans: I plan on getting a fifth-year master’s degree in computer science.
“I enjoyed taking principles of imperative computation, and I loved being a teaching assistant for the course even more. The course helped me appreciate the complexities of different computer science topics. More importantly, it showed me the strength and importance of the teaching assistant culture on campus.”
Rafael Guzman
Mellon College of Science - Chemistry
Brooklyn, New York
Future Plans: My plans post grad are to obtain a Ph.D. in chemistry and eventually become a teaching professor.
Erika Heffernen
Tepper School of Business - Business Administration
Moorestown, New Jersey
Future Plans: I plan to work for a technology company as a data analyst.
Letian Huang
Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences - Psychology, Philosophy
Shenzhen, China
Future Plans: After graduation, I plan to apply for a graduate program in social psychology.
Jo-Michelle Huczko
Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences - Ethics, History and Public Policy; International Relations and Political Science
Murrysville, Pennsylvania
Future Plans: I plan to work on labor policy affecting the Pittsburgh area and eventually apply to law school.
James O'Malley Gorbea
College/Major: College of Fine Arts - Guitar Performance and Composition
Hometown: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Future Plans: I would be interested in seeking a post-graduate degree in composition or conducting, working as a performing musician as a guitarist, and working in film scoring and other collaborative arts.
“My favorite class at CMU was 20th-21st century techniques. This music theory, analysis and history class was my first introduction to 20th century musical styles, and it opened my eyes to the possibilities of uses of music theory and history. The class put my learned analytical musical skills in action.”
Coleman Isner
Tepper School of Business - Business, Computer Science
Columbia Station, Ohio
Future Plans: I am planning to work in a software or product role at a startup. I would also like to create my own startup within a few years.
Zoe Jacobs
College of Engineering - Materials Science and Engineering, Biomedical Engineering
Sunnyvale, California
Future Plans: To pursue a Ph.D. in materials science and engineering.
Iris Jiang
Mellon College of Science - Physics, Mathematical Sciences
Shanghai, China
Future Plans: Pursue a Ph.D. in math or physics, depending on how applications go.
Chloe Kim
Tepper School of Business - Business Administration, Environmental and Sustainability Studies, International Relations
Seoul, Korea
Future Plans: I will be working at an investment bank in New York after graduation.
Sophie Kochanek
College of Engineering - Environmental Engineering, Engineering and Public Policy
La Grange, Illinois
Future Plans: Since I am graduating with both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees, I am going to join a Ph.D. program after graduation. I am applying to programs now, but I want to focus on carbon separation membranes to improve direct air carbon capture.
Nandini Kuppa-Apte
College of Fine Arts - Art
Chester Springs, Pennsylvania
Future Plans: I would really like to work at a 2D animation studio one day.
Tongzhou Liao
College of Engineering - Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics
Shenzhen, China
Future Plans: I plan to go to graduate school.
Fernando Lisboa
School of Computer Science - Computer Science
Chicago, Illinois
Future Plans: I plan on further developing the skills I learned here at CMU while solving interesting problems as a software engineer at a tech company.
Catherine Liu
College of Fine Arts - Product Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Physical Computing
Singapore
Future Plans: I'm hoping to continue exploring design in a professional setting while spending more time with my family.
Subhasish Mukherjee
Mellon College of Science - Mathematical Sciences
Berkeley Heights, New Jersey
Future Plans: I hope to go into a Ph.D. program in math and perhaps even one day enter academia, inspiring more students as my professors have inspired me.
Raaka Mukhopadhyay
Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences - Statistics and Machine Learning
Westfield, New Jersey
Marissa Pekular
Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences - International Relations and Political Science
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Future Plans: I am in the process of applying for a Fulbright grant to continue my research as a graduate student at Radboud University in the Netherlands next year. I am interested in pursuing a master of science degree in political science with a specialization in gender equality, diversity and inclusion in politics. After completing the program, I hope to pursue a career in researching and advocating for women’s health and birth justice by informing change and working toward a state of health equality.
Zoe Phares
College of Engineering - Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Future Plans: I'm in the IMB program at CMU and will stay one extra semester to graduate in December 2024 with a master’s degree in biomedical engineering. After that, industry.
Mackenzie Riley
Mellon College of Science - Chemistry
Mattapoisett, Massachusetts
Future Plans: Pursue a Ph.D. in chemical biology.
Lauren Sands
School of Computer Science - Computer Science, Math
Chicago, Illinois
Future Plans: Hopefully going to grad school so I can become a professor!
Siya Scindia
College of Engineering - Materials Science and Engineering, Biomedical Engineering
Edison, New Jersey
Future Plans: Future Plans: Working in the pharmaceutical industry and helping bring life-changing medicines to patients.
Ulan Seitkaliyev
Carnegie Mellon University Qatar - Computer Science
Kazakhstan
Future Plans: Probably industry. I have an offer to join Bloomberg next year, but maybe I will pursue a Ph.D.
Anish Singhani
College of Engineering - Electrical and Computer Engineering
San Ramon, California
Future Plans: I'm looking to go into the industry after graduating, most likely to work on high-performance FPGA-based compute accelerators.
Shray Tripathi
College of Fine Arts - Architecture
New York, New York
Future Plans: I plan to return home to New York City and work as a designer of civic, cultural and institutional buildings. I also hope to strengthen my skills in various crafts: glassblowing, woodworking and robotic fabrication!
Lee Wang
Tepper School of Business - Economics; Ethics, History and Public Policy
Dallas, Texas
Future Plans: I am currently looking into joining the office of the general counsel at the Cleveland Clinic and then attending law school shortly after.
Emmeline Wetzel
Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences - Information Systems, Human-Computer Interaction, French
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Future Plans: I am hoping to either go to grad school to pursue a master’s degree in human-computer interaction or receive a full-time role within the software engineering sphere.
Michelle Yan Zhu
School of Computer Science - Computer Science, Machine Learning and Computer Systems
Los Altos, California
Future Plans: Software engineering for a trading firm in New York City.
Aysha Zackria
College of Fine Arts - Dramaturgy
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Future Plans: I'm hoping to continue my work as a dramaturg. This might be in a strictly theatrical context or in a different artistic or literary field.
Claire Jin
School of computer Science - Artificial Intelligence
Seattle, Washington
Emily Krueger
Intercollege Degree Programs - Biology, Art
San Diego, California
