Fun fact: I was once attacked by a buffalo in Kenya!

I was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. I spent half of my life there and the other in Ghana. My intended concentration is Computer Science because it’s really fun and rewarding to create usable and complex products (like video games) from scratch. I also plan to explore entrepreneurship a bit because creation and self-actualization are pillars in my philosophy of life! I’m excited about PSP because I think it’ll be a blast to meet new people and be exposed to great research opportunities and experiences. A few random things I like are chess, cartoons and exploring.

Fun fact: I have been collecting classic rock records since 3rd grade!

Hi y'all, my name is Cuauhtemoc Arizpe ('23). I was born and raised in the beautiful city of San Antonio, Texas. At Brown I hope to study Public Policy and Math. I am really interested in the mechanics of policy making and the impact of legislation on common people. In my free time, I love to draw, watch comedies, and listen to classic rock. I am constantly grateful for the Presidential Scholars Program for affording me with opportunities and a welcoming community.

Fun fact: Michelle Obama went to my high school!

Hello! I am a First-Generation Questbridge and HSF Scholar currently enrolled at Brown University. I will be an economics concentrator and look forward to exploring the education department further. I grew up on the southwest side of Chicago with immigrant parents and like most youth with similar backgrounds, the ability to problem solve from a young age is a necessity. PSP has allowed me to investigate the issues affecting my community alongside passionate professors.

I assisted Professor Margaret Weir of Political Science by creating thorough timeline breakdowns of current events in Chicago relating to spatial inequality in metropolitan areas for Professor Weir’s upcoming publication. I investigated hospital and mall closures, community displacement, and affordable housing policy effects. I learned that the spatial orientation of Chicago is very intentional, and has very intentional effects - for good and bad.

Fun fact: I spend more money than I should on tattoos.   

My name is Kenneth Blakey, and I grew up in Florida.  I'm concentrating in mathematics and am specifically interested in Riemannian geometry (the study of smooth manifolds endowed with a Riemannian metric). I initially became interested in Riemannian geometry, and more generally smooth manifold theory, because the word tensor was cool and had a super cool symbol. But after working with it for a while, I love its deep theorems and generalized results. When I'm not studying math I'm either: reading books, playing games on my PC, or working on a car I have (for those interested, a manual 2017 Veloster Turbo R-spec).

Fun fact: I enjoy watching anime because I believe it portrays human emotions the best.

My name is Solomon Boukman, I was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, but I mostly grew up in Haddon Township, New Jersey. I intend to concentrate in physics because it can significantly change our world for the better. I am excited to be a part of PSP because I now have the opportunity to reach different people and see how they view the world. My favorite aspect of PSP is the research. It’s a great honor to work with brilliant professors at Brown. Some hobbies of mine include playing sports, video games, and exploring new places. 

Fun fact: I love runny eggs.

I was born and raised in the Bronx and am a current sophomore. I'm concentrating in Psychology & Africana Studies. Both fields nicely overlap with my interest in all clinical and holistic forms of healing for Black women. I'm excited to be part of PSP because it's interesting hearing and learning about what my peers are studying, and the lounge is amazing. Recently, I've been growing vegetables indoors, and it has been very restorative.

Fun fact: I once had the same dream as my cousin on the same night.

Hello! My name is Kaitlan Bui, and I was born and raised in Southern California. I plan to major in English-- words have been my home ever since I was very young. In elementary school, I'd sometimes stay inside during recess to write stories. I also remember writing my first poem on a large piece of cardboard. While I do have a collection of poems that I'm still expanding, I hope to publish a novel someday. Besides school and books, I enjoy photography, hiking, and art. I'm extremely excited to start my journey at Brown with the Presidential Scholars Program. I can't wait to meet new friends and learn from my mentors and peers. I've always enjoyed learning, and I'm eager to approach it deeply and differently through research. 

Fun fact: I really love collaborative storytelling games. Yes, like D&D.

Liam graduated in 2019 with a dual A.B. in Physics and Literary Arts. He received Honors in Creative Writing for his thesis project, Tinnitus and Other Apologies, a study of memory and loss through poetry and speculative fiction. Liam's motivation to balance art and science informed all of his work at Brown, where he wrote poetry for the Organism for Poetic Research, edited pieces for the Catalyst Journal, and took on research projects in ocean modelling and special relativity. In Autumn 2021, he began his master's in sustainability science at the Stockholm Resilience Centre, where he researches the potential for imagined futures to create opportunities for change.

Fun fact: I once met James Watson, one of the co-discoverers of the structure of DNA.

Hi! My name is Victoria Caruso ('21). I was born and raised in Long Island, NY. I am currently undecided on my concentration, but I have an interest in Psychology and Public Policy. Regardless of my decided concentration, I hope to go into a field that will allow me to help others and do social change work. Currently, I'm assisting a professor in the Policy Department with research regarding inequalities in metropolitan areas. I'm also a part of Brown's Figure Skating Club, Alpha Chi Omega, and I also love to sing. I'm really excited to be in PSP because of all of the opportunities and resources it has given me to pursue research and my interests at Brown.

Fun fact: I had two geese as pets.

Hi! My name is Georgeara Castañeda. I’m a first-generation and low-income student born and raised in Laredo, Texas. I’m undecided but considering Religious Studies as a concentration. An amazing FYS (Christmas in America) left me extremely interested in the Religious Studies fields, enough that I’m taking another religious studies course this semester. The intersection between STEM and SSH is one of the many reasons I enjoy PSP. Apart from academics, I am part of Mariachi de Brown as one of their officers. Next year, I will be an MPC in W. Andrews. I’m immensely blessed to be part of PSP and cannot wait to meet the second cohort.

Hey, my name is William ('21, probably). I was born and raised in Rhode Island, grew up right outside of Providence (so if you need help getting around feel free to ask!). I'm taking a lot of Education classes right now, and I think I want to concentrate in education to teach either high school English or elementary school. Outside of school, I love playing video games (big fan of Overwatch and Super Smash Bros. right now) and watching football (Patriots fan by birth but truth be told I just love the sport regardless of the teams). PSP has been pretty great this past year, and I'm looking forward to having new folks be a part of the group. 

Fun fact: My spirit animal is an otter- extraverted, fun to talk to, and enthusiastic!

I am from Orange County, California. I am planning on concentrating in Electrical Engineering. I originally came to Brown with an intention of studying Chemical Engineering, and my indecisive nature has caused me to consider many others! I grew up loving the outdoors and am passionate about finding a career that will better the environment. I love PSP because it gives me an opportunity to meet peers in an academic, yet also friendly environment.

Fun fact: I am a dork who loves the moon, anime, Marvel, and owls.

Hi! My name is Angelica Chukwudebe, and I was born and raised in the Bay Area of California. I am currently studying Biology, and I also plan on pursuing a Master's degree as well as a Ph.D. in biotechnology. I have always been interested in anything having to do with science-fiction, so I decided I would try to bring some of the extraordinary things I saw in my favorite movies and books into this world. I am so excited to be a part of PSP because I truly believe they want me to succeed. Not to mention, everyone in the group is truly amazing, and I just know you guys are gonna love it here!

Fun fact:  I think cats are so beautiful and cute.

I'm from upstate NY, and I like to run and make jewelry. I'm part of Effective Altruism and Swing Dance clubs. I'm interested in ecology and evolutionary biology because I love animals and want to help improve their lives! I love being outside.

Fun fact: I was in my high school's award-winning Chamber Choir as well as my school's almost 200 member Concert Choir, and I was able to perform with them in places like Carnegie Hall in New York City and Walt Disney World.

Hello, my name is Jacob DiSpirito, and I am from North Smithfield, RI, where I have lived all of my life. At Brown, I am planning on concentrating in Computer Science, but I did not begin with this concentration. Through the Open Curriculum, I was able to discover what CS really entailed, and this led me to discover an interest in the subject, which I had never been able to study before. Outside of classes, I like to watch sports, movies, binge new tv shows and spend time with friends, among many other things. The best part of  PSP has been being able to collaborate with others for our classes and work through difficult problems as well as being able to become friends with a great group of people.

Fun fact: I earned a first-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do when I was 11.

Hi! My name is Aidan Forster, and I’m from Greenville, South Carolina. I plan to concentrate in Literary Arts and Gender & Sexuality Studies. I’m interested in Southern queerness in poetic forms and queering the vertex of somatic language and digital realities. I’m excited to engage with a vibrant academic community as a member of PSP. I’m a 2018 U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts, and my creative work appears in Best New Poets 2017, Columbia Poetry Review, Indiana Review, and Tin House, among others. My debut chapbook of poems, Exit Pastoral, is forthcoming from YesYes Books in 2018. 

Fun facts: I used to have pet ducks.

Hi! My name is Bernadette Hicks. I was born in Levittown, Pennsylvania, but have spent the past six years in Saint Mary’s, Georgia. I am currently undecided on my concentration, but I am interested in social sciences like economics, public policy, and education. I currently am working in the economics department as a research assistant thanks to the Presidential Scholars Program! I enjoy exploring new places, seeing live music or shows, binge-watching TV shows, and spending time with friends. I really enjoy the sense of community and mentorship that the PSP offers. I am excited to welcome our new cohort! 

Fun fact: I have waited 12+ hours in Times Square on New Year's Eve on two separate occasions.

I was born in Brooklyn but raised in San Diego. My intended concentration is environmental science on the inequality track because I’m passionate about nature and social justice, but I'm also greatly interested in astrophysics due to my fascination with space and love for mathematics. In addition to those fields, I enjoy learning Spanish and about different cultures. I like to play tennis, hike, travel, and go to concerts as well as be involved with education programs for underprivileged youth in my free time. I’m excited to partake in PSP and can't wait to see where it takes us.

Fun fact: I love EXO which is a KPOP music group.

Hello, my name is Muram Ibrahim, and I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas.  My parents were born in Sudan. I am majoring in International Relations because I have always been interested in the connections we make around the world and the way we as people change each other. I am excited for the opportunities offered through PSP and the people I will meet in the program. My hobbies are listening to Kpop, reading, binge-watching shows, and discovering new things. I cannot wait to attend Brown and be a part of PSP.

Fun fact: I watched Phantom of the Opera on Broadway in the front row for $7, and it was amazing!

My name is Maliha Islam. I was born and raised in Queens, New York. I am undecided in my concentration, but I am considering computer science, music, or modern culture and media as possible concentrations. I want to be able to immerse myself in a field where I can start large-scale projects and create something. Outside of my education, I play music. I mainly sing, but I have tried to pick up the ukulele, piano, and guitar; none of which I can actually play yet. I am honored to be a part of PSP.

Fun fact: I have climbed to the top of both the pyramids of the Moon and Sun in Teotihuacán, México.

My name is Tere Islas ('21). I was born and raised in Chicago, IL, but I often visit México, the homeland of my parents. My intended concentration is Education and Public Policy. I am interested in learning about education policies that directly affect low-income communities. I want to have a better understanding of the root of the obstacles underrepresented students in Chicago face. Apart from being a Presidential Scholar in the SSH cohort, I am also a part of MEChA's E-Board, and I volunteer for various organizations through the Swearer Center. In my free time, I love to go biking and admire Providence's beautiful scenery. I am also a fan of Mexican soap operas, and I am always excited to eat food from different cultures. As a PSP scholar, I have a supportive community that helps me explore my interest in research while advising me through challenges that I face as a first-generation student. I am so excited for the new cohort and the great opportunities they'll experience!

Fun fact: I can't wink, whistle, or blow bubble gum like the cool kidz.

Hello! My name is Benjamin Ma, and I was born and raised in Houston, Texas. I am half Chinese and half Vietnamese, but can only speak Viet which is also my native language. My intended concentration is applied mathematics possibly under the economics track. However, I may double concentrate in environmental science! In the summer of 2017, I was able to research at Rice University, studying the effects of speciation and migration patterns concerning external disruptions such as ecological cascading and climate change. I am very fascinated with the many ways we can help deter adverse impact. Aside from academics, I enjoy running, biking, hiking and being anywhere outdoors as much as I'm allowed. In high school, I was a huge band nerd (and still am), so I love all things stage performance, DCI, and WGI. I am into good health and plant-based cuisine and was a vegan for nearly two years. I'm so excited to meet new people and explore Providence in these next four years!

Fun fact: I can eat cereal while riding a rip stick.

Hello, my name is Alejandro Mahomar (‘23). I was born in Boston but raised in Honduras. I am pursuing electrical engineering since it is an area that I have had exposure to throughout all my life. After exploring the engineering classes at Brown I have discovered that there is nothing else I would rather be studying. My hobbies include walking around campus and googling random facts. I am glad to be a part of PSP along with an amazing group of people.

Fun fact: If you're wondering why we need more students and professionals in the field of organic chemistry, there are about 100,000 known inorganic compounds, but this number pales in comparison to the approximate number of known organic compounds: 15 million. 

Hello, my name is Jon Mallen ('22). I was born in Santa Monica and raised in Redondo Beach, CA. I plan to study chemistry with interest in biochemistry as well as physical chemistry in my time here at Brown. Of particular interest in biochemistry are phages as well as the effect of exterior physical and chemical agents in protein expression. In physical chemistry, one of the latest projects I worked on is an unusual method of coupling exergonic and endergonic processes as a means to separate impure metallic mixtures instead of using a high magnitude heating processes. Apart from my study of chemistry, my work as the Opinion Editor on our nationally acclaimed high school newspaper has given me a great interest in perfecting the presentation of news, opinions, and ideas. Beyond all that, in my free time I enjoy lifting weights, fishing, boating, paddling, playing tennis, going on road trips with my best friends, and eating great food wherever I can find it. I am thrilled to be a part of PSP and excited to meet new people who are just like me in their love and skill for STEM. Most importantly, I am excited about the various perspectives and personal experiences that we will all bring to the table. 

Fun fact: I want to travel the world someday.

Hi! My name is Alexandra Mercedes-Santos, and I was born in Puerto Rico. I grew up in Reading, Pennsylvania; which is a hidden gem.  My intended concentration in Computer Science because I like to program and I hope to enhance and develop my skill. I am excited to join the Presidential Scholars Program because of the opportunities I will have meeting everyone and learning from them. I love to cook, play video games and watch animated movies.

Fun fact: When I was 10, I went white water rafting down the Colorado River.  

My name is Samantha Ouertani, and I was born and raised in Miami, Florida. I intend on concentrating in Environmental Engineering because I love math and want to develop solutions that can address important environmental issues. In Miami, I love to kayak and bike ride. I love film photography, and when I was younger, I often danced.  I still love to do it and watch videos of professional dancers. I'm excited about the weekly meetings and guest speakers and to be a part of such a close-knit group that encourages students to be outstanding in our work.

Fun fact: I was in Italian Vogue when I was eight!

My name is Caelyn, and I am an English and Political Science concentrator passionate about reading and writing. I am very interested in pursuing journalism, and I spend much of my time working for the Brown Daily Herald. My interests in writing and research lead me to explore many different fields, and I have worked with professors on projects in history, political science, and MCM. When I am not studying, you can find me reading, doing yoga, or watching a period piece on Netflix. I love being a part of PSP because of the opportunities it gives me to meet amazing people and work on research!

Fun fact: My dad accidentally bred 23 Brazilian rainbow boas in our basement last year.

Hi! My name is Emilia Peters, and I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Currently, my intended concentration is VISA or Modern Culture and Media through which I hope to explore the intersection of visual arts, communications, psychology, and social innovation. I am especially interested in researching the utilization of art to distill and communicate complex concepts to broad audiences. My hobbies include listening to ABBA with friends, painting murals, binge-watching TV shows, and color coordinating random objects. I feel incredibly grateful for all of the friends, resources, and opportunities I have gained through PSP!

My freshman year, I worked with my VISA professor Ayana Evans to create proposals and marketing for her professional performance art. I created photoshopped mockups of her intended projects and flyers to advertise her work. This experience helped prepare me to work with artists in the future by showing me how to collaborate effectively on artistic endeavors. It also prepared me for my current job in graphic design by allowing me to practice strategies for working and communicating with clients to effectively realize their vision.

Fun fact:  My middle school class had only 10 students.

I was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Before coming to Brown, I spent some time at a Quaker school in Philadelphia and I credit my experience there for fostering my intellectual curiosity and showing me the value of fearless inquiry. I first realized that Mathematics was something I could pursue seriously at the university level during my pre-calculus course in 10th grade and since then, I've worked in research in high energy physics, combinatorics, and dynamical systems. Pedagogy is incredibly important to me and at Brown, I've TAed courses in the Mathematics and Computer Science departments.

Fun fact: I'm on my way to becoming America's next great figure skater (maybe).

Hi! My name is Tamara Rudic ('21) and I am from Frankfort, Kentucky. I am currently undecided for my concentration, but I am planning on studying geophysics, geobiology, or environmental science. I am very passionate about the environment and love learning about space. Outside of my academic interests, I enjoy cinema, soccer, painting, and travel; I have been to Canada and Europe, and someday I would love to visit all the continents. PSP has introduced me to many fantastic people who have helped shaped my college path so far, and I'm very excited to meet the new cohort!

Hi, my name is Lucas Sanchez. I was born in Southern California, and have grown up both there and in Indiana. I am currently studying Chemistry.  I am interested in it as a science and for its applications to the environment. Outside of academics, I play clarinet and melodica in Brown's Marching Band. I am excited to be a part of PSP as it has helped introduce me to many of my current friends, and gives me an opportunity to interact with more experienced people, such as grad students, post docs, and professors.

Fun fact: I can speak with a VERY convincing British accent.

I’m from Buffalo, NY, and I love to sing, act, and experiment with makeup. I am extremely passionate about health access and equity in both the global and domestic spheres, and how public policy shapes health outcomes. As a result, I have chosen to study Political Science and Health & Human Biology at Brown in order to understand the interaction between governance and health, as well as how policies drafted and enacted at a distance have real consequences on the quality of people's lives.

Fun fact: I know all of the words to Ice Ice Baby.

Hello! My name is Rachel Souza, and I was born and raised in Sandwich, Massachusetts. I am currently intending on studying Environmental Science and Computer Science at Brown. I'm very interested in the interaction between human values and the decisions that we make regarding the environment. Outside of PSP, I spend 50% of my time in the CIT, but I also write for the Critical Review and do theater. I'm grateful to have the PSP as a catalyst in my exploration of academic interests, as well as a space to find support from other students and faculty.

Fun fact: My favorite class at Brown so far has been BIOL190E: Botany and Early Medicine (FYS), in fact, I'm thinking about continuing doing work in Botany because of it!

Hey! I'm Tina Tan ('21), and I'm from sunny Los Angeles, California! Like most Freshmen, I'm not entirely sure about my program concentrate yet. Nevertheless, I'm interested in behavior, so I'm considering Psychology, Behavioral Decision Sciences, and Economics. When I'm not trying to navigate academics, you can find me unashamedly playing Tetris, watching The Office, or oversharing with my friends. I'm incredibly grateful that I've been given the opportunity to be a member of this program and I'm excited to meet the Class of '22 cohort! If anyone has any questions regarding PSP/Brown, or if you just want to chat, feel free to reach out to me!

Fun fact: I am the most unlucky person I've ever met.

Hi! My name is Veronica Tucker, and I am a lesbian artist and aspiring philosopher from Dallas, TX! I am interested in the ways in which people confront the so-called "fundamental question": Why? My musings have led me to pursue concentrations in both philosophy and religious studies, focusing on the intersection points between these two fields and various others -- physics, history, sociology, etc. When I am not studying, I really enjoy watching movies, reading, and cooking! I have also been a dancer for over a decade now, and I hope to continue dancing once I get back to campus!

I am so grateful for the continued opportunity to learn from my peers and faculty members through PSP.

Fun fact: My favorite superhero is Batman

I was born in Mexico, and I moved to the United States when I was 13 years old. Since a very young age,  I had an interest in machinery of every kind, including cars and planes. I’ve always wanted to create something of that sort, so I want to concentrate in mechanical engineering. I’m particularly excited about PSP because I like the idea of being a part of a group. I take pride in the relationships that I can build, and I believe PSP can give me just that and possibly even more.

Hello! My name is Anthony Walley ('20). I was born and raised in Worcester MA. I am currently studying Neuroscience at Brown University. I am interested in studying degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer's disease and ALS. I am a member of the STEM side of PSP and the only sophomore member. Outside of the classroom, I am a member of Brown's oldest improv group, Improvidence. I am also a recruit for Brown's Emergency Medical Service. I'm very happy to be a part of PSP and look forward to passing on advice and knowledge to future members.

Fun fact: After building a PC over the summer, I've gotten into computer parts and their peripherals.  

Hello, my name is Miru Yang ('22). I was born in Los Angeles and lived there for the first 14 years of my life. Then I went to boarding school in rural Massachusetts, where I learned to adjust to the countryside and cold winters. Although I still haven't picked a concentration, I'm interested in psychology, creative writing, computer science, and digital design. When I'm not spending too much time on my computer, I like to play ultimate frisbee or go mountain biking. I hope that PSP will help me narrow and dive deep into my various interests.

Fun fact: On numerous occasions, I've had dreams about differential equations.

Hey! My name is Shady Yassin ('22). I was born to Sudanese parents in New Jersey but grew up in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). I am ecstatic to be a part of this program! My interests lie in the intersection between Economics and Political Philosophy, specifically how the works of different philosophers are interpreted and used to govern the society we live in today, from both a moral and economic standpoint. I struggle to pinpoint why I'm interested in this area of study; I just find it fascinating! My hobbies include listening to music, ice skating, and my favorite of all is talking and meeting new people!

Fun fact:  I'm nearly undefeated in Just Dance and once knew several choreographies by heart including dances for Boogie Wonderland and Never Gonna Give You Up

I was born in Korea but have spent most of my life in the Midwest. I am currently interested in double concentrating in Biology and Visual Arts. My high school experience with STEM drove me towards the sciences; life science was especially intriguing to me due to my love of the outdoors. Thanks to my parents, the likes of Yellowstone and Isle Royale were like second homes to me growing up. I have also always enjoyed art - particularly drawing - and have been self taught until coming to Brown; I wanted to learn about art more formally which led me to want to pursue Visual Arts as a concentration. Aside from drawing, I also enjoy playing ice hockey, am a member of GAMMA, love playing card games, and playing League.