Class of 2024: Senior Accomplishments

Reena Alame graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and a Bachelor of Art in Spanish. She was a Provost Scholar, a resident assistant for Virginia Snider Commons, and a member of the pre-health professions society Alpha Epsilon Delta and the University Honors program. Reena took a gap year before applying to medical school.

Kate Bouis graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics, and minors in Psychology and Data Science. Kate was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society as a junior and was also a member of the University Honors Program, Tau Beta Pi Honor Society, and Psi Chi Honor Society. Throughout her time at SMU, she was a member of Alpha Chi Omega, served as a Stampede guide for incoming freshmen, and spent time on Loyd Commons Council. After graduation, Kate joined Goldman Sachs in their Dallas office to work as an engineering analyst in the asset and wealth management division.

Silvio Caroselli graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and minors in Chemistry and Italian. Silvio served as the president of the Italian Club and as an undergraduate research assistant for research in mathematics education. He was also a member of Alpha Epsilon Delta and Phi Beta Kappa. After graduating Silvio applied to medical school. 
 
Lily Derr graduated with degrees Mathematics and Political Science, and minors in Environmental Engineering and Public Policy and International Affairs. In addition to the Dedman College Scholars Program, Lily was a Tower Scholar, a Provost Scholar, a Millwee Scholar, a Discovery Scholar, a Pre-Law Scholar, an undergraduate research assistant, and an Engaged Learning fellow. During her time at SMU, Lily served as the student representative to the SMU Board of Trustees on the Academic Policy, Planning, and Management Committee, the President of the University Honors Program Student Advisory Council, the student representative on the University Honors Program Faculty Advisory Council, the undergraduate representative on the President’s Commission on the Status of Women at SMU, and an undergraduate fellow at the Commercial Diplomacy Initiative @SMUCox. In summer 2022, Lily received the SMU Richter International Fellowship for Study Abroad at Oxford University. Lily’s distinctions at SMU include an invitation to Phi Beta Kappa, the SMU Robert Stewart Hyer Society’s 2023 University Achievement Award, the John Robert McCaw Award in Mathematics, the Arnold Fund Dennis M. Simon Award for Academic Excellence in Political Science, the Douglas Bauer Incentive Scholarship for Political Science, the Dr. Laura J. Steinberg Distinguished First-Year Civil/Environmental Engineering Award, and a nomination to be SMU’s Outstanding Senior Woman. After graduation, Lily joined the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas in the International Research Group as a research analyst. She also plans to pursue graduate school.

Donny Duggan graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and a minor in History. He was a member of the University Honors Program, obtained an EMT-B license as a member of Mustang EMS, and studied abroad in Madrid during the fall 2023 semester. During the summers, Donny also volunteered as a counselor at Camp Discovery, a summer camp in San Antonio for patients and survivors of childhood cancer. After graduation, Donny worked as an EMT in San Antonio for two years before going to medical school to pursue a career in hematology and oncology.
 

Lillian Duma graduated with degrees in Human Rights and Political Science, along with minors in Spanish and History. In addition to being a Dedman College Scholar, Lillian was a part of the University Honors Program and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. She won the Department of Political Science’s Most Outstanding Senior Award for the class of 2024 and worked as an undergraduate research assistant to Dr. Karisa Cloward’s African Parliament studies her final semester. During her time at SMU, Lillian founded Language Partners, a multi-lingual tutoring organization with the Dallas community and she served as First-Generation College Student Senator in SMU’s Student Senate in 2023. She also sharpened her leadership abilities in the Office of Student Experience as a Caswell Leadership fellow and orientation leader. Outside of SMU, Lillian worked as a legal intern at Sawicki Law Firm from her sophomore to senior year to hone her interest in the legal field. She lobbied with the Friends Committee on National Legislation multiple times, advocating for a pathway to citizenship for the undocumented in 2022 and violence-interrupter for gun violence on Capitol Hill in 2023. Lillian also received the Boren Award in 2023 to study abroad in Tirana, Albania and currently stands as a Fulbright Alternate to Kosovo for 2024-2025. After graduation, Lillian will be a part of the University of Texas School of Law Pipeline Program, where she will embark on an LSAT boot camp with a group of first-generation undergraduates to better prepare for law school. She plans to pursue a career in either immigration or human rights law, though that is open for change as she grows.

Miles Gensler graduated as a member of the University Honors Program with degress in Biological Sciences and Health and Society along with minors in Business and Neuroscience. He was awarded the Provost Scholarship, STEM Discovery Scholarship, Baker Family Memorial Pre-Med Scholarship, and Bertha Michel Huffington Scholarship. He would like to thank all the donors who generously contributed to these scholarships that heavily aided his academic endeavors. During his time at SMU, he participated in and held leadership roles in many SMU clubs and Dallas organizations: Beta Theta Pi Fraternity (Philanthropy Chairman), SMU Senate (Organizations Committee), Dream on 3 Collegiate Dream Team (Fundraising Coordinator), Dedman College Scholars (Senior Social Chairman), Alpha Epsilon Delta Pre-Health Honor Society, Mustangs for Hope, Celestia Diagnostics (Research Assistant), and the Housson Center’s Coaching for Academic Success. He also frequently volunteered at the Agape Clinic of Dallas and the Medical City of Dallas Hospital in his spare time. After graduation, he remained in Dallas for a gap year to work as a Medical Assistant at Park Lane Allergy and Asthma Center while applying to medical school. He would like to extend special gratitude to Kim Konkel, Nyemike Okonkwo, and the Dedman College Scholars, Dr. Alejandro D’Brot, Dr. David Son, and Professor Eric Marrs for being dedicated faculty and instrumental mentors during his academic career at SMU. 

Sofia Goff graduated with degrees in Economics and Public Policy and a minor in Education. Before attending graduate school, she will teach high school mathematics for two years in Miami through Teach for America.

Claire Janssen graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Health and Society, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Human Rights. Along with Dedman College Scholars, she was a member of the University Honors Program, Alpha Epsilon Delta Honor Society, and Psi Chi Honor Society. During her time at SMU, Claire served as Pride Visibility Day President, UKirk Ministry President, University Honors Program Student Advisory Council Mentorship Chair, and was a student ambassador in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. A hallmark of undergraduate experience was her time as a research assistant in Dr. Neely Myers’ Mental Health Equity Lab, conducting research on psychosis and substance use with the Hamilton Scholarship. After graduation, Claire began pursuing a career advocating for health equity for minoritized communities and has plans to get her PhD in medical anthropology.

Emma Kogut graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Statistical Science and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. In addition to being a Dedman College Scholar, Emma was an active member of the University Honors Program, SMU Pom Team and Delta Gamma, where she served as vice president of Foundation. Emma had the opportunity to study abroad in Barcelona during her junior year. She also volunteered as a research assistant in the Get Active psychology lab led by Dr. Austin Baldwin. Throughout her time at SMU, Emma held internships with AT&T and SMU as part of the Data Science Scholars Program. She also worked as a merchandising and e-commerce intern for the fashion start-up HerStory, founded by an SMU alumnus. Upon graduation, Emma began pursuing a career that combines her love for data analytics and fashion.

Margarita KuzinMargarita Kuzin graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a Bachelor of Arts in French. She was the Dedman College Scholars media chair, an undergraduate research assistant with the Das Research Group, and vice president of the French Club. Margarita was accepted to the Master of Public Health program at Sciences Po in Paris, which she plans to pursue following a gap year.

Karen Lin graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with minors in Chemistry and Neuroscience. In addition to being a Dedman College Scholar, Karen was a member of the University Honors Program, Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, Alpha Chi Honor Society, Alpha Epsilon Delta Honor Society, and Psi Alpha Honor Society. Throughout her time at SMU, she was involved in Mustang Heroes, served as the vice president for Project Sunshine, and as the treasurer for Alpha Epsilon Delta. Karen is passionate about fostering an inclusive environment at SMU and served as treasurer of the Chinese and Korean Student Associations and was a mentor for students of color through the Connect Institute. Along with student organizations, she has been involved in the Dallas community by volunteering at Baylor University Medical Center and serving as a patient pal at Children’s Health Hospital. Karen has also been heavily involved in research and worked as an undergraduate research assistant in Dr. John Buynak’s lab designing and synthesizing ß-lactam antibiotics to treat tuberculosis. She also worked in Dr. Amy Brewster’s lab studying the effects of status epilepticus on the blood-brain barrier in C3 knockout mice and presented her findings at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research. Karen was also a clinical research intern under Dr. Benjamin Chong in the dermatology department at UT Southwestern, helping investigate the causes of cutaneous lupus. After graduation, Karen began work as a clinical orthopedic research assistant at Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital in the neurology department while applying for medical school.
 Rachel MarchandRachel Marchand graduated with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. Throughout her time in the Dedman College Scholars program, Rachel served as both social chair and president of the Dedman Scholars Student Executive Board. Outside of the Dedman College Scholars Program, Rachel served as a member of the University Honors Program, Mustang Heroes, Psi Chi, SMU Board Fellows, a student worker in the Dedman College Dean's suite, a Stampede guide, head of the English as a Second Language Program (ESL) newsletter, head of social media for ESL Program, and regularly spoke on panels to perspective students at SMU admission events. Rachel worked under Dr. Chrystyna Kouros as a member of the Family Health and Development Lab. At the Society for Research on Adolescence conference, Rachel presented as a co-author on both "Associations between Perceptions of Mental Health and Help-Seeking Intentions among Emerging Adults" and "Interparental Conflict and Emerging Adults' Internalizing Symptoms: A Test of the Emotional Security Theory." Additionally, Rachel served on the board of the Texas Ramp Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that builds accessible wheelchair ramps across the state for low-income older adults and others with mobility issues. She was also responsible for conducting annual studies on the client experience by highlighting the satisfaction and longevity of ramps previously built. After graduation, Rachel pursued graduate programs for clinical psychology.

Jack McManus graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, and a minor in Cognitive Science. During his time at SMU, Jack assisted with research as a Deason Scholar at the Deason Center for Criminal Justice Reform and presented findings as part of the Summer Research Intensive program. Jack also worked as a research assistant at the Memory and Affective Processes across the Lifespan (MAPL) Lab, helping to conduct research in cognition and aging for SMU's Department of Psychology. He was a member of Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity, Sigma Nu Fraternity, and competed as a member of the men's rowing team for three years. Jack also participated in the Bridwell Institute for Economic Freedom's reading group program. After graduation, Jack began work as a paralegal as he continued to prepare to apply to law school. 

Evan Miles graduated with honors degrees in both Statistical Science and Finance with an emphasis in alternative asset management. Along with serving as the Junior Social Chair for the Dedman College Scholars, Evan was a Discovery Scholar, a member of the University Honors Program, a resident assistant in Mary Hay Peyton Shuttles Commons, a teaching assistant for financial and managerial accounting courses, an engagement manager for Consult Your Community and completed three internships. Internship experiences while at SMU included building and marketing an online, self-paced learning platform for the Financial Literacy Foundation 501(c)3, researching statistical relationships within the pricing of financial derivatives like commodities and interest rates for Hilltop Securities and analyzing and executing private equity deals, including the acquisition of the largest natural gas producer in Wyoming, for A.G. Hill Partners. After graduation, Evan joined Atalaya Capital Management, a middle-market direct lending hedge fund, as a Corporate Opportunities Analyst in the Dallas office.

Kathleen Nguyen graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a minor in Psychology. During her time at SMU, she was a member of the Vietnamese Student Association through the Asian Council, Alpha Epsilon Delta, and Mustang Heroes. After graduating, she took a gap year before attending medical school.  

Emily Pinson graduated with degrees in Political Science and Psychology and a minor in History. In addition to being a Dedman Scholar, she was a member of the University Honors Program, Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society, and the Pre-Law Scholars Program. After graduating, Emily attended graduate school at SMU to pursue a master’s degree in organizational psychology.

Zoe Roberts graduated with degrees in Public Policy, Economics, and Human Rights, with minors in Political Science, Dance Performance, and History. She has enjoyed her on-campus involvement in residence life, We Are All Homeless, Phi Alpha Delta and Young Life. In addition to being a Dedman Scholar, her accolades include membership in the University Honors Program, the Robert Stewart Hyer Society, Phi Beta Kappa, and Tau Sigma. She has also loved working on campus as a research assistant in the Deason Criminal Justice Center, a student ambassador, a Mayer Fellow, and an intramural referee. After graduation, Zoe took a gap year before applying to law school.

Erik "EJ" Rorem graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Bachelor of Science in Statistical Science along with a minor in Public Policy and International Affairs and honors in the liberal arts. EJ was a Nexpoint Tower Scholar, Hyer Society University Achievement Award Recipient, Hatton Sumners Foundation At-Large Scholar, and member of the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. During his time at SMU, EJ served as the President of the Upper Division Housing Council, a copy editor at the Hilltopics student honors magazine, and a research assistant at the Center for Presidential History. He is also a three-time recipient of the U.S. Department of State's Critical Language Scholarship for the study of Persian. After graduation, EJ participated in the American Enterprise Institute's 2024 Summer Honors Program in Washington, D.C. before traveling to Dushanbe, Tajikistan to continue his studies in the Persian language.

Anna Su graduated with degrees in Chemistry and Economics. After graduating, Anna joined Teach for America’s Houston corps to teach high school science.

Seth Villa graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English with a Creative Writing Specialization and a minor in Medieval Studies. Seth also earned a distinction in English by completing a 30-page excerpt from a novel. He received the Lon Tinkle Award for Excellence in Creative Writing and the Beecher Literary Scholarship. As a senior year, Seth was awarded first place in the David R. Russell Memorial Poetry competition and third place for the Frances Mossiker Prize. Seth was also a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Hyer Society inductee and the University Honors program. After graduating, Seth took a semester off before enrolling in a Master of Fine Arts program to help complete his novel.
 Cole WagnerCole Wagner graduated with a degree in Statistical Science and a minor in History. During his time at SMU, Cole served on the executive board of Beta Upsilon Chi, helped to plan SMU’s Homecoming Week as the Homecoming Activities Coordinator, and worked as a Student Ambassador. After graduating, Cole stayed at SMU to pursue a Master of Science in Data Science and Applied Statistics.