Jeffrey Arigo ’26
Major: Biology
Minor: Chemistry
Hometown: Mendon, N.Y.
Inspired by physicians throughout his life, Jeff found an early passion for biology and how medicine integrates science to improve lives. As a medical technician, he developed a strong interest in pediatrics and was introduced to the field of healthcare improvement. Jeff further explored this area at the University of Rochester, where he contributed to a study focused on quality improvement initiatives in pediatric G-tube care and surgical education. Jeff volunteers at St. Andrew's Food Cupboard in Rochester, N.Y., supporting individuals facing food insecurity. On campus, he has worked as a community leader, volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, and tutored high school students. He currently leads group problem sets for the Department of Biology. Under the mentorship of Professor Hagos, Jeff studies the role of the transcription factor KLF4 in ferroptosis, an iron-mediated form of cell death, and its implications in cancer biology. This summer, he will conduct pediatric oncology research at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. Recognizing the intersection of healthcare improvement and biomedical research, Jeff aspires to become a physician-scientist dedicated to compassionate patient care and the pursuit of innovative therapies that enhance patient outcomes.
Fausto Flores Alvarez ’27
Major(s): Educational Studies, Africana and Latin American Studies
Hometown: Falls Church, Va.
As a first-generation college student, Fausto has seen the legal challenges his family and community have faced. His passion for law stems from how underserved communities are impacted by the law and their difficulty accessing legal representation. This interest was deepened last summer when Fausto worked with Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center, an immigration nonprofit in El Paso, Texas, committed to serving the local community. On campus, Fausto is an OUS Scholar, Benton Scholar, consultant at the Writing and Speaking Center, and part of the Pedagogical Partnership Program with the Center for Learning, Teaching, and Research. He is also a member of the Latin American Student Organization and Queer & Trans People of Color organizations. In his legal career, Fausto hopes to advocate for immigrant rights and broader systemic issues.
Kyle Born ’26
Major: Neuroscience
Minor: Chemistry
Hometown: Wilmette, Ill.
Growing up with neurological disease in his family, Kyle became keenly aware of the associated symptoms and realities of the afflicted people around him. As the basis for his interest in medicine, Kyle decided to major in neuroscience. He began working in Professor Wan-Chun Liu’s lab in his first year at Colgate and continues to research the effects of light pollution on finch brain development. Outside of the lab, Kyle performs guitar for children with cancer with the KEYS program, volunteers at a local nursing home, and enjoys tutoring at Madison Central School. In addition, he helps run Colgate’s Neuroscience Club and has a radio program. In recent summers, Kyle has worked at Feinberg Medical School’s neurology department, conducting a variety of surgeries and lab techniques with mouse disease models, and he also works in EMS after getting his EMT with NOLS. Kyle hopes to practice in neurology, psychiatry, or general surgery, focusing on equal access for rural populations.
Grace Carlisle ’27
Major: Molecular Biology
Minor: Sociology
Hometown: Winchester, Mass.
Grace’s interest in medicine grew from early exposure to healthcare environments, a longstanding fascination with biology, and a deep commitment to service. In high school, she volunteered at Massachusetts General Hospital, where patient interactions highlighted the trust, empathy, and connection central to medical care. At Colgate, serving as an EMT at Madison County EMS (MCEMS) exposed her to barriers within rural healthcare systems and sparked her interest in addiction medicine and community-based interventions. This semester, Grace is studying abroad in Copenhagen, where she is exploring international models of equitable healthcare delivery and deepening her understanding of mental health science through a global public health lens. This summer, she will serve as a Jim P. Manzi ‘73 Fellow at Boston Medical Center, engaging in clinical advocacy and health justice initiatives at a safety-net hospital. On campus, Grace is a Haven ambassador, a leader of Colgate High School Tutors, an SO coordinator with MCEMS, and a lifeguard. She plans to center her medical work to advance equitable healthcare access for underserved communities.
Chayce Canty ’27
Major(s): Political Science, Peace and Conflict Studies
Hometown: Atlanta, Ga.
Chayce's passion for law has been deeply shaped by living in Atlanta and traveling abroad, where she has engaged with diverse legal systems, cultures, and perspectives on justice. Witnessing how different countries navigate migration, governance, and security has strengthened her commitment to the intersection of law and national security on a global scale. Chayce is the founder of Pair + Care through Colgate’s Thought Into Action incubator. She is also a Benton Scholar and an OUS Scholar, as well as a member of the Black Student Union, Pre-Law Society, Conduct Board, and Kappa Kappa Gamma. Last spring, Chayce participated in the Colgate Washington, D.C. Study Group, interning at Cornerstone Government Affairs with the OpsWatch team, a position she extended into the summer. There, she monitored political client grant and fundraising opportunities while taking courses on U.S. civil-military relations. In the fall semester, she expanded her global perspective by studying in Cape Town, South Africa, focusing on the study of human rights and migration.
Grace Ciaravino ’26
Major: Neuroscience
Minor: Global, Public, and Environmental Health
Hometown: Endwell, N.Y.
Driven by a passion for science and patient care, Grace believes medicine is about establishing meaningful connections with patients. This journey began in high school through the New Visions Health Academy, where she gained nearly 200 hours of shadowing experience across 25+ medical specialties. At Colgate, she spent her junior year working as a research assistant in the Department of Psychological and Brain Science, where she studied co-song gesturing in zebra finches to uncover mechanisms of song-learning. Grace also spent two summers working as a surgical orderly at Guthrie Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton, N.Y., where she assisted with patient positioning, operating room setup, and patient engagement to ensure optimal care. Grace serves as a captain of Colgate’s Division I Women’s Rowing team, fostering teamwork and perseverance, and as director of administration for Delta Delta Delta. Last summer, as part of the Jim Manzi ‘76 Fellowship, Grace interned with the immigrant health committee at Boston Health Care for the Homeless. In this role, she worked directly with a Family Physician and Family Nurse Practitioner to develop and carry out initiatives to improve the quality of care that immigrant patients receive. Grace aspires to integrate scientific inquiry with compassionate, patient-centered care to make a lasting impact in healthcare, potentially in orthopedics.
Summer Davies ’28
Major(s): Molecular Biology, Spanish
Hometown: Tampa, Fla.
Summer discovered that creativity, problem-solving, and scientific thinking could be combined through law while earning her Girl Scout Gold Award. Her project focused on sustainable waste management across four states and 101 radio stations. Through her work, she met with leaders from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and was featured on ABC Action News. This experience showed her the impact of meaningful change and the role of law in protecting scientific innovation. She has continued this trajectory at Colgate, exploring biotechnology while using Spanish to enhance her communication across cultures. She currently works as an Environmental Health & Safety assistant, gaining experience with biological and chemical reagents. She has been recognized with the Emerging Oak Award for leading campus-wide initiatives in inclusivity and awareness as director of first-generation and low-income student initiatives in the Student Government Association. Additionally, Summer performs on the Pom Team and in the Colgate Ballet Company. She aspires to become a patent lawyer dedicated to protecting and supporting climate and bioenergy solutions.
Olwethu Ezell ’26
Major(s): Political Science, Sociology
Hometown: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
As a first-generation South African immigrant, Olwethu is empowered by her country’s resilience in the fight against apartheid and has made racial and economic justice advocacy her lifelong practice. Olwethu is passionate about efforts that challenge policy-making and legislation that disproportionately impact BIPOC and low-income communities. This passion was ignited when she began volunteering in arraignment court watch sessions, assisting Professor Chandra Russo in her work with the organization, Showing Up for Racial Justice. Here, she collaborates with other volunteers to eliminate the use of cash bail in cases of low-level, non-violent offenses. Olwethu further developed her passion for criminal legal reform as a research assistant intern on a collaborative project between UCLA Law School and Justice LA. She continued her journey with Colgate’s Washington D.C. Study Group last spring and interned with the United States Senate. Olwethu envisions a future career in politics that employs law as an avenue for sustainable, long-lasting change.
Layla Federoff ’28
Major(s): Political Science, Economics
Hometown: Mohegan Lake, N.Y.
Layla’s passion for public service and advocacy has shaped her interest in law. Driven by the goal of helping people, Layla hopes to become a voice for those who do not feel represented within the legal system. This past summer, she served as a legal intern in the New York City Police Department’s legal bureau. Assigned to the Administrative Subpoena Unit, Layla became familiar with the criminal justice process by supporting the unit’s investigations by requesting evidence from companies on behalf of victims of crimes. On campus, Layla is a member of multiple performing arts organizations, including the improv comedy group Charred Goosebeak, an a capella group, the Mantiphondrakes, and the student-run theatre group. She also hosts her own radio show. Following Colgate, Layla hopes to serve as a public litigator and later as a figure in public policy as an elected official.
Isabelle Fries ’27
Major(s): Spanish, Peace & Conflict Studies
Hometown: Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y.
Isabelle's love for learning languages has influenced many aspects of her life at Colgate. She began studying Spanish in her first year and has worked up to a full year of studying abroad in language immersion programs in Spain and Argentina during her junior year. Looking for ways to use Spanish to connect with international communities, Isabelle became a leader of COVE Refugee Tutors, where she teaches English to refugees in Utica. These connections have taught her the importance of global understanding, compassion, and advocacy. Isabelle's passion for law grew last summer through her work in Legal Services New York City in the pro bono immigration department. The intersection of language, research, and problem-solving in immigration law captivated her, and she will return this coming summer to build on her experiences. On campus, Isabelle is a member of the Pre-Law Society, Democracy Matters, Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society, and the equestrian team. She imagines working in law with people from different geographical and language backgrounds to advocate for the importance of breaking barriers to solve problems.
Sayed Hassan ’27
Major: Neuroscience
Minor: Global, Public, and Environmental Health
Hometown: Queens, N.Y.
Sayed’s passion for medicine and neuroscience stems from the loss of his older sister to a brain stroke, an experience that deeply shaped his academic and personal path. Since then, he has been drawn to the intersections of medicine and neuroscience with the goal of one day caring for individuals affected by neurological conditions. At Colgate, Sayed conducts research under Professor Niraula, examining the brain's response to illness, with a specific focus on interactions among diverse brain immune cell populations. He also tutors the introductory neuroscience course. Sayed serves as president of the Minority Association of Premedical Students, a student organization committed to educating and supporting minority students pursuing careers in medicine. At home, Sayed helps lead the Cityline Ozone Park Civilian Patrol, a local non-profit organization, where he volunteers at the food pantry serving roughly 2000 individuals each week and organizing civic engagement initiatives aimed at strengthening the community. In past summers, Sayed conducted clinical research and shadowed physicians in the neuro ICU at NewYork Presbyterian Hospital.
Ean Hill ’26
Major(s): Classical Studies, German
Hometown: Bardstown, Ky.
Ean’s passion for law is imbued with his belief in the human soul. Growing up in rural Kentucky, he credits his exposure to the arts and humanities with his respect for learning and the law. The summer after his sophomore year, he completed a legal internship with the Munich-based law firm Rückel & Collegen within a German-speaking environment. Through this, Ean had the privilege to work for the prosecution against Irmgard Fuchner, in Germany’s last Nazi trial. The Furchner trial was extremely influential to his modus operandi, as it gave him the belief that every action, no matter how menial, has a right and wrong. Ean believes in the value of the humanities and recognizes the responsibility of the law to defend it. Following graduation, Ean plans to spend time abroad to improve his German, then return to the States for law school. He hopes to pursue a career working in art restitution and international law, working to ensure public access to art and culture. Last summer, Ean studied Latin and Ancient Greek History at Albert-Ludwigs University in Freiburg, Germany.
Laika Khan ’28
Major(s): Molecular Biology, Studio Art
Hometown: Long Beach, N.Y.
Having grown up with Illness Anxiety Disorder in her family, Laika was a witness to the power of physicians in helping heal relationships with health. Inspired by the impact of the role, Laika’s pursuit of medicine is driven by a love for patient interaction, building fulfilling, long-lasting relationships, and honoring humanity. At Colgate, Laika volunteers at the Morrisville Crouse Community Day Health Center with Colgate Caretakers and mentors a student at Hamilton Central Elementary School. As a Shaw Wellness ambassador, Laika combines her fervor for creativity and outreach, leading the production of their newsletter to spread awareness about wellness practices and campus resources. Her passion for the convergence between medicine and art is especially prevalent when composing anatomical studies and painting impressionistic portraits as a study of human emotion. Laika sings with the Colgate Dischords a capella group and is a community leader. As a medical professional, Laika hopes to make her office a haven, focusing on making health and medicine more approachable and accessible.
Lauren Kelley ’27
Major: Political Science
Minor(s): Mathematics, Spanish
Hometown: Bryn Mawr, Pa.
Lauren’s legal ambitions stem from her passion for social justice and her love of reading and writing. This past summer, she interned for the Gun Violence Task Force at the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, where she gained a deeper understanding of the workings within our justice system. Lauren hopes to use these learnings and pursue a career of her own one day as a prosecutor. While preparing for law school, Lauren has gained unique experience, marching the streets to Philadelphia City Hall, readying evidence for court, reviewing briefs for felony cases, speaking on the New York United Nations General Assembly stage, and discussing ambitions with attorneys and peers alike. On campus, Lauren is a student leader of the Pre-Law Society, Kappa Kappa Gamma, and holds a position with Colgate Career Services as a data assessment and operations intern. Looking to the future, Lauren hopes her work as an attorney will continue to refine and improve our flawed justice system and make the world a more equitable place.
Gillian Lustenberger ’27
Major: Peace and Conflict Studies
Hometown: West Newton, Mass.
Gillian’s passion for law is driven by a deep interest in questions of justice, state power, and accountability. Shaped by her upbringing as a military child in a Navy family, she developed a global perspective and an instinctive sense of justice informed by lessons of leadership, responsibility, and moral decision-making. Through her major in Peace and Conflict Studies, she has examined the tensions between ideals of justice and the actions of states, with particular attention to international law, human rights, and national security. She is also a Captain of the Colgate Equestrian Team and a meditation associate at Chapel House, roles in which she has fostered inclusive, accountable communities and initiated programming to support student well-being. During her semester abroad in Cape Town, South Africa, she studied international human rights law in a post-apartheid context and had experiences that strengthened her passion for pursuing law. Following Colgate, she plans to attend law school and strive for a career working at the intersection of human rights, national security, and U.S. foreign relations law.
Benjamin Marks ’27
Major: Molecular Biology
Minor: Global, Public, and Environmental Health
Hometown: Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
Immigrating from Bangkok, Thailand to Poughkeepsie, New York at age ten taught Ben the value of adaptability and continuous learning in unfamiliar environments. Medicine attracts him because that commitment to learning directly shapes patient care. Before Colgate, he co-founded Sports Shouldn’t Cost, distributing sports equipment to local children in need. Ben later worked as a pediatric medical assistant and learned that effective patient care requires recognizing and addressing systemic barriers. At Colgate, Ben volunteers as an EMT with Madison EMS and serves as a community leader for the Office of Residential Life. Under the mentorship of Professor Taye, Ben investigates the impact of protozoan parasite co-infection on the gut microbiome of Ethiopian schoolchildren. This work has taught him to analyze how complex biological systems interact and to consider how numerous factors can potentially shape health disparities. This spring, Ben is studying abroad at DIS Copenhagen, examining healthcare systems in Denmark, Croatia, and Germany to challenge assumptions embedded in American medicine. Ben aspires to become a physician who practices medicine with the perspective needed to address obstacles that extend beyond diagnosis.
Rachael Martinez ’26
Major(s): Psychological Sciences, Peace and Conflict Studies
Hometown: Chandler, Ariz.
Rachael’s inherent thirst for knowledge, need for competition, and desire for community motivated her to attend Colgate. Adjacent to the rigorous academics, Rachael enjoys playing on Colgate’s Division I Volleyball team, where she embraces her holistic education as she learns and grows with the support system of teammates, coaches, staff, and alumni at Colgate. It is through this experience that Rachael has recognized her admiration for higher education and its intersection with the legal profession. She aspires to attend law school to study the current dilemmas of academia and their legalities, including topics such as the liberal arts curriculum debate, the dissemination of knowledge, discrimination claims, and the legal framework of higher education institutions and their regional distinctiveness. In her spare time, Rachael works at College Career Action, a not-for-profit organization that provides mentoring for young scholars to empower and encourage them to take control of their holistic education. Her background in approaching the systemic inequities within the framework of education from the personal, individual level broadens her scope to best address the institutional challenges being posed in the legal setting of higher education. Rachael envisions utilizing her law degree to serve as general counsel to a higher education institution, working in the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Education, or to lead a university.
Valentina Mejia ’27
Major: Philosophy
Minor(s): Writing and Rhetoric, Sociology
Hometown: White Plains, N.Y.
As a proud daughter of two Colombian immigrants, Valentina's interest in law stems from her commitment to advocate and provide representation for the immigrant community that has uplifted and supported her throughout her life. As an OUS Scholar, Valentina serves as the co-President of the Queer and Trans People of Color organization, as well as a community leader for Residential Life and a choreographer for Latin American Dance. Outside Colgate, Valentina is a member of the Roadmap Scholars at the University of Virginia School of Law and worked as a legal intern for Neighbors Link Community Law Practice. At Neighbors Link, she worked with ongoing asylum cases, organizing court documents and preparing clients for testimony. She will return to Neighbors Link this summer after taking legal writing courses at the UVA.
Alta McQuillen ’26
Major: Molecular Biology
Minor: Global, Public, and Environmental Health
Hometown: Larchmont, N.Y.
Alta’s passion for medicine stems from her commitment to medical research and reducing healthcare disparities. After freshman year, Alta worked as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer at a free health care clinic for uninsured and underinsured Black men. Along with two other volunteers, she oversaw clinic operations, coordinated care, and assisted physicians and nurses. In summer 2024, as part of the Jim Manzi ’76 Fellowship, Alta worked as a clinical research assistant for Boston Medical Center’s Health Equity Accelerator on a project interviewing patients susceptible to preeclampsia and hypertension who received a remote blood pressure monitoring cuff during their pregnancy. At Colgate, Alta conducted biostatistics-based research in the Department of Biology, studying the physiological factors affecting canine temperature regulation as part of a collaborative project published in Fall 2024. This past summer, Alta interned at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in their Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department, working on a project investigating the association between various metabolic factors and endometrial cancer survival. At Colgate, she also leads BRITE, a mentoring club for local elementary and middle school students. Her experiences have fueled her determination to become a physician-scientist, allowing her to practice medicine that advances the goal of providing equitable access to healthcare.
Ariel Perk ’28
Major(s): Chemistry, French
Hometown: New York, N.Y.
Ariel is drawn to medicine because of her strong interests in patient care and science. At Colgate, she volunteers as an EMT with Madison County EMS (MCEMS), where she has contributed hundreds of hours responding to emergency calls. Working in fast-paced, high-pressure environments has taught her how to build confidence with patients. In addition to her clinical work, Ariel serves as the MCEMS PR committee chair, supporting outreach, on-campus emergency education, and engagement efforts. Ariel also loves languages (she is fluent in French and Hebrew and is learning Spanish), which she views as powerful tools for connection and trust-building with providers. Ariel is deeply committed to teaching and mentorship. She serves as a chemistry teaching assistant and long-term tutor, helping students develop confidence through individualized instruction. Through her academic, clinical, and leadership experiences, Ariel aspires to become a physician who integrates scientific rigor with compassionate, patient-centered care.
Kelly Ribeiro ’27
Major: Psychology
Minor(s): Writing and Rhetoric, Political Science
Hometown: Lyndhurst, N.J.
Kelly Ribeiro is a first-generation Brazilian- American student. Her passion for the legal system stems from a personal understanding of how systemic challenges shape the legal landscape and affect the pursuit of justice. More recently, during her internship at the Queens District Attorney’s Office, she came to understand how critical it is for legal professionals to be driven by purpose, as the work demands not only time and effort but also a deep commitment to ensuring fair and accessible representation. This awareness further inspired her to pursue law as a means to address these inequalities and promote access to justice for underrepresented groups. While at Colgate, Kelly is an OUS scholar, an employer relations intern in Career Services, and serves as the president of Backpacks for Kids, a non-profit that leads initiatives to support refugee families. She hopes to become the first “lawtina” in her family with the ultimate goal of advocating for immigrant rights and broader social reform to ensure that all communities, regardless of background, have access to justice and opportunity.
Ciara Sanders ’26
Major: Political Science
Hometown: White Plains, N.Y.
Ciara’s interest in law stems from her passion for advocacy. After interning for Representative Yvette Clarke as a congressional intern, Ciara gained insight into gender-based discrimination in America’s healthcare system. Inspired by legislation that defends women’s reproductive rights, she hopes to use the law to combat inequities that women face in other areas, like the workplace, justice system, and education. On campus, she utilizes her position as a Colgate Vote Project team leader to encourage civic engagement, promote progress through the legislative system, and help students facing difficulties exercising their right to vote. Last summer, she pursued her passion for law as a professional support intern at Orrick, Herrington and Sutcliffe LLP, where she hopes to better understand the legal profession and explore practice areas that align with her interests. Furthermore, she utilized knowledge from this internship to inform her honors thesis on the contemporary state of Due Process rights in the Fall of 2025.
Penelope Schenkel ’28
Major: Chemistry
Minor(s): Writing and Rhetoric, Biology
Hometown: Baltimore City, Md.
Growing up in downtown Baltimore, Penelope witnessed the impact of sociodemographic inequities from a young age. She watched these realities unfold in the hospital emergency department waiting room. In high school, she conducted public health research with Johns Hopkins University on disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention during the COVID-19 pandemic, showing her that despite governmental outreach and free clinics, sociodemographic disparities abound. Her drive for medicine is guided by her desire to help people equitably access timely treatment; she is interested in the intersection of science, communication, and equity. At Colgate, Penelope is an Alumni Memorial Scholar. She works as a chemistry research assistant in Professor Chianese’s lab and as a biology peer tutor. During her first year, she began research that focused on understanding and developing mechanistic studies of ruthenium-catalyzed hydrodehalogenation reactions. She will present her research at the American Chemical Society’s spring 2026 conference and continue working with Professor Chianese over the summer. Outside of academics, she is a distance runner on Colgate’s Division 1 Cross Country and Track team.
Sarah Sexton ’26
Major: Biochemistry
Minor: Global, Public, and Environmental Health
Hometown: Greene, N.Y.
Growing up in upstate New York, Sarah witnessed many challenges and opportunities in rural healthcare, sparking her excitement to leverage a medical career to give back to these communities. Volunteering at Colgate has deepened her interest in and conviction for rural medicine. She volunteers at Roots & Wings in Norwich, NY, with Colgate Hunger Outreach Program, at the Morrisville Crouse Community Day Health Center with Colgate Caretakers, and as an EMT with Madison County. On campus, Sarah is a general and organic chemistry tutor, as well as a research assistant with Professor Jacob Goldberg, studying the incorporation of unnatural and fluorinated amino acids into proteins. Sarah leads and choreographs for the Colgate Dance Initiative and dances in the Colgate Ballet Company. Last summer, Sarah volunteered as an EMT with Greene EMS while studying for the MCAT. Following Colgate, she hopes to attend medical school and work to alleviate healthcare disparities in rural and underserved populations.
Whitney Smith ’27
Major: Biochemistry
Minor: Art History
Hometown: Sherborn, Mass.
Whitney’s interest in medicine started early in childhood, but it wasn’t until she watched her father battle a rare form of cancer that it became her driving force. Whitney is passionate about the prospect of curing diseases and genetic conditions that previously would have been life-limiting through cutting-edge treatments in gene therapy and immunotherapy. At Colgate, she works as a biochemistry research assistant in Professor Peeler’s lab and enjoys helping other students as a peer tutor. During her internship at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, she conducted clinical research in orthopaedic trauma surgery. Whitney’s research will aid in the construction of an AI model to predict the discharge dispositions of geriatric hip fracture patients. Utilizing her minor, Whitney studied the effect of displays of human remains in museums on medical mistrust in minority communities. Outside of the classroom, she is an athlete on Colgate's Division I Varsity Track and Field team and represents her team as a wellness advocate. Last summer, Whitney was a neonatology clinical research intern at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, where she did genomics research on cystic fibrosis and studied the efficacy of diuretics in treating bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
Shepard Sorenson ’27
Major: Molecular Biology
Hometown: Wayzata, Minn.
Shep’s interest in medicine stems from his passion for science and desire to make a personal, meaningful impact on others' lives. At Colgate, Shep volunteers as an EMT with Madison County, serves as a Haven Ambassador, and enjoys playing tennis on the club team. Through his work as an EMT, he has enjoyed developing impactful relationships with both Colgate students and Madison County locals. Shep has performed clinical research at the University of Minnesota, investigating the role of exogenous progesterone in the reduction of cannabis use in co-users of cannabis and tobacco. His research will be used to further evaluate the effectiveness of using sex hormones to dissuade the use of addictive drugs. Last summer, he conducted molecular biology research with Professor Greenwich, studying certain proteins involved in the regulation of biofilm formation, which he continued after studying abroad in Copenhagen.
Annika Stimac ’27
Major(s): Political Science, English
Hometown: Ellington, Conn.
Growing up in a farm town, Annika has been shaped by the idea that hard work and small efforts can change the world. The idea of helping people has always inspired her. Currently, she serves as the chief of intelligence for the Ukraine Accountability Project (UAP) for the Global Accountability Network, an organization dedicated to documenting and building legal cases against war crimes around the world. As a member of the UAP, she was a lead writer on their paper, ICC Jurisdiction Over Extraordinary Renditions from the Territory of States Parties, which led to the International Criminal Court issuing warrants for the arrest of Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova. Annika has also worked on a draft indictment of President Aleksandr Lukashenko of Belarus and a white paper arguing for the creation of ecocide as an official crime, which has been circulated widely throughout the international political community. At Colgate, she enjoys tutoring kindergarteners, encouraging fellow students to vote as a Team Leader of the Colgate Vote Project, as well as serving as the spirit committee director for the Student Activities Association and a member of the Budget Allocations Committee. Last summer, Annika was a Congressional Services intern for Congressman Joe Courtney at his district office in Norwich, Conn. She also interned with a green-tech startup, where she wrote environmental policy briefs that were utilized by the Chair of the White House Federal Environmental Advisory Task Force and the Secretary of Commerce to map out legal restrictions that could complicate implementation efforts.
Cristian Teruel ’26
Major: Molecular Biology
Minor: Global, Public, and Environmental Health
Hometown: Pembroke Pines, Fla.
Having been born with heart disease, Cristian developed a fascination with cardiology at an early age. Witnessing the transformative and powerful impact his doctors had on him evoked a sense of responsibility to one day do the same for others. At Colgate, Cristian played varsity soccer until a medical retirement redirected his path. He became a student trainer for the team and further immersed himself in healthcare by working as an EMT for Madison County. He is also a Questbridge Scholar, a mentor for the pre-health pathways club, and works as a librarian assistant. Over the summers, Cristian has found joy volunteering at local emergency rooms and working as an online tutor for organic chemistry. Cristian interned as a Jim Manzi ’73 Fellow last summer with the Dermatology clinic at Boston Medical Center, where he rolled out a pilot program to help troubleshoot high no-show rates. During his time at Boston Medical Center, Cristian also took on the role of volunteering in the teaching kitchen, which aims to tackle one of the social determinants of health through patient-focused nutrition education. Following Colgate, Cristian aims to obtain an MD/MPH to address healthcare disparities and to advocate for underserved populations. He seeks to blend clinical expertise with public health initiatives, ensuring equitable access to quality care. Through medicine, Cristian has always seen a pathway to empower and uplift others, just as his own physicians once did for him.
Ingrid Vorbrich ’26
Major(s): Religion, Molecular Biology
Hometown: Minneapolis, Minn.
Ingrid’s passion for reproductive justice stems from listening to the experiences of underserved patients with the U.S. medical system. She aims to change the practice of women’s medicine by becoming an ObGyn trained in a public health perspective. Through her majors, Ingrid seeks to understand diverse perspectives and interpretations of health and life, which will help her transform women’s medicine from a science-centric field to a holistic practice that accounts for people’s humanity and background. At Colgate, Ingrid is a Training Coordinator and EMT with Madison County and a HAVEN Ambassador. She also works with third graders as a co-leader of the Seneca Sisters mentoring program helps her instill self-confidence, trust, and autonomy to break cycles of misinformation about women’s bodies. Ingrid is currently studying the impacts of DES on C.elegan’s fertility as a member of Priscilla Van Wynsberghe’s lab at Colgate University, to expand her interest in women’s health into biological research. She interned as a Jim Manzi ’73 Fellow the summer after her sophomore year with the OBGyn department of Boston Medical Center to address healthcare disparities. In her junior spring, Ingrid studied abroad in New Delhi, India and learned about community healthcare and challenges in public health throughout India. She conducted field research in Himachal Pradesh, India to learn about how culture, religion, and healthcare structures influence women’s birthing experience. Last summer, Ingrid participated in the Weill Cornell Summer Research Fellowship, where she worked alongside a population health professor to better understand how social determinants of health impact cardiovascular disease in NYC. Following Colgate, Ingrid intends to pursue an MD/MPH.
Alexa Watson ’26
Major(s): Political Science, Philosophy
Hometown: Montvale, N.J.
Alexa’s interest in law is driven by a passion for exploring evolving legal and ethical questions and driving meaningful change. She seeks to address the evolving challenges that shape society – particularly at the intersection of law, technology, and civil liberties. As a James Madison summer research fellow last year, she explored the implications of artificial intelligence on the legal profession, examining how emerging technologies intersect with ethical responsibility and fairness. This experience reinforced her commitment to engaging with the complex legal landscape and being at the forefront of maintaining justice and fostering innovation in law. Beyond research, Alexa is dedicated to leadership and advocacy. As president of both the Women’s Network and the Pre-Law Society, she has worked to increase student involvement, foster interdisciplinary learning, and expand opportunities for students. Last summer, Alexa interned at a law firm, where she spearheaded the evaluation and selection of an AI platform that will drive the firm’s innovation while upholding the highest ethical and professional standards. Following Colgate, Alexa hopes to attend law school, where she will continue working to advocate for justice and innovation in the profession.