2026
Student Cohort

Travis Dixon

Travis is studying Computer science and is expected to graduate in 2027. Driven by the mission to learn new skills through diverse experiences and building a strong resume,Travis is focused on making a meaningful impact in his field.

Fun fact: Travis enjoys gaming. 

Suraya Hodges

Suraya is studying Biology  and is expected to graduate in 2028. Driven by the mission to advance her knowledge on how to pursue research topics and also expand her network base, Suraya is focused on making a meaningful impact in her field.

Fun fact: Suraya loves to keep herself busy, is active in over twelve clubs and organizations on campus, and also plays the cello and three other instruments. 

Rylea Ross 

Rylea is studying Biology and is expected to graduate in 2029. Driven by the mission to gather a better understanding of how bioinformaticians use Python or R to evaluate genetic data, she is focused on making a meaningful impact in her field. 

Fun fact: Rylea enjoys community service, crocheting, cooking and baking.

Skylar Bledsoe

Skylar is studying Biology and is expected to graduate in 2028. Driven by the mission to provide a unique analysis of data that can support and influence the community at large, Skylar is focused on making a meaningful impact in her field.

Fun fact: In her free time, Skylar writes analytical essays on pop culture, media, and anything that piques her interest. 

Merdie McIver

Merdie  is studying Biology and is expected to graduate in 2028. Driven by the mission to achieve a deeper understanding of data science, Merdie is focused on making a meaningful impact in her field.

Fun fact: Merdie likes to play video games, and thinks getting into coding will help her enjoy this hobby more. 

Mariana Kassoma

Mariana is studying Biology and is expected to graduate in May 2027. Driven by the mission to learn more about coding, gaining hands-on experience using data to solve real-world problems, and building skills for her future career, Mariana is focused on making a meaningful impact in her field. 

Fun fact: Mariana is trilingual, likes modeling , and enjoys exploring  different styles through fashion and photoshoots.

Kaila King

Kaila is studying Biology and is expected to graduate in 2027. Driven by the mission to be more familiar with how to engage in research activities, Kaila is focused on making a meaningful impact in her field.

Fun fact: Kaila enjoys going to concerts. 

Isheca Bailey

Isheca is studying Computer Science and Information Systems and is expected to graduate in 2028. Driven by the mission to learn more about coding with python as well as participating in the research, Isheca is focused on making a meaningful impact in her field. 

Fun fact: Isheca likes going on adventures, going out to eat, doing hair and also playing games like Call of Duty.

Holiness Mhlanga

Holiness is studying Computer Engineering  and is expected to graduate in 2028. Driven by the mission to advance prior knowledge in data science tools and apply it in emerging technologies like machine learning, Holiness also wants to share her knowledge with others. She is focused on making a meaningful impact in her field while striving to build a research ecosystem that prepares students for graduate studies and future professional pursuits.

Fun fact: Holiness is a public speaker and in her free time she finds herself writing and reading literature books and also enjoys watching television.

Farah Elshahat

Farah is a Computer Engineering major with a minor in cybersecurity and is expected to graduate in 2028. Driven by the mission to learn a lot of new skills and gain knowledge for self improvement, Farah is focused on making a meaningful impact in her field.

Fun fact: Farah enjoys playing soccer and basketball. 

Chanecia Thompson

Chanecia is studying Computer Science and Information Systems  and is expected to graduate in 2028. Driven by the mission to build knowledge in data science and gain real experience, Chanecia is focused on making a meaningful impact in her field.

Fun fact: In Chanecia ‘s free time, she enjoys creative activities like doing makeup, drawing, and DIY projects.

Sydney Bledsoe