Fall 2024 Scholarship Recipients
Arianna Johnson
Arianna is currently majoring in INDS within the Multidisciplinary Studies track. Arianna’s hope is to open a women owned and operated engineering firm. As a First-Generation College student and minority, this opportunity gives her and her family the ability to create history as well as make her ancestors proud.
Aj Ogunsanya
AJ is a December 2024 graduation candidate for an INDS Bachelor of Science degree in the Multidisciplinary Studies track. He has combined coursework in Math, Information Systems, Mechanical Engineering, and Computer Science and was accepted into the Accelerated Master’s degree program in Engineering Management. This advanced degree will allow him to bridge the gap between technical expertise and business strategy, preparing him for employment in technology-driven industries. He also has experience in Project management as he has interned for the Whiting-Turner Contracting Company over the past two years.
Shera Crews
Shera is a senior in the INDS program following the Multidisciplinary track. She is proud to be a member of the Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. At an internship at the University of Maryland, Shera gained experience in the dentistry lab studying Alzheimer’s disease. After graduation, she plans to attend graduate school at University of Maryland School of Nursing to earn her MSN and contribute to research on neurodegenerative diseases.
Ada Glaser
Ada Glaser is a senior designing an individualized degree in child-centered community development, as well as working towards a social work degree. She is the president of the Social Work Student Association, a member of the symphony orchestra, and a Sondheim Public Affairs Scholar, where she is also a peer mentor for freshmen in the program. This year, Ada is excited to be a school social work intern at Furman Templeton Preparatory Academy in Baltimore, working with preschool and elementary aged children. After graduation, she plans to pursue a Masters of Social Work at UMB, hoping to continue to work with children and families in a school or community center setting to help them navigate resources to live the life they want. Ada is grateful to the INDS, social work, and Sondheim faculty who have been so instrumental in supporting her during her time at UMBC so far!
Fall 2023 Scholarship Recipients
Justin Coles
Justin Coles is a junior passionate in a INDS major specializing in biostatistics. He has an active role in contributing to new experiences from being math tutor for the academic success center and being a fish lab assistant in a lab. Demonstrating a keen focus on honing versatile skills in analytics, critical thinking, and biological methods, Justin Coles is propelling towards his ambitious goals of pursuing a Master’s or PhD in a related biostatistics field after graduating his senior year. He is dedicated to expanding leadership capabilities, engaging in hands-on learning, and contributing meaningfully to research initiatives and projects.
Joy Ware
Joy Ware is a junior designing an individualized degree in Educational Technology and Curriculum Development from a Multicultural and Inclusive Framework. As a transfer honors college student, she is a Teaching Assistant for the Honors College’s Transfer Seminar, and she also manages the African Student Association and builds community as a proud Congolese woman on the ASA board. In her spare time, she enjoys filmmaking and video editing, which she plans to incorporate into her degree. As a UMBC McNair Scholar, she intends to continue her education research after completing her undergraduate studies and will earn a Ph.D. in educational technology and policy. Her hope is to one day become a professor, educational technologist, software developer, and researcher who provides underserved and underrepresented learning communities with an inclusive educational model that supports their learning and overall well-being.