Alex Butler

Excellence in Physics Award: This award, donated by the Department of Physics and Astronomy, is presented to a Physics major who has demonstrated potential for continued academic or professional growth, and has significantly contributed to the department.

Alex Butler is graduating with a B.S. in physics. Alex has demonstrated continued excellence within the physics major but also has a distinguished record of service. As Assistant Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion on Rowan's Student Government Association, he has helped to spearhead initiatives in inclusivity within the department as well as the university as a whole. Alex has also participated in research efforts in both materials science and planetary science on campus and has attended summer research programs in astronomy and materials science at two other universities. Outside of academics, Alex has served as the event coordinator for the Physics & Astronomy Club, a learning assistant, a tutor, and the president and co-captain of the club co-ed ultimate frisbee team. He also volunteered as a student in the Bantivoglio Honors College. This fall Alex will enter a graduate program to obtain his Ph.D. in materials science.

Matthew Candiotti

James M. Shafer Excellence in Mathematics Award: This medallion is donated by the Department of Mathematics in honor of Dr. James M. Shafer, a member of the Department from 1965 to 1980 and instrumental in the development of the Mathematics major at the University.

Matthew Candiotti is graduating with a B.A. in mathematics and minors in physics and psychology. After receiving his degree, he will go on to a Master’s in Mathematics Education to pursue his passion for teaching. In 2021, Matthew won the Fithian Scholarship for an outstanding Math Education student. Matthew also prides himself on being a founding father in reestablishing the Theta Chi fraternity, where he serves as scholarship chair. His experiences helping his brothers, as well as his work tutoring on campus, have cemented his resolve to teach professionally. Matthew’s goal is to rekindle students’ excitement for learning.

Sofia Cook

Robert N. Renlund Preprofessional Award in the Allied Health Field: Established in memory of Dr. Robert Renlund, a faculty member in the Department of Biological Sciences, this medallion is awarded to two students for excellence in premedical or preprofessional studies. This award is donated by the Preprofessional Club.

Sofia transferred from William Paterson University and became a biological sciences/pre-medical student at Rowan, with minors in chemistry and romance languages. She is a member of the Bantivoglio Honors College and the Tau Sigma National Honors Society. She volunteers at Inspira Hospital and is a certified lifeguard. In the summer of 2021, participated in research at Binghamton University, where she was awarded 1st place poster presentation at their research symposium. She is a member of Dr. Rashanique Quarels' lab in the Department of Chemistry at Rowan.

Gabriella DeStefano

Gabriella DeStefano is graduating Summa Cum Laude with a B.S. in Biochemistry.  She is a member of the Honors College and a member of the Honors Student Organization where she leads as the co-coordinator for the BLAST peer mentoring program. She is the president of Rowan WINGS (Women Inspiring a New Generation of Scientists), and co-founder and Vice President of Rowan ImmunoClub. Gabriella has an outstanding record in research.  She has been a member of Dr. Vaden's research lab for over three years and is a lead author on a recently published paper. Gabriella has volunteered hundreds of hours at Rowan an in her home community. She has been accepted to multiple medical schools, including Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine. 

Maeve Donnelly

Maeve is graduating with a degree in psychological science and a certificate of undergraduate study in community corrections. Maeve is an exceptional student who participates in a number of service and leadership roles in the Department of Psychology. She serves as a learning assistant for physiological psychology, a tutor, and the President of the Psi Chi Honor Society. Maeve also assists with research in the HABIT lab focused on helping people remain in treatment for opioid use disorders. She demonstrates a servant's heart. She was recently admitted to a Ph.D. program in criminology, which perfectly aligns with her drive and passion for advocating for others.

Mathew Fiduk

Mathew Fiduk demonstrates the highest distinction of academic excellence in the Computer Science Department. In addition to Bantivoglio Honors, mathematics, and German minors, he is a member of Upsilon Pi Epsilon and Pi Mu Epsilon Honor Societies. He frequently serves as a computer science learning assistant and tutor, a German tutor, and a Rowan Admissions Ambassador. For research, he is part of the Rowan Computer Science – Bristol Myers Squibb Collaboration, Natural Language Processing Team. Mathew also participated in the Cooperative Education Program at Lockheed Martin, where he plans to return after completing his graduate studies in our Rowan Computer Science Combined Advanced Degree Program.

Joshua Hauner

Dr. Mark M. Chamberlain Excellence Award in Chemistry/Biochemistry: This award honors the memory of Dr. Mark M. Chamberlain who became the fourth president of Rowan University in 1969. In 1984, Dr. Chamberlain left the presidency and joined the Department of Chemistry and Physics as a distinguished professor until retiring in 2000. This award is presented by his loving wife Barbara Chamberlain, Ph.D., APRN, MBA.

Michael Hoban

Excellence in Biological Sciences Award: This award is presented to a graduating student who excels in the field. The student must have an outstanding record of involvement in research opportunities within the department or within the community of biology. This award is donated by the Biology Club.

Michael is graduating with a degree in biological sciences and has worked as a research assistant in the lab of Dr. Kruse for two years. He presented at the College of Science & Mathematics Summer Undergraduate Research Program Symposium in 2021 and will be presenting as a first author poster presentation in person at the XI International Congress for the Study of Social Insects in July in San Diego 2022. He established and runs the new student club in beekeeping, which has over 100 members in less than one year. Michael has expressed interest in perusing a graduate degree in entomology.

Ashley Lynn Priore

Juliana Stellwag

Paul Dike Award for Excellence in Physical Science: This award, donated by the Department of Physics & Astronomy and the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, is presented to a Physics or Chemistry major who has demonstrated outstanding potential for continued academic or professional growth in the field of science education, and has significantly contributed to their department and community.

Juliana Stellwag is an outstanding student graduating with a B.A. in Chemistry. She is currently pursuing research in the area of developing novel rare-earth free phosphors for lighting applications with Professor Kandalam Ramanujachary. Juliana is a dedicated researcher with a laser-sharp focus on details. She is truly remarkable for her ability to learn and master experimental techniques in a short time and keeps detailed notes even on trivial details. She has a passion for learning and a high aptitude for knowledge. Juliana plans to pursue a career in teaching at the college level. 

Daniel Vause

Paul Dike Award for Excellence in Physical Science: This award, donated by the Department of Physics & Astronomy and the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, is presented to a Physics or Chemistry major who has demonstrated outstanding potential for continued academic or professional growth in the field of science education, and has significantly contributed to their department and community.

Daniel Vause earned a B.A. in physics and a Masters in STEM Education from Rowan University. Danny was an integral member of the Department of Physics & Astronomy, working as a learning assistant and a laboratory assistant in introductory courses. In his graduate studies, Danny was awarded a competitive scholarship through the Rowan Noyce Scholars Program. During his student teaching, Danny excelled at designing lessons based on his students’ interests to keep them engaged in class, despite frequent shifts in instructional mode during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since graduating, Danny has started his teaching career at Cumberland County Technical Education Center.

Kaitlyn Casey

Molecular & Cellular Biosciences

Isabella DeStefano

Biochemistry

Isabella DeStefano is graduating with a B.S. in biochemistry. During her time at Rowan University, she has excelled in her academic coursework and has been an active member and leader of several student organizations and the Honors College. For over three years, Isabella has conducted biophysical chemistry research with Professor Timothy Vaden in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry. Based on her research experience, she has co-authored two peer-reviewed manuscripts and presented her work at summer research symposia. Isabella has been a true leader in the Rowan community and plans to study medicine at the Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine.

Gurkirat Dhillon

Computer Science

Gurkirat Dhillon is graduating with a double major in computing & informatics and history, a minor in international studies, and a certificate of undergraduate study in management information systems. He has served as Treasurer for Upsilon Pi Epsilon Honor Society and is also a member of Sigma Iota Rho Honor Society, and the Rowan University Cybersecurity, Blockchain Study, and Google Developer Student Clubs. Along with working as a computer science learning assistant and as a part-time web and social media manager for Wings Church, Gurkirat previously interned at the Camden County Democratic Committee and participated in a National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates cybersecurity program. 

Rachel Dietz

Computer Science

Rachel Dietz is a model ambassador for the Department of Computer Science with her engagement in numerous activities within Rowan University and in the greater community. Rachel is graduating with a B.S. in computer science. She currently serves as President of the Upsilon Pi Epsilon Honor Society and is also a member of Tau Sigma Honor Society. In addition to supporting other students as a computer science learning assistant and tutor, she actively collaborates with other computer science student organizations to lead initiatives to increase student involvement. She also provides outreach to youth teams as a coach, mentor, and judge for the First Lego League Southern New Jersey program.

Victor Lassaso

Physics & Astronomy

Victor Lasasso, graduating with a B.S. in physics, is an outstanding student who represents the best of Rowan. During his time at Rowan, Victor has devoted countless hours helping his fellow students to succeed in their academics. He is the president of the Physics Club and has been the driving force behind many activities that greatly enrich student experience. Curious, resourceful, and highly driven, he has an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Victor participated in faculty-led research in physics education, observational galactic astronomy, quantum field theory, and condensed matter theory. Based on his excellent academic career and research, he has been offered scholarships by three institutions to pursue a Ph.D. in theoretical particle physics. 

Alisa Patel

Mathematics

Alisa Patel is a first-generation student graduating with a B.S. in mathematics with two minors: statistics and operation research and data science. Alisa is an outstanding student with a keen interest in and an honest enjoyment of the statistics discipline. During her time at Rowan, Alisa was actively involved with research, seeing to completion multiple projects with Drs. Papachristou and Thayasivam. Alisa is a member of the Math Team, the Chi Alpha Epsilon Honor Society, Pi Mu Epsilon Math Honor Society. She regularly volunteers her time in the math tutoring center and departmental outreach events. Alisa will continue her career here at Rowan University to earn a Master’s degree in data sciences.

Christopher Pellegrino

Psychology

Christopher Pellegrino is graduating with a B.S. in psychological science with a concentration in behavioral neuroscience and a minor in sociology. He serves as secretary for the Psi Chi Honor Society and a peer mentor in the Department of Psychology. Christopher completed a research-focused development institute at Rutgers University, and is a research assistant in the Rowan Social, Emotional, and Affective Health Lab. He presented his research to the Eastern Psychological Association in March 2022. Christopher has engaged in outreach to the Philadelphia homeless population with a local nonprofit organization, and is a COVID-19 vaccinator assistant at the Rowan College of South Jersey vaccination site. He aims to support incarcerated populations as a social psychologist.

Alex Saavedra

Biological Sciences

Alex Saavedra was a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society at his community college, where he volunteered and represented his college at the PTK convention. He transferred to Rowan University as a biology education major and is starting his M.A. in STEAM education. Alex serves as a senator for the Student Government Association, and as a Rowan Project IMPACT Scholar, an organization focused on increasing male educators in K-12. He represented Rowan and spoke at the Fourth Annual NJ Convening on Diversifying the Teacher Workforce in 2021. Alex participates in the Men of Color Network, visits local schools to work with students and faculty, and mentors new IMPACT scholars. He volunteers at the Praxis Lab tutoring education students. Alex has also tutored students at the Shady Lane Child Development Center and AVID Tutor in Swedesboro. He is fluent in Spanish and uses this regularly in working with students.

Trey Scull

Psychology

Trey Skull is graduating with a B.A. in psychology. He is a Rowan Scholar, and a seven-semester Dean’s List Honoree. He was the Treasurer of the Collegiate Entrepreneurship Organization in 2019, and has held several leadership positions within his fraternity, including Vice President, Treasurer, and VP of Community Service. Trey’s research with the Rowan Social, Emotional, and Affective Health Lab (SEAHL) has led to accepted first-author presentations to the Eastern Psychological Association and the International Society for Autism Research. He is a Behavioral Assistant for PBS Corporation, where he implements behavioral plans with child and adolescent clients, and he plans to pursue a career in clinical psychology.

Naman Srivastava

Biological Sciences

Naman Srivastava, is graduating with a B.S. in biological sciences. Since his freshman year, he has conducted research with Drs. Eli Moore in environmental sciences and Stephanie Spielman (formerly) in biological sciences. Naman has published a lead-author paper on this work with another paper currently in preparation. He is an exceptionally talented musician and artist participating in Rowan’s Biomedical Arts and Visualization program, and he has achieved recognition for projects uniting biology and music and/or fine art in external competitions. Furthermore, he founded the Rowan University chapter of the American Physician Scientists Association, and he has lead an initiative to establish a new “ArtSci Symposium” across Rowan University campuses. He plans to pursue M.D./Ph.D. studies with a long-term interest in research in natural products chemistry and discovery of novel therapeutics in nature.

Alexis Zimmer

Chemistry

Alexis Zimmer is graduating with a B.S. in chemistry. Alexis has been a leader of the Grinias Lab research team, with her research work focusing on method development and system performance in liquid chromatography. Based on her exceptional research work, she was the 2021 recipient of the Edward W. Morley Award for Excellence in the Art of Measurement. She is also currently the President of Rowan’s Unified Sports club, and regularly works in collaboration with the Special Olympics as part of this role. Alexis will be pursuing a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry in fall 2022.

Stephanie Berdugo-Hernandez

Commencement Speaker

Gabriella DeStefano

Commencement Speaker

Gabriella DeStefano is graduating Summa Cum Laude with a B.S. in Biochemistry.  She is a member of the Honors College and a member of the Honors Student Organization where she leads as the co-coordinator for the BLAST peer mentoring program. She is the president of Rowan WINGS (Women Inspiring a New Generation of Scientists), and co-founder and Vice President of Rowan ImmunoClub. Gabriella has an outstanding record in research.  She has been a member of Dr. Vaden's research lab for over three years and is a lead author on a recently published paper. Gabriella has volunteered hundreds of hours at Rowan an in her home community. She has been accepted to multiple medical schools, including Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine. 

Melinda Stewart-Cobbs

Commencement Speaker

Ishrad Yusin

Commencement Speaker

Ishrad Yusin is an international student graduating with a B.S. in computer science. He appreciates the amazing resources at Rowan that have helped him transition to his new life here and excel. Along with his strong academic performance, he has been very active in the Rowan community, working as a resident assistant, tutor, and success coach. He also works at Rowan's Recreational Center and served on the eBoards of multiple student clubs. Ishrad completed an internship with L'Oréal, the biggest beauty brand in the world as a software engineering intern. After graduation, he is moving on to his dream job as a software engineer at Meta (Facebook).