Graduating Flinn Scholars to pursue wide range of studies, work, and service

May 6, 2015

By Matt Ellsworth

2015_graduating_flinn_scholarsThe 21 Flinn Scholars graduating from Arizona universities this year were recognized during the program’s annual Recognition Dinner at the Arizona Biltmore on May 3.

The graduating Scholars are taking a variety of paths following graduation. Some will be pursuing advanced degrees, whether in Arizona or at universities around the country. Others will immediately go into the workforce. And some students have chosen travel or service pursuits before applying to medical or graduate school or starting their careers.

The undergraduate degrees the Scholars are earning encompass a wide range of subjects and interests. They range from biomedical engineering, neuroscience, computer science, and mathematics, to acting, French, anthropology, and art history.

The Scholars were called to the stage during the dinner and presented with a broadside certificate commemorating their Flinn Scholars Program experience. The Recognition Dinner, which was attended by more than 200 family members, Scholar alumni, university officials, and community leaders, also honored the 21 Scholars from the Class of 2015 and their chosen Distinguished Educators.

Here are the future plans of the 21 Flinn Scholars graduating from an Arizona university this year:

Aman Aberra: Pursue a doctorate in biomedical engineering at Duke University as a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow.

Angela Abolhassani: Volunteer with ocean and fisheries-related initiatives while preparing graduate-school applications in international environmental governance.

Jasmine Anglen: Travel to Costa Rica to work with anti-sex-trafficking organizations, and continue to develop All Walks Project, as well as a new social technology venture.

Shantanu Bala: Use Thiel Fellowship to continue independent work on technology and design projects.

Eric Chang: Pursue a master’s degree in mechanical engineering at Stanford University.

Brandon Day: Pursue a master’s degree in French at the University of Arizona.

Cody Frear: Work as a researcher at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md., or Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute.

Dylon Gookin: Travel in Europe before pursuing EMT certification and applying for medical school.

Shanan Immel: Continue working in the medical field while applying to medical school.

Cary Kelly: Work as a researcher in education policy before pursuing graduate studies in education.

Julia King: Continue working at Iss’ Magic Mixes Oatmeal Café, a startup focused on mitigating diabetes.

Gabrielle Lacy: Travel before applying to medical school.

Ryan Lane: Travel before applying for software-engineering positions in the field of web technology.

Donovan Lockwood: Work as a medical scribe at John C. Lincoln Hospital in Phoenix while applying to medical school.

Patrick Martin: Pursue a doctorate in mathematics at Johns Hopkins University as an Owens Scholar Fellow.

Nirali Patel: Pursue a master’s degree in the science of health care delivery at Arizona State University while applying to medical school.

Katherine Zucker Richard: Work for the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, in Washington, D.C.

Nikil Selvam: Work as a business analyst for McKinsey & Company in Atlanta.

Nick Synodis: Work as an industrial engineer at W.L. Gore; pursue a master’s degree in quality, reliability, and statistical engineering at ASU; and continue developing Decademy.

Paul Michael Thomson: Pursue a professional acting career in Chicago.

Olivia Valencia: Attend medical school at the University of Arizona College of Medicine–Tucson.

The merit-based Flinn Scholarship, valued today at more than $115,000, offers eight semesters of study at an Arizona public university. Also included is a three-week summer seminar program and a least one additional study or professional development experience abroad or within the United States, mentorship from top faculty, off-campus internships, fellowship in the Flinn Scholar community, and membership in a university honors college with its small classes, guest lectures, and research experiences. The award is provided through a partnership between the Flinn Foundation and the universities.

The Flinn Scholar community now numbers more than 560 people, including current Scholars and alumni. The first class was selected in 1986.


For more information

30th class of Flinn Scholars to attend Arizona public universities

2015 Flinn Scholars honor distinguished educators