Miami welcomes incoming class of Presidential Fellows
30 exceptional students hail from hometowns in 12 states and three countries
Miami welcomes incoming class of Presidential Fellows
Miami University has named 30 exceptional incoming students to the Presidential Fellows Program, the university’s premier opportunity for top scholars. The Class of 2029 Presidential Fellows come from across the United States, Azerbaijan, and Romania.
The Presidential Fellows Program offers scholars a merit award to cover tuition, fees, housing, and meals. Scholars also receive a $5,000 academic enhancement fund for activities such as study abroad, independent research, public service, and professional conferences.
As members of Miami’s residential Honors College, Presidential Fellows also enjoy faculty mentorship throughout their Miami education so they can be competitive candidates for prestigious national and international fellowships and scholarships.
“These 30 incoming fellows represent not only our largest-ever entering cohort, but Miami’s increasing profile as a destination for high-achieving students,” Honors College dean Zeb Baker said. “It speaks volumes about the quality of the Miami experience that so many exceptional students, who were offered other outstanding opportunities, chose to study here.”
Dr. Renate Crawford — University Ambassador and adjunct professor of Physics — directs the Presidential Fellows program. “Each year, I am humbled by the accomplishments of Presidential Fellows candidates,” she said. “To be selected for the award, students must demonstrate not only that they are brilliant, but also that they are eager to embrace the opportunities they’ll have at Miami, where they will be stretched to exceed expectations, collaborate with faculty and peers on a journey of discovery, and contribute to the greater good in whatever disciplines they choose.”
Bethany Perkins, assistant vice president and director of admission, said, “Each of these students has unlimited potential, and they are joining a community of scholars who support and challenge each other to excel as they continue to explore their interests and prepare for leadership in their careers.”
Miami’s Honors College was ranked No. 6 in the 50 Best Honors Colleges for 2024 by College Transitions.
The Class of 2029 Presidential Fellows are:
- Denis Andrei Alexa from Bacau, Romania; Theatre major, Film Studies co-major
- Fidan Asgarli from Marimano, Baku, Azerbaijan; Data Science and Statistics
- Adelyn Bell from Eldred, Pennsylvania; Medical Laboratory Science major and Premedical and Pre-Health Studies co-major
- Cooper Bahn from Westfield, Indiana; Accountancy major
- Allie Bradshaw from Nashville, Tennessee; Communication Design major and Fashion co-major
- Eliza Calle from Moorpark, California; Biology major and Neuroscience co-major
- Anthony Caprara from Gibsonburg, Ohio; Journalism major
- Bryan Deep from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; Computer Science major
- Whitley Garrity from Hamilton, Ohio; Kinesiology major and Premedical and Pre-Health Studies co-major
- Avi Kaplan from Chicago, Illinois; Undeclared: Business major
- Jori Knight from Massillon, Ohio; Finance major and Entrepreneurship co-major
- Alisson Luna Davilos from Columbus, Ohio; Mechanical Engineering major and Neuroscience co-major
- Marguerite Martin from Norton, Ohio; Architecture major
- Cora McNeill from Corning, New York; Interior Design major and Sustainability co-major
- Surabhi Mohan from Chantilly, Virginia; Public Health: Human Disease and Epidemiology major and Premedical and Pre-Health Studies co-major
- Abigail Naegeli from Cincinnati, Ohio; Accountancy major and Pre-medical Studies co-major
- Evelyn Patches from Georgetown, Kentucky; Arts Management and Arts Entrepreneurship major
- Lia Pistole from Grosse Ile, Michigan; Architecture major and Entrepreneurship co-major
- Ella Pope from Glen Ellyn, Illinois; Education: Science Education (7-12) major
- Samuel Poppen from San Clemente, California; Mechanical Engineering major and Energy co-major
- Gabrielle Raney from Wapakoneta. Ohio; Nutrition: Dietetics major
- Andrew Rice from Shaker Heights, Ohio; Electrical Engineering major and Premedical and Pre-Health Studies co-major
- Emmaline Sasaki from Greeley, Colorado; Nursing major
- Max Shank from Columbus, Ohio; Sport Management major
- Sophia Spier from Murray, Kentucky; Undeclared: Business major and Fashion co-major
- Brooklyn Stafford-Crandall from Lorain, Ohio; Finance major
- Gauri Vellanoore from Germantown, Maryland; Public Administration major
- Carson Wallace from Frankfort, Kentucky; Mechanical Engineering major
- Kydin Whitmore from Peebles, Ohio; Political Science major
- Samuel Yeh from Arlington Heights, Illinois; Computer Science major
