Excellence in Undergraduate Studies Awards
KellyMarie Burke, Bachelor of Liberal Studies
Having left college at a young age to raise a daughter as a single mom, KellyMarie’s focus was on building a career and providing her daughter with opportunities that hadn’t been available to the family previously. When her daughter went on to graduate magna cum laude from college, KellyMarie realized it was finally her turn to finish the degree she’d started years ago. Though KellyMarie built a career in technology software sales and is currently a partner alliances director for a high-availability and disaster recovery software company, finishing her degree remained an unsatisfied goal. Attending BU MET’s undergraduate BLS program proved to be a dream come true for KellyMarie, because the program allowed her to come back to school while working full-time. What KellyMarie didn’t expect was just how much the coursework would sharpen her skills. Literature and arts classes, in particular, pushed KellyMarie to think more critically, communicate more clearly, and approach problems in a more structured way—skills she’s gone on to notice in her day-to-day work, whether by analyzing data, building strategies, or simply being more confident.
What’s Next? After graduation, I plan to continue growing in my career in technology software sales. Earning my degree has already made a difference in how I approach my work, and I’m excited to keep building on that while taking on new challenges, expanding my leadership responsibilities, and continuing to learn.
Acknowledgements: I want to thank my daughter, Hailey, for giving me the courage to take this step, and my husband, Kevin, for his patience and support throughout my studies. Most of all, I am grateful for my granddaughter, Sofia. Being her role model means everything to me, and I hope I have shown her that you can do anything if you try.
Ethan Medeiros, Bachelor of Science
An outstanding undergraduate computer science student, Ethan has demonstrated a strong work ethic, perseverance, and dedication to distinguish them among their peers. Ethan’s commitment to mastering challenging material and producing high-quality work while balancing professional demands reflects both discipline and resilience.
What’s Next? I will be seeking a meaningful career where I can use my education and experience to make a difference.
Acknowledgements: Thanks to the advising of Senior Academic Counselor Geena Tortorella for supporting me through my own confusion and evolving plans.
Excellence in Graduate Studies Awards
Tsogjavkhlant “TJ” Chuluunzorigt, Actuarial Science
Tsogjavkhlant, or “TJ,” joined Metropolitan College from Mongolia after studying at the University of Toronto. An exceptional scholar, TJ won favor among faculty for the unique, profound insights she brings to every discussion. Beyond achieving academic excellence, she also served as a dedicated teaching assistant, providing invaluable support to both faculty and peers alike.
What’s Next? Following graduation, I will begin my actuarial career at a health insurance company. I look forward to applying the knowledge and skills I have developed to real-world challenges, translating theoretical concepts into practical solutions through data analysis, risk assessment, and problem-solving to make a meaningful impact.
Acknowledgements: I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my family for their unconditional love and support. I am also deeply thankful to Associate Professor of the Practice Hal Tepfer, along with all the professors, for their guidance and for enriching my academic journey at Boston University.
Jorge Largacha Gongora, Applied Business Analytics
Jorge joined Metropolitan College’s Master of Science in Applied Business Analytics program in the summer of 2024 and completed it as the top student in the class. Active in discussions, original and creative throughout assignments, and a trusted friend and team leader in completing and presenting group projects, Jorge consistently achieved outstanding exam results, helping to set the standards and advance the reputation of the program.
What’s Next? I plan to continue advancing my supply chain career, applying an analytics-driven mindset to strengthen decision-making and elevate operational performance. My focus is on leading high-impact initiatives that optimize end-to-end supply chain efficiency and deliver measurable business value, while collaborating with and influencing cross-functional teams to achieve shared goals. Looking ahead, I aim to take on broader responsibilities and play a more strategic role in shaping outcomes and driving results that contribute directly to organizations’ financial success.
Acknowledgements: First and foremost, I would like to thank my wife—without her support and patience, I would not have been able to complete this journey. I am also deeply grateful to my family for their constant encouragement throughout this process. Finally, I would like to thank the professors and facilitators who enriched my learning experience through their openness and willingness to share their knowledge.
Kathleen McShane, Enterprise Risk Management
Kathleen is an exceptional student who distinguished herself as a leader in her BU classes while working a full-time job in the enterprise risk management field. Academically, Kathleen distinguished herself through the quality of her reports, her acute analytical skills, and her work ethic, leaving a lasting impression on her fellow classmates and program faculty.
What’s Next? Following graduation, I plan to continue in my role as a risk analyst at Brown Brothers Harriman, where I intend to apply the knowledge and skills gained through this program to further strengthen the firm’s enterprise risk management framework. Additionally, I aspire to leverage this experience and education to advance into a leadership role within the organization.
Acknowledgements: I would like to thank Instructors David Weidman and Mark Carroll for their guidance and support throughout the program, and for making the study of risk management both engaging and enjoyable. I am also deeply grateful to Mom, Dad, Jillian, and Caroline for their unwavering encouragement and support throughout my academic journey.
Perit Aydemir, Financial Management
Perit is a strong performer academically and a leader among his peers. He participated meaningfully in his classes and evidenced both the willingness and skill to work with others and craft creative solutions to problems. A natural role model, he’s set an excellent example of professionalism and dedication to learning.
What’s Next? After graduating, I plan to travel along the West Coast with my wife and our two kids before returning home to Switzerland. Professionally, I aim to build on my experience in risk management and transition into an investment analysis role, leveraging the analytical and financial expertise that I developed throughout my program.
Acknowledgements: I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my family for their unwavering support throughout my studies. I am incredibly thankful to my wife, in particular, who ensured that our children were well cared for while I dedicated countless hours to my coursework—her support made this achievement possible. I am also grateful to the faculty at Metropolitan College for providing a rigorous and inspiring learning environment.
Yosefiani Dewi Tamatur, Global Marketing Management
Yosefiani has demonstrated truly exceptional academic achievement, consistently exemplifying intellectual rigor, discipline, and scholarly curiosity. Beyond her outstanding coursework, Yosefiani has served as an exemplary teaching assistant, earning the respect of both faculty and peers for her professionalism, leadership, and commitment to academic excellence. Her in-class research abstract was accepted to the London Institute/Harvard University Conference in April of 2025, and she subsequently expanded that work—originating in Market and Economic Research and Analysis (MET AD 856)—into a full-scale research project that culminated in a peer-reviewed scholarly publication. Yosefiani embodies the highest standards of scholarship, initiative, and global marketing leadership.
What’s Next? I plan to pursue a career in marketing, focusing on consumer behavior. In the long term, I aim to pursue a PhD and use my expertise to contribute to social and economic development in Indonesia.
Acknowledgements: Thank you to my late parents in heaven—this achievement is dedicated to you. I am also grateful to my family in Indonesia for their constant support and encouragement. Special thanks to Associate Professor of the Practice Marcus Goncalves for his guidance and unwavering support. All glory and honor belong to God.
Paul Nyitray, Insurance Management
Paul has demonstrated that he is active in discussions, original and creative in his assignments, and a trusted friend and team leader in completing and presenting group projects. Paul combines an entrepreneurial spirit with academic clarity and the understanding that success in today’s competitive business environment is predicated on continued learning, a never-ending journey in search of excellence.
What’s Next? After graduation, I plan to stay curious and continuously seek new ideas to become the best person and professional I can be.
Acknowledgements: I would like to thank my family for always supporting me and ensuring that I had the necessary time to dedicate to my studies.
Ankit Samal, Project Management
Ankit began his career in the marine, oil, and chemical shipping industries, where he gained experience in technically demanding environments that required sophisticated knowledge, precision, accountability, and strong leadership. During his time in the Metropolitan College Project Management program, he served as a research and teaching assistant in multiple courses, shining in his ability to help students succeed and learn. Ankit was actively involved in the BU Project Management Club as an officer, student ambassador, and volunteer, supporting several program activities. Now an assistant project manager at Suffolk Construction—where he contributes to mission-critical infrastructure projects by managing change orders, RFIs, and purchase orders while coordinating closely with clients and contractors—Ankit credits his success to the strong education he received at Metropolitan College.
What’s Next? After graduation, I plan to pursue a career in project management, leveraging my technical and leadership experience to contribute to large-scale, high-impact projects. I aim to continue developing my expertise in program and portfolio management while delivering value in a dynamic and growth-oriented organization.
Acknowledgements: I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Master Lecturer Richard Maltzman and Associate Professor Vijay Kanabar for their constant support, guidance, and encouragement throughout my journey. Their mentorship has played a significant role in shaping my academic and professional growth.
Jingran Li, Supply Chain Management
In addition to leadership, dedication, and a positive attitude, Jingran evidenced a unique ability to grasp both practical applications and theoretical foundations in her coursework. Beyond her exceptional academic performance, she was also an active member of Metropolitan College’s Decision Sciences Research Laboratory, where she demonstrated leadership by helping fellow students better understand key supply chain concepts. In Jingran’s capstone course, she played a pivotal role in managing the relationship with a client that presented several challenges. She also took the initiative to address complex team dynamics and ensured that the team consistently produced high-quality work.
What’s Next? I’m very grateful to have completed my studies in Supply Chain Management at Boston University. During this time, I developed a strong interest in this field and gained a deeper understanding of how supply chains operate in a global environment. After graduation, I hope to continue building my career in this industry and contribute my skills to real-world supply chain challenges.
Acknowledgements: I would like to sincerely thank the professors at Boston University’s Metropolitan College, especially Associate Professor of the Practice John Maleyeff, Professor Canan Gunes Corlu, and Instructor Patrick Courtney. Their academic expertise and the care they showed outside the classroom made my two years in the US feel incredibly warm and fulfilling. They not only supported my studies but also set a great example for me, and I truly appreciate everything I have learned from them.
Kyla Blocker, Arts Administration
Kyla excelled in academic work during her studies at Metropolitan College, while maintaining full-time positions—including time as general manager of Juventus New Music Ensemble. Highly regarded by her instructors and peers, Kyla previously earned an MA in educational theatre from New York University. As one instructor has noted, “Kyla’s presence in the classroom significantly enhanced the learning experiences for everyone.”
What’s Next? I have recently embarked on a new journey as the director of operations at Kidstock! Creative Theater in Winchester. This position is the perfect next step, as it combines my experience in arts administration with my experience in theatre education. In this role, I hope to build strong systems that allow both students and staff to thrive, as well as contribute to meaningful arts experiences for young people.
Acknowledgements: Thank you to my parents and sister for their unwavering support in my decision to return to school, the faculty for encouraging me to think deeply about the field, and my Arts Administration student cohort for being an important part of this journey.
Zulal Akarsu, Applied Data Analytics
Zulal was an exceptional advanced machine learning student, going the additional mile with extra-grade projects. And, as an outgrowth of her generative AI coursework, Zulal is building an amazingly impressive portal for robot training.
What’s Next? I plan to pursue entrepreneurship in AI, building solutions that bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and real-world impact. I’m driven by curiosity, a passion for solving hard problems, and the excitement of turning ambitious ideas into reality. I’m excited to keep learning and building in this space.
Acknowledgements: I’d like to thank my family for their unwavering support and belief in me throughout this journey. Thank you to my partner for his encouragement through every big decision and challenge along the way. And thank you to all my professors and mentors—your rigor, generosity, and collaboration made me a sharper thinker and a more resourceful builder.
Aiymgul Kosmukhanbetova, Computer Information Systems
An exceptional student who grasped advanced programming concepts very quickly, Aiymgul has proven to be an excellent coder. Unafraid to participate in tough hackathons, such as the BU Spark! Lab CivicHack 2025, Aiymgul has also served as a support specialist for BU Virtual with distinction, bolstering an exemplary track record.
What’s Next? After graduation, I hope to gain professional experience in the US and further strengthen the skills I have developed during my graduate studies. I seek to combine my background in UX research with my education in technology and project management to help build meaningful solutions that are truly useful to people. In the long term, I hope to bring that knowledge and perspective to Kazakhstan, contribute to the growth of its tech industry, lead with purpose, and help companies deliver better products that make a real impact.
Acknowledgements: I am deeply grateful to my family, especially my mom, dad, and brothers, for their constant love, support, and belief in me, which gave me strength throughout both the most challenging and the most meaningful moments of my studies. I am also sincerely thankful to my instructors—Assistant Professor Avinash Mohan, Master Lecturer Scot Arena, Alex Elentukh, Raj Heda, and Pamela Campbell—for their guidance, knowledge, and mentorship, and for helping me grow both academically and professionally. I would also like to thank the eLive services team for being an important part of my graduate experience and for giving me the opportunity to contribute to innovation in Blackboard by enhancing the user experience for both professors and students. Finally, I am grateful to my friends and peers for their motivation, shared experiences, and the many conversations that made this journey so memorable.
Madhur Deep Jain, Computer Science
Madhur is an outstanding student who proved capable of meeting the demands of challenging graduate courses that require strong mathematical maturity, like Deep Reinforcement Learning (MET CS 766). Madhur distinguished himself through an intellectual curiosity and an exceptional analytical ability that reflect both his discipline and mastery of advanced material.
What’s Next? I look forward to beginning my professional career while remaining deeply engaged with the evolving global landscape. My long-term goal is to apply my experiences to lead an organization that drives meaningful innovation. Beyond my professional life, I am committed to giving back by increasing my volunteer efforts and contributing to the open-source community to support collaborative growth.
Acknowledgements: I owe a great deal of my success to my wife, who makes my life better every day and has been my rock during this journey. I am also profoundly thankful to my family for their undeterred support and belief in me, as well as to my in-laws for their constant encouragement throughout my studies.
Catherine Joppich, Health Informatics
Catherine works as a clinical pediatric dietitian in the Infant Feeding Clinic at C. S. Mott Children’s Hospital, where she provides direct patient care to infants and their families. While she is passionate about supporting families during such a critical stage of development, she seeks to expand the scope of her impact by leveraging her newly acquired health informatics skills.
What’s Next? After graduation, I plan to transition from my current role as a clinical pediatric dietitian into the data analytics side of healthcare. In my current position, I work closely with infants and their families, providing direct patient care and developing a deep understanding of the challenges they face. Building on this experience, I hope to leverage health data and informatics tools to improve patient care processes, enhance health outcomes, and expand my impact to a broader patient population. Ultimately, I am passionate about using data-driven insights to support more effective, equitable, and patient-centered care.
Dilyara Kdyrova, Software Development
Faculty attest that Dilyara exhibited exceptional dedication in her program. Next, she will be working on a mobile health-related project with Associate Professor Reza Rawassizadeh.
What’s Next? I don’t see graduation as a finish line—it feels more like a shift in perspective. Over the past years, I learned not only how to build systems, but how to think, adapt, and keep going even when things feel uncertain. Moving forward, I want to build technology that feels human: thoughtful, intuitive, and genuinely helpful in people’s everyday lives. At the same time, I hope to grow into someone who creates opportunities for others, whether through mentorship, collaboration, or simply showing that it’s possible to start small and still aim high. Boston University became a place where I learned to trust my ability to figure things out—and that is something I will carry with me far beyond my career.
Acknowledgements: I am deeply grateful to the people who made this journey feel possible, even from thousands of miles away. To the professors and mentors who saw potential in me, challenged me, and supported me along the way—thank you for shaping not only my education, but my confidence. And to my family, who have been my foundation across distance and time zones, their belief in me made all the difference. This achievement carries my name, but it reflects the strength, support, and faith of many people behind it.
Jaden Sydney Trask, Criminal Justice
Jaden is recognized for her exceptional academic achievement, intellectual rigor, and meaningful contributions to research. Distinguishing herself through work that combines analytical sophistication with real-world impact, Jaden has contributed to advanced quantitative and qualitative research, supported manuscript development for peer-reviewed publications, and engaged in applied evaluation with community-based organizations. In collaboration with faculty, Jaden has co-authored two articles accepted for publication that examine post-traumatic growth in people who are incarcerated. Jaden’s professionalism, creativity, and collaborative spirit have made her an invaluable member of the academic community.
What’s Next? I am currently working as a clinical research coordinator in the Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Psychiatry. My long-term goal is to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology, where I aim to bridge criminal justice and psychological research to study psychopathology and criminal behavior.
Acknowledgements: I would like to sincerely thank Dr. Danielle Rousseau and Dr. Shea Cronin for their mentorship, guidance, and for pushing me to grow as a researcher throughout my graduate studies. I would also like to thank my parents, for all of their support and encouragement, and my dogs, Howie and Luca, for their companionship during late-night writing sessions.
Erin Mullins, City Planning
A former middle school teacher and academic advising manager with a strong commitment to making a positive impact, Erin’s background has shaped her into an empathetic, creative problem-solver and attentive listener. Erin has long been passionate about city planning, particularly in creating accessible, people-centered transportation systems. As a big-picture thinker, she is interested in improving how people move through urban spaces without relying on cars, believing that sustainable options like public transit, walking, and biking can enhance quality of life.
What’s Next? I’ve always been interested in city planning because it is easily overlooked but has a huge impact on quality of life. My goal is to work for a transportation agency or local municipality, or for a planning agency such as the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, where I can contribute to making spaces better for the people who live, work, and pass through them.
Acknowledgements: I’d like to thank my family and friends for their support and encouragement throughout the program. I’d also like to thank my many professors, particularly Assistant Professor Yeşim Sungu-Eryilmaz, who gives her all to make the City Planning program the best it can be!
Rachel Belle Rodri, Urban Affairs
A recipient of the City of Boston Employee Scholarship, Rachel is a proud civil servant and first-generation college student from rural Colorado. As a lower-income, first-generation college student, Rachel has experienced firsthand the tremendous impact that public programs can have on marginalized communities. As a city worker, Rachel’s pursuit of a graduate degree is dedicated to expanding her knowledge and impact in generating equity and well-being in this city.
What’s Next? I am excited to invest fully into my work as senior manager of engagement and outreach for the City of Boston’s Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity. Fueled by my newfound knowledge and network, I hope to help usher in a new era of equitable youth workforce programming in Boston. Ultimately, I plan to leverage my academic achievement to enhance meaningful postsecondary and career pathways for low-income youth in the city I love. Personally, I look forward to traveling, cooking, sewing, and spending more time with my loved ones, especially my cat, Loki!
Acknowledgements: This achievement would not be possible without the support of my beloved fiancé, Alejandro; my loving parents, Lisa and Jerry; and my best friend and big sister, Naomi. I would like to thank my incredible program director and professor, Dr. Yeşim Sungu-Eryilmaz, for her deep commitment to our program and my own academic development. I am constantly inspired by my brilliant peers and the dedicated faculty in the City Planning & Urban Affairs program. Finally, I would like to extend tremendous gratitude to the City of Boston for granting me the opportunity to earn this degree as a recipient of the City of Boston Employee Scholarship Program.
Adeline Wong, Gastronomy
Adeline has excelled academically and in asking insightful questions about food’s roles in the world, particularly about food in diplomacy and international politics. Adeline has also been a great friend to the Gastronomy program since she first began taking classes. As a BU employee, she helped Metropolitan College to establish its online food studies program, which is now thriving. She has since left BU, but her supporters among the faculty are very excited to see what she will do with her degree.
What’s Next: I’m currently working at Brown University, so no specific career change plans there!
So Fan “Kaylie” Liu, Health Communication
Kaylie began her career in the world of consumer goods and marketing, where she honed her skills in market research, consumer behavior, and strategic planning. Soon after she joined Metropolitan College’s Health Communication program, Kaylie established herself as a dynamic student and exceptional contributor.
What’s Next? As I move forward, I aim to apply the knowledge and passion I’ve developed in the Health Communication program to make a meaningful impact on how individuals and communities understand and engage with their health. With my background in marketing and brand management, I hope to bridge the gap between healthcare services and the people who need them by promoting clearer, more accessible, and patient-centered communication. I am committed to pursuing a path that not only challenges me professionally but also contributes to improving health awareness and outcomes in the community. By staying curious and open-minded, I will continue to grow while deepening my understanding of the populations I serve.
Acknowledgements: First and foremost, I want to acknowledge myself for the faith, strength, and perseverance that carried me through this journey. From the bottom of my heart, I thank my husband, John, and my daughter, Sofia, whose love, encouragement, support, and sacrifices carried me through this journey. Their patience, strength, and belief in me gave me the courage to keep going, even during the most challenging moments. I am deeply grateful to the Health Communication faculty, instructors, and staff for their guidance, support, and commitment to academic excellence throughout my studies. I would especially like to thank Instructor Alane Bearder for her endless patience, encouragement, and dedication in the course Visual Communication in the Digital Health Age (MET HC 762). I also extend my sincere appreciation to Associate Professor of the Practice Justin Joseph, instructors Leigh Curtin-Wilding, Dr. Felipe Agudelo Acevedo, and Paul Buta, as well as Ms. Shannon Luttge for their guidance, professionalism, and support throughout my academic journey. Last, but not least, I warmly thank my good friends, Joe and Fiona, who encouraged me to begin this course, as well as my family and friends for their love, support, and belief in me. I share this achievement with all of you.