2024 Award Winners

Katherine Bryant (GMS)

“I am deeply honored and grateful to receive the BU Women’s Guild Award, which will support me as I focus on my capstone research and clinical experiences. I hope that I can be an inspiration to other women returning to school in midlife, as my mother (who received a Ph.D. at 57) has been for me.”

Katherine Bryant is a master’s student in the BU Genetic Counseling Program. She spent many years in educational publishing as an editor and writer before pursuing a midlife career change into genetic counseling. Her capstone research is focused on understanding how patients get access to specialized genetic care and research participation, with the ultimate goal of improving access for a wider population. She holds B.A. and M.A. degrees in the history of science from Harvard University.

Susan Swirsley (CFA)

“It is an honor to be selected to receive a 2024 Boston University Women’s Guild Award and to be in the company of so many talented female graduate students. This award will help me to expand the scope and scale of my artistic practice, making work that is more robust and visually arresting.”

Susan Swirsley is a photo-based visual artist using historical and contemporary processes to translate film and camera-less photographic images onto surfaces. Her work is about process, materiality, illusion and the intersection of preservation and chance. Travels throughout the United States, Europe and Asia, along with her background in business and the social sciences, informs her artistic practice and curiosity about the connection between photography, other artistic disciplines and culture. Susan is a 2025 MFA candidate in Print Media Photography at Boston University.

Carmen Maria Hernandez (CFA)

“I am honored to be the recipient of the BU Women’s Guild WOCC Award. This award will allow me to finically support my education and research on the impact of community arts programs within nonprofits. I hope this will inspire young women of color to pursue a higher education within the arts.”

Carmen Maria Hernandez is a first year student in the MA of Art Education program in Boston University’s College of Fine Arts and holds a BA in Studio Arts from UCLA. She brings over a decade of arts education experience. She is committed in fostering creativity and cultural equity, and has developed impactful arts programs across various institutions in Southern California and Greater Boston. Her goal during her academic research is to create innovative and engaging programs that allows all individuals, regardless of background or socioeconomic status to have accessible arts education.

Vidriana Catanzaro (SPH)

“Biostatistics is the art of unraveling biological complexities, bringing order and clarity to uncertainty. I am immensely honored and grateful to be the recipient of the Dr. Beverly Brown Award from the BUWG, which bolsters my pursuit of scholarly excellence in this field!”

Vidriana is a graduate student in BU’s School of Public Health pursuing her Master’s degree in Applied Biostatistics. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Gordon College and is currently immersed in medical research serving as a research administrative assistant in the Biomedical Genetics Section of the BU Chobanian Avedisian School of Medicine. Inspired by the myriad of ways that statistics can predict and address universal medical challenges, she is driven to pioneer groundbreaking advancements in healthcare and beyond.

Whitney Souery (CDS)

“I am incredibly honored to have received the Katherine Connor McLaughlin Award. This scholarship will make it possible for me to attend conferences with full funding throughout my medical school training and continue sharing my research findings with the scientific community.”

Whitney Souery is a fourth year MD/PhD candidate in bioinformatics and computational biology. Her research uses transcriptomic approaches to better understand the mechanisms that drive understudied lung diseases, such as mucus plugging and bronchiectasis. She hopes her work can help identify new treatments with improved disease targetability, ultimately improving patient outcomes. Whitney holds a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from Texas A&M University.

J Lamoureux (CFA)

“It is such an honor to be receiving this award, especially as someone who always looks up to the women in my life for support and inspiration. Without them, this wouldn’t be possible for me. I hope I can be equally as inspiring as they are one day.”

J Lamoureux is a current freshman in Boston University’s College of Fine Arts, studying Vocal Performance in the School of Music. While they dream of becoming an opera singer, they have always had a passion and talent for writing as well. To them, the art of writing is intertwined directly with the art of music, as either subject can easily be amplified by the other. Creative writing, and the many teachers that came with it, has helped J become the person they are today and find the ability to communicate with others. One day, they hope to publish their own poetry book.

Cerissa DiValentino (GRS)

“It is an incredible honor to receive this award. All of my gratitude extends to the MFA fiction faculty, the Women’s Guild, and Ms. Randall’s estate for providing me with such valuable support as I graduate and complete my first novel.”

Cerissa DiValentino is an MFA in Creative Writing candidate at Boston University. She is a teaching fellow, Helen Deutsch Fellow, and a recipient of the Leslie Epstein Global Fellowship in Fiction.

Pranathi Kuchanpally (MET)

“I am honored to receive the Boston University’s Women’s Guild Award. Grateful for this recognition , I appreciate the committee’s belief in my potential. This award enables me to focus on my independent research projects and build my portfolio without the burden of financial pressure.”

Pranathi Kuchanpally is a first-year graduate student in Applied Business Analytics, where she is pursuing a degree that combines her passions for mathematics, statistics, coding, and business. As a graduate of Mechanical engineering, she initially worked in the IT service sector, she is now fully committed to exploring her academic interests. Currently, she is seeking opportunities to conduct research and publish her work in these fields. Ultimately, her goal is to pursue a career in strategy consulting, where she can apply her analytical skills to solve complex business problems.

Bahar Aldanmaz Fidan (GRS)

“I work for safer and more comfortable menstrual experiences for all!”

Bahar, a Ph.D. Candidate at Boston University focuses on global health, development, gender, and menstrual justice. She explores the links between natural disasters and anti-gender movements, particularly post-earthquake in Türkiye. Her written work covers reproductive justice, published in Ms. Magazine, Think Global Health, Health Policy, Kadın/Woman 2000, and Signs: Journal of Women in Culture and Society. She is also the co-founder of Konuşmamız Gerek Association based in Türkiye and co-authored “Let’s Talk: Menstruation,” – a children’s book for Turkish-speaking audiences.

Shivangi Anil (Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine)

“I am grateful for the award as it will allow me to get the medical care I need to manage my disability and focus my efforts towards my career goals of becoming a licensed psychologist and researcher working towards Asian American mental health.”

Shivangi is pursuing her masters in mental health counselling and behavioural medicine at the Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. She holds a bachelor’s and master’s in psychology from India. In the future, she plans to pursue her PhD in counselling psychology. As a psychologist, he hopes to focus her clinical & research work towards Asian American mental health.

Caitlyn Ark (GMS)

“I am honored and grateful to be selected for the Boston University Women’s Guild Award. This award will fund my summer education, where I will gain training experience in rural health with a focus in health equity.”

Caitlyn Ark (she/her) is a MS candidate in genetic counseling in the Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. She holds a BS in Biology, with minors in Mathematics and Human Services from Northeastern University. She is passionate about public health genetics and patient empowerment, and her research focuses on expanding access to genetic healthcare.

Ariel Blakey (GRS)

“It is an absolute honor to be a recipient of the Boston University Women’s Guild Award. This award is pivotal to my successful completion of my dissertation and degree and I am so grateful to the members of the Boston University Women’s Guild for this recognition and their investment in my future!”

Ariel O. Blakey is a Clinical Psychology PhD Candidate, mentored by Dr. Kristin Long, in the Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences. She is a proud alumna of Spelman College where she received a BA in Psychology in 2019. In 2020, Ariel received an MA in Psychology at BU. Ariel’s research broadly focuses on understanding and addressing health disparities amongst underserved and racially/ethnically marginalized pediatric populations. Her dissertation research investigates how socio-cultural/economic factors and cognitive processes influence health outcomes in pediatric sickle cell disease.

Catherine Butler (CFA)

“Words cannot express how grateful I am to receive the Boston University Women’s Guild Award. This award will help me immensely in my final year at BU as I strive towards purchasing a new piccolo, which will help me succeed in professional orchestral auditions.”

Catherine Butler is a current Graduate Performance Diploma student at Boston University. She has earned her bachelor’s from Wayne State University in Instrumental Music Education and Flute Performance and her master’s in Flute Performance from Boston University. She was a finalist in the James Pappoutsakis 44th Memorial Flute Competition and the winner of the 2018-2019 Wayne State Concerto Competition. Currently, she freelances around the Boston area, performing with the Du Bois Orchestra and Longwood Symphony. Catherine spends her summers performing professionally with the Ohio Light Opera.

Leticia Castillo Brache (GRS)

“I am deeply honored to receive the BU Women’s Council Award. This award will allow me to further my scholarship in philosophy of science. Thank you!”

Leticia is a PhD candidate in the philosophy department. Her work focuses on the intersection of philosophy of science and ethics. She is currently writing her dissertation on “Hidden Narratives in Geoscientific Research: Towards Developing More Ethical Practices.”

Andrea Catania (MET)

“My genuine gratitude to the BUWG for this support. With this, you are fostering a community where the potential of women is recognized, valued, and nurtured. Special thanks to the Food Studies Program, Dr. Karen Metheny, Lexie Raczka, and Mark Araujo, whose unwavering support I deeply appreciate.”

I am a graduate student in the Gastronomy Program (MET) focusing on Food Policy. This is a step on my journey to building food systems that are nourishing and equitable. I was born, bred, and buttered in the Syracuse area and I’m a proud, first-gen graduate of The Culinary Institute of America. Following that I worked across several facets of food and beverage operations in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Denver. Currently, I balance roles as a Graduate Assistant for my program, a Sustainability Intern with BU Dining Services, and Fellows Co-Manager for the Menus of Change Research Collaborative.

Allysha Dalzell (SSW)

“Be curious, not judgmental.”

Allysha is a wife to a VA firefighter and veteran and a mom to an amazing 3, 1 10-year-old boy and twin two-and-a-half-year-old girls. She’s provided many hours to assist individual adults and adolescents with severe disabling mental illnesses in the community. Currently she is interning at a community mental health center, providing free hours with a local volunteer fire department, and visiting clinicians in her community to provide the best care and resources available to the people around her. She looks forward to working in community mental health and possibly working in a group practice.

Danielle DeRosier (SSW)

“I am so grateful for being the recipient of the BUWG scholarship. It is an honor to be recognized and supported in both my academic and professional endeavors. It makes me so proud to show my son that with hard work and persistence, you can achieve great things and help others.”

Danielle DeRosier is the Senior Director of Community Programs at a non-profit in CT, assisting victims of domestic violence. She has worked in the field of DV since 2008. For the past 4 years, she has held the Senior Director position, overseeing counseling, court, and the community education departments. Her knowledge of domestic violence and trauma-informed care has led her to provide training to various professionals throughout CT. Danielle also is a single mom of her 9-year-old son, who is her greatest motivation. Danielle is currently obtaining her MSW at BU in the online program.

Zoe Devine (Sargent)

“I feel beyond grateful and honored to have received this award from the BU Women’s Guild. Most of my academic accomplishments were only possible with my strong community of female mentors and peers. My deepest gratitude goes to them and the Women’s Guild for all of their support. It’s invaluable.”

Zoe Devine (she/her) is a student in Boston University’s Sargent College hailing from Northborough, MA. She holds a BA in Linguistics and Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences from BU and is finishing her first year of graduate school pursuing a MS in Speech/Language Pathology. As a future clinician, she is passionate about helping people with a wide variety of cultural and linguistic experiences access communication. She hopes to work with multilingual and neurodivergent children who are often misunderstood in this field by integrating evidence-based practice and cultural humility.

Yareliz Diaz (SPH)

“I am honored I was chosen as a recipient of the Boston University Women’s Guild Award. This award has further validated that my work is important and necessary for a better future.
“Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing.” – Arundhati Roy
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Yareliz Diaz is a PhD Candidate in Health Services and Policy Research at the School of Public Health (BUSPH). She is a mixed methods researcher with a personal interest in Spanish-speaking populations. Her research interests are on migration, disaster response, and mental health. Her dissertation focuses on the long-term health impacts of cascading disasters (Hurricane María in Puerto Rico and the COVID-19 pandemic), crisis migration of Puerto Ricans to Florida, and how contextual stressors like residential instability affects the mental health of both adults and children in this population.

Christina Galiano (GRS)

“Dwell in possibility – Emily Dickinson”

Christina is a 5th year PhD student in clinical psychology. Her clinical interests include neuropsychological assessment and psychotherapy with populations with mood, anxiety and trauma spectrum disorders, as well as co-occurring neuropsychological conditions. At BU, her research has been focused on the classification and prediction of psychopathology and prediction of treatment response to CBT, particularly using neurocognitive measures. In her career, she hopes to become a board-certified neuropsychologist and psychotherapist.

Irene García (GRS)

“I am very grateful to the Boston University’s Women’s Guild for this incredible honor. Thank you for recognizing older graduate students who have taken the chance of going back to school, recognizing the hardships that may come with that decision. This award serves as motivation to continue.”

Irene García is currently completing her PhD in History of art and architecture at Boston University, with a focus on Latin American and Caribbean art of the twentieth century. She holds a master’s degree in art history from Syracuse University, where she received the Elizabeth Gilmore Holt Prize for Outstanding Graduate Paper. Irene has worked as a curatorial assistant at the Museo de Arte de Ponce in Puerto Rico and is currently a Teaching Fellow at Boston University. Her research focuses on the relationship between art and politics in twentieth-century Puerto Rico.

Madison Glatz (Sargent)

“I am very honored to be supported by the BU Women’s Guild with this award as I pursue my degree. This award will allow me to achieve my goals of becoming a speech-language pathologist that works with diverse individuals across the lifespan so they can achieve their own personal communication goals.”

Madison is originally from the Chicago suburbs and attended The University of Alabama for her undergraduate studies. She is currently in the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program. She has worked as a graduate student clinician in the Aphasia Resource Center and will be working in BU’s Intensive Cognitive and Communication Rehabilitation Program and at Boston Medical Center’s Cognitive and Communication Clinic this summer. She is passionate about working with individuals with acquired brain injury and is interested in language and literacy disorders in pediatric populations.

Melinda Grasso (SSW)

““You will face many defeats in life, but never let yourself be defeated.” – Maya Angelou”

My name is Melinda Grasso. I am a single mother of two children; my son is 17 and my daughter is 14. We live in Rhode Island with our three dogs. I am in my second year in the school of social work at Boston University. Currently, I work as a paraprofessional in the fifth grade at an elementary school in Rhode Island. I have worked in the same district for nine years. In addition to working, I am doing my foundation internship as well as classes. Most of my free time is spent watching my son’s tennis matches, attending my daughter’s horseback riding lessons, and walking my dogs.

Helina Haile (LAW)

“I am grateful for the BU Women’s Guild and for this award. It’s an honor to be recognized for my efforts and it’s absolutely wonderful to be supported in my professional goals. Glad to be part of the community!”

Helina Haile is an Ethiopian immigrant and peacebuilder interested in the intersection of health and human rights. Helina is committed to the principles and values of somatic-trauma healing, healing justice, and prisoners rights. After law school, Helina hopes to use her law degree as a tool to work alongside communities and movements pursuing a justice that heals. She holds a B.A in Political Science and International Studies and a M.A in Global Affairs with a concentration in International Peace Studies.

Lior Hamovitz (GRS)

“I’m beyond honored to receive the BUWC Award. I’m now able to initiate research with indigenous communities in Latin America and gauge valuable local insights regarding the experience and governance of the climate crisis. Being a woman in academia is my greatest honor, and I aim to pay it forward.”

Lior is a CSSN Scholar rising in the field of Climate Justice, researching environmental injustices through a socio-geographic perspective. She specializes in political theory, with an emphasis on issues of intergenerational and global justice, and the evolving literature on intersectional environmentalism. Her work centers around the compounding effects of geography, history and identity in people’s lived experience of climate injustice, as well as these elements’ interaction with legalist regimes. She aims to contribute both to scholarship about and justice-making in a warming world.

Peyton Henry (MET)

“I am honored to be selected for this award and incredibly grateful to the BU Women’s Guild for their continuous support of women scholars. This award will allow me to prioritize my education and continue to attend in-person classes in the Fall. Thank you!”

Peyton Henry is a graduate student studying Criminal Justice, specializing in Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Investigations. Her current research involves two significant projects: exploring the interactions between individuals and robotic police patrols, and uncovering homicidal and/or suicidal markers in mass shooters to prevent future tragedies. She has also been involved in multiple federally funded research projects within the field of criminal justice. Peyton is passionate about utilizing digital evidence to solve and prevent crime, aiming to create safer communities.

Monika Horava (Questrom)

““One person’s ‘annoying’ is another person’s ‘inspiring and heroic’.” -Leslie Knope”

With almost a decade of professional experience working as a registered nurse, I have dedicated my career to bettering my patients’ lives. I am currently pursuing my MBA to complement my clinical proficiency with skills in management and strategic decision-making. While I haven’t decided where my degree will lead me, I’m finding joy in learning and making great friends along the way! In addition to my professional life, I am a wife to a wonderfully-supportive husband with whom I share a sweet dog and a soon-to-be baby girl!

Ya-Ching Huang (GRS)

“I am honored to have received the BU Women’s Guild Award. This recognition not only serves as an encouragement but also provides invaluable support for my dissertation research. I am genuinely grateful for the generosity and commitment of the Women’s Guild in empowering academic endeavors of women.”

Ya-Ching Huang is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Sociology. Her research interests include economic sociology, culture, morality, and health and healthcare. She is currently conducting dissertation research on pediatric palliative care, exploring how clinicians and parents ascribe meanings to children’s quality of life in the context of life-threatening, life-limiting, or terminal illnesses. She examines how these perceptions, shaped by social factors like class, race, and ethnicity, inform decisions regarding care arrangements.

Khushi Basant Jain (Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine)

“I am deeply honored to receive this award. As an international student, navigating this path comes with its challenges, and this award not only supports me financially but also acknowledges the dedication of women like myself and celebrates our efforts in making a positive impact on society.”

Khushi is currently enrolled in the Mental Health Counseling and Behavioral Medicine program at BU School of Medicine. She is among the first in her family to pursue studies in America, driven by a profound passion for promoting emotional healing and well-being. She is dedicated to making a meaningful impact on individuals’ lives, aiming to contribute to a compassionate and healthy environment. Her academic pursuits and personal experiences inspire her commitment to creating a kinder and more supportive world through therapeutic intervention and mental health advocacy.

Nawarat Yoko Jarussepiboon (SHA)

“I am deeply honored to be awarded the BUWC Scholarship. This invaluable opportunity will enable me to pursue a master’s degree in hospitality, fostering a steadfast commitment to promoting environmentally sustainable practices in this industry.”

My name is Nawarat Jarussepiboon. With a background in various roles within the hospitality sector, I’m dedicated to continuous improvement. I aspire to pursue a master’s degree in hospitality management to further my expertise. In 2017, I faced personal challenges in my life but persevered. Despite adversity, I remain committed to growth and aim to inspire others to overcome obstacles. I aim to utilize this opportunity to make a positive impact within the hospitality industry and contribute to the promotion of environmentally sustainable practices in hotels and restaurants.

Anna Jeide-Detweiler (STH)

“As a mother and an aspiring minister, I am so thankful to the BU Women’s Guild/Council for their support. This scholarship provides necessary funds for childcare as I continue my studies, complete contextual education, and further hone my skills in the area of conflict transformation.”

Anna Jeide-Detweiler is a graduate student at Boston University School of Theology pursuing a Master of Divinity with a Certificate in Religion and Conflict Transformation. She is pursuing ordination to become a Minister in the United Church of Christ. Anna is also expecting her first child in June 2024. Anna studies how religion and theology can be exploited for violence or leveraged for peacebuilding. Upon graduation, she plans to help equip faith communities in responding to conflict in healthy, life-giving ways that lead to transformational change and collective flourishing.

Sybil Joslyn (GRS)

“I am so grateful to the BU Women’s Guild for this award. Balancing dissertation research and caring for my young son presents many challenges, and this scholarship will allow me to pursue avenues for childcare support. Thank you for uplifting women scholars and encouraging our work.”

Sybil F. Joslyn is a PhD Candidate in the History of Art & Architecture studying American art, material culture, and decorative arts in the long nineteenth century. Her dissertation examines maritime salvage as object, material, and process to interrogate conceptions of identity, property, and value during the Age of Sail. Sybil’s project contributes to the growing body of scholarship in the Blue Humanities by expanding traditional narratives of interpretation and cultural meaning in the maritime world. She holds MA degrees from Sotheby’s Institute of Art and Bard Graduate Center.

Khadija Joss (GRS)

“I am honored to receive the Boston University Women’s Council Award. This generous support will enable me to further my research on the legacies of slavery, racialization, and anti-Black racism in North Africa and the Middle East.”

Khadija El Karfi Joss (she/her) is a Ph.D. candidate at Boston University, originally from Rabat, Morocco. Her research focuses on the under-researched legacies of slavery, racialization, and anti-Black racism in the MENA region, as well as the effects of forced displacement on marginalized communities. Khadija holds a Master’s degree from Boston University and a Bachelor’s in International Relations and French & Francophone Studies from Mount Holyoke College.

Yunli Kim (MET)

“Age does not define our ability to grow. Facing challenges head-on, I left a secure job to redefine my career abroad, proving it’s never too late to embrace change and rekindle youthful energy for future success.”

Korean B2B Merchandising Manager with over 18 years in global clothing manufacturing and sourcing. As a dedicated single parent, I expertly balance work and life while enhancing my expertise at Boston University Metropolitan College, where I pursue a Master’s in Supply Chain Management. This advanced degree underscores my commitment to driving higher standards and innovation within the industry. My career reflects a passion for continual improvement and a deep dedication to adapting and thriving in an ever-evolving professional landscape.

Sophie Lewis (CFA)

“I am so thankful to the BU Women’s Guild for their support of both me, and my research! This assistance means that I will be able to complete my practicum and gain the hands on classroom experience which will make my research more accessible to educators across America.”

Sophie Lewis is a Doctor of Musical Arts student in Music Education at the College of Fine Arts. She holds a Bachelors degree in music from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland and a Masters degree in musicology from the University of Denver, Colorado. Her research focuses on the sustainability of workload in music education students and how student values compare to institutional values. She is also pursuing her K-12 teaching license in music education. In her spare time, Sophie enjoys reading, playing her cello, and birdwatching in the Boston area.

Jessica Martin (GRS)

“I am deeply honored to be chosen alongside such extraordinary women for these awards! I am also incredibly thankful to the BU Women’s Guild for their generous support of my research. Thank you!”

Jessica Martin is a PhD student in Biological Anthropology within the Sensory Morphology and Anthropological Genomics Lab. Her dissertation research focuses on comparing the gut microbiomes of wild vervet monkeys living in three locations in South Africa. She is particularly interested in how the gut microbiome responds to various external influences, including diet, social interaction, and habitat type, and how these factors impact overall host health. Before attending Boston University, Jessica completed her B.S. (Honors) in Neuroscience and Behavior at Florida Atlantic University.

Madison McGonnigal (SSW)

“It is an absolute an honor to receive the Boston University Women’s Guild Award. I am so grateful to belong to a community that encourages women to pursue their passions. This award will support me in my journey to continue to advocate for mental health care and better the lives of others. “

Madison McGonnigal is earning a master’s in social work with a clinical major from Boston University’s School of Social Work. In 2020, she earned a BA in Cognitive Science from the University of Virginia. She plans to become a licensed clinical social worker to support people from a holistic viewpoint, and emphasize both systemic and individual perspectives. She is currently working at a substance abuse recovery center to provide individual and group therapy to clients. She believes it is critical to help people treat the underlying pain that is often associated with addiction.

Syeda Rumana Mehdi (GRS)

“I’m beyond honored to receive the Boston University Women’s Council Award! This is an incredible form of encouragement for a young scholar like me and will help me finance my trip to Iraq where I’ll study mourning rituals conducted by Shia women in Iraqi shrines during the Islamic month of Muharram.”

Syeda Rumana Mehdi is a first-year PhD student in the sociocultural track at the Anthropology department in Boston University. Her research focuses on Pakistani widows and they ways in which they cope with loss by visiting Sufi shrines in Pakistan. Through an ethnographic study of selected shrines, she hopes to explore why widows frequent shrines, what rituals do they participate in and how they interact with other women and men. Rumana holds a Masters in Women and Gender Studies from University of York (UK) and a B.A in Liberal Arts from Bennington College.

Janvi Mody (GDM)

“Estée Lauder’s quote, “I never dreamed about success. I worked for it,” has always resonated with me. While hard work can sometimes go unnoticed, I am grateful to the BU Women’s Council for not only acknowledging my efforts but also expressing genuine appreciation for them.”

I am currently enrolled in a combined doctorate and clinical residency in Periodontology at the BU Dental School. In 2023, I earned a Master’s degree in Periodontology (at BU) and prior to that, I completed my dental education in India. My passion for dentistry was sparked by a desire to alleviate people’s pain and a profound curiosity about the human body. This motivation led me to pursue advanced training in the United States, where I can leverage state-of-the-art technology to deepen my expertise. Ultimately, I aim to share my knowledge by educating others and contributing back to society.

Grace Mousan (MET)

“Thank you for this honor.”

My name is Grace Mousan, a general pediatrician and pediatric hospitalist. I am currently a graduate student at Boston University in the master of health informatics program.

Chau Nguyen (Wheelock)

“I am so honored to be a recipient of the BUWC Scholarship 2024. This recognition fills me with gratitude and reinforces the support of fellow BU women. It empowers me to continue supporting and making positive impacts within my Vietnamese community.”

Chau is pursuing an M.Ed. degree in Special Education at Boston University. She is also a Project Coordinator for The Circle of Vietnamese Parents Foundation. In her current research, Chau focused on enhancing cultural and linguistic responsiveness within Early Intervention services, particularly for Vietnamese parents with limited English proficiency. Chau is interested in developing effective strategies that ensure equitable access to essential services for diverse backgrounds, improving equity in education, and increasing accessibility for the Asian community within the educational systems.

Nicole Pagliuca (SSW)

““What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.” — Zig Ziglar”

My name is Nicole, and I am in my third year of the online school of social work master’s program. I was born and raised in New York but have lived in Maryland now for about 7 years. I am so honored and grateful to have received this award and will use it proudly as I finish my degree this December.

Isabella Payne (MET)

“I am extremely honored to be a recipient of this award. Thank you to the BU Women’s Guild and Council for their support! “If you know you are on the right track, if you have this inner knowledge, then nobody can turn you off… no matter what they say.” -Barbara McClintock”

Bella is a graduate student at Metropolitan College originally from Cranston, Rhode Island. She is a candidate for an MS in Health Informatics. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Neuroscience from Stonehill College in North Easton, Massachusetts. Bella is currently working in gastroenterology research, with studies involving advanced therapies for inflammatory bowel diseases and biomarkers for gastrointestinal cancers. In her career, she hopes to improve the equity, accessibility, and overall quality of healthcare using health informatics.

Aliyah Phipps (Questrom)

Aliyah (she/her) is an avid lover of music, dance, travel, cooking and spending time with her family. As a first-generation student and career professional of Jamaican and Cuban descent, she takes pride in her heritage. Having pursued her bachelor’s degree at Fairfield University in Connecticut, Aliyah double majored in Chinese Studies & Communication and minored in Philosophy. Currently pursuing a social impact track Professional Evening MBA (PEMBA) at BU’s Questrom School of Business, her interests lie in international entrepreneurship, energy, and human resources management.

Eve Pierre (GRS)

““If not you, then who?” I am compelled to ask myself this question as a call to action and support for others.
“

Eve Pierre is in her 24th year as a vocal music & drama teacher in the Bloomfield Hills School District in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Musical Arts degree at Boston University. Eve is an International Baccalureate Middle Years Programme Arts consultant, and she serves on the Oakland County Fine Arts Council. Prior to teaching, Eve sang professionally with the Rome Opera in Rome, Italy. In her free time, Eve enjoys traveling with her 3 children (Elle, Ava, and Gabe), Princess Penny the Boston Terrier, and King Louie the Pug. Go Terriers!

Aija Reke (CFA)

“I am incredibly honored, grateful, and humbled to receive the Boston University Women’s Guild Award. I am determined to generate hope and build for future generations through my work in music and education. I am devoted to bringing the joy of music to communities here in the USA and abroad.”

She is currently a Doctor of Musical Arts candidate at BU CFA where she studies with Prof. Bayla Keyes. Her solo album “Latvian Reflections” was released under the Spice Classics label (2021). Her composition “Meditation-Prayer” was published in 2019 by Musica Baltica (Edition Peters). She recorded for Albany Records label on Ketty Nez’s album “Far Sight Sun Light” (2023). Aija performs regularly with ALEA III and with the Boston Modern Orchestra Project. Aija has taught at the Boston Music Project, Brookline Public Schools, and the El Sistema program. More: www.aijareke.com

Heather Rivera (SSW)

“I am honored and grateful to receive this award. It is a great encouragement and will certainly make a difference in the financial burden of my graduate education. Thank you to the Boston University Women’s Guild and Council for supporting this step in my career!”

Heather Rivera is a graduate student in the Boston University School of Social Work with a focus on macro level social work. Heather completed her BA in Psychology and English at Amherst College, where she focused on child development research. Currently, Heather is based in the Peoria, Illinois area. She is completing the online MSW program while working in the development department for a nonprofit that provides services to children in local hospitals. After completing her MSW, Heather plans to pursue a career in macro level policy and advocacy with a focus on policies relating to children.

Abigail Robinson (GRS)

“I am honored to be a recipient of the BU Women’s Council Award. This award will give me the flexibility to complete crucial research for my dissertation. I am deeply grateful to the BU Women’s Council Members for their generosity and support of my graduate studies. “

Abigail Robinson is a PhD Candidate in the biology department at Boston University. She holds a BS in biology and environmental science from Creighton University. She is butterfly ecologist interested in understanding how different predator avoidance strategies affect how well species can adapt to changing environments. Her current research combines developmental experiments, chemical ecology, and hierarchical modeling techniques to assess how mimicry shapes spatial and temporal patterns of occurrence in butterfly communities.

Megan Ryder (SPH)

“I am honored to join the ranks of inspiring women as a recipient of the 2024 BU Women’s Guild Award! Female leaders are the backbone of Boston University; simply being a small part of this community has encouraged me to challenge myself in ways I could never do alone.”

Megan Ryder, a BU CTE Center Research Coordinator since 2022, originates form San Jose, CA and is currently a part-time Master’s in Public Health candidate at the School of Public Health in Epidemiology and Biostatistics. Committed to public health intervention across her professional and academic pursuits, she won the 2024 BU Climate Innovation Challenge for her work on a mini-forest planting intervention in a low socioeconomic Boston neighborhood. She is also a part of the CTE Center’s 24hr brain donation line and has an interest in neuroendocrine dysregulation among women with dementia.

Maidah Salman (CFA)

“I am honored to have received the Boston University Women’s Guild Award. It will serve as a stepping stone towards my goals to establish a career in academia and pursuing a Ph.D, thereby helping International students, especially women, in navigating the struggles of pursuing their education abroad.”

Maidah Salman is a MFA candidate at Boston University at the School of Visual Arts. Born and raised in Pakistan, Maidah has moved from city to city her entire life due to her father’s occupation. She eventually settled down in the city of Islamabad, to pursue a BFA in Visual Communication Design. For the past year Maidah has been in Boston, furthering her education in the field of Visual Arts.

Karen Stewart (GRS)

“I am honored to receive this Boston University Women’s Guild Award. I am very grateful to the committee members for their support and belief in my work, and that the grantors endorsed the inclusion of childcare as a research expense, a cost that disproportionately affects women in research.”

Karen is a PhD candidate in Archaeology in the Dept. of Anthropology. She is an archaeobotanist whose research focuses on emerging plant foodways in New England in the period after European arrival. Her work uses archived archaeological material and data to demonstrate the feasibility and value of sustainable research practices, showcasing the potential for meaningful contributions to both science and sustainability efforts from otherwise invisible archived material.

Amber (Tzu Hui) Tai (COM)

““The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” – Albert Einstein”

I was born and raised in Taiwan and worked as a TV reporter before enrolling in graduate program. After college, I chose to work in broadcast news channels because I was curious about reporting on-site. I found my life in the industry to be fulfilling, as I competed with time and speed every minute. The industry required me to adapt quickly to uncertainty and timelessness, which made me agile and flexible in both reporting and content creation. Now, on the next chapter of my journey by enrolling in Boston University Journalism Graduate program. I am excited to see where this could lead me to.

Jennifer Wang (Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine)

“I am incredibly grateful for the BU Women’s Guild for awarding me this scholarship. As a student who is balancing both the challenges of motherhood and the rigor of medical school, the generosity of the awards committee enables me to pursue my dream while supporting the well-being of my family.”

Jennifer Wang is a Class of 2026 student at Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine. She had a prior career in biotechnology prior to medical school, where her work focused on developing DNA sequencing platforms. As a future physician, she hopes to build a practice based on patient-centered care and health access equity. She is originally from California and received her BS from University of California, San Diego, and her MS from Boston University. When she’s not in the hospital, she enjoys spending time with her husband, toddler daughter Vivienne, and cavapoo Gumbo.

Shiting Wang (Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine)

“I’m honored and grateful to receive the BU Women’s Guild Award! This recognition greatly encourages me to continue my passion for clinical research!”

I am a Master candidate in Clinical Research at GMS, I hold a BS in Pharmacy and a MS in Pharmaceutical Science. With prior experience in both academia and industry, I made the decision to return to university to delve deeper into clinical research. I am currently conducting research at Boston Medical Center, aiming to contribute to the improvement of patient wellbeing!

Yaxin ‘Shirley’ Wang (Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine)

““Real generosity toward the future lies in giving all to the present.” – Albert Camus, The Rebel, 1951.”

Hi! I am Yaxin Wang. I go by Shirley. I want to share with you something much more interesting than just on my resume. I am an artist-philosopher by heart, driven by the firm belief that we are all inseparably interconnected on a deeper level. I transitioned from a math and philosophy major to where I am studying at BU right now – mental health. I am deeply proud of what I am doing.

Ziqi Xie (GRS)

“I am incredibly honored to have been selected for the BU Women’s Council Award. This award will enable me to present my papers at both anthropology and STS studies conferences in Europe during the summer of 2024. Thank you!!”

Ziqi Xie (she/her/hers) is a sociocultural anthropologist whose specialization in medical and psychological anthropology leads to ethnographic research on reproduction, kinship, biomedical technologies, and population policy. Currently a PhD candidate in anthropology, her research focuses on how the growing prominence of assisted reproductive technologies intersects with the state’s population and reproductive governance in contemporary China.

Lingyi Xu (CDS)

“I am thrilled and grateful to receive this award from the BU Women’s Guild! It is great recognition of my graduate work. This award will support my ongoing research on cancer screening and assessment to extend both in depth and breadth to benefit broader populations.”

Lingyi Xu is a PhD student in Computing & Data Sciences at CDS, where she seeks to develop algorithmic solutions to promote screening, detection, and assessment of lung cancer. Her current work investigates the value of multimodal medical data to understand the relationship between pathological and genetical assessments and distinguish their unique contributions to lung cancer progression. Before joining CDS, she received her BS in Finance from Zhejiang University and MS in Mathematical Finance from BU, and finished the first two years of PhD at Questrom School of Business.