Sigma Xi Awardees

Victoria Savo is a School Library Media Specialist at Pocono Mountain School District, where they have been an educator since 2008 and fostering hands-on STEAM learning since 2016. With a B.A. in English from the University of Scranton, a Master’s in Information Science from Marywood University, and a PA STEM Letter of Endorsement from Wilkes University, they are dedicated to integrating science, technology, and creativity into education. As a Teacher Ambassador for the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Teacher Innovator Institute and a 2025 Infy Makers Award winner, they bring innovative opportunities to their students. They lead science initiatives like March Mammal Madness, space education with NASA resources, and coding projects using Makey Makey and Micro:bits. Through their Science Club and role on the PMSD STEAM Team, they help prepare students for the Science Olympiad and foster cross-curricular learning. With funding from the Infy Makers Award, they incorporate robotics, paper circuits, and laser-engraved projects that blend Social Studies with STEAM concepts. Their dedication ensures students develop critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills in engaging ways. They live in Olyphant with their spouse, Carlo, and their two children, Carlo and Vito.

Neil Mcgovern is a science educator with 28 years of experience teaching within the Pocono Mountain School District. Neil currently teaches Honors Biology, Biology, and Zoology courses at Pocono Mountain West High School to students of all backgrounds and ability levels. Neil has also taught a variety of other electives including Human Anatomy and Natural Science of the Poconos. In addition to his role as a Biology Teacher, Neil also serves as an advisor to the Pocono Mountain West High School Student Council, a dynamic and dedicated group of student leaders who plan and implement events and activities that serve their classmates and the school community. During his time as an advisor, the PMWHS Student Council has been acknowledged as an NASC National Gold Council of Excellence, the highest recognition available for a Student Council in the United States, for 18 consecutive years. In addition, the organization has also been recognized as a PASC Distinguished Keystone Council every year since the award was established. In the past, Neil has also served as the Environmental Club Advisor, Envirothon Team Coach, and Qualified Scientist for students participating in the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science Competition. Neil has also been recognized as the Monroe County Conservation Educator of the Year and the Pennsylvania Association of Student Council Region H Advisor of the Year during his career as an educator and Student Council Advisor. Neil is a graduate of DeSales University (formerly Allentown College of St. Francis DeSales) with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. After earning his degree, Neil earned his teaching certification at Kutztown University and holds an M.Ed. from East Stroudsburg University. Neil resides in Mount Pocono and enjoys spending time and traveling with his wife Jennifer and son Finn.

Jonathan Arias is originally from the Dominican Republic. He is one of the few in the current Biochemistry cohort dubbed America’s Next Top Biochemists. He graduates in May 2025 with a dual degree in Biochemistry and Chemical Biotechnology. Whilst a student at ESU, Jonathan served as the secretary of the Environmental Club. He also worked with the Chemistry Department stockroom where he prepared reagents used in various foundational chemistry laboratories. He worked with the ESU tutoring center where he tutored genetics. Jon is industrious and has a laudable work ethic. He conducted research with Dr. Fuanta focused on the mechanistic evaluation of dihydrofolate reductase, a key enzyme implicated in the proliferation of cancer cells. After graduation, Jon will join the pharmaceutical sector and later transition into a graduate research program to obtain a terminal degree. He plans to have a career in the medical research space.

Diamond is from Prosperity, South Carolina will be graduating May 2025 with a BS in Psychology: Applied Concentration.  While at ESU, she has done research with both Dr. Khusid and Dr. Green, presenting this research at the Frederick Douglass Institute’s and SRCAS.  After graduation, Diamond plans on attending graduate school to pursue a degree in developmental psychology in hopes of building a career advocating for children's needs.

Michael Correll is from Allentown, PA. He will graduate May 2025 with a B.S. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Chemical Biotechnology. He transferred from LCCC in 2023. While attending ESU, Michael was a member of the Clear Path Program and worked at Health Network Laboratories as a Senior Technical Assistant. After graduation, Michael plans on continuing at HNL as a Medical Technologist or seeking a different career in chemistry.

Katherine DeAngelo is from Kutztown, PA. She will be graduating in December 2025 with a B.S. in Biotechnology and a minor in Chemistry. While attending ESU, Katherine was secretary of Women in STEM and Supporters and a member of the NSF Clear Path Scholarship Program. She plans to do an independent research project with Dr. Loomis in the fall. After graduation, Katherine plans to work in the biotechnology industry for some time before attending graduate school to gain experience in microbiological research.

Sam Does is from Pen Argyl, PA. He graduated in January 2025 with an M.S. in Biology. His thesis investigated the effect of trap type on small mammal capture and how camera traps compare to traditional live trapping methods. While at ESU, Sam worked as a graduate assistant in the Biology department and was awarded the Rutherford Biology Graduate Endowed Scholarship. He presented his research at multiple conferences including the Northeast Natural History conference and the Lehigh Valley Ecology and Evolution Symposium. Sam plans to continue his education towards a PhD in pursuit of a career in higher education.

Courtney Donnerstag is from Long Valley, New Jersey. She will graduate in May 2026 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Studio Art minor, and Crisis Intervention Certification. During her undergraduate studies, Courtney served as a psychology tutor and campus tour guide.  She is also a proud member of the University Honors Program, Psi Chi: The International Honors Society in Psychology, and Tri-Alpha National First-Generation Honors Society. Courtney is proud of her research with Dr. Bonnie Green on the impacts of undergraduate stress levels and stress coping on undergraduate academic success. After she graduates, Courtney intends to pursue graduate programs to become a licensed psychotherapist.

Jasmine Espitia is from Stroudsburg, PA. She is a rising junior General Mathematics Major with a Minor in Physics graduating in Spring of 2027. At ESU, Jasmine is the president of the Math Club, a member of the Honors Program, and the president/founder of the anticipated Undergraduate Research Association. Jasmine is very proud of the research she conducted last summer on Fractional Calculus with Dr. Dubbs, and she hopes to continue it this summer. After graduation, Jasmine plans to attend graduate school to earn a doctorate before seeking a career as a professor at a university.

Brandan Eppler is from East Stroudsburg, PA. He will be graduating in May 2025 with a B.S. in Chemistry. Brandan is proud of the research he conducted with Dr. Kelly, which he had the opportunity to present at the 2025 Student Research and Creative Activity Symposium. After graduation, Brandan plans on seeking a career in the environmental chemistry industry.

Samantha George is from East Stroudsburg, PA. She will be graduating magna cum laude in May 2025 with a B.S in Biology and a minor in Public Health. While attending ESU, Samantha earned a consistent place on the Dean’s List and gained clinical experience as an emergency department medical scribe. After graduating, she plans to seek a career in medicine by attending medical school.

Kimani Hanson is originally from New York but moved to Stroudsburg, PA, at a young age. He is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Physics at East Stroudsburg University, with an expected graduation in 2027. While attending ESU, Kimani has been an active member of the ESU Warrior Marching Band and is also a proud member of the national honorary band fraternity Kappa Kappa Psi. He has earned recognition on the Dean’s List multiple times for his academic performance. After graduation, Kimani plans to pursue a career in the private sector, with a particular interest in research related to renewable energy.

Jimmy Heath is from Mount Bethel, Pennsylvania. He will be graduating through the honors program with a B.S. in Chemistry and Biochemistry. While attending ESU, Jimmy was an active member of the chemistry club, anime club, and marching band. He will miss the friends he made along the way, but knows that they will always remain with him, if not in person, then in spirit. Jimmy attended two materials REU programs while at ESU and will pursue a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh next fall.

Dzhumile Hodzhova is from Stroudsburg PA. She graduates in May 2025 as one of the scholars of America's Next Top Biochemists Cohort of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry with a degree in Biochemistry and Chemical Biotechnology. While at ESU, she also devoted her time to service on campus - the University Honors Program, Muslim Students Association, Pre-Medicine Club, etc. She served as the President of the Honors Student Association and Fundraising Chair and Vice President for the Pre-Medicine club. Due to her outstanding academic performance, she was recommended to serve as a tutor for the General Chemistry and Biochemistry sequences, a role she has held for several semesters, leaving an indelible mark. During her time as a tutor, she was awarded tutor of the month (as voted by students, the tutor program annual scholarship) and obtained CRLA level II certification. Dzhumile is also proud of her research with Dr. Fuanta on “Towards the Characterization and Screening of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Methionyl AminoPeptidase (MAP) Inhibitors”.  She plans to become a PharmD and has been accepted into all her top pharmacy programs. She is currently dealing with the very challenging choice paralysis.

Colby Holmberg is from Stroudsburg, PA. He will be graduating in May 2025 with a B.S. in Computer Security and a minor in Mathematics. While attending ESU, Colby was an active member on the executive boards of the Kappa Delta Rho fraternity and ESU Men's Rugby Team. He interned at Victaulic as a security analyst under their information security team.

Sophia Iaconetti is from East Stroudsburg, PA. She will be graduating in May 2027 with a B.S. in Chemistry ACS Certified Concentration. During her time at ESU, she joined the Chemistry Club, tutored chemistry, and made Dean’s list with a 4.0 GPA. Sophia has conducted research on developing photocatalysts for the degradation of pharmaceutical pollutants using visible light with Dr. Steven Boyer. Sophia plans to pursue a Master of Science in Perfusion Medicine after the completion of her bachelor’s degree.

Owen Kaleda is from Blairstown, NJ. He will be graduating in Spring 2028 with a B.S. in Applied Mathematics with a concentration in Finance. Owen currently holds a work study job in the Math Department. After attending ESU, Owen plans to attend graduate school to increase his chances of becoming a quantitative trader.

Sam Krautkremer is from Houston, Texas. He will be graduating summa cum laude in August 2025 with a B.S. in Environmental Studies and a minor Chemistry. While attending ESU, Sam interned at the Pennsylvania Tick Lab as a field technician. After graduating, Sam will seek further job experience and to attend graduate school, prior to following a career path in conservation biology.

Julianna Keiter is from East Stroudsburg, PA. She will be graduating in May of 2028 with a B.S. in Mathematics, Secondary Education concentration, and a minor in Music. She is an active member in the ESU band as the band secretary and is a member of the Kappa Kappa Psi band service fraternity. Julianna is proud of her presentation on Music in Math at the Moravian Math Conference and hopes to continue presenting at math conferences during her college career. After graduation, she plans to become a high school math teacher.

Will Levey is from Pottstown, PA and entered the Honors program at ESU in Fall 2023. He studies Physics under the Earth and Space Concentration and intends on graduating in Spring 2026. Post-graduation, Will plans to work in Radiation Protection at a nuclear power plant and later pursue higher education in the field of Physics. While at ESU, he tutored for a Physics course and became the Vice President for Outings Club and President of the Stony Acres Advisory Board.

Lennox Lewis is a graduating senior earning a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from East Stroudsburg University. During his undergraduate years, his primary focus was on achieving a fundamental understanding of the different disciplines of chemistry. Lennox has been an active member of the department completing an independent study developing a new inorganic lab, volunteering for the ACS Night of Science event, serving as the treasurer for the Chemistry Club, and working as a student assistant in the chemical stockroom. After graduation, Lennox’s future is still undetermined but is considering pursuing a Master’s degree or joining the workforce. Though a final decision has not been made, Lennox is very proud and happy to have achieved this milestone.

Brian Lombardi is from the small town of Otisville, New York.  He will be graduating magna cum laude in May 2025 with a B.A. in Mathematics and a minor in Computer Science. Brian was a devoted wrestler during his time at ESU, stepping up as a team captain and achieving placement at the NCAA Division 2 Regionals. Following his graduation, Brian plans to enroll in graduate school and focus on data analytics.

Gabriella Manuli is from Poconos, PA. She graduated Magna Cum Laude in December 2024 with a B.S. in Criminal Justice and Psychology. While attending ESU, Gabriella was the President of the criminal justice, sociology, social work club and an active member in Psi Chi and Pi Alpha Chi. She plans on continuing her research and becoming a Pennsylvania State Trooper. She also plans to further her education with a master's in psychology in the future.

Lawrence Menegus is from Belvidere, NJ. He will be graduating Megna Cum Laude in May 2025 with a B.S in Computer Science and a minor in Mathematics. While attending ESU, Lawrence was a Co-Founder of The Data Science and AI Organization which will be approved in Fall 2025. Lawrence is also proud of his research under the supervision of Dr. Dongsheng Che, in which Lawrence won "Best Undergraduate Paper" in the 2025 PACISE Conference at West Chester University. After graduation, Lawrence plans to go to graduate school before seeking a career in the AI Industry.

Luna Mumma is a freshman Chemistry major from Abington, Pa. She has learned many lessons so far and is very excited to learn more. She is very proud of her work in organic chemistry under Dr. Boyce and has plans to continue her research in the coming semesters. She also plans to be a chemistry tutor and the treasurer for ESU's PRIDE and Chemistry clubs.

Hayden Mungroo is from Stroudsburg PA. He will be graduating cum laude in May 2025 with a B.S. in Biochemistry. While attending ESU, Hayden volunteered in the Lehigh Valley Hospital in dispatch and shadowed multiple departments in the medical field. After graduation, Hayden plans to attend graduate school to pursue a master’s degree of Science in Anesthesia. 

Vincent Principe is from Cliffside Park, NJ. He will be graduating Summa Cum Laude in May 2025 with a B.S. in Psychology with a concentration in Counseling and minors in Philosophy, Sport and Exercise Psychology and Sports Management. While attending ESU, Vincent was a member of the wrestling team and a tutor. Vincent is proud of the research he conducted with Dr. Chang. After graduation, Vincent Plans to attend Stevenson University’s Clinical Psychology Psy.D. program before seeking a career as a Clinical Child Psychologist.

Harold Quadrino is from Dingmans Ferry, PA. He will be graduating summa cum laude in May 2025 with a B.S. in Biology and a concentration in Integrative Organismal Biology. Harold has interned at the Dr. Jane Huffman Wildlife Genetics Institute since the Fall of 2022 and has presented his research in Harrisburg. Under the guidance of Dr. Whidden and Dr. Rollinson, Harold conducted research in association with the Wildlife Genetics Institute. After he graduates, Harold aims to further his field experience before pursuing a master’s degree.

Amanda Rolleri is from Effort, PA. She will be graduating cum laude in May 2025 with a B.S. in Biochemistry. Amanda is proud of the relationships she has made with her professors and classmates during her time at ESU. After graduation, Amanda plans on pursuing an entry-level biochemist position.

Isaiah Sampson is from Staten Island, NY. He will be graduating summa cum laude next spring semester with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Chemistry. While attending ESU, Isaiah has been a recipient of Dr. Drago's family scholarship and has been part of both Psi Chi and the FDI debate scholars, where he and his team won the championship in the 11th annual FDI debate conference. Isaiah has been engaged in research with both Dr. Irina Khusid and Dr. Bonnie Green, which has proved invaluable. After graduation, Isaiah plans to enroll into medical school and become a pediatric oncologist.

Luke Schirmacher is from Mechanicville, NY. He will be graduating in Spring 2026 with a Bachelor of Science in Physics with a concentration in Industrial Engineering. While attending ESU, he was a part of the Men’s Wrestling team, making Academic-All American two years in a row. Also, Luke made the dean’s list for Fall 2023 through Spring 2025. After graduating, Luke plans to attend graduate school before seeking a career in engineering.

Nathan Schuessler is from McKean County PA. He is an honors student and senior at East Stroudsburg University, majoring in Environmental Studies and pursuing his GIS certification. Nathan is a proud recipient of multiple scholarships and rewards, including the East Stroudsburg University Geography Scholarship and the Dr. Larry Rymon '58 Environmental Studies Endowed Scholarship. In addition to his academic successes, he has interned at Cornell University's Boyce Thompson Institute, where he conducted research in the field of Agroecology and became certified in "Introduction to Bioinformatics." While at ESU, he did research with Dr. Shiqi Zhang with AM symbiosis. Recently, Nathan has received CPUB's Outstanding Student Award and placed second in CPUB's Cellular and Microbiology platform presentations. Nathan is an active student, serving previously as a Head Resident Advisor from 2023 to 2024, as a current Learning Assistant for biology courses, and is a member of the Biotechnology/Medical Technology Club and the Gender and Sexuality Center. He has demonstrated a strong commitment to service, volunteering as an Internship Panel Speaker and with the STEM 4-U Elementary Outreach at ESU in November 2024, as well as at the Insectpalooza Booth and Boyce Thompson Center Sciencenter Outreach at Cornell University in October and July 2024, respectively.

Jocelyn Smestad is a senior majoring in Biology (General Biology), with a minor in Psychology. Her cumulative GPA is 3.83. She has been a member of the East Stroudsburg University women’s lacrosse team since her sophomore year when she transferred to ESU. She has been on the Dean’s List every semester since the Fall 2022 semester and has been a PSAC scholar-athlete every year since the 2022/2023 school year. She is in the process of interviewing at several dental schools and is still awaiting acceptance.

Krissy Sprankle is from York, PA. She will be graduating magna cum laude in May 2025 with a B.S. in Mathematics with a concentration in Finance and a minor in Business Management. While attending ESU she was active in the Student Government Association, serving as Finance Chair and, most recently, President. She is also grateful for the opportunity to conduct research with Dr. Schembari on biometrics and hand geometry during her time at ESU. After graduation, Krissy will begin her career as an Accounting Associate at McConkey Insurance and Benefits.

Kai Young is a senior from Fort Washinton, Pennsylvania. This May, he will be graduating summa cum laude with a B.S. in Biology (Pre-Physician Assistant studies) and a minor in Chemistry. Throughout his tenure at ESU, Kai spent his time as a member of the Ultimate Frisbee and Men’s Volleyball Club, the University Honors Program, as well as holding officer positions in the Pre-PA club. When he wasn’t studying or staying active on campus, he was a dedicated employee at St. Luke’s Monroe as a PCA and conducted extensive research on stomach morphology alongside Dr. White. After graduation this spring, Kai plans to continue his work within the St. Luke’s network before he attends graduate school to become a certified Physician’s Assistant.

Abigail Zall is from East Stroudsburg, PA. She will be graduating summa cum laude in May 2025 with a B.S in Mathematics, Secondary Education concentration. She finished her student teaching at East Stroudsburg South HS and is currently a day-to-day substitute teacher in the same math classroom. While attending ESU, she was a member of Euclid’s Elements Math Club, a member of the Dean’s Council of Education, served as an ambassador for the Aspiring Educator Pathway Project, and was a member of the Ultimate Frisbee Club Team for a couple of semesters. She also coaches in the community, as she is the Head Coach for the East Stroudsburg South High School Volleyball Team and is a volunteer coach for East Stroudsburg Little League Softball. Abigail is in the process of applying and interviewing for math teaching positions in the area and plans to have her own classroom next school year!