2023 GRADUATES

Graduation Photo Slideshow: Class of 2023 

Click above to watch the photo slideshow from the Graduation Dinner (no audio). The slides will automatically transition if you download the PPT.

Introducing our Graduating Scholar Class of 2023:

Safwaan Chaudhry graduates in December with a degree in cognitive science with a focus in psychology, human-computer interaction, and artificial intelligence, along with a minor in business administration. He was an Enrichment Advisor where he mentored first years within the Terry Scholars Student Organization. Safwaan also worked as a physical therapy technician for two and a half years, providing assistance and guiding patients on their path to rehabilitation.

Roger Davis-Jahnel graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of arts in political science. He has been a member of the Chi Phi Fraternity, John Marshall Pre-Law Society and Moot Court Team. Roger served as Social Coordinator, Tech Coordinator, and President of the Terry Scholars Student Organization. He participated in the Archer Fellowship in D.C. and studied abroad in Lugano, Switzerland. Roger enjoys reading, playing video games, watching movies, and cooking. After graduation, Roger will attend law school at either SMU Dedman School of Law or the University of Houston Law Center.

Max Helman graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s of science in finance. He has been a member of the Filipino Student Association and Chi Phi Fraternity. Max served as Social Media Coordinator for the Terry Scholars Student Organization his junior year. In the summer, he interned abroad with a recruitment firm in Dublin, Ireland. In his free time, Max enjoys making and listening to music – and has entertained us for four years with his amazing hip-hop! After graduation, Max will intern for an asset management firm in Houston and return to UTD in the fall for a master’s in financial technology and analytics.

Yuliana Hernandez-Magana graduated magna cum laude with a degree in biomedical engineering. Yuliana served as an officer for the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers for two years. She interned at Citi Bank, using Python and Natural Language Processing, while working with a team in Mexico for CitiBanaMex. Yuliana also interned with Medtronic her senior year as a clinical specialist, guiding hospital staff on product use during cardiac ablation procedures in order to treat atrial fibrillation. Upon graduation, Yuliana will pursue a career in medical device sales.

Nidaa Lafi graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s of science in global business and international political economy, with a minor in gender studies. She was involved the Freshman Mentor Program, John Marshall Pre-Law Society, and Students for Justice in Palestine, where she served as President. Nidaa spent a semester in D.C. as an Archer Fellow, interning with Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson and also interned abroad for a summer at the Center for Human Rights in Amman, Jordan. After visiting her homeland of Palestine, Nidaa will attend SMU Dedman School of Law, as one of only five full-ride Sumners Scholars.

Jessica Limon graduated cum laude with a double major in psychology and child learning and development. Jessica served as an Enrichment Advisor by mentoring incoming Terry Scholars and as a core facilitator with the Fellowship of Christian University Students. She also worked as a preschool teacher and studied abroad in Prague, Czech Republic for a summer. Jessica will serve as a campus apprentice with the Fellowship of Christian University Students next year – here at UTD!

Connor Lowe graduated cum laude in December with a degree in marketing. Connor served as a supplemental instruction leader for microeconomics, was Service Coordinator for the Terry Scholars Student Organization, and a marketing coordinator for the UT Dallas Rugby Club. He was also involved in the Leadership Council for the Professional Program in Marketing. Connor was a speaker at graduation, and shortly afterward, he married and began a position as a data analyst for Gartner Consulting.

Daemion McKellar graduated cum laude in December with a degree in Arts, Technology, and Emerging Communications (ATEC) and a minor in creative writing. He also graduated with major honors. Daemion served as a peer mentor for ATEC students and was the VP and Service Coordinator for the Terry Scholars Student Organization. He participated in service events on/off campus and earned sustainability service honors for over 150 hours of volunteering. In his free time, Daemion likes to read, write and sketch. He now works as a creative producer at a local news channel in Irving. 

Abby Mejia graduated with a degree in accounting and a minor in innovation and entrepreneurship. She will complete her master’s in accounting through PPA. Abby was part of the Freshman Mentor Program, the Undergraduate Accounting Club, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Women’s Volleyball Club, and volunteered at UTDallas’ Community Garden. Abby also served as treasurer and vice president of the Association of Latino Professionals for America. She interned three summers with PriceWaterhouse Coopers, where she will work as an international tax associate. 

Youmna Saeed graduated with a bachelor's degree of science in public affairs. She was an Archer Fellow and interned at the White House, where she read casework from constituents all over America. For the Honors College, Yomna served on the Worsfold Grant Review Committee, and was an Enrichment Advisor by mentoring first year Terry Scholars. She also put in countless hours as an advocacy intern with the Human Rights Initiative of North Texas. Her hobbies are learning Arabic, mentoring young adults, and volunteering. Yomna will pursue Classical Arabic studies at Qalam Seminary, while applying to graduate school

Roxanne Sanchez graduated with a degree in biomedical engineering. She was a transfer Terry Scholar and helped first year students acclimate to college life. Roxanne has been part of the student ambassador program, where she served as an enrichment coordinator for two years. She received the Judi Hensley Hambi Award for her outstanding dedication. She worked in the Mediquin manikin lab, helping medical students improve ear and eye exams. Roxanne worked as an intern with MedCAD for the past year, where she will work after graduation as a quality engineer. 

Lucas Wick graduated with a bachelor of science in electrical engineering and is part of the fast-track program. Lucas worked in the TRELA lab. He also found time to compete with the UTDallas track and field team. Lucas served as a an Enrichment Advisor and as a PA to incoming Terry Scholars. He interned at Raytheon for a summer and will return. Lucas will complete his master’s degree at UTD, continuing his research and competitions in track and field.