Meet our Scholars

Class of 2023

	Najib Daoud New York William Nottingham High School Computer Science BlackOut Step Team, National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), Tufts Robotics Club From the moment Najib first stepped foot on campus, he was captivated by Tufts' welcoming and caring community. He appreciates the "dynamic educational opportunities I have available to me, in tandem with the countless offerings for clubs and extracurricular activities." During his time at Tufts so far, BEST has been "instrumental in my transition to college, as it has tremendously supported me academically and personally."
	Madeline Fabela Texas Harmony School of Innovation Mechanical Engineering Association of Latin American Students (ALAS), Society of Latinx Engineers and Scientists (SOLES), Student-Teacher Outreach Mentorship Program (STOMP) Madeline feels strongly that Tufts is a place that "provides students with excellent academic opportunities and astonishing support for those of us who come from underrepresented backgrounds." On campus, Madeline is involved in combating mental health stigma within the greater Latinx student body. Having the support of the BEST community was extremely helpful for Madeline's first year at Tufts, and through BEST, she received "encouragement, guidance, friendship, and a safe space for me to grow."
	Vanesa Gonzalez Torres Texas Eastwood Academy High School Human Factors Engineering Association of Latin American Students (ALAS), Society of Latinx Engineers and Scientists (SOLES), Tufts Encendido Vanesa chose Tufts because she knew that the institution would "give me the support I needed as a Latinx, first-generation college student." As a scholar who is very passionate about breaking down barriers for women of color in STEM fields, Vanesa knows that by becoming an engineer, she can "give back to my community and inspire young girls to pursue STEM degrees."
	Dhalia Hermosillo Arizona Mountain View High School Human Factors Engineering Engineers Without Borders (EWB), Tufts Mountain Club The BEST program has provided Dhalia with a "plethora of resources that have been essential to my transition at Tufts." The opportunity to take classes over the summer and live on campus before everyone else is a chance that Dhalia feels has put her ahead in her academic career. When fall semester started, Dhalia "already had a community and people I could lean on from the get-go," which she is very thankful for.
	Christine Kelly Pennsylvania Daniel Boone Area High School Environmental Health Animal Aid, Engineers Without Borders (EWB), GlobeMed, Tufts Mountain Club As a first-generation college student from a small town in Pennsylvania, Christine was overwhelmed at the thought of attending a school as rigorous as Tufts. The BEST program helped ease her transition into the university by giving her a strong system of support, preparation for the rigorous academic coursework, and countless other resources to help her succeed. At Tufts, Christine hopes to further explore "my passions for public health, environmental conservation, and community service."
	Hannah Norton New York Charles W. Baker High School Human Factors Engineering Indigenous Students' Organization at Tufts (ISOT), Society of Latinx Engineers and Scientists (SOLES), Varsity Rowing During the BEST summer program, Hannah felt that "we created a community within our cohort," and that her friends became "people I know that I can always turn to and who will support me unconditionally." For Hannah, she "would not trade anything in the world for the relationships that I have made in BEST or the guidance that the program has provided me."
	Josian Quianes-Rivera Rhode Island Blackstone Valley Prep High School
	Enrique Rodriguez Florida Atlantic Community High School Biomedical Engineering Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES), Kidney Disease Screening and Awareness Program (KDSAP), Minority Association for Pre- Health Students (MAPS), Society of Latinx Engineers and Scientists (SOLES) While at Tufts, Enrique realized that he is "passionate about inclusion within science and engineering fields," and his STEM curriculum has "deepened my appreciation for engineering as a professional lifestyle." The highlight of Enrique's first year was learning how to become independent and advocate for himself as an important contributor to the university.
	Freidlay Steve Massachusetts Boston Community Leadership Academy Mechanical Engineering BlackOut Step Team, Black Student Union (BSU) Through BEST, Freidlay is provided with a "close-knit community that embraces me as an individual every step of the way." While Freidlay knew that his time at Tufts would open doors, he did not expect to find an environment where he would also be financially supported and surrounded by the companionship of "smart and amazing people." He hopes to continue to "develop my character as a powerful leader in society, while maintaining my down-to-earth personality."
	Dillan Tran Pennsylvania Boy's Latin Philadelphia Charter School Mechanical Engineering Vietnamese Students Club (VSC) Dillan chose Tufts because of the emphasis on community and scholarship. In terms of academics, Dillan is focused on learning everything he can about mechanical engineering and physics. Outside of the classroom, he hopes to aid in "building a community for others" so that Tufts can become a home-away-from-home, like it has for him.