2024 Outstanding Seniors named

Isaiah Wright of North Plainfield, N.J., graduates with a Bachelor of Arts in African-American studies. Wright is a member of the UB football team and a student ambassador for the College of Arts and Sciences. In the fall, he will pursue a master's degree in public health at the University at Buffalo.

Matthew Matsulavage of Newfane, N.Y., graduates with a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology. Matsulavage is the president of the Anthropology Club and a student ambassador for the College of Arts and Sciences. He completed an independent study working with Assistant Professor Edith Gonzalez on her Codrington Papers project and also worked as an intern for the UB Primate Skeletal Collection. In the fall, Matsulavage intends to pursue a doctoral degree in archaeology.

Nehal Vyas of Rochester, N.Y., graduates magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in art history. Vyas is a member of the University Honors College and has worked at the Center for Excellence in Writing since her freshman year. She also interned with Anna Wager, Curator of Exhibitions, at UB Galleries. In the fall, she plans to work locally to expand her practical knowledge before pursuing a master's degree in archival studies.

Jenny Nguyen of Brooklyn, N.Y., graduates magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Asian studies. Nguyen is a University Honors College scholar and a recipient of the Asian Studies Program Study Abroad award, Pride of New York Scholarship, Ellicott Club Scholarship, George K. Fraley Scholarship and the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award. She served on the Rustgi South Asia Undergraduate Conference Committee, as an American delegate for the 16th Korea-America Student conference and as managing director of the UB Student Gaming Association. She worked at the Oscar A. Silverman Library as a student assistant and at Center for Family Life as an AmeriCorps member. In the fall, Nguyen will pursue a master's degree in social work at Hunter College.

Aniket Maini of Syracuse, N.Y., graduates summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences and a minor in Spanish. Maini has served as the president of the University at Buffalo Badminton Club and the Association of Pre-Medical Students, and as an ambassador for the College of Arts and Sciences. A member of the University Honors College, Maini has served as a teaching assistant for biology courses six times under Professors Jessica Poulin and Nitasha Sehgal. He has also completed research under Assistant Professor David Heppner in the Department of Chemistry, receiving the Raszl Endowment Fellowship from the Department of Biological Sciences along the way. In the fall, Maini will pursue a medical degree at the University of Massachusetts T.H. Chan School of Medicine.

Spencer Ang of Amherst, N.Y., graduates summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry. Ang is a member of the University Honors College and recipient of the Excellence in General Chemistry Award. He also worked as an undergraduate researcher in Professor Timothy R. Cook's laboratory. In the fall, Ang will pursue a doctoral degree in chemistry at UB as a recipient of the Presidential Fellowship.

Matthew Salonich of White Plains, N.Y., graduates summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in classics and a minor in anthropology. Of mixed Peruvian heritage, he is the first within his immediate family to receive a bachelor's degree in the United States. He worked with Associate Professor Alessandro Sebastiani on an independent research paper on the Roman port of Cosa and its role within the broader context of Roman Republican and Imperial history. In the fall, Salonich will pursue a master’s degree at Texas Tech University in classical archaeology where he received full funding.

Dominick Matarese of Binghamton, N.Y., graduates summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in communication and a certificate of journalism. Matarese is a member of the University Honors College and a student ambassador for the College of Arts and Sciences. Matarese is a senior features editor at The Spectrum student newspaper and president of EDM (Electronic Dance Music) Club. He has participated in research opportunities with Professor Tom Feeley and in Professor Yotam Ophir's Misinformation, Extremism, and Media Effects Lab. Following graduation, Matarese will start a full-time position with ENSCO and attend Lost Lands Music Festival as an EDM DJ.

Laura Falk of Farmingdale, N.Y., graduates summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in speech and hearing science and a minor in American Sign Language. Falk is a member of Impulse Dance Force and the Student Association for Speech and Hearing. She also worked as a research assistant to Assistant Professor Mishaela DiNino in the Auditory Processing and Perception Lab, and completed an internship at a Buffalo elementary school. In the fall, Falk will pursue her master’s degree in speech language pathology.

Matthew Agurto of Mamaroneck, N.Y. graduates summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in economics and political science, and Master of Arts in economics. Agurto is a member of the University Honors College and Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society, finishing his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in three years. Agurto has been a First-Generation Student Peer Mentor, academic coach, student success coach, coach and vice president of the Swim Club, teaching assistant, and intern for the Westchester County Parks and Recreation Department. He has also been a Hispanic Scholarship Fund scholar, a recipient of the Joseph W. and Kenneth P. Kogut Brothers of New York Mills Economic Development Award, and on the Dean's List during his entire time at UB. In the fall, Agurto plans to attend law school.

Natasha Josephs of Brooklyn, N.Y., graduates with a Bachelor of Arts in English. Her volunteer work consists within roles that support educational initiatives in community development and voter suppression with The National Urban League. She completed internships at the Human Rights Racial Justice Center and the Office of Assemblymember Brian Barnwell. Josephs coursework and research spans across the areas of political science and urban studies. She plans to incorporate these fundamental ideas and write opinion pieces on Black life in America. Josephs is applying to law school to pursue a career as a criminal defense attorney.

Fen Stanczyk of Buffalo, N.Y., graduates summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in environmental studies and a minor in geography. He was the recipient of the Lester W. Milbrath award and Walker Family Experiential Learning Fund. Stanczyk completed an Experiential Learning Network (ELN) project drafting an invasive plant management proposal and earned an ELN badge in mentored research. He served as treasurer of the LGBT Alliance, interned as an environmental educator with Earth Spirit Educational Services, and has participated in various other surveying, trailwork and habitat restoration projects. Stanczyk will pursue a career in freshwater ecology and conservation.

Ethan Kendrick Dimaano Garcia of Queens, N.Y., graduates summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in geographic information science, a Bachelor of Arts in geography, and a minor in history. As part of an independent study in geography with Associate Professor Abigail Cooke, he contributed to ongoing research assessing whether Western New York is taking the recommended steps to prepare for the arrival of the climate migrants it anticipates welcoming. In the fall, Garcia plans to pursue a master's degree in geography at UB.

Derek Zurenda of Liverpool, N.Y., graduates with a Bachelor of Science in geological sciences. Zurenda is president of the Undergraduate Geology Club and a student ambassador for the College of Arts and Sciences. He also worked as an undergraduate researcher with Assistant Professor Richard Marinos for over three years, where he investigated heavy metal retention in rain gardens throughout downtown Buffalo. In the fall, Zurenda will pursue a PhD in earth sciences at the University of Oregon.

Sara Bachraty of Buffalo, N.Y., graduates summa cum laude with a bachelor of arts in global gender and sexuality studies and sociology with a minor in vocal performance. Bachraty is a member of the University Honors College, where she taught a section of Honors Colloquium on women's labor inequality. She has worked with the Western New York Women's Foundation and the Erie County Commission on the Status of Women, in addition to co-founding the Buffalo chapter of the Young Feminist Party. Bachraty also maintains her passion for music, and she has participated in UB Chamber Singers, UB Choir, and the UB Jazz Ensembles as a vocalist during her time at UB. In the fall, Bachraty will pursue her Juris Doctor in the UB School of Law.

Taynia Atallia Brown of Syracuse, N.Y., graduates summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in history and a minor in law. Brown is a member of Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society, Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society and a student ambassador for the College of Arts and Sciences. She is a McNair Scholar, University Honors College scholar, Department of History Honor Scholar, and Gilman Scholarship recipient for study abroad at Korea University. She is a 2023 recipient of the Milton Plesur Scholarship and an Experiential Learning Network Digital Badge in Community Engagement. She is an undergraduate research assistant for Professor Dalia Muller’s Impossible Project and has served as an academic assistant, Tutoring and Academic Support Services academic coach, teaching assistant, Residence Hall Association finance coordinator, and a founding e-board member for the Undergraduate History Association. In the fall, Brown will start her graduate career researching the history of medicine.

Amanda Healey of Auburn, Mass., graduates summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in linguistics and dance and a minor in English. Healey is a member of the University Honors College and Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society, as well as a recipient of the Presidential Scholarship. Healey has been a teaching assistant in the dance department, and she holds the role of undergraduate assistant to the director for UB's pre-professional Zodiaque Dance Company. She spent a summer studying abroad in Spain and has worked as a writing consultant at UB's Center for Excellence in Writing. After graduation, Healey hopes to dance professionally before pursuing a master's degree in computational linguistics.

Keith Hehr of Getzville, N.Y., graduates cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and a Bachelor of Science in mathematics. He served as president of the Philosophy Club and as a teaching assistant in the Department of Mathematics. In the fall, Hehr will pursue a PhD in pure mathematics at UB.

Anthony Butler of Pike, N.Y., graduates magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in digital media study with a production concentration. Butler is a founding member and secretary of the Department of Media Study (DMS) Club and won best undergraduate narrative film award in 2023 for his short animation, "Utilitarianism Man." He interned with the Buffalo Bisons live production team and Expressway Cinema Rentals. He is currently pursuing a career in the feature film/animation industry.

Madison (Matt) Reimer of Buffalo, N.Y., graduates summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in vocal performance. Reimer is a recipient of the Baird Opera Scholarship. She is a student ambassador for the College of Arts and Sciences and vice president of the UB Musicians Club. She was a finalist in the 2023 National Association of Teachers of Singing Competition in the Central New York/Finger Lakes Chapter. In the fall, Reimer will pursue a master's degree in music at UB.

Thomas Dias of New Rochelle, N.Y., graduates with a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy, politics, and economics and minors in philosophy and environmental design. Dias is the president of the Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) Club. He has enjoyed his time at UB and all the wonderful activities that he has been able to partake in, including being a part of PPE Club, a resident advisor, participating in Blackstone Launchpad competitions, the film, radio and theatre clubs and attending the student mass at St. Joseph's University Parish.

Krish Patel of Tonawanda, N.Y., graduates summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in physics and Bachelor of Arts in mathematics. Patel is a Goldwater Scholar, a member of the Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Phi Sigma Honor Societies and a student ambassador for the College of Arts and Science. Since his first year, he has conducted theoretical physics research into spin-lasers with Professor Igor Zutic. He is also the project director of the UB Students for the Exploration and Development of Space Rocketry Team, a New York State Election Inspector, and helps teach first-year honors physics. In the fall, Patel will pursue a doctorate in physics at the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Grant Ashley of Rochester, N.Y., graduates summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in political science and Spanish. Since coming to UB, Ashley has reported the news for WIVB, WBFO, The Buffalo News, and NPR. He also is the editor in chief of The Spectrum, UB's independent student newspaper, where he has been an editor since his first year. He is currently a part-time host and reporter at WBFO, Buffalo's NPR station, and plans on working full-time after graduation.

Reilly Diemond of Ithaca, N.Y., graduates summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in psychology and a minor in counseling. Diemond is a member of the Psychology Honors Program and served as vice president of UB's chapter of Psi Chi International Honors Society in Psychology. He worked as both a supervising assistant in Professor Mark Seery's Social Psychophysiology Laboratory and as a research assistant in Professor Leonard Simm's Personality, Psychopathology, and Psychometrics Laboratory. In the fall, Diemond plans to continue working in psychology research to prepare for a doctoral program in clinical psychology.

Kallie McKenzie of Accord, N.Y., graduates summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Bachelor of Science in biomedical sciences. McKenzie is a member of national health preprofessional honor society Alpha Epsilon Delta, national Hispanic honor society Sigma Delta Pi, and Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society. McKenzie has performed linguistics field research on Lengua Palenquera in San Basilio de Palenque, Colombia, has been an alternative break team leader for UB's Office of Student Engagement, and has served as a teaching assistant for Professors Laurie Derby and Joseph Costa of UB's Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences. In the fall, McKenzie plans to pursue a master’s degree in Spanish linguistics at UB before enrolling in medical school.

Zanaya Hussain of Buffalo, N.Y., graduates summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in international studies and urban and public policy studies, with a minor in Chinese. Hussain is a first-generation college student, and both a University Honors College student and Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Scholar. She is a member of Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society and a student ambassador for the College of Arts and Sciences. Hussain is the recipient of the American Association of University Women Jacquie Walker Community Service Award and the U.S. Department of State Critical Language Scholarship. She also served on the organizing committee for the University at Buffalo undergraduate conference on South Asia and worked as a student coordinator for the UB Asia Research Institute. Hussain will go on to pursue a graduate degree to better prepare for work in her field.

Janat Kalmakova of Brooklyn, N.Y., graduates summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in criminology and sociology. Kalmakova is a member of Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society and completed a portion of her undergraduate study from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, where she worked closely with the Council of International Fellowship. She is currently working on the campaign of a New York State Assembly candidate in anticipation of the June 2024 primary election. In the fall, Kalmakova will pursue a master’s degree in regional studies (Russia, Eurasia and Eastern Europe) at Columbia University.

Amanda Healey of Auburn, Mass., graduates summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in linguistics and dance and a minor in English. Healey is a member of the University Honors College and Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society, as well as a recipient of the Presidential Scholarship. Healey has been a teaching assistant in the dance department, and she holds the role of undergraduate assistant to the director for UB's pre-professional Zodiaque Dance Company. She spent a summer studying abroad in Spain and has worked as a writing consultant at UB's Center for Excellence in Writing. After graduation, Healey hopes to dance professionally before pursuing a master's degree in computational linguistics.