CEW+ is pleased to welcome the 2026-27 cohort of the CEW+ Scholar Community. The Center has identified 112 new scholarship recipients, 24 continuing scholars, and 29 graduate fellows. CEW+ awarded over $1.4 million in scholarship and fellowship funds to these resilient and determined agents of change thanks to the generous support of individuals, organizations, clubs, and foundations.

The current class of scholarship recipients includes student parents and primary caregivers, students returning to the classroom after a prolonged interruption, underrepresented students in STEM fields, first-generation students, international students, and those who have overcome significant obstacles to achieve their dream of earning a degree in higher education. CEW+ fellows conduct research of importance to women, research or travel abroad while completing a health degree, or work to remove barriers impacting advocates and allies striving for social change. These individuals were selected through a highly competitive process as leaders with great potential to make a significant impact in their field. Our 2026-27 CEW+ Scholar Community inductees include 50 doctoral students, 72 master’s students, and 43 undergraduate students, 137 of whom are studying on the Ann Arbor campus. We proudly support 18 additional students at UM-Dearborn and 10 scholars at UM-Flint. Scholarships range from $1,000 to $16,000, with a few larger awards that can cover tuition, fees, and living expenses, and fellowships ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 supporting research and travel. The average award amount for a 2026-27 CEW+ Scholar is $9,800.

The 2026-27 CEW+ Scholars and Fellows will be honored at an award ceremony and luncheon on Sunday, November 8th.

Click here to view the 2026-27 Scholarship Book

 

CEW+ FELLOWSHIP RECIPIENTS 2026

Menakka and Essel Bailey Graduate Fellows

• Elinor Artsy Navon, MPH in Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Molly Bachmann, PhD in Health Services Organization and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Anna Brotman-Krass, PhD in Romance Language and Literature, Spanish, College of Literature, Science and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Alyssa Brown, MPH in Epidemiology, Global Health, School of Public Health, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Sunhwa Choi, Doctor of Nursing Practice and Global Practice, Policy and Leadership concentration, School of Nursing, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Antonia Gitau, MPH in Epidemiology, Global Health, School of Public Health, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Darius Moore, PhD in Health Behavior and Health Equity, School of Public Health, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Samantha Nichols, MPH in Epidemiology, Global Health, School of Public Health, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Nikita Rohila, MPH in Health Management and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Hanae Soma, PhD in Urban and Regional Planning, Alfred A. Taubman School of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Gutsy Broad Fellows

• Caroline G. Adams, PhD in Educational Studies, Educational Foundations and Policy, Marsal Family School of Education, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Cynthia Adebayo, PhD in Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Anushree Bhatia, Combined Program in Education and Psychology (CPEP),  University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Katelyn Kennon, Dual PhD in Social Work and Sociology, School of Social Work and College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Keren Marin Gonzalez, PhD in Cultural Anthropology, College of Literature, Science and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Ingrid Racine, PhD in Ethnomusicology, School of Music, Theater and Dance, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Riecker Graduate Student Research Fellows

• Kelsi Caywood, PhD in Sociology, College of Literature, Science and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Lauren Hwei Yi Chew, PhD in Urban and Regional Planning, Alfred A. Taubman School of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Meghana Kasturi, PhD in Bioengineering, University of Michigan-Dearborn 
• Hein Le, PhD in Sociology, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Sophie Liles, PhD in Developmental Psychology, College of Literature, Science and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Sophie Liles, PhD in Psychology, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Claire Mellott, PhD in Health  Management and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Victoria Nifoussi, PhD in Educational Studies, Marsal Family School of Education, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Bethany Pace, PhD in Environmental Health Sciences, Toxicology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Irene Promodh, PhD in Sociocultural Anthropology, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Esha Shah, PhD in Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Simson Family Graduate Fellows

• Peace Odiase, MPH in Health Behavior and Health Equity, School of Public Health, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Bola Okpue, DNP Nurse Midwifery, School of Nursing, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Sundas Saboor, PhD in Health Behavior and Health Equity, Global and Women’s Health, School of Public Health, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

CEW+ SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS 2026-27

Gail Allen Scholars

• Cynthia L. Muñoz, BA in Women’s and Gender Studies, College of Arts, Sciences and Letters, University of Michigan-Dearborn

AAUW: Mary Elizabeth Bittman Memorial Scholar

• Shaniqua Ellis, AS-MS Program in Dental Hygiene, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

AAUW-Ann Arbor Branch: Used Book Sale Scholar

• Tierra Kashiri Johnson, BS in Nursing, School of Nursing, University of Michigan-Flint

Art’s Sake Scholarship in the Humanities 

• Jordan Stanley, MFA in Poetry, Hellen Zell Writer’s Program, College of Literature, Science and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Stuart Baggaley Scholar

• Steven Iannucci, DNP in Adult Geriatric Acute Care, School of Nursing, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Christine Kahan Black Scholar

• Hanna Jeffers, MLA/MS in Landscape Architecture, Ecosystem Science and Management, and Environmental Policy and Planning, School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Jane and Bill Bloom Scholars

• Madilyn Allene Edwards, BS in Dental Hygiene, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Steven Arthur Boothe Scholar

• Marketoe Antoinne Day, Bachelor of General Studies, College of Literature, Science and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Grace A. and James D. Bruce Community Engagement Scholars

• Carolyn Larsen, MUP in Urban Design, A. Alfred Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Jingfeng Wu, PhD in Engineering Education Research, College of Engineering, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ruth Jenette Buttrey Scholar

• Najla Malaibari, BA in the History of Art, Museum Studies, College of Literature, Science and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Jean W. Campbell Scholar

• Clare Nkachukwu, MSN in Leadership, Analytics, and Innovation, School of Nursing, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Anisa Yousuf, MS in Applied Behavior Analysis, College of Education, Health and Human Services, University of Michigan-Dearborn

CEW+ Graduate Scholar

• Justin Black, MBA in Marketing and Data Analytics, Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Lucy Chin Scholar 

• Selma Barboza-Campos, MS in Ecosystem Science and Management, School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Amy Mecozzi Cho and Lawrence Cho Family Scholar

• Lamya Aljamie, PhD in Nutritional Science, School of Public Health, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Collegiate Sorosis Foundation Scholar

• Nairuti Shastry, Master’s in Public Affairs, Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Lucile B. Conger Alumnae Group Scholar

• Brandalynn McDonald, MS in Dental Hygiene, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Paula K. Cooper (Meyers) Scholar

• Ashley Beyer, Master’s of Social Work, School of Social Work, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Molly H. Dobson Scholars

• Jessica Bailey, BS in Applied Science, minor in Marketing, College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters, and College of Business, University of Michigan-Dearborn
• Chikara Ogletree, BS in Psychology, College of Arts, Sciences and Letters, University of Michigan-Flint
• Dreamanne Walker, BS in Health and Human Services, College of Education, Health and Human Services, University of Michigan-Dearborn
• Donnasia Whitley, BS in Health and Human Services, College of Education, Health and Human Services, University of Michigan-Dearborn

Elizabeth Dusseau and Margaret Dusseau Brevoort Scholar

• Deanna Cannizzaro, PhD in Neuroscience, College of Literature, Science and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Brittney Snedacar, Master of Social Work, School of Social Work, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

The Christine DiFalco Euritt Scholar

• Katharine Austin, DNP, specializing in Neonatal Nursing, School of Nursing, University of Michigan-Flint

Excellence in STEM Scholarship

• Raphael Onuku, PhD in Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Margaret E. Gnegy Scholar

• Kanza Arshad, PhD in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Susan and Richard Gutow Scholar 

• Erica Maxie, BS in Psychology with certificates in Cybersecurity and Data Analytics, College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters, University of Michigan-Dearborn

Hall-McCannell Scholar

• Jessica Baril, MUP/MPH in Urban and Regional Planning and Public Health, A. Alfred Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning and School of Public Health, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Beth Halloran Scholar

• Jazmyn Ragland, MPH in Population and Health Science, School of Public Health, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Deodge Hill Scholar

• Kellie Lindsay, PhD in Behavioral and Experimental Economics, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Everett B. Ireland Scholar

• Tashina Lake, BSE in Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Joan P. Ireland Scholar

• Tanya Hanson-Meier, Master of Social Work, School of Social Work, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Beatrice Kahn Scholar

• Heather Fox, Master of Social Work, School of Social Work, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Caroline M. Lee Scholar 

• Haneen Bou Ghanem, PhD, Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Elsie Choy Lee Scholars

• Marrim Al-Akashi, BS in Psychology, College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters, University of Michigan-Dearborn

Luera-Apgar Sustainability Scholar

• Wendy Palomino Alvarez, MBA/MS in Business Administration and Sustainable Systems, Stephen M. Ross School of Business and School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Hillary Murt and Bruce Friedman Scholar

• Meghan Seifert, MSN in Nursing Midwifery, School of Nursing, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Virginia Simson Nelson Scholar

• Melany Puente, MPH in Health Behavior and Health Equity, School of Public Health, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Omara Sicily Teijido, MSN in the Family Nurse Practitioner program, School of Nursing, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Sarah Winans Newman Scholar

• Navya Sarapadi, BSE in Bioengineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Michigan-Dearborn

110 % Scholars

• Neida Cardona, BA in Psychology and Organizational Studies, College of Literature, Science and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Sabas Osorio Guzman, BA in International Studies, College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters, University of Michigan-Dearborn

Pauline M. (Polly) Pan Scholar

• Brooke Johnson, MA in Education Innovation and Transformation, Marsal Family School of Education, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Potential Made Possible Scholars

• Shayan Faraz, Bachelor of General Studies, College of Literature, Science and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Diego Fernandez, MBA/MS in Business Administration and Environment and Sustainability, Stephen M. Ross School of Business, School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Ahmed Gabir, MS in Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Brendan Hoffman, BA in Economics, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Muhammad Irfan, MPP/MS in Public Policy and Environment and Sustainability, Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy and School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Taylor Pelletier, DNP in Neonatology, School of Nursing, University of Michigan-Flint
• Sibgatullah Shovon, MS in Smart Manufacturing, College of Innovation and Technology, University of Michigan-Flint
• Akshaya Varghese, PhD in Strategy, Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Susan E. Quackenbush Scholar

• Jennifer Pantalleresco, Master of Social Work, School of Social Work, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Nancy J. Quaife Scholar 

• Heather Ruby, MBA in Business Administration, Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Mary Lucille Randolph and Lea King Dean Memorial Scholar

• Raushan Kaptagayeva, MUP in Urban and Regional Planning, A. Alfred Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Mary Malcomson Raphael Scholars

• Thao Dinh, PhD in Political Science, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Sunghyun Hong, PhD in Social Work and Developmental Psychology, School of Social Work and College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Zhaina Meirkhan, PhD in History, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Irene Routte, PhD in Social Work and Sociocultural Anthropology, School of Social Work and College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Linda J. Rider Scholar

• Heidi Langley, BS in Elementary Education, College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters, University of Michigan-Flint

Helen Huff Shell Scholar

• Christine Shad, BBA in Marketing, College of Business, University of Michigan-Dearborn

Terry L. and Patricia A. Stanley Scholar

• Joe Pete Bailey, MLA/MS in Landscape Architecture and Ecosystem Science and Management, School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Margaret Dow Towsley Scholars

• Kikelomo Banjo, DDS in the Internationally Trained Dentist Program, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Kristen Collins-Garrity, MSN in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, School of Nursing, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Davy Darnton, MPH in Health Behavior and Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Whitney Ellison, MSN in Midwifery, School of Nursing, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Antonia Gitau, MPH in Epidemiology, Global Health, School of Public Health, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Atika Gupta, MBA/MPH in Business Administration and Public Health, Stephen M. Ross School of Business and School of Public Health, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Phoebee Jean, Master’s in Social Work, School of Social Work, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Ashley Koorhan, MS in Environment and Sustainability, School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Rachel Miller, MSN in Midwifery, School of Nursing, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Sarah Mills, MPH in Nutrition Science, School of Public Health, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Gabriel Morin, BS in Dental Hygiene, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Christina Pillsbury, MPH in Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Cynthia Porritt-Rodriguez, DNP in Family Nursing Practice, School of Nursing, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Yanhui Qin, MPH in Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Sarah Ramos, MSN in Primary Care Pediatric Nursing, School of Nursing, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Seungmeen Rhee, Doctor of Dental Surgery, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Kristen Sabatini, MA in Early Childhood Education, College of Education, Health and Human Services, University of Michigan-Dearborn
• Tess Speiser, MBA in Business Administration, Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Annie Stishov, MPH in Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
• Kimberly Tantanella, MSN in Family Nursing Practice, School of Nursing, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Phaejaré Alea Patel Thomas, DNP in Family Nursing Practice, School of Nursing, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Sarah J. Manzeske-Torres, Master of Social Work, School of Social Work, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Irma M. Wyman Scholars

• Mahmood Ali, MSI in Data Science, School of Information, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Samar Almahbashi, MS in Human-Centered Design and Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science and College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters, University of Michigan-Dearborn
• Hanan Alroaini, MSI in Health Informatics, School of Information, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Azad Akin Arslan, MSI in Data Analytics, School of Information, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Sidiqa Baig, BSE in Aerospace Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Melinda Barcelon, MSI in Big Data Analytics, School of Information, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Ashish Bhatia, Master of Applied Data Science, School of Information, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Tiana Carter, MS in Health Infrastructures and Learning Systems, Department of Learning Health Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School
• Celine Cetinel, MSI in User Experience Research a nd Design, School of Information, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Hector Estrada Tock, Master of Applied Data Science, School of Information, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Md Ikramul Hasan, PhD in Macromolecular Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Daniel Muhire, Master of Applied Data Science, School of Information, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Hyoung-in Oh, BSI in Information Analysis, School of Information, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Nkwachukwu Onwudiwe, BSI in User Experience Design, School of Information, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Camille Purifoy, BS in Integrative Studies, College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters, University of Michigan-Dearborn
• Syeda Reza, MSE in Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Amy Rodriguez, MSI in Human-Computer Interaction and Design, School of Information, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Miki Tsuchiya, PhD in Environment and Sustainability, School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Justin Zheng, BSE in Robotics, College of Engineering, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Petar and Zdravka Zdravkovski Scholar

• Shatabdi Roy, PhD in Chemistry, College of Literature, Science and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Thanks to the generosity of CEW+ Sponsors, continuing support is available to limited scholars selected in a prior year.

• Hala A Paula K. Cooper (Meyers) Scholar (2025-26), BBA in Finance and Accounting, College of Business, University of Michigan-Dearborn
• Katharine Austin, Christine DiFalco Euritt Scholar (2025-26), DNP, specializing in Neonatal Nursing, School of Nursing, University of Michigan-Flint
• Marcelo Felix Caballero, 110% Scholar (2025-26), BA in Anthropology, College of Literature, Science and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Ishita Desai, Irma M. Wyman Scholar (2025-26), BS in Economics and Computation, College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters, University of Michigan-Dearborn
• Erin Amarachukwu Diran-Ojo, Irma M. Wyman Scholar (2025-26), MSE in Electrical and Computer Engineering, specializing in applied electromagnetics and RF circuits, College of Engineering, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Drew Ebner, Irma M. Wyman Scholar (2025-26), BS in Public Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
• Tega Ejughemre, Irma M. Wyman Scholar (2024-25), MSE in Artificial Intelligence, College of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Michigan-Dearborn
• Sadiya Ghadai, Irma M. Wyman Scholar (2024-25), BS in Computer Science, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Robyn Han, 110% Scholar (2025-26), BS in Data Science, College of Literature, Science and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Kelly Hartwell, Mary Malcomson Raphael Scholar (2025-26), PhD in English and Education, jointly enrolled in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts and the Marsal Family School of Education, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Natosha Irwin, Robert Bruce Dunlap Memorial Scholar (2025-26), BSW in the College of Health Sciences, University of Michigan-Flint
• Meghana Kasturi, Irma M. Wyman Scholar (2025-26), PhD in Bioengineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Michigan-Dearborn
• Navjeet Kaur, Elsie Choy Lee Scholar (2025-26), MFA in Art, Penny W. Stamps School of Art and Design, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Ashley McDermott, Mary Malcomson Raphael Scholar (2025-26), PhD in Anthropology, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Tien Nguyen, Irma M. Wyman Scholar (2025-26), PhD in Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, specializing in operations research and decision science, College of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Michigan-Dearborn
• Andrea Ricci, Irma M. Wyman Scholar (2025-26), Master of Applied Data Science (MADS),  School of Information, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Hunter Richards, Irma M. Wyman Scholar (2024-25), MSE in Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Julianna Sanromán, Elsie Choy Lee Scholar (2025-26), MFA in Art, Penny W. Stamps School of Art and Design, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Nesa Shamdasani, Irma M. Wyman Scholar (2025-26), BSE in Biomedical Engineering and Computer Science, College of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Michigan-Dearborn
• Ashley Sutter, Irma M. Wyman Scholar (2024-25), BS, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Katherine Tapia, Mary Malcomson Raphael Scholar (2025-26), PhD in Comparative Literature, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Myron Wood, Robert Bruce Dunlap Memorial Scholar (2025-26), BS in Health and Human Services, College of Education, Health, and Human Services, University of Michigan-Dearborn
• Han Zhang, Irma M. Wyman Scholar (2025-26), BSE in Computer Science, College of Engineering, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor