Colin Glushakow, bachelor’s general agriculture, animal science, pre-vet, Hebron, Maryland. Glushakow credits his success to “my support system, the friends I made and my advisor, who helped me plan my next steps.” The aspiring veterinarian will take a gap year to work at a farm in New York before applying to a school of veterinary medicine. An undergraduate internship provided Glushakow with valuable hands-on experience working on a pasture-poultry research project with Dr. Jennifer Timmons, associate professor of poultry science.
Angel Mansfield, bachelor’s, biology, pre-med, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. “UMES helped me grow and gave me the platform I needed to fulfill my dreams.” Mansfield will be attending the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine for a master’s in biomedical science. Mansfield received a first-place award at UMES’ 2025 Research Symposium.
Jonathan Franklin, bachelor’s, general agriculture, agriculture studies, Ocean Pines, Maryland. Franklin has accepted a job at the U.S. Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C. There, he will be a part of the exhibit team, working especially with tropical and carnivorous plants. Dr. Naveen Kumar Dixit, associate professor of horticulture and extension specialist, was “his biggest supporter and helped instill a love for horticulture in him.” He also attributes his success to his advisor, Research Assistant Professor Corrie Cotton, who helped him work out his schedule to graduate a semester early.
Lesley Thomas, bachelor’s, biology, pre-med, Browns Summit, North Carolina. The “community aspect of UMES” was most beneficial to Thomas. “There are professors here that are willing to pour into us and give us opportunities to get to the next level. The mosquito project I did last year allowed me to see how research and lab protocols work.” The student-athlete (basketball) plans on taking a gap year to get clinical hours and shadowing to attend medical school.
Aliza Weaver, bachelor’s, general agriculture, agriculture studies, Salisbury, Maryland. Complementary to her classroom studies at UMES, Weaver was “given a lot of good opportunities for hands-on experiences through internships working in field.” The first-generation college student would like to grow produce and own a greenhouse business.
Kyrisa Russell, bachelor’s biology, pre-med, Riverdale Park, Maryland. “Rigorous coursework helped me develop important life skills. Being part of LSAMP was also an essential part of my experience at UMES, providing me with research acumen.”
Cameron Geddie, bachelor’s, general agriculture, agriculture studies, Chestnut Hill Cove, Maryland. “UMES helped me realize who I am and fueled my drive for work.” The USDA 1890 Land-grant Scholar aims to work in agriculture education in state or federal government.
Cheyenne Murdaugh, bachelor’s, environmental science, Gainesville, Virginia. “UMES has connected me to a lot of opportunities, like internships and scholarships, to prepare me for my future.” She looked around the commencement student staging area, “and I’ve met all of these wonderful people I know here.” Murdaugh will return to campus to pursue a doctorate degree in marine, estuarine and environmental sciences. Ultimately, she would like to work in marine science at NOAA Fisheries.
Nola Mountain, bachelor’s biology, pre-med, from Surrey, British Columbia, came to UMES as a softball recruit. “There is a really good support system here — all of my friends and professors.” Mountain will spend the summer studying for the MCAT to apply to medical schools in the fall.
Gail Stephens, agricultural communications, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, UMES Extension, gcstephens@umes.edu, 410-621-3850.
Photos by Todd Dudek, agricultural communications, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, UMES Extension, tdudek@umes.edu.
