New Graduate Student Orientation participants learned about UD’s resources, support network, graduate student community and campus.

Meet UD’s new grad students

Article by Adam S. Kamras Photos by Kathy F. Atkinson August 24, 2026

Advanced degree pursuers share motivation and inspiration

More than 300 participants made their way from near and far to the University of Delaware’s Trabant University Center for the fall semester’s New Graduate Student Orientation. Many of these athletes, veterans, teachers, healthcare workers, software engineers, hospitality leaders, first-generation college graduates and students from a variety of other personal and professional backgrounds share a love of exploration, whether hiking national parks, traveling the world, learning new languages, collecting vinyl records or searching for the best coffee shop in every city.

As they were gearing up for their next journey — the pursuit of one of UD’s 200-plus graduate programs — by learning about the resources, support network, graduate student community and campus, UDaily caught up with some of them to find out what brought them to Newark and what they plan on achieving here and beyond.

I chose UD because…

“I felt like the faculty really cared about getting to know me and showed how UD would be a place that would support me and help me thrive.” —Sophia Castillo, political science and international relations, Ph.D.

Sophia Castillo

I went here for undergrad and absolutely loved it! I couldn't envision myself leaving, and I found the perfect graduate program that aligned with my interests and career goals.

- Savannah McMullen energy and environmental policy, MEEP

“It was my first choice and while making enquiries, every professor was welcoming.” —Damilola Oluwole, clinical psychological science, M.S.

Damilola Oluwole

“I was interested in the research potential and interdisciplinary programs available. I found an amazing research lab to work in, which solidified my choice to attend.” —Lauren Huckabay, microbiology, Ph.D.

Lauren Huckabay

I came to UD to…

“Develop the skills and critical thinking required for research.” —Ethan Costella, biomechanics and movement science, Ph.D.

“Continue with my studies and play field hockey.” —Josefina D'Alessandro Bourdo, international business, M.S.

Achieve all the goals and dreams the younger version of myself had set.
- Akiliah Spence biological sciences, Ph.D.

“I wanted to challenge myself and grow as a leader. I also wanted to be a part of a community where I could bring my own personal experiences from the military and government service while also learning from others.” —Martin Green, public administration, MPA

Martin Green

I am most excited to…

“Get to work with UD faculty and staff on quantum computing, including but not limited to the actual technology that's being used to manufacture hardware, the theory behind the implementation and the implementation itself.” —Connor Fierro, quantum science and engineering, M.S.

Do some cool research and truly be dedicated to it.
- Yongsung Kim physics, Ph.D.

“Meet new people, learn and experience the East Coast. I was born and raised in California, so being on the East Coast is exciting.” —Piper Szeliga, chemistry and biochemistry, Ph.D.

“Meet people in my program and learn more specific information to help me in my career.” —Emily Simon, social work, MSW

Emily Simon

I am most anxious about…

“The transition from undergrad to grad school, but I feel like UD will help me transition smoothly.” —Allie Clarkson, public health, MPH

“Returning to school after eight years.” —Matthew Vandenboomen, ocean engineering, M.S.

Starting my master’s in a state I’ve never visited before.
- Jenna Saucier music, M.M.

In 10 years I hope to be…

“A manager in an aerospace company.” —Hasan Kurt, business administration, MBA

Hasan Kurt

“A person who is able to use all the knowledge and skills that I get from studying at UD in order to contribute to bring transformation in education.” —Ghovinda Fitra Wijaya, educational technology, M.Ed.

Making a positive impact on the world and those around me.
- Hudson Davis geological sciences, M.S.

“An experienced school psychologist who can make a meaningful difference for children, families and schools.” —Hui Yang, school psychology, M.A.

When I am not doing schoolwork, I like to

“Rest my eyes and brain by dancing and listening to some great music.” —Cheryl Welch, Public Administration, MPA

“I feel rested and refilled when I am sitting with my dog, Peace, and watching Dragon Ball anime, or walking through a park. I also really enjoy sleeping under weighted blankets.” —Xyaire Woods, Africana studies, M.A.