Class of 2029 Students Start Magis Honors Program

Thirteen outstanding members of The University of Scranton’s Class of 2029 entered its Magis Honors Program in STEM. One of Scranton’s five programs of excellence, the Magis Honors Program combines the development of STEM knowledge and research techniques with programming to further the students’ understanding of the impact science has on society.

The Magis Honors Program in STEM offers talented students a more intense, interdisciplinary experience of research in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Courses taken over four years at Scranton combine a series of seminars on STEM and society with humanities courses. With guidance by faculty mentors, the students in the program develop, present and defend a thesis based on their individual research projects. In addition, the program requires participation in annual community service projects as well as professional development programs. Prior to the start of the fall semester, the incoming Magis Honors Program students conducted a survey of aquatic plants in Lake Lacawac as part of their ongoing participation with Pocono Lake Ecological Observatory Network (PLEON).

The following members of Scranton’s Class of 2029 have begun their studies in the Magis Honors Program in STEM:

Grace O. Arnone, of Wilkes-Barre, a biology major.

Olivia R. Burdo, of Dresher, a biology major.

Mollie A. Ferreira, of Somerville, New Jersey, a forensic chemistry major.

Lia M. Hartman, of Lake Ariel, a biochemistry major.

Rehaan F. Mansuri, of Moosic, a neuroscience major. He is also the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Liam R. Miller, of Honesdale, a physics major.

Cadence E. Moore, of Clarks Summit, a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major.

Laura J. Nebzydoski, of Pleasant Mount, a neuroscience major.

Kali G. Piczon, of Forty Fort, a biology major. She is also the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Maura C. Pivirotto, of South Abington Township, a neuroscience major. She is also the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Kaelee A. Potoski, of West Pittston, a biology major.

Ella C. Rehfield, of Kensington, Maryland, a neuroscience major.

Stephen J. Reppa, of Dalton, a mathematics major.

Declan Mulhall, Ph.D., professor of physics and engineering, and Amelia Randich, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, serve as the directors of the Magis Honors Program in STEM.