Class of 2026 Graduates of Magis Honors Program in STEM

Seven members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2026 graduated from its Magis Honors Program in STEM. The program, which is one of the Jesuit school’s five honors programs. 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.

The following members of Scranton’s class of 2026 graduated as members of the Magis Honors Program in STEM.

Connor P. Brophy, Macungie, graduated, cum laude, as a Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology major and as a member of the University Honors Program. Brophy worked with faculty mentor Riddiman Medhi, Ph.D., assistant professor of chemistry, on a thesis project entitled "Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and their ability to detect things in the environment."

Alyssa M. Cosklo, Fell Township, graduated, summa cum laude, as a Biology major. Cosklo worked with faculty mentor Amelia Randich, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on a thesis project entitled "Characterizing the growth and morphology/reproductive method of the marine Caulobacteria Henriciella pelagia." Cosklo is the recipeint of the University's four-year, full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Grace L. Lloyd, Yardley, graduated, summa cum laude, as an individualized major and as a member of the University Honors Program. Lloyd worked with faculty mentor Marc Seid, Ph.D., professor of biologyon a thesis project entitled "Thermal dynamics of prion and protein misfolding: A compuational approach."

Alexa R. Martinez, Walden, New York, graduated, summa cum laude, as a Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology major. Martinez worked with faculty mentor Michael Hague, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, on a thesis project entitled "Effects of transmission of the parasite Wolbachia."

Sheldon S. Myers, Downingtown, graduated, summa cum laude, as a Biochemistry major. Myers worked with faculty mentor Michael Fennie, Ph.D., professor of chemistry, on a thesis project entitled “Cyano and Azido Tryptophan Probe Synthesis for Use in 2D IR Spectroscopic Protein Structure Elucidation.”

Hailey C. Patts, Harding, graduated, summa cum laude, as a Biochemistry major. Patts worked with faculty mentor Michael Fennie, Ph.D., professor of chemistry, on a thesis project entitled "Effects of the estrous cycle on Parkinson's Disease in female mice."

Daniella M. Scanlon, Goshen, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as a Neuroscience major. Scanlon worked with faculty mentor Chris Howey, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of the Biology Department, on a thesis project entitled "Ambient light at night and how it affects the behavior of male anoles."

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.