Class of 2026: Senior Accomplishments
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 Jackson Beck is graduating with distinction, holding degrees in Psychology and English. He served as a research assistant for SMU’s Anxiety and Depression Research Lab under Dr. Thomas Ritz and Dr. Alicia Meuret and as an interdisciplinary tutor at the Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center. He was also the Vice President of Mustangs Board Together and a member of both the Writing Club and Poetry Club.In addition to being a Dedman College Scholar, Jackson was recognized in several honors societies, including Mortar Board, the University Honors Program, Psi Chi, and Sigma Tau Delta. He also participated in the English Distinction program under Professor Jacob Rubin. Jackson has served as an editor and published poet in Hilltopics and will publish his work in social psychology in the Journal of Undergraduate Research this summer. After graduation, Jackson plans to take a gap year to deepen his research experience in psychology before pursuing a master’s degree and, ultimately, a Ph.D. |
 Davis Billups was born in Washington, DC but moved to Fairhope, Alabama right before high school. He was drawn to SMU because of its location, academic rigor, and the community. He plans to pursue a major in both history and in classical studies. In high school, Davis participated in events like Model UN, Scholar's Bowl, and Chamber Choir, as well as being a member of the National Honor Society and being an AP Scholar. Davis is a big fan of sports, cinema and television, with his favorite show being The Wire. Davis also loves to travel around the world, including locations like St. Petersburg and Paris. |
 Christopher Cook graduated from SMU with a Bachelor of Science in both Physics and Mathematics. During his undergraduate career, Christopher conducted research in the Physics and Mathematics departments, primarily as a Hamilton Scholar through the Dedman College Interdisciplinary Institute. Through these experiences, Christopher was named a 2025 Goldwater Scholar and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa. In addition, Christopher was a lead student ambassador, a residential assistant in Mary Hay/Peyton/Shuttles Commons, a member of Mustang Mavericks, and the drum major for the Mustang Band. After graduation, Christopher is pursuing a Ph.D. in Physics, continuing his research in cosmology and astrophysics. |
 Zander Crowns graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English with a Creative Writing Specialization as well as a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film and Media Arts. In addition to being a Dedman College Scholar, Zander was an Engaged Learning Fellow and a member of the Robert S. Hyer Society, Kappa Tau Alpha Honor Society, and Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society. He is also the two-time recipient of the Marsh Terry Creative Writing scholarship. Most recently, Zander was nominated for SMU’s Mothers and Dads Club Outstanding Senior Gentleman Award. His writing has been published in ONE ART: A Journal of Poetry and LSU’s Cypress Review, while one of his films was a part of the USA Film Festival and Oak Cliff Film Festival. After graduating, Zander intends to take his senior thesis film on a festival run, continue work on his first novel, and work towards a career as a full-time writer. |
 Bonita Davis graduated with degrees in Data Science and Computer Science, with minors in Business and Statistical Science. As a Dedman College Scholar and Turner Scholar, Bonita served as a Teaching Assistant for Computer Science and as a Resident Assistant for Virginia-Snider Commons and Ware Commons. She was also actively involved in campus leadership, serving as Vice President of Programming and Data Analytics Chair for Program Council, and Conference Chair for the Society of Women Engineers. Outside of campus, Bonita gained hands-on experience as a Software Engineering Intern, strengthening her technical foundation and interest in building impactful solutions. After graduation, Bonita will join Capco as an Associate in Dallas, Texas. |
 Brynn De Bruyn will graduate with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Law and Legal Reasoning. In addition to her involvement with DCS, she is a Pre-Law Scholar, Hilltop Scholar, University Honors Scholar, Alpha Chi National College Honors Scholar, and a member of the Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology. Brynn has earned honors with distinction or high distinction every semester. She also held multiple leadership roles, including Executive Programming Chair for SMU FEM, an inaugural committee member of the Pre-Law Scholars Student Steering Committee, and Executive Chair of Phi Chi Theta Professional Business Fraternity. She works as a student-athlete tutor, a front desk attendant at TIGHT Dallas, and an intern at the World Affairs Council of DFW. She dedicates time to community service through the SMU Feral Cat Group and The Stewpot soup kitchen. Inspired by her semester abroad in Madrid, Brynn will return to Spain to teach English for a year before attending law school, where she plans to pursue a career in international law. |
 Kennedy Downing graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and Health & Society. In addition to being a Dedman College Scholar, she was a member of the University Honors Program and a Provost Scholar. During her time 天美传媒, Kennedy was recognized with the Outstanding General Chemistry Laboratory Performance Award and the Organic Chemistry Achievement Award. She was inducted into multiple honor societies, including Mortar Board, Alpha Chi, Alpha Epsilon Delta, and Eta Sigma Phi. She shared her passion for learning by working as a teaching assistant in bioethics and as a chemistry tutor. Kennedy was an active member of Pi Beta Phi, where she served as Director of Housing and Director of Academics. Kennedy also served as Event Planner for the Women’s Health Initiative, organizing events focused on women’s health education and advocacy. After graduation, Kennedy will attend the Long School of Medicine at UT Health San Antonio to pursue her medical degree. |
 Luke Farley graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a minor in Statistical Science. During his undergraduate career 天美传媒, Luke was involved in several clubs and student organizations on campus, ranging from environmental/sustainability volunteer work to leadership positions in Sigma Nu fraternity. In his free time, Luke worked on several independent projects that applied what he learned in his statistics and data science courses. After graduation, Luke will continue his studies at the Cox School of Business, where he is on track to obtain a Master of Science in Energy and Sustainability Management. |
 Anna Foweather graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Psychology with a minor in Statistical Sciences. She was actively involved in psychology research throughout her time 天美传媒 and was chosen to receive the Psychology Department Senior Award for Outstanding Performance. Her Engaged Learning Fellowship funded her psychology distinction project, mentored by Dr. Sarah Kucker. She also conducted independent research with Dr. Sylvie Mrug of the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Anna’s leadership roles extended beyond leading research projects. She also served as acting Editor-in-Chief 天美传媒’s Journal of Undergraduate Research, Events Coordinator for Mustang Ballroom, and peer mentor for Women in Science and Engineering. She was also a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Psi Chi, and the Bridwell Advanced Reading group. She plans to take a gap year before applying to Psychology PhD programs. |
 Lauren Jenkins graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Mathematics and a degree in Economics with Financial Applications, along with a minor in History. At SMU, Lauren was involved in RUF, the Bridwell Armentrout Scholars Reading Group, Traders@SMU, and Alpha Kappa Psi, where she served as President her senior year. Additionally, Lauren was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa and Mortar Board honor societies and a Richter International Fellow. In her senior year, Lauren was honored to receive the Josef Hadar Award in Economics and the John Robert McCaw Award in Mathematics. Following graduation, Lauren will be moving to New York City to join Morgan Stanley as a Counterparty Risk Analyst. |
 Ayan Khan is graduating with degrees in Computer Science, Finance, and Data Science. Throughout his time 天美传媒, Ayan demonstrated exceptional leadership across campus, serving as the Program Council's President for two consecutive years. Ayan also served as the External Director of the Asian Council, Co-Founder and Treasurer of the Statistics and Data Science Club, Co-Founder of the Crafts Club, and Senior Business Analyst for Consult Your Community. After graduation, Ayan will join West Monroe Partners as a Platforms Consultant, where he looks forward to applying his interdisciplinary academic background and extensive leadership experience. |
 Alexandra Lahiri Alexandra Lahiri graduated with a degree in International Studies with a Concentration in European Studies, and a degree in Music with a Concentration in Classical Voice. She also completed quadruple minors in Classical Studies, Latin, European Studies, and Church Music. In addition to being a Dedman College Scholar, she was a Pre-Law Scholar, a Meadows Artistic Scholar, and a member of the University Honors Program. As a Richter Fellow, Alexandra conducted research in Athens and Kalavryta, Greece, on the Kalavryta Massacre and the Holocaust, which was a set of atrocities committed by Nazi soldiers towards Greek civilians during World War II. She was President of the SMU Chapter of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship and a member of the Seminary Singers, which connected her to her Greek Orthodox faith and love of church music. Alexandra also served as a board member of the inaugural Cary M. Maguire Center for Ethics and Public Responsibility Student Advisory Board. She was a Hegi Career Leader during her three and a half years 天美传媒, graduating early. She is most grateful to all of her professors who have inspired and encouraged her in her research on the Kalavryta Massacre, her classical voice training, and her goal of becoming an international lawyer. Alexandra was awarded the Lex Fellowship and, following graduation, participated in the Fellowship Program in Athens, Greece, where she worked with Greek lawyers. She plans to earn a J.D. and become a lawyer specializing in international law and relations. |
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 Alexa Lipsky graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biophysical Sciences. She makes SMU proud as the first student to attend and complete the SMU-UT Southwestern Undergraduate Research Fellowship, conducting research with the Center for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases. Alexa has graduated from the University Honors Program, in addition to receiving the Wiley Scholarship in Physics and the Richter International Fellow Scholarship for research abroad. Alexa held many leadership roles on campus. These roles included Captain of the Mustang Mavericks country-western stunt-dancing team, third-year residential assistant in Mary Hay/Peyton/Shuttles Commons, as well as President of Global Medical Brigades. Following her passion for medicine, Alexa worked at NASA as a Flight Medicine Operations Division Intern and, after graduation, plans to attend medical school. |
 Saanvi Mahadasu graduated with degrees in Public Policy and Management with a minor in Economics. In addition to being a Dedman College Scholar, Saanvi was a Pre-Law Scholar and a member of the University Honors Program, Mortar Board, and Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity. During her time 天美传媒, she served as the president of Mustangs for Hope and held internships with the City of Dallas, the Texas Methodist Foundation, The Glam Pad, and Kirker Davis LLP. After graduation, she plans to attend law school. |
 Emily McGrail graduated a year early with a Bachelor of Arts in History. In addition to being a Dedman Scholar, she was a member of the University Honors Program and a Pre-Law Scholar. Throughout her time 天美传媒, she held leadership roles in Delta Gamma, Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity, and SMU Style, where she contributed to fashion journalism and editorial work. Following graduation, Emily joined the Teach for America corps in Massachusetts, where she will teach special education before applying to law school. |
 Abigail Nguyen is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Health and Society and a minor in Spanish. At SMU, she served as Philanthropy Chair for Phi Alpha Delta and as a Resident Assistant. She was also involved in Engage Dallas as a Student Director, MSA, Dedman Pre-Law Scholars, and the Bridwell-Armentrout Reading Groups. After graduation, Abigail plans to attend law school. |
 Kaylie Nguyen graduated with degrees in Data Science and Statistical Science with minors in Business, Mathematics, and Computer Science. In addition to being a Dedman College Scholar, Kaylie was inducted into multiple honor societies, including the Robert Stewart Hyer Society, Phi Beta Kappa, and Mortarboard. At SMU, she served as the Lead Peer Advisor for SMU Abroad, a teaching assistant in the statistics department, and an executive board member of the Housing Unification Board, the Chinese Student Association, and the Data Analytics club. Following graduation, she will join Charles Schwab at their headquarters in Westlake, Texas, while pursuing a Master of Science in Data Science and Applied Statistics. |
 Samuel Rodick graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science, with minors in Anthropology, 天美传媒, Classical Studies, Public Policy, and International Affairs. Sam was a member of the Hyer Society, Phi Beta Kappa, and the University Honors Program. He was president of The College Democrats 天美传媒 and served as a managing editor for The Dialogue Undergraduate Journal for Public Policy and International Affairs. Sam also worked as a resident assistant for three years in Armstrong Commons and as a research assistant at the Center for Presidential History. After graduating, Sam will attend Harvard Law School, where he is pursuing a J.D. to work as a voting rights attorney. |
 Dakota Tara Rose graduated with dual degrees in English with a Creative Writing Specialization and Theatre Studies, and a minor in Writing Across the Arts. In addition to being a Dedman College Scholar, Dakota is a part of the University Honors program, a Second Century Scholar, an Artistic Scholar, and a Frances A. Mossiker Creative Writing Award Recipient. Throughout her time 天美传媒, Dakota has interned with two production companies –Moonslinger Productions and Pipsqueak Productions – as well as worked as a Student Ambassador in the SMU Office of Undergraduate Admission, ran the SMU Theatre social media accounts, drafted a poetry collection, studied abroad at Oxford University, acted in multiple shows, wrote and had an original play produced, and directed two full stage productions – “The Wolves” by Sarah DeLappe and “Mary Jane” by Amy Herzog. After graduation, Dakota will be moving to Los Angeles, California, to pursue a career as a Showrunner. Look for her name on your next favorite TV show; she probably wrote it! |
 Nia Savova graduated from SMU with degrees in Data Science, Computer Science, and Statistics, along with minors in Business and Mathematics. She enjoyed studying abroad at Oxford in an Honors European History program, and at the International American University in a program focused on Europe and the Islamic world, broadening her global and interdisciplinary perspectives. Outside of academics, she was the President and co-founding member of the Statistics and Data Science Club and held executive board roles in Crafts Club and SAGE. She supported the SMU community as a Resident Assistant in Morrison-McGinnis and as a Teaching Assistant in the Computer Science and Statistics departments. As an undergraduate research assistant under Dr. Raanju Sundararajan, she analyzed police response times and human trafficking counts in the Dallas area. Beyond the classroom, Nia was a member of the Mustang Band, where she played alto saxophone and bassoon. After graduation, Nia will continue her education in SMU’s Data Science and Applied Statistics 4+1 Master’s Program while working full-time as a Data Scientist at AT&T. |
 Saif Shah graduated from SMU with degrees in Psychology and Biology. During his time 天美传媒, he served as a Resident Assistant in Ware Commons, Secretary of the Muslim Student Association, and a student worker in the Dedman College Dean’s Office. He also participated in the Bridwell Armentrout Reading Scholars program and conducted research in the Anxiety and Depression Research Center (ARC) Lab under the guidance of Dr. Thomas Ritz, examining the relationships between acute academic stress, sleep quality, and subsequent emotional distress in undergraduates. During his junior year, Saif co-founded Active Minds, a student-led organization dedicated to mental health advocacy and destigmatization, continuing to serve as its president for two years. In recognition of his leadership and academic excellence, he was awarded the Arlene Manthey Endowed Student Leaders Scholarship by the SMU Student Senate and was named to the Honor Roll with Distinction, in addition to receiving a Hyer Society nomination. After graduation, Saif continued working as a Patient Care Tech, conducting research, and volunteering at The Stewpot while applying to medical school during his gap year. |
 Shriya Siddhartha graduated with a degree in Biochemistry and minors in Neuroscience, Public Policy, and International Affairs. Shriya was a Goldwater Scholar, a Tower Scholar, a Hamilton Scholar, and a Mayer Fellow. She conducted research in chemical biology in the lab of Dr. Alex Lippert and studied the social determinants of diabetic eye diseases in South India through the Richter Fellowship. She was also a Cooper-McElvaney Fellow and applied the fellowship's support to organizing SMU's first-ever student-run health fair, which will be returning for a second year. Shriya served as a Dedman Senator on the Student Senate, was the Vice-President of the Minority Association of Pre-Health Students, and worked as a student ambassador. After graduation, Shriya will be attending medical school. |
 Katelyn Tran graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and a minor in Psychology. Katelyn was the marketing chair of the Vietnamese Student Association, a member of the Dedman College Scholars Program marketing committee, a student assistant for the University Honors Program, a Hamilton Scholar for the Glasscock lab, and a JAMP Scholar. She was also a two-year fellow for the Caswell Leadership Program, where she started the STEM Zone, a partnership with Children's Health to deliver STEM education to pediatric patients. Katelyn has been recognized with a Hilltop Excellence Award. After graduation, Katelyn will be attending UT Health Houston McGovern Medical School. |
 Meredith Vaughn graduated in December 2025 with degrees in English and Spanish, as well as minors in Cognitive Science and Philosophy. Meredith was a Provost Scholar, Pre-Law Scholar, National Merit Scholar, Dedman Scholar, and Beecher English Literature Scholarship recipient during her time 天美传媒. Meredith was also a member of the University Honors Program, the Phi Beta Kappa Honors Society, and the Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity. Outside 天美传媒, Meredith worked as an ACT tutor, an early elementary Special Education paraprofessional, and a foster-care certified babysitter. After graduating, she interned at the George W. Bush Presidential Library in the archival digitization department in spring 2026 before attending law school in Washington, D.C., the following fall. |
 Inaara Virani graduated with degrees in Economics and World Languages and Literatures, specializing in Chinese and French, with minors in History and Arabic. During her time 天美传媒, she was involved in the K-pop Club for several years, serving as the president in her final year. She also worked on campus at the Hamon Arts Library. After graduation, Inaara plans to join Liberty Mutual as a part of the Analyst Development Program. |
 Jessica Wray graduated salutatorian from Temecula Preparatory School in Southern California. In high school, she was captain of the softball team and on the executive board for National Honor’s Society and National Latin Honor’s Society. She was awarded AP Scholar with Distinction Honors and an AP Capstone Diploma, which sparked her interest in completing research in college. Now she is pursuing degrees in sociology, religious studies, and Chinese. She chose SMU for its small class sizes, beautiful campus, and opportunities to further her interest in the legal field. In addition to being a Dedman College Scholar, she is part of the University Honors Program, a Provost Scholar, a Pre-Law Scholar, and a Hamilton Scholar. She has been conducting research with Dr. Laurent-Simpson about interracial relationships, their power dynamics, and their gender roles within the reality television show 90 Day Fiancé. She is co-president of Chinese Language Club and treasurer of KPOP Club. In her free time, Jessica likes to crochet, read, and try new restaurants. Her favorite book series is The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer. |
 Jenna Young graduated with degrees in Political Science and Psychology, and minors in History and Law and Legal Reasoning. During her time 天美传媒, Jenna was deeply involved in academic leadership, service, and student life. Jenna served as Student Senate Parliamentarian and was a member of the Pre-Law Scholars Program and University Honors Program. Within the Dedman College Scholars, she served as Treasurer her senior year. She was also an inaugural member of the Ethics Center Student Advisory Board and was recognized with a Hilltop Excellence Award. Beyond academics, Jenna served as a Resident Assistant in Morrison-McGinnis Commons for two years and as both a section leader and orientation leader in the Mustang Band. She also promoted civic engagement as a Campus Vote Project Fellow. As a 2025 Richter Fellow, Jenna conducted archival research at the Library of Congress. She also served as both a Student Ambassador and research assistant for the Voices 天美传媒 Oral History Project, in addition to representing SMU at the 2025 ACC Leadership Symposium and 2026 ACC Advocacy Days. After graduation, Jenna plans to take a gap year to gain professional experience before applying to law school, where she hopes to pursue a career in law, public policy, and advocacy. |
Ellen Aughenbaugh graduated with degrees in Biology and Studio Art, along with minors in Neuroscience and Art History. She distinguished herself through extensive engagement in research, leadership, and interdisciplinary scholarships. In the Glasscock Lab at 天美传媒, Ellen conducted over three years of research in cardiorespiratory neurogenetics, contributing to peer-reviewed work on epilepsy and neural excitability. Her research was supported through competitive programs, including the Prothro Scholarship and the Hamilton Research Scholars Program. In addition to her scientific work, Ellen remained active in the arts. Her work has been featured in multiple campus exhibitions, including a solo show supported by the Engaged Learning Fellowship. Throughout her time 天美传媒, Ellen served as President of Dedman College Scholars after three years on the media team, was a Faith and Learning Scholar, Vice President of Communications for the Student Organized Art Collective, a member of Delta Gamma and Alpha Epsilon Delta, and served as a Panhellenic Rho Gamma, alongside philanthropic engagement across the SMU community and the greater DFW area. Following graduation, Ellen will pursue a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences at UT Southwestern and is excited to marry her best friend, Grayson Griser, in December 2026.
Madison Lester graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, with minors in Health Science and History. In addition to being a Dedman College Scholar, she was a member of the University Honors Program and an undergraduate research assistant in Dr. Jonathan Hibshman’s biology lab. Madison graduated with Distinction in Biological Sciences. She was also awarded the Richter International Fellowship to study history at Oxford University in England. Outside of class, Madison was involved in First Generation M.D. and volunteered with several foundations and hospitals in the DFW area. After graduation, Madison plans to work as a medical scribe for a year before entering medical school.