Office of the Provost

The Provost’s Circle Scholars

• Complete Alphabetical List of Provost's Circle Scholars

2010-2011

Travis Bevington

I am from Johnstown, NY. I chose the University of Rochester specifically for the biomedical engineering program and the ability to work closely with the faculty, in addition to my academic studies and being a member of the Varsity Track and Field team. I enjoy being involved in the biomedical engineering department as a teaching assistant for two courses and as a mentor for incoming freshman. I was recently inducted into Tau Beta Pi, an engineering honor society. Upon graduation, I plan to attend medical school for pediatrics.

Nicholas Chisholm

I was born in Rhode Island and lived in the town of Lincoln for most of my life before coming to the University of Rochester. Going to school 350 miles from home was a big step (probably even bigger for my parents), but I knew that UR was the right school for me after talking to some of the superb faculty along with Coach Izzo of the track and field team. It has been a place that has allowed me to achieve both in academics and athletics. I have been part of the track and field team since my freshmen year and compete as sprinter in events ranging from the 55m dash to the 500m dash. I love everything about track, from the intense competition to the truly great people I have been able to meet. I'm currently working toward a degree in chemical engineering. I also take lessons in jazz guitar at the Eastman School of Music. From this, you might be able to guess that my interests include chemistry, math, and music. After I graduate, I plan to pursue an MS or PhD in graduate school. I am considering a career in research and development either at a private company or for the government.

Doug Clift

I am from Jericho, Vermont.  Coming out of high school, I had a long list of desires for my collegiate experience.  I wanted a mid-sized school with a wide range of engineering disciplines as well as liberal arts, in case I decided engineering was not for me.  Of course, I also wanted to find a school where I could continue my soccer career.  I consider myself extremely lucky to have found all of these things at the University of Rochester.  I am now pursuing a biomedical engineering degree, with a concentration in biomechanics.  In my spare time, I love to be outside, in the winter downhill skiing and in the summer hiking the mountains of Vermont.  After graduation, I plan to continue my quest for fluency in Spanish, whether through the Peace Corps or a Fulbright Scholarship abroad, before coming back to the States and continuing my education in graduate school for biomedical engineering. 

Greg Hartnett

I grew up as the youngest of three in Tully, NY, a very small town south of Syracuse.  Although the University of Rochester was not my first choice, I've come to believe that fate placed me here.  This school is perfect for me.  I love everything from its flexible and prestigious academics to even the mediocre food.  Being here has allowed me to be extremely competitive in my running sports without sacrificing my education.  I am very happy with my current situation and could not imagine myself at a different school. I'm majoring in biomedical engineering with a concentration in mechanics because I love the idea of creating technology that betters one's quality of life. I've always been a fan of all sports, but personally I compete in track and field as a middle distance runner.  My favorite event is 800m. Off the track I enjoy singing and making music, playing video games, and participating in all recreational activities with friends and family.  As of right now, when I graduate I believe I will go for a masters degree and work at a company of my choice.

Jacob Hyer

I grew up in South Bethlehem, New York, which is a small town south of Albany. I went to Ravena Coeymans Selkirk Central High School, where I played football, wrestled, and ran track. The first time I visited the University of Rochester, it immediately became my number one school. I loved the campus and I loved the academic philosophy at this school. I also was very interested in the many opportunities to do undergraduate research. I am majoring in Biochemistry and I work in a lab in the Biochemistry and Biophysics department. My interests include track and field and intramural soccer. I also really enjoy attending concerts at Water Street music hall and the Main Street Armory. After graduation, I plan to attend medical school with the goal of becoming a pathologist.

Constanza Iribarne

I grew up in Syracuse, in the Jamesville-DeWitt school district. I chose the University of Rochester because of the open curriculum, general high quality academics, a good diving team with a great coach, and a location that was close enough to home but far enough for independence. I'm majoring in Political Science and Psychology, with a minor in French, and a cluster in Math. I'm on the Varsity Diving Team, and some of my other interests are music (guitar and singing), Delta Gamma, politics, travel, running, and spending time with my close friends. When I graduate, I hope to go to graduate school for Political Theory (hopefully somewhere warmer), and eventually try to become a professor.

Elizabeth Martens

I’m from Hughesville, Pennsylvania. I chose the University of Rochester because I have a lot of varied academic and extracurricular interests, and UR, due to its open curriculum, is a place where you can study several things and be really involved on campus at the same time. I am a mechanical engineering major, and my cluster is in music. I play on the soccer team, and am a member of Delta Gamma Sorority. This semester I am studying abroad in Madrid, Spain. I am studying Spanish and art history in Spain, and I would love to utilize the Take 5 program to further my studies in these areas. I hope to eventually work or do research that involves my interests both in engineering and architecture. After I graduate, I hope to travel before pursuing a graduate degree or a career in consulting or engineering.

Matthew Volkov

I am from Bethesda, Maryland, and I looked at the University of Rochester because I wanted to play tennis and attend an academically strong school.  Additionally, the openness of the Rochester curriculum attracted me to the school because I had no idea what I wanted to study after high school.  I've been able to take many diverse classes, and I think that it has helped shape me into a more well-rounded student and individual. I am a Philosophy and Economics double major.  I also host a weekly radio show at the campus radio station.  Outside of campus life I enjoy reading, music, relaxing, and maintaining an active lifestyle with my friends and family.  After graduation, I hope to go to graduate school to study philosophy and continue to develop my reading and writing skills.

Jason Zayac

I hail from the wondrous hamlet of Gasport, NY. I chose the U of R for a couple of reasons. I had seen the campus on many occasions while my brother was here and fell in love with it. It is truly a beautiful place. Rochester is within an hour of where I live, so it makes going home on breaks easy and it allows me to see my family on a regular basis. The main reason I selected Rochester was that it had the best academic reputation among the schools that I applied to, and I figured that the whole point of going to college was to get the best education possible. I also knew that coming here would allow me to perform at the highest level in the realm of athletics. U of R provides me with the greatest opportunity to achieve my goals in the classroom as well as on the track and cross country course. I am a Biology major with a minor in Chemistry. Some of my interests, outside of studying for countless hours, are running, cycling, waterskiing, fishing, and doing anything outdoors. When it comes time to leave the University of Rochester, I plan to attend medical school.

2009-2010

Melissa Altemose

I am from Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania. My older sister attended the U of R and therefore I became exposed to the school through visits to see her. After I applied to all of my schools, I decided that I wanted to major in science and as Rochester had the best science program, I decided to come here. I also really liked the people on campus best at Rochester. I am a Cell and Developmental Biology major. After I graduate I plan on attending graduate school to obtain a masters degree. My other interests include softball, reading, hiking, and architecture.

Jacqueline Cinella

I’m from Ballston Spa, New York. I chose the University of Rochester because of its high academic standards and promise for a challenge in my education. Rochester is also unique in that it allows me to be involved in all of my interests. I am able to pursue studies in my major of Geobiology while taking music classes for a minor. I am also able to take voice lessons at the Eastman School of Music to count towards my minor. Along with my interests in my studies and music, I am also a member of the Varsity Track and Field team in the area of sprints and hurdles and am in a co-ed hip hop dance group on campus called D'Motions. I have been a member of both since freshman year. After graduation I see myself embarking into the real world with a new job and the possibility of later attending graduate school.

Alex Federation

I was born and raised just north of Rochester in Greece, New York. I chose the U of R because I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to enroll at such a prestigious university so close to home. I came to Rochester interested in the sciences, and eventually I settled on chemistry and cell/developmental biology as my majors. At Rochester, I run both cross-country and track, so my races range anywhere from ¼ mile to 5 miles. However, I tend to specialize in the shorter distances, more specially the ½ mile. Aside from running, I devote much of my time to my research project in Dr. Bradley Nilsson’s lab on Alzheimer’s therapeutics. Also, I spent my time last summer working on cancer research at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. My goal is to continue working chemical biology research as a graduate student after I graduate next fall.

Frank O. Ferraro

I come from Niskayuna, NY. I chose the University of Rochester in large part for its open curriculum, which, in addition to swimming, allows me to pursue both an Honors B.S. degree in Computer Science and a B.S. degree in Mathematics, possibly with a Linguistics minor. Further, as a small research university, Rochester's giving me the opportunity to work one-on-one with professors and graduate students on real research problems. My major is Computer Science and Mathematics, possibly with a Linguistics minor. I’m a member of the Varsity Swimming and Diving team. In addition to be named to the Liberty League All-Academic team and repeatedly achieving UAA All-Academic Recognition, I have received the Iota Book Award, a Rush Rhees Scholarship, and I have been invited to join the academic honor society Tau Beta Pi. Aside from swimming, I greatly enjoy cycling. Upon graduating, I would like to go to graduate school for a doctorate in Computer Science, do research, and hopefully become a professor.

Kevin Gay

I am from Lake Oswego, Oregon, a suburb of Portland. I chose U of R because the home course of the golf team is Oak Hill Country Club, a world-class golf course 15 minutes away, where Ben Hogan once won a U.S. Open and where the 2012 PGA championship is going to be played. I am double majoring in Financial Economics and joint Mathematics/Statistics. I am interested in golfing, sleeping, traveling, current events, and finance. I don’t know what I want to do after I graduate but hope to be involved in finance.

Brittany Hylen

I'm from Omaha, Nebraska. The main two reasons I chose this university were softball and academics. I aspired to play softball at a highly accredited university, and the combination of a strong softball team and strong academics seemed like the perfect place for me. I particularly was drawn to the curriculum in that I could study what I wanted as opposed to taking all the general education type courses. Finally the campus and overall atmosphere just drew me in, and I knew that this was a place I could exceed and expand my horizons. I am majoring in Financial Economics with a minor in Industrial & Organizational Psychology and a Business Certificate in Marketing. Soon after finishing my undergraduate degree I hope to get my MBA in either management or finance. My interests (athletic and other) include softball, and all sports in general. I really love competition and being active. My strong Christian beliefs keep me grounded and are at the core of everything I do. I work at the gym as a team leader, am Vice President of Finance and Judicial Committee for Delta Gamma, a member of Athletes in Action, and a St. Sebastian's Society member. Once I graduate I hope to attain my MBA in either finance or management. Then I am not 100% sure, but I do hope to work my way up in the business world and someday be a manager, supervisor, or CEO of a successful, respectable bank or well-grounded company.

Travis Kroot

I was born in Portland, Maine and still live nearby in Cumberland Foreside, Maine. Initially, the University of Rochester was not in my scope of schools as I was more focused on the New England area. Since I grappled with both going to med school and pursuing engineering, the prospect of Biomedical Engineering was the perfect medium. After visiting the campus twice and meeting the cross country team, my decision was made. Since then I've competed on both the cross country and track teams. I am studying Biomedical Engineering with a concentration in biomechanics. Upon graduation I plan to go into industry for a few years to gain some real world application and experience and then go back to obtain a masters in graduate school.

Kirsten Ross

My hometown is Northumberland, PA, but the University of Rochester has really become a home to me over the past 3 years. As I was doing my college search, I focused on schools that had a strong biomedical engineering program, as well as a strong soccer program that would allow me to succeed on and off the field. The University of Rochester fit this mold the best, and when I came to visit, I fell in love with the campus (even though it was a blizzard outside). It had everything to offer: a soccer program that would allow me to grow as a player but still have time for my studies, a respected biomedical engineering program, and the faculty to student ratio that was perfect for me. Over these last 3 years, I have stuck with my major in biomedical engineering, and have chosen a biomechanics concentration. I have also decided to take pre-medical requirements. Besides soccer, I have a lot of other interests on and off campus. I am the current president of my sorority, Sigma Delta Tau. I am a member of Tau Beta Pi, an engineering honor society, and the Order of Omega, a Greek honor society. I have been involved with the St. Sebastian Society and the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES). I am also currently doing research with a small student group led by one of our professors on designing a metric by which you can measure the distress a patient in the NICU is feeling. Outside of school activities, I really enjoy doing anything that involves being active and being with family and friends. I have participated in intramurals, and love to snowboard in the winter and water ski in the summer. I also enjoy riding my horses whenever I get the chance to go home. I plan on applying for medical school after graduation.

Patrick Sheehan

I am from Troy, Michigan. Prior to moving to Michigan I lived in various places, including Stuttgart, Germany and London. The reasons I chose the University of Rochester are the great education, along with the small size. I am a Physics & Astronomy and Mathematics major. I have spent two years playing on the Varsity Tennis Team here at Rochester. Currently I do research in the Department of Physics & Astronomy, studying the formation of stars using the Spitzer Space Telescope. When I’m not studying or doing homework I enjoy reading, skiing, and many other outdoor activities. Following my time here, I would like to attend graduate school in Astronomy, and then pursue a career in Astronomy research.

Benjamin Yezer

I am from Bethesda, Maryland. I chose to come to Rochester for the combination of division 3 football and engineering at a research university. I am planning to receive a Chemical Engineering major with a minor in mathematics. I am a Junior defensive lineman on the U of R football team. On campus I am a staff writer for the Campus Times and a member of the St. Sebastian Society, an organization of athletes committed to community service. I am also an assistant treasurer and member of Meliora Capital Management, the first investment club on campus. This past summer I completed a research internship at the General Motors Fuel Cell Activities Center in Honeoye Falls, NY, and I was recently inducted into Tau Beta Pi, the engineering honor society. My hobbies outside of school and football include backpacking, camping, and backgammon. After graduation I hope to pursue a graduate degree in chemical engineering and research alternative energy technology.

Margaret Zupa

I'm from Buffalo, New York. UR first interested me because of the freedom of the curriculum and the wide range of academic opportunities, and these aspects of the University have definitely enabled me to enjoy a diverse education so far. I am a double major in Health and Society and Biology, with a cluster in Philosophy. In addition to being a member of the Women's Rowing team, I work as a Writing Fellow and volunteer as a coach for Project CARE, a mentoring program for public school students. After graduation I hope to attend medical school and obtain a master's degree in Public Health, in order to study and reduce health disparities in high-risk populations.

2008-09

Lindsay Bronnenkant

Prior to coming to Rochester, I lived in Amherst, NY. I chose to come to Rochester primarily because it offered opportunities in my many domains of interest – academics, athletics, and music. I am a Brain and Cognitive Sciences major, and I may minor in Chemistry as well. I am also involved in a variety of activities on campus. In addition to playing field hockey, I play the French horn in multiple ensembles, and currently hold the position of Senior Officer of the Wind Symphony. I enjoy composing music as a hobby. After graduating from the U of R, I plan to go to grad school to pursue a PhD, become involved with research, and then – hopefully – eventually teach at the college level.

Lisa Cole

Currently I am a junior at the University of Rochester. My major is biomedical engineering, with a specific concentration in biomechanics. I also have clustered in religious studies, focusing on comparing the different religions of the world. I am a member of the Women’s Varsity Cross Country and Track teams. Running has always played a large role in my life, and to be able to continue to compete at the UR has greatly affected my college experience. Beyond running and school, I am also part of the honor society, Tau Beta Pi, and St. Sebastian Society, which is a community service group on campus. Beyond graduation, I hope to attend graduate school and am aiming for a Ph.D. in biomechanics or medical imaging.

Tara Gelb

I am from Baltimore, Maryland. I am a member of the field hockey team. I plan on majoring in Molecular Genetics with a minor in Psychology. I am a member of the Varsity Student Athlete Advisory Committee and the Secretary of the Tzedek group. I also tutor for biology and TA in economics. I received the Phi Beta Kappa Iota book award in 2007. I am a member of the National Field Hockey Coaches Association Division III National Academic Squad and the All Academic Team. Outside the classroom I enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and many other sports. I decided to attend the University of Rochester because of the strong science program and the medium-size campus. After graduation I hope to continue school in some type of genetics masters program.

Suzanne Giunta

I am a member of the 2010 class of Biomedical Engineering. I am one of the captains of the cross-country team and also enjoy running indoor and outdoor track and field. Running year-round for UR has been a challenge due to time management, rigorous practices, etc., yet it has been one of the best parts of my life at college, as it is both a physical and a social activity. Running has become an integral part of my life over the past 7 years and it is something I hope to continue after graduation.

When I am not completing problem sets, in lab, or running, I enjoy giving tours to prospective students though the admissions office. Another favourite activity is backpacking, and I was lucky enough to spend this past summer at the University of Colorado researching articular cartilage and hiking the plethora of 14,000 ft. mountains in the Rockies. Post-graduation (which is shortly approaching!) I plan to join the Peace Corps or Teach for America to give some time back to the community, then continue on to graduate school for biomedical engineering.

Steven Guzski

I am from New Hartford, NY, and am a Junior Pitcher for the Varsity Baseball Team. I decided to come to the University of Rochester for its superb academic reputation, its beautiful campus, and its competitive baseball team. Currently pursuing a major in Financial Economics and a minor in Mathematics, I also have an interest in pursuing a career as an actuary and am currently taking the preliminary examinations to become certified. Along with baseball, I am also involved with Intramural Athletics, working several volleyball, basketball, and dodgeball games. Outside of school, I enjoy reading, watching movies, and relaxing outdoors in the Adirondacks. I earned Second Team All-University Athletic Association honors for baseball in 2008.

Kevin McDonald

I am originally from Greensboro, North Carolina. In addition to being a member of the University of Rochester Men's Soccer Team, I am pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Jazz and Contemporary Media and a Certificate in World Music from the Eastman School, while pursuing a BA in Economics from the College of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering.. I was awarded All-Conference Academic Recognition for both the 2007 and 2008 seasons. In November 2008, I recorded the drum tracks for singer Madeline Forster's debut album "Just You, Just Me" set for release in April 2009. For spring and summer 2009, I am studying abroad at Le Conservatoire de Paris (CNSMDP) with Belgian drummer Dré Pallemaerts and Italian bassist Riccardo del Fra. I chose the University of Rochester because it was possible to play varsity soccer, study at a conservatory, and pursue an economics degree all at the same place. Upon graduation, I will move to New York City to pursue a career in jazz performance.

James Slentz

I am a junior Financial Economics major from Edmeston, New York. While at Rochester, I have competed with both the soccer (2 years) and cross-country (1 year) teams. I am a contributor to a local website devoted to economics and political philosophy, and my academic interests include Austro-libertarian theory and the Efficient Markets Hypothesis. I have been named to the Dean's list five times and am the recipient of a Rush Rhees Scholarship. During my free time, I also enjoy golfing, skiing, playing basketball, reading, and cooking out. I hope to get a job in the investment banking or private wealth management fields after I graduate next May.

Tyle Stelzig

I was born in Morgantown, WV, and at age 2 moved to Evanston, IL, and then to Bryn Mawr, PA, when I was 8. As a high school freshman I played soccer, wrestled, and went out for crew. I eventually resigned myself to Track and discovered that running suits me quite well. Training and competing helps me maintain a balanced perspective. To select a college I used simple-minded criteria: I wanted to feel like I was on my own, but close enough that I wouldn't have to fly on breaks. This gave me a donut-shaped map from which to choose a school!

I chose UR because I had the impression that UR students were well-rounded, diverse, and interesting, and that the faculty was welcoming. I'm pursuing a B.S. in Physics and an Honors B.A. in Math, with clusters in Philosophy and Economics. Other honors I've received or shared include the Stoddard Prize in Math, the Physics Honors Prize, and the Iota Book Award. Cross Country and Track have been a huge part of my experience at UR and the organizing principle of my life. The team is awesome. I’ll probably go to graduate school, but I’m toying with the idea of a Take 5 year. I can see myself teaching and doing research. I’m not sure whether I’ll pursue physics or math, but I want to end up near mountains and singletrack. I’d like to visit New Zealand and to bike across the country. I want to spend a few months living alone or with a few friends in a cabin in the backcountry.