Meet the incoming Future Leaders Fellows for Fall 2023!
The Future Leaders Fellows are outstanding master's students who will contribute collectively to a greater diversity of perspectives and experiences within GSAS programs. Incoming students are nominated for this fellowship by departments and programs, and selected by the GSAS Dean.
MA in Child Study and Human Development
Hello, my name is Victor Aguilar, and I am a first- generation, Los Angeles native, Chicano who loves to explore my own and other identities. My passion in life is to help others. I hope to continue studying the cognitive and psychological development of children to better understand and treat people with high ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) scores.
MS in Biology
My name is Oluchi Ezekwenna and I am a Nigerian American from New York City. I am studying Functional Genomics under the Open Choice MS in Biology program.
I have studied bacteriophages under the SEA-PHAGES program, and I’ve done industry research in the relationship between genes and oncology. I am interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms in cells that explain the connection between genetics and various forms of diseases.
MS in Data Analytics
Born and raised in Harare, Zimbabwe, I embarked on my academic journey in the US which led me to graduate with a BS in Computer Science from the Tufts University School of Engineering. Eager to further expand my expertise, I am thrilled to commence my pursuit of an MS in Data Analytics this coming fall, thereby fortifying my connection with the esteemed Jumbo family.
I am an aspiring software engineer with previous internship experience working for Lyft. My passions gravitate towards the realms of full-stack web and mobile-app development, machine learning, and database design, which fuel my drive to excel in the tech industry.
MA in Child Study and Human Development
(she/ella) I’m from Lawrence, MA, and moved to the United States from the Dominican Republic when I was young. I graduated cum laude from Tufts in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in Child Study & Human Development and Clinical Psychology. At Tufts, I was a peer leader and intern for the Latinx Center and co-captain of the Caribbean dance team, ROTI & RUM. I am a first-generation student and am excited to be the first in my family to pursue post-grad education.
My experience working with children who have various learning and cognitive disabilities (Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, nonverbal, anxiety, etc.) has strengthened my interest in continuing this work and exploring innovative ways to support their unique needs and foster their development and growth. I am committed to positively impacting these children's lives, and I look forward to contributing to the advancement of inclusive education and advocacy for individuals with diverse abilities.
MFA in Studio Art
My name is Hannah Gray (she/they) and I am a sequential artist from Jacksonville, FL. I graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design with a BFA in Sequential Art and I hope to be a graphic novelist that elevates unique forms of storytelling. I aim to combine peculiar worlds, eras, ephemera, and narratives with harsher topics, some that affect me personally like identity and mental illness, as well as deconstruct the qualities of an average graphic novel and create something new. Outside of school I like looking at experimental fashions and movies, watching youtube commentary, and collecting things like stuffed animals and stickers.
MA in Philosophy
I am a senior majoring in philosophy at Tufts. I am also enrolled in the Fifth-Year Master's Program in the Philosophy department.
My philosophical interests are contemporary philosophy, epistemology, and philosophy of mind. I am currently researching what is wrong with higher education with my advisor for her book.
I am interested in going into academia after finishing my education. I want to focus on writing and researching how philosophy can aid in resolving some of the social and personal issues individuals face in their everyday lives.
MS in Mathematics
Hello, my name is Shay Lawrence and I’m originally from Vermont. I’m a first-generation college student and Ronald E. McNair Scholar. In undergrad I studied at Castleton University in education, mathematics and received my license to teaching 7-12 grade mathematics. While in undergrad I investigated researching the sequence in which prime number occur and the spread of infectious diseases such as COVID-19 with factors such as traveling. While studying at Tufts University, I hope to solidify my research interests and look at more applied aspects of mathematics.
Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Hello, my name is Lydia Lewis, and I am an Entry-Level Doctor of Occupational Therapy Student at Tufts University. I am originally from Mansfield, TX, and graduated from Quinnipiac University in May 2023. I received my Bachelor of Science in Health Science Studies with a minor in Psychology.
As an aspiring Occupational Therapist, I am interested in conducting research within the specialty areas of neurological rehabilitation and assistive technology. I hope to work with individuals who suffer from neurological disorders by integrating assistive technology into my patients'/clients' intervention plans to help with their overall quality of life. I am grateful to be one of Tufts' Future Leaders Fellows and pursue my passion for Occupational Therapy at Tufts University.
MA/EdS in School Psychology
I am passionate about becoming a culturally responsive school psychologist to support all students, especially those from historically-marginalized communities. Given the current mental health crisis among queer youth, I'm eager to specialize in supporting LGBTQIA2S+ students.
I'm entering the MA/EdS program at Tufts after several years in market research and most recently, working at a therapeutic day school for children with complex academic, social and emotional needs. Beforehand, I graduated summa cum laude from Colgate University with High Honors in Psychology. In my spare time, I enjoy biking, crafting, traveling and saying hi to just about every dog I pass on the street.
MA in Child Study and Human Development
With a first degree in English Education, Samuel is excited to be starting his MA in Child Study and Human Development. He loves to learn how children's early years can be optimized vis-à-vis effective parenting and care giving. He looks forward to how his knowledge and studies at Tufts Graduate School of Arts and Sciences will positively impact his future role in raising children, and the society, particularly aiding adults to raise the next generation.
MAT in Art Education
Naomi Pillai is a South Indian visual artist from Dubai, currently based in Boston.
Their artistic practice encompasses drawing, painting, and writing, along with the occasional use of installation, sculpture, and printmaking. When it comes to their scholarly interests, they mostly center around critical theory, cultural criticism, and the body through nuances of dialectics, psychoanalytic theory, and philosophy. Naomi’s last works grew from an interest in transgressive art that sought to shock or implicate moral ethics and sensibilities, with a focus on the grotesque and carnal aspects of the feminine construct as implicated in horror media.
Currently, this research has shifted into a more holistic perspective on how capitalism displaces the body into a liminal space defined by value and seeks to investigate radical methods of perceiving the body and self in the 21st Century.
MA in Child Study and Human Development
My name is Guadalupe “Lupe” Romero Celaya (she/her), and I am originally from Puebla, México. My favorite activities include spending time with my family, friends, and/or my dog, Luna.
This year, I am continuing my education at Tufts where l will be pursuing a Master’s degree in Child Study and Human Development. I hope to continue learning about how to best support and advocate for immigrant youth and families. In the future, I would love to work directly serving immigrant communities.
MS in Mathematics
My name is Ugbonta Chidera Precious, I am a new master's student at Tufts University. I obtained my Bachelor of science degree certificate in mathematics at the University of Nigeria Nsukka. I am a mathematics Instructor. I enjoy helping people, I love traveling and I love volleyball.
My research interests are in numerical analysis and scientific computing. I love differential equations and different numerical approaches used in solving ordinary differential equations and partial differential equations. I am so grateful for this fellowship, and I promise to support and uphold the goals of this fellowship.
MS in Economics
Shakhzod Yuldoshboev graduated magna cum laude from Georgetown University with a major in International Economics alongside minors in Mathematics and Government. He is a native of Uzbekistan, where he actively contributes to major local media outlets, having authored op-eds on various economic issues, such as energy and land reform that are underway in the country.
His research interests include development economics, game theory, and political economy.