Meet the Scholars

Current Scholars

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2029 Cohort

headshot of Joel Addy-Wedlock

Joel Addy-Wedlock
City: Greenville, NC
Major: Public health
“It’s not just about yourself getting better, but the other people around you get better. That kind of community is the main thing I see about the Brinkley-Lane Scholars.”

headshot of Eriifeoluwa AdebanjiEriifeoluwa Adebanji
City: Kumasi, Ghana
Major: Computer science
“Everyone connected to the school that I reached out to was just as kind and incredibly supportive.”
headshot of Hayden CollierHayden Collier
City: Winterville, NC
Majors: Religious studies & accounting
“Serving others is something I pride myself on, and ECU’s motto ‘Servire’ comforted me knowing I could continue serving.”
headshot of Kori CortezanoKori Cortezano
City: Edenton, NC
Major: Nursing
“This scholarship gives me the opportunity to meet new people and the opportunity for my own personal growth.”
headshot of Drew CrumplerDrew Crumpler
City: Bentonville, AR
Major: Nursing
“Right now, even before we’ve started class, I and the other 19 Brinkley-Lane Scholars have group chats on iMessage and Instagram. We’re already getting to know each other, planning activities for the future.”
headshot of AbdulHamid DaudaAbdulHamid Dauda
City: Greenville, NC
Major: Chemistry
“I actually figured out how close knit the community was. It was amazing. (My host) Eric was a big part of why I chose this program. He showed me what going to ECU would be like.”
headshot of Hannah EscobarHannah Escobar
City: Rolesville, NC
Major: Nursing
“I will finally be able to explore every opportunity and discover my place in the community, as well as find new interests.”
headshot of Hayden HarperHayden Harper
City: Kernersville, NC
Major: Biology
“No other school could offer the unique set of opportunities or felt as comprehensive and consistent as the Brinkley-Lane Scholars program.”
headshot of Hiba HassibHiba Hassib
City: Holly Springs, NC
Majors: Neuroscience & chemistry
“Being a Brinkley-Lane Scholar to me means being a leader and role model to others and continually working toward improving my community and greater Greenville.”
headshot of John KumarJohn Kumar
City: Winterville, NC
Major: Neuroscience
“To me, being a scholar is more than just a title. It’s a promise to show up, stand out and serve a community bigger than myself.”
headshot of Eleanor MaupinEleanor Maupin
City: Charlotte, NC
Major: Community and regional planning
“To me, being a Brinkley-Lane Scholar means seeking out your passion and recognizing where it is needed in your community and implementing it.”
headshot of Makakoa McGeeMakakoa McGee
City: Cary, NC
Major: Music education
“I think it’s really important to have that healthy relationship between practicing and having a social life, and balancing your education.”
headshot of Lucky Rajendran BalajiLucky Rajendran Balaji
City: Durham, NC
Major: Public health
“To receive something this prestigious, it’s a symbol of how far I’ve come and the people who have helped me along the way. It also motivates me to give back, whether that’s in my hometown, across the country or in villages back in India.”
headshot of Percy ShorterPercy Shorter
City: Greenville, NC
Major: Chemistry
“I chose ECU because I feel the community is invested in my success and wants to see me thrive as a student.”
headshot of Sam SmithSam Smith
City: Youngsville, NC
Major: Construction management
“After touring the campus multiple times and meeting with students and faculty, I knew ECU was home to me.”
headshot of Hannah SneadHannah Snead
City: Zebulon, NC
Majors: Biology & neuroscience
“I’m very excited to be able to join such a welcoming community, to help my community, learn lots about leadership, and get connected with different people.”
headshot of DeShawn Standard Jr.DeShawn Standard Jr.
City: Charlotte, NC
Major: Nursing
“Instead of feeling intimidated, I feel like I can join the Brinkley-Lane community because we’re all future changemakers.”
headshot of Brooklyn StrattonBrooklyn Stratton
City: Moyock, NC
Majors: Business & marketing
“Being a Brinkley-Lane Scholar means committing to creating an impact on others and the ECU community while also pushing myself to grow.”
headshot of Sahana SureshSahana Suresh
City: Raleigh, NC
Major: Biology
“I already feel a sense of belonging here, and I can’t wait to see how much I’ll grow both as a student and as a person over the next four years.”
headshot of Ava WilliamsAva Williams
City: Rocky Mount, NC
Major: Nursing
“I hope to continue to lead by example, show kindness to others and encourage those around me to always strive to be a better version of themselves every day.”

 

2028 Cohort

headshot of Kathryn AdkinsKathryn Adkins
Hometown: Wilson, NC
Major: Marketing
“Being a Brinkley-Lane Scholar means that I am afforded the opportunity to join a passionate community that I know will continuously support all of my aspirations.”
headshot of Julia AlvesJulia Alves
Hometown: Salvador, Brazil
Major: Criminal justice
“Being a Brinkley-Lane Scholar means I have the honor to represent my country while also giving back to the North Carolina community all they have done for me.”
headshot of Selah ApolloSelah Apollo
Hometown: Fayetteville, NC
Majors: Vocal performance & music education
“Being able to represent ECU is just a huge honor. Along with other Brinkley-Lane students, I want to make sure that we can make things better — student life and encouraging others to get more involved.”
headshot of Annika BhardwajAnnika Bhardwaj
Hometown: Cary, NC
Major: Engineering
“Being a Brinkley Lane Scholar means answering the call to service and taking the program’s incredible experiences out into the community.”
headshot of Greta BublitzGreta Bublitz
Hometown: Denver, NC
Majors: Chemistry & German
“It’ll be enriching to get involved in the community as a cohort, and I believe that it will be a wonderful chance for me to hone my leadership skills, make friends, and embrace new perspectives.”
headshot of Roz BurgessRoz Burgess
Hometown: Raleigh, NC
Majors: Entrepreneurship
“I want the ECU community to know I am coming strong and ready to embrace college. I am a leader who doesn’t follow the crowd.”
headshot of Ananya ChatterjeeAnanya Chatterjee
Hometown: Cary, NC
Majors: Biology & Chemistry
“I decided on ECU because of the amount of warmth I’ve felt from the people (in the
program). It was clear they genuinely wanted me to succeed. On Selection Sunday, I felt nothing
but warmth and determination from people I had never met before.”
headshot of Oleksiy FitelOleksiy Fitel
Hometown: Chapel Hill, NC
Majors: History & political science
“I find the discipline of history to be an extremely crucial field for understanding the current state of both international and local issues.”
headshot of Michael GreerMichael Greer
Hometown: Hickory, NC
Majors: Biology & chemistry
“As a Brinkley-Lane Scholar, I want to distinguish myself as a great leader by not only setting a good example for my peers, but also by being a servant to my fellow human beings.”
headshot of Zasha GriffinZasha Griffin
Hometown: Asheville, NC
Major: Engineering
“I chose ECU because of the family that I already saw in the other scholars.”
headshot of Chris KalapurackalChris Kalapurackal
Hometown: Winterville, NC
Major: Engineering
“Being a Brinkley-Lane Scholar to me means opportunity. I get to involve myself in experiences that I would not receive in a normal university such as leadership and research internship. I also get the opportunity to travel abroad, where I can gain a new sense of worldview and impressions.”
headshot of Saline KulasSaline Kulas
Hometown: Greenville, NC
Major: Engineering
“I appreciated the fact that I got to meet with faculty, and they showed interest in
meeting with me as well.”
headshot of Haleigh LongHaleigh Long
Hometown: Farmville, NC
Major: Engineering
“I have always been a leader at heart but having the opportunity to grow and improve my leadership skills is something I look forward to.”
headshot of Maria Mendoza-GuerraMaria Mendoza-Guerra
Hometown: Smithfield, NC
Majors: Public health & biology
“It’s a huge honor and an incredible opportunity. I feel so grateful to be given this opportunity, so I want to give back to that. Being a Brinkley-Lane Scholar, to me, means being a leader and giving back to the community as well.”
headshot of Ruckira NixonRuckira Nixon
Hometown: Greenville, NC
Major: Nutrition & dietetics
“To me, being a Brinkley-Lane Scholar means being the first person in my family to be able to journey into all the privileges of being a college student and navigating life without financial hardships.”
headshot of Faith OcchipintiFaith Occhipinti
Hometown: Fuquay-Varina, NC
Major: Marketing
“I want to be able to help people, and I am passionate about health and fitness. I am currently interested in either pursuing a career in physical therapy or oncology.”
headshot of Landon PierronLandon Pierron
Hometown: Pisgah Forest, NC
Major: Biochemistry
“I look forward to all the ways I will be encouraged and inspired by my fellow Brinkley-Lane Scholars to be my best self and to find new opportunities to lead and serve others in my community.”
headshot of Eric SabistonEric Sabiston
Hometown: Aberdeen, NC
Major: Biology
“I hope to lengthen and improve the lives of those burdened with a lifelong disease.”
headshot of Simran TakharSimran Takhar
Hometown: Holly Springs, NC
Major: Neuroscience
“I want to make lasting change for myself as a person and as a student in my academics, and I think ECU and Brinkley-Lane Scholars will be perfect for that.”
headshot of Diya ThakerDiya Thaker
Hometown: Wake Forest, NC
Major: Neuroscience
“Knowing that I will be surrounded by like-minded individuals who are dedicated to making a difference will encourage my own personal growth while positively impacting my community.”

 

2027 Cohort

Noah Abel
Hometown: Williamston, NC
Major: Music performance
“It seems like it’s one big, happy family. …It’s going to be nice to have a group of friends already.”

Sarah Grace Aldridge
Hometown: Greenville, NC
Major: Nursing
“Being a Brinkley-Lane Scholar means I am honored and blessed with the opportunity to represent ECU while pushing myself to the best of my ability both academically and in service to my hometown.”
Mariama Apollo
Hometown: Fayetteville, NC
Major: Mathematics
“I wanted a college that felt like a home away from home, which is exactly what ECU offers.”
Anna Grace Benton
Hometown: Wilson, NC
Major: Biology
“When I experienced a taste of life at ECU on Selection Sunday, I knew I wanted to spend the next four years as a Pirate!”
Jenna Caputa
Hometown: Archdale, NC
Major: Speech & hearing sciences
“I’m filled with so many ideas and hopes that I can’t wait to start my journey as a Brinkley-Lane Scholar.”
Kaylee Chavis
Hometown: Lumberton, NC
Major: Environmental health
“Being a Brinkley-Lane Scholar, you have to leave a footprint as someone who is going to give back and is going to use this opportunity to benefit and lead.”
Emely Cruz Ramirez
Hometown: Vanceboro, NC
Major: Computer science
“For me, being a Brinkley-Lane Scholar means having an ample amount of opportunity with the support and collaboration of a diverse community.”
Sophie Davis
Hometown: Greensboro, NC
Major: Engineering
“Everyone at ECU made me feel seen, involved and taken care of all throughout the application process.”
Anya Duffy
Hometown: Ripon, WI
Majors: History & political science
“The Honors College made it so that I was in a small community but still guaranteed that big school experience.”
Taylor Greene
Hometown: Mooresville, NC
Major: Art
“Of all the colleges I toured, ECU was the only one to provide the resources of a large school while still connecting with me as a person and student on an individual level.”
Blake Hardee
Hometown: Greenville, NC
Major: Engineering
“I am grateful and honored to be selected as a Brinkley-Lane Scholar, and I am looking forward to spending the next four years learning and serving alongside Pirate Nation.”
Emma Harrell
Hometown: Archdale, NC
Major: Art
“I can go abroad and learn in a different environment, which wouldn’t have been possible with Brinkley-Lane Scholars. I also get to meet great people with bright futures that I can grow with in the program.”
headshot of Caramia LandisCaramia Landis
Hometown: Greenville, NC
Major: Community and regional planning
“Being a Brinkley-Lane Scholar means embodying everything that makes ECU great.”
Alondra Martinez
Hometown: Bel Air, MD
Major: Communication
“To me, being a Brinkley-Lane Scholar means knowing that I will always have 19 friends cheering me on, who will always encourage me to keep on going even when I might doubt myself.”
Riley Nazario
Hometown: Fayetteville, NC
Majors: Chemistry & public health
“I really like that Brinkley-Lane Scholars is like a school within a school. I am so ecstatic to go.”
Darshan Patel
Hometown: Rocky Mount, NC
Major: Exercise physiology
“In all aspects, I want my cohort to push me to be the best version of myself possible, and I want to do the same for them.”
Thomas Remington
Hometown: Greenville, NC
Majors: Political science & applied sociology
“I’ve realized through the process that being a Brinkley-Lane Scholar is a big thing; it’s an honor that only so many people get. I was really proud of myself because it meant everything I did — all of the extra stuff that may have been time-consuming — it was worth it.”
Emma Romig
Hometown: Wilmington, NC
Major: Nursing
“The Honors College really stood out to me; the program is awesome and full of opportunities that make it so much more than just the name.”
Josie Smith
Hometown: Garner, NC
Major: Biochemistry
“Being a Brinkley-Lane Scholar means that I get to collaborate with a very talented group of individuals.”
Raghav Yelamanchili
Hometown: Cary, NC
Majors: Public health & biology
“It felt like everyone I met was focused on connecting with me as a person and ready to help me be the best of who it is I want to be.”

2026 Cohort

Sarayu Adala
Major: Biology
Graduated in May 2025
Post-Graduation Plans: Sarayu is working on her Master of Public Health
“Being an EC Scholar is being invested in by a school to get a great education, but also having the opportunity to give back to your community.”
Julia Cavanaugh
Hometown: Berea, OH
Majors: Psychology & anthropology
“Through music therapy, I hope to use music to make an impact in other’s lives the same way music has made an impact in mine.”
headshot of Katie CouncilKatie Council
Hometown: Washington, NC
Major: Accounting
“As an EC Scholar, I am looking forward to being part of a program and community that serves, supports and encourages one another.”
Gabby Curlings
Hometown: Greenville, NC
Majors: Public health & sociology
“I chose ECU because on Selection Sunday, a day where I would usually be filled with anxiety and doubt, I never once felt insecure.”
Annaleise Darrohn
Hometown: Raleigh, NC
Major: Nursing
“Being an EC Scholar means collaborating with strong and like-minded people to give back and make our community stronger.”
Marissa Diaz
Hometown: Naples, FL
Major: Health fitness specialist
“I fell in love with the diverse community, genuine people and welcoming campus culture.”
Jamie Gerdts
Hometown: Raleigh, NC
Major: Engineering
“Engineering is about having a problem and trying to find a solution that works well, efficiently and practically. I find the process of trying to solve this fascinating.”
Kailee Grubbs
Hometown: Winterville, NC
Majors: Mathematics & computer science
“I would like to be in a position where I can help people and make an impact.”
Dhwani Hada
Hometown: Morrisville, NC
Majors: Psychology, chemistry & neuroscience
“For me, being an EC Scholar means having a positive impact on those around me and leaving a lasting impact on the world.”
Kaeleigh Kruger
Hometown: Raleigh, NC
Major: Music with a voice performance concentration
“I feel so grateful to be a part of such a strong program, and I feel it is my job to repay that gratitude.”
Aydan Lawler
Hometown: Gastonia, NC
Major: Fine arts
“To me, being an EC Scholar means being an example of the best ECU has to offer in a given field, leaving a mark, and being someone who works toward making the world around us a better place.”
McKenna Lawler
Hometown: Gastonia, NC
Major: Theatre arts with a musical theatre concentration
“EC Scholars share a lot of the core values I have. They’re going to let me grow those values even more and support me with them.”
Nora McCunney
Hometown: Greenville, NC
Major: Nursing
“Being an EC Scholar is an extraordinary honor. So many of the other scholars continue to inspire me — not only in my cohort, but everyone in the program.”
Kendall Pixley
Hometown: Indian Trail, NC
Majors: Public health & biology
“I will never forget the first time I stepped onto ECU’s campus because it immediately felt like home.”
Alex Puckett
Hometown: Danbury, NC
Majors: Biology & chemistry
“ECU presents me with tremendous opportunities as an EC Scholar and Early Assurance Scholar. I feel that at ECU, I can achieve my dreams and become my most successful self.”
Trisha Rangaraju
Hometown: Cary, NC
Major: Public health
“To me, being an EC Scholar means developing myself, both academically and personally, and accomplishing my goals while giving back to the community.”
Aliah Spencer
Major: Health information management
Graduated in May 2025
Post-Graduation Plans: Aliah plans to work coding patient encounters with her HIM degree.
Daniel Walker
Major: Public health
Graduated in May 2025
Post-Graduation Plans: Daniel is attending ECU for his Master of Public Administration.
Haley Williams
Hometown: Jacksonville, NC
Majors: Political science
“I am so thankful for the opportunity that God has given me to join such an incredible and talented group of people, and I cannot wait for the next four years as an EC Scholar!”