Meet the Scholars

Kathryn Adkins
Hometown: Wilson, NC
Majors: Marketing & communication
“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.”

Julia 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.”

Selah Apollo
Hometown: Fayetteville, NC
Major: Health information management
“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.”

Annika 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.”

Greta Bublitz
Hometown: Denver, NC
Major: Chemistry
“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.”

Roz Burgess
Hometown: Raleigh, NC
Majors: Business & 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.”

Ananya Chatterjee
Hometown: Cary, NC
Major: Biology
“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.”

Oleksiy 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.”

Michael 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.”

Zasha Griffin
Hometown: Asheville, NC
Major: Engineering
“I chose ECU because of the family that I already saw in the other scholars.”

Chris 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.”

Saline 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.”

Haleigh 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.”

Maria Mendoza-Guerra
Hometown: Smithfield, NC
Major: Public health
“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.”

Ruckira 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.”

Faith Occhipinti
Hometown: Fuquay-Varina, NC
Major: Public health
“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.”

Landon 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.”

Eric Sabiston
Hometown: Aberdeen, NC
Major: Biology
“I hope to lengthen and improve the lives of those burdened with a lifelong disease.”

Simran Takhar
Hometown: Holly Springs, NC
Major: Exercise physiology
“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.”

Diya Thaker
Hometown: Wake Forest, NC
Majors: Biology & 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.”

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
Majors: Chemistry & 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: Engineering
“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: Public health
“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.”

Caramia 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: Multidisciplinary studies
“Being a Brinkley-Lane Scholar means that I get to collaborate with a very talented group of individuals.”

Raghav Yelamanchili
Hometown: Cary, NC
Major: Public health
“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.”

Sarayu Adala
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Major: Biology
“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.”

Katie Council
Hometown: Washington, NC
Majors: Finance & 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 & 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.”

Braden McPhillips
Hometown: Greenville, NC
Majors: Management, accounting & finance
“After I graduate from ECU, I hope to take my passion for the environment and pursue a sustainability analyst or environmental health specialist career.”

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
Hometown: Edenton, NC
Major: Health information management
“I really want to find myself and just see where the future takes me.”

Daniel Walker
Hometown: Harbinger, NC
Major: Public health
“ECU’s mission of regional transformation is synonymous with my own: to give back to eastern North Carolina, a community that has given so much to me.”

Haley Williams
Hometown: Jacksonville, NC
Majors: Political science & history
“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!”

Ehime Abhulimen
Hometown: Winston-Salem, NC
Major: Biology
Graduated in December 2023
Post-Graduation Plans: Taking a gap year before attending medical school

Maelee Becton
Hometown: Kinston, NC
Majors: Psychology & Neuroscience
“(Being an EC Scholar means) being a part of a community larger than myself and having the resources to give back while furthering my education.”

Emily Bronson
Hometown: South Mills, NC
Majors: Communication and political science
“I’m just really excited about broadening my horizons and seeing what’s beyond Camden.”

Brooke Butler
Hometown: Matthews, NC
Major: Engineering
“ECU has a great reputation nationally and internationally, a proud and rich history, and a full college experience with a nationally recognized athletic program and one of the state’s largest and most diverse student bodies. I look forward to being a part of Pirate Nation!”

Christine Chan
Hometown: Holly Springs, NC
Majors: Biology & Environmental Studies
“I am eager to uphold ECU’s motto, Servire, and serve my university and the Greenville community.”

Fosua Dadson
Hometown: Raleigh, NC
Major: Public health
Graduated in May 2024
Post-Graduation Plans: Working as a medical scribe and working on professional school applications for the 2025 school year

Ashby Dickerson
Hometown: Gatesville, NC
Major: Health fitness specialist
Graduated in May 2024
Post-Graduation Plans: Attending ECU’s Physical Therapy program starting in May 2025

Gabriella Galvan
Hometown: Raleigh, NC
Majors: Art education & psychology
“You’ve just got to treat people with kindness and hope that follows to as many people as possible.”

Lauren Garcia
Hometown: Cary, NC
Major: Environmental health
“Joining the scholars, I know that my peers and I will constantly push and motivate each other to fulfill our highest potential.”

Matthew Geib
Hometown: Hillsborough, NC
Major: Biochemistry with a chemistry concentration
“Being an EC Scholar means I have an opportunity to learn in a collaborative environment in a strong group of diverse students.”

Lauren Humann
Hometown: Rockingham, NC
Major: Entrepreneurship
“I plan to take advantage of every opportunity offered to me to be the best I can be.”

Jethro Libutan
Hometown: Durham, NC
Major: Computer science
“I don’t know how I want to change the world just yet, but I do know for a fact that I want to leave the world a better place than how I found it.”

Sarah Maisto
Hometown: Apex, NC
Major: Marketing
“It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to challenge me and build relationships while being in a close-knit community of driven students.”

Tierney Reardon
Hometown: Greenville, NC
Majors: Political science & philosophy
“Throughout the application process, it was made clear that going to ECU meant joining a supportive learning community and that each student mattered.”

Kyia Riddick
Hometown: Gates, NC
Major: Public health
Graduated in May 2024
Post-Graduation Plans: Taking a gap year and applying for PA schools for 2025

MaHogany Roper
Hometown: Durham, NC
Major: Biology
“I liked the personal touches the EC Scholars program had. Talking to other scholars here convinced me this is the right place.”

Noah Sampson
Hometown: Winterville, NC
Majors: Biology & chemistry
“As a native of the community, I know that at ECU I’ll be able to continue working to improve my community and serve the people of eastern North Carolina.”

Stephanie Stewart
Hometown: Raleigh, NC
Major: Mathematics
Graduated in May 2024
Post-Graduation Plans: Pursuing her PhD in biomathematics at North Carolina State University

Noah Watkins
Hometown: Asheboro, NC
Major: Health fitness specialist
Graduated in May 2024
Post-Graduation Plans: Pursuing a Masters in Business Administration at ECU with a certificate in healthcare administration

Sarah Wright
Hometown: Fayetteville, NC
Major: Psychology
“Despite it being a piece of paper, the EC Scholar letter was both my ticket home and the opening sentences to the newest and most anticipated chapter in my life.”