Commencement Delegates 2024-2025

Thevanamacha Conde is a recent graduate of RIT, earning a BFA in illustration, a minor in digital business, and an immersion in women’s and gender studies. Thevana was on the Dean’s List each semester. Thevana’s strengths in blending visual storytelling, business, social consciousness, and creative leadership landed them a position as the aesthetic lead for the RIT’s VR-based game Changeling, which was developed by the Interactive Game and Media Department. With their minor in digital business, Thevana’s inquisitive spirit landed their work in the first student-lead Illustration Showcase. They also spent a semester studying Africana historical arts in Florence, Italy. Thevana’s pursuit of artistic education led them to a position as an art teacher at Success Academy Charter School in New York, New York. The school bridges the academic gap in underrepresented neighborhoods.

Zahra Babaei is an interdisciplinary artist whose work explores materiality, transformation, and spectrality. She has worked as a rare book archive assistant and photographer at RIT’s Cary Graphic Arts Collection. In 2024, Zahra was a teaching assistant for a Magnum workshop led by Ahndraya Parlato and Gregory Halpern. Her work has been featured in PhMuseum, Art Dubai Digital 2022, Bazar Art Book Fair, and Tropic Bound 2025 book fair in Miami. Her artist books are held in the collections of Tufts University, Savannah College of Art and Design, and RIT.

SeoKyoung (Annie) Hong is graduating with a BS in management information systems and a minor in business analytics. Passionate about giving back and creating meaningful connections, she immersed herself in leadership and service roles at RIT. She was involved in the Marketing, Advertising, and Public Relations Club, Saunders Leadership Academy, Technology Innovation and Business Consulting Club, and Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority. She also contributed to campus as part of the SHED (Student Hall of Exploration and Development) Operations Team and as a recreation attendant at the Student Life Center. Professionally, she has gained experience as a project management Intern at Prudential Financial and an operations analyst intern at JPMorgan Chase, where she will continue her career after graduation. As a passionate and community-driven individual, Annie strives to use her skills and experience to drive meaningful impact, foster innovation, and create opportunities for growth.

Chris Soukup is the CEO of Communication Service for the Deaf, the parent organization of a constellation of companies that deliver a wide continuum of products, programs, and services oriented around deaf and disability communities. In an executive career spanning nearly thirty years, Chris has a deep and diverse repertoire of leading complex, multidisciplinary teams and is proud to have meaningfully supported the career journey of hundreds of people. As a renowned presenter and subject matter expert on disability issues, Chris has been featured prominently in the national media and frequently advises government and corporate partners. Chris currently resides in Austin, Texas with his family.

Jun Ma is graduating with a BS in management information systems at Beijing Jiaotong University and Rochester Institute of Technology, China Campus. He is a recipient of the 2024 National Scholarship, First-Class Academic Excellence Scholarship, and the Merit Student honor. With a strong passion for deep learning, Jun has engaged in multiple research projects. He contributed to an intelligent bearing fault diagnosis project, which led to a research paper accepted by the JCI Q1 journal, IEEE Sensors Journal. Additionally, he developed a deep learning-based handwritten character recognition algorithm, with his findings published in the Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Data Analysis and Machine Learning. Jun has also earned the National Award for the College Student Innovative Research Program and a National Second Prize in the CESIM 15th "Peak Time" Business Simulation Competition. Known for his diligence and dedication, he currently holds the top rank in his grade. After completing his undergraduate studies, Jun plans to pursue graduate studies to deepen his knowledge in data science and advance toward a research-focused career.

Aemilia Blais is a computer science major and member of the RIT Honors Program. She combines her passion for technology, the arts, and leadership in everything she does. As a Performing Arts Scholar and president of Kaminari, RIT’s only Japanese a cappella group, she showcases how music transcends language. Aemilia has interned twice at Liberty Mutual, most recently in the Legal Technology Department, where she worked on developing an app that enhances data protection and ensures user privacy across company applications. She is also dedicated to advancing gender equity in tech, coordinating Women in Computing's mentorship program to support the next generation of computing professionals. After graduation, Aemilia will join Liberty Mutual’s Techstart Program, where she hopes to apply her technical and leadership skills to make a difference through software engineering.

Ambika Taploo is a passionate and driven individual, deeply connected to her Indian roots, who strives to make a meaningful impact in everything she does. She is graduating with a MS in data science, where she has nurtured her interest in machine learning and AI-driven solutions. An achiever from the beginning, Ambika was a gold medalist in her undergraduate studies and holds a patent, reflecting her innovative mindset and relentless pursuit of impactful creations. With seven years of experience at Morgan Stanley and JP Morgan, she has successfully led projects that enhanced financial operations, optimized data processes, and strengthened risk management. Beyond her professional and academic achievements, Ambika finds joy in creativity and exploration. She loves painting, traveling, and discovering new culinary experiences, always embracing fresh perspectives and challenges. She is deeply committed to giving back and actively supports her family’s NGO, working toward creating meaningful community change. A natural leader, mentor, and problem solver, Ambika is committed to continuous learning, growth, and pushing boundaries, driven by an insatiable curiosity to make a difference.

From Zagreb, Croatia, Leo Maloca graduates with a BS in web and mobile computing from RIT Croatia. During his studies Leo gained valuable professional experience by working at Monri Payments d.o.o. as a software developer for two years. Currently, he works as a quality assurance automation engineer at Burai Software d.o.o. Leo’s dedication and exceptional achievements earned him recognition throughout his academic journey, including being a recipient of the Croatian STEM Scholarship and selected as a representative from RIT Croatia to the Rochester campus for Brick City Homecoming in 2022. He continuously enriched his knowledge and skills through co-op experiences, where he advanced his expertise in software development and held leadership and management positions. His commitment to excellence and involvement in both academics and professional pursuits exemplify the qualities of a distinguished RIT Croatia graduate.

Jolie Crunelle (she/her) is from Charleston, S.C., and is graduating with a dual degree in biomedical engineering (BS) and science, technology, and public policy (MS), and with a minor in women’s and gender studies. Her honors include the Norman A. Miles Award for Academic Excellence, two Aberg Family Fellowships, an Outstanding Undergraduate Scholar Award, and the Kearse and Mary C. Sullivan writing awards. As a member of the Honors Program she engaged in full-time, fully funded interdisciplinary research for two of her co-ops, including as a volunteer biomedical equipment technician in Guatemala and Uganda. Jolie has been involved in many corners of campus: as a coxswain on the RIT Varsity Rowing Team, a Performing Arts Scholar in the Vis Viva Dance Company, in a leadership role for Hot Wheelz Solar Racing Team, and as president of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. She'd like to thank her family, friends, professors, and countless mentors along the way who helped support her passions throughout her time at RIT...Go Tigers!

Vineeth Girisha is a dedicated graduate student pursuing an MS in industrial and systems engineering. Passionate about optimizing systems for efficiency, he has excelled academically, earning recognition for his outstanding performance. His research includes a notable project on improving apple packaging methods, which contributed to his undergraduate thesis. Vineeth serves as a graduate teaching assistant, supporting course delivery and fostering student learning, further deepening his expertise in the field. Beyond academics, he enjoys hiking, exercising, reading, and spending time with friends, as well as watching movies and listening to music. Committed to making meaningful contributions to industrial and systems engineering, Vineeth looks forward to leveraging his skills and knowledge to drive innovation and positive change in the industry.

Reem Aly is graduating with a BS in mechanical engineering from RIT Dubai. She served as vice president of the Women in Engineering (WiE) IEEE Student Branch Affinity Group, where she organized events and created a community to support and inspire female students in STEM. Reem was also an active peer mentor and tutor with the Academic Success Center, helping fellow students excel in their academics. She participated in several competitions, including winning the ASHRAE Falcon Chapter Student Debate, securing third place in the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League STEM Challenge, and being the second runner-up in the CIBSE UAE Student Design Competition. Her dedication to academics earned her a place on the Dean’s List every semester and a merit scholarship throughout her studies. She co-authored a research paper, "Mechanical Property Characterization of Virgin and Recycled PLA Blends in Single-Screw Filament Extrusion for 3D Printing," which was published in the Q1 journal Polymers (MDPI). In the future, Reem aims to advance her work in engineering, additive manufacturing, and sustainability while inspiring others to follow their passions. After graduation, she plans to pursue a master’s degree and eventually a doctorate. 

Saurav Singh is graduating with a doctorate in electrical and computer engineering, specializing in robotics, artificial intelligence, and human-robot collaboration. He believes that robots and AI should serve as tools to empower and support humans, not replace them. Striving toward this vision, Saurav’s research spans human-aware reinforcement learning, multimodal fusion, and explainable AI, with contributions to peer-reviewed journals and conferences. Beyond research, Saurav has served as a Trainee Council Member for RIT’s National Science Foundation (NSF) AWARE-AI program, helping organize student outreach, workshops, and professional development. He has also worked as a teaching and research assistant and mentored students in the NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program. Active in the professional community, he has coordinated events like IEEE SMC 2023, served on the technical program committee for IEEE SoSE 2024, and reviewed for top robotics and AI conferences. After graduation, Saurav will join Microsoft as an applied scientist, continuing to advance AI-driven, human-centered systems.

Leila Daly is graduating with a BS in computer engineering technology and a minor in robotics and automation. Throughout her journey at RIT, she has developed a deep passion for electronics and coding, actively participating in Idea Lab, Imagine RIT, and The Multidisciplinary Robotics Club. Her academic excellence and commitment to her field have earned her both the Texas Instruments Scholarship and the Burzik Endowed Scholarship for outstanding student achievement. Beyond academics, she is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for her fellow peers through her involvement in WOCHA (Women of Color, Honor and Ambition) and by tutoring students in the HEOP program. Through these experiences, she has mentored and empowered fellow students, helping them build confidence in their abilities and success in their academic pursuits. Most recently, Leila has engaged in undergraduate student research, where her work was recognized with a student spotlight. Her research focused on sensor fabrication and integration into prosthetics. This opportunity further exemplifies her passion for designing and developing new technology dedicated to making a positive impact on people’s lives.

Kayley Judd transferred from Clark Community College in Vancouver, Washington, to RIT, where she is graduating with a BS in mechanical engineering technology and an MS in manufacturing and mechanical systems integration. As a Deaf woman in STEM, she championed Deaf+ representation. In 2022, she founded N.E.R.D.S in STEM to support deaf and hard-of-hearing women in STEM. She served two terms as the college representative for the Cross-Registered Student Advisory Board (XSAB) and chaired RIT/NTID’s first student-led Deaf in STEM conference in 2024, drawing over 200 attendees. She also worked with the NTID Regional STEM Center, promoting STEM to K-12 deaf students, and also served as vice president of Hands of Fire. Kayley gained industry experience through internships at Procter & Gamble, working on automation, process optimization, and efficiency improvements in manufacturing. After graduation, she will continue advocating for Deaf+ in STEM while launching her career at Procter & Gamble.

Oluwabuyikunmi “Buyi” Owo-Odusi is a pre-medical student from Lagos, Nigeria, graduating with a BS in biomedical sciences and a minor in business administration. She is an Honors Program Student, a two-time recipient of the Alfred L. & Ruby C. Stokes Community Impact Award, and a member of the Pre-Health Student Advisory Board. While at RIT, Buyi has been a Resident Advisor and as an RIT 365 Peer Facilitator. Through the SCAPE, BioImpACT, and Thomas Lab, she has gained valuable research experience and personally investigated social determinants of maternal-fetal health in minority communities in Rochester. Passionate about contributing to spaces, particularly for women of color, she is a member of WOCHA’s (Women of Color, Honor and Ambition), a WiSEN Fellow, and a co-founder of the Afro Dance Club. After graduation, Buyi will be complete her MBA and plans to apply to medical school, aiming to utilize her plethora of experiences as a reproductive health advocate and physician.

Eve Yoder will be graduating with a BS/MS degree in physician assistant. During her time at RIT, she served as a tutor, teaching assistant, and mentor to her peers in the physician assistant program. She also participated in Habitat for Humanity and was a student panelist at RIT Open Houses. She was the recipient of multiple awards, including the Outstanding Physician Assistant Mentor of the Year award, the Rochester Regional Physician Assistant Association Scholarship, and she made the Dean’s List each semester. Her graduate research project examined the challenges of diagnosing and treating fibromyalgia, and the significant impact of this condition on patients. She has spent the past year completing clinical rotations across diverse medical settings, gaining hands-on experience in preparation for her career. After graduation, Eve is excited to work as a physician assistant in pediatric hospital medicine and looks forward to making a meaningful impact on the lives of her patients and the community.

A graduate of Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School in New York, New York, Maya Sapozhnikov is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in the individualized program. She is currently finishing a co-op at ACM Global Laboratories in Rochester, NY. On campus she has been a teaching and classroom assistant in classes such as Anatomy and Physiology, 3D Design, and Materials and Processes. Additionally she has been a research assistant at the AMPrint Laboratory, which works on bettering the field of 3D printed prosthetic devices, and has been a manager at the on-campus woodshop. In her independent studies she has worked with professor Graham Carson to learn metal smithing techniques which allows her to continue incorporating her love of hands-on creative work. She is a McNair Scholar, Napier Fellow, and an Outstanding Undergraduate Scholar. After graduation Maya plans to take a gap year to work and travel, then pursue a master’s degree in prosthetics and orthotics.

Tina Oware is an information security risk/compliance analyst, and part of a team of seven in RIT’s Information Security Office. She is the payment card industry (PCI) subject matter expert among her team and responsible for leading and coordinating PCI compliance for RIT. She researches and collaborates with other universities on best practices to meet multiple compliance, such as PCI, HIPAA, CMMC, etc. Tina holds a BS degree from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, her country of origin. She is intellectually curious and this led her to the tech field. She entered the information security field out of curiosity and has never regretted it. Tina holds an advanced graduate certificate in project management and industry certificates like Security+, PCIP and GRCP, OneTrust Tech. In her free time, she enjoys time with her family playing Uno, cooking, baking, and listening to music.

Hana Kaja is pursuing a BS in applied arts and sciences with concentrations in public policy and governance, and peace and conflict studies. Hana’s dedication and achievements have been recognized through the Outstanding Undergraduate Scholar Award and a full scholarship from the Biberaj Family Foundation that supported her studies at RIT Kosovo. As head tutor at the Academic Support Center, Hana has played a pivotal role in mentoring students and served as a teaching assistant for RIT 365, guiding freshmen in their academic and personal development. Hana’s research contributions include leading the qualitative analysis team for the “PeaceTech in Kosovo” project, studying the intersection of technology and peacebuilding, and conducting cultural research on Kosovo’s Bosniak community, which is under review for publication. As a Global Scholar at the RIT’s main campus in Rochester, she facilitated peace-building workshops and contributed to the development of Peaceland: Choose Your Memory, a video game exploring post-conflict narratives. Beyond academics, Hana co-founded RIT Kosovo’s first student-led magazine, held a leading role in TEDxRITKosovo, and initiated a Serbian language class at the Fred Cuny Peace & Conflict Summer Program. Hana envisions creating tangible, bottom-up change in Kosovo by working in public administration to drive sustainable development and inclusive governance.

Afnaan Qureshi earned a BS degree in philosophy and political science (double major). He also completed the Honors Program, which prepared him for a career in public service in Washington, D.C. His engagement in student organizations, philanthropic efforts, and two co-ops at the Rochester District Attorney's Office and Rochester Refugee Resettlement Services (RRRS)  prompted his decision to pursue a master of public administration degree at Northeastern University. Afnaan has also engaged in learning outside the classroom. He wrote his thesis on the U.S. Supreme Court, organized conferences, published on the topic of legal positivism, and was a peer-reviewer for the Stance International Philosophy Journal. He collaborated with RRRS and RIT to create a course connecting refugee students with first-year Honors students at the Honors Symposium in the fall of 2024. A Presidential Scholarship recipient, he has also received accolades from the Center for Statesmanship, Law, and Liberty, as well as the Guller Young Scholar Award from Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity. 

Venita Monet D'Angelo graduated in December 2024 with a MS degree in criminal justice. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from RIT. Her research has addressed critical issues within the criminal justice system, and she cherishes her experience as a research associate at RIT’s Center for Public Safety Initiatives. Venita is enthusiastic about embracing the next chapter of her journey, ready to explore new opportunities and challenges. 

Rhiannon is pursuing a degree in criminal justice. As a dedicated member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority, she actively participates in leadership initiatives and community service projects, fostering a commitment to social responsibility. Rhiannon also brings valuable teamwork experience from her time as a member of the RIT cheerleading team, where she developed strong collaboration and communication skills. With aspirations of becoming a criminologist, Rhiannon is focused on understanding the complexities of crime and justice. She is particularly interested in research and policy development aimed at improving public safety and addressing systemic issues within the criminal justice system along with analyzing crimes and the mind of humans.

Star Heu is graduating with an MS degree in secondary education for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. She holds a BA degree in child and adolescent development and deaf studies from California State University, Sacramento. A trilingual individual, Star is fluent in American Sign Language, English, and Hmong. She is deeply committed to becoming a teacher for the Deaf, driven by a strong work ethic, perseverance, and dedication to making a meaningful impact in the field of deaf education. Star is passionate about promoting the principles of inclusion, empathy, and dignity, and aims to create an educational environment where deaf and hard-of-hearing students are empowered to succeed.

Mya Soto is graduating with a BS degree in biochemistry. Her expertise heavily relies on research. Her most recent work,, “A HAD Superfamily Phosphoglycolate Phosphatase in Staphylococcus aureus as a Potential Virulence Factor,” was funded by the Rochester Academy of Science. She also completed a Pasto Co-op Fellowship from RIT’s School of Chemistry and Materials Science and is a McNair Scholar. Mya also completed research fellowships at the University of  Rochester and Mayo Clinic, with studies ranging from enzyme characterization and calcium regulation to infectious disease modeling. At RIT, she was active on the executive board of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) student chapter, served as a teaching assistant and peer mentor, and contributed as a Wellness Peer Educator through Health Promotion. Her accolades include induction into the ASBMB Honor Society, the ASBMB Marion B. Sewer Distinguished Scholarship, and the American Chemical Society Priscilla Carney Jones Award. Mya plans to pursue a doctorate in a biochemistry-related field.

Nicknamed "Miss Why?" by her parents for asking too many questions, it was no surprise when Sophia Valentina Sosa Fiscella decided to pursue a career in astronomy. While earning a BS/MS degree at the National University of La Plata in Argentina, she discovered her two passions: radio astronomy and teaching. As a Ph.D. student in the astrophysical sciences and technology program, she worked with Dr. Michael Lam to transform the galaxy into a detector of gravitational waves using dead stars known as pulsars. Beyond research, she taught numerous physics classes, supported the English Language Center, and learned ASL at RIT’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf to promote the inclusion of the Deaf community in STEM. She was also an active PAL at ISS, served on RIT’s Presidential Search Committee, and enjoyed dancing with her ballroom/tango/kpop crews. After graduation, she hopes to become a university professor and pave the way for future generations of scientists.

Michael G. Patche is from Beacon, N.Y. He is passionate about sustainable building methods and design-build practices. Growing up in a family of tradesmen instilled in him a hands-on approach and a deep-seated commitment to architectural practice. His undergraduate degree in interior design and his M.Arch. in architecture taught him the complexities of building design. This educational background helped him identify that there can be a disconnect between designers and construction experts; he looks for ways to close that gap. As a LEED Green Associate and Certified Passive House Consultant (PHIUS), Michael is committed to creating spaces that are functional and efficient. In his off-time, Michael enjoys connecting with nature and watching the New York Yankees. Michael’s dream projects are to design a fire station and a baseball stadium.