Natural Sciences and Mathematics Soaring Scholars
Get inspired by the stories of our outstanding graduates, nominated by faculty for their exceptional achievements.
This page honors the diverse paths to success taken by our remakrable students, as recognized by our faculty. Discover the inspiring stories of those who have excelled in their fields, overcome challanges on their path to success, secured promising futures, and left an enduring mark on Stockton's community.
Academic Year 2024-2025
Rebecaa Arleth '25
B.S. Applied Physics
Summa Cum Laude
I have seen a few really excellent students, and Rebecca clearly is a member of that group. Before the start of her first semester here, she volunteered to work as a camp counselor at TechTrek hosted by the American Association of University of New Jersey. In addition, she is a member of our astrophysics research group analyzing light spectra from space telescopes, and volunteers at the observatory. Rebecca presented our research at the 2023 March Meeting American Physical Society in Minneapolis. This year, she began research to investigate materials used in the construction of ramps and rafts for aircraft using the Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) to look at characteristics such as the coefficient friction and how these characteristics change with time.
Michaela Pomatto '25
B.S. Biology, Pre-Professional Studies
Integrative Health Minor
Summa Cum Laude
An accomplished biology major and dedicated student, set to attend the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine this fall. A dedicated athlete and standout member of the track & field team. Mikki competed in the discus event at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships and earned a Second Team All-American spot.
Rebecca Yamaoh '25
B.S Biology, Pre-Professional Studies
Minor in Chemistry
Cum Laude
Rebecca is an exceptional biology major with an impressive portfolio of academic and extracurricular achievements. She contributed to multiple research projects, including work with Dr. Matthew Bonnan and current collaboration with Dr. Patrick Hossay on a Wind Energy initiative. She represented the university internationally through Model UN, traveling to Germany as part of Stockton's delegation.
Marium Bhatti '25
B.S. Biochemistry/Molecular Biology
Minor In Gerontology
Summa Cum Laude
Marium Bhatt had a productive undergraduate career while at Stockton as a Biochemistry/Molecular Biology(BCMB). In addition, to doing excellent work in her classes, she started laboratory research as a sophomore working with Dr. Keenan. She adapted a method to measure the stress hormone cortisol in saliva and determine if it correlated with the enzyme a-amylase. As a sophomore, she worked with seniors and helped them present their results at the BCMB Senor Symposium twice before doing so on her own. Marium provided a tremendous amount of service as well. She served as a judge at the South Jersey Science Fair twice, and coordinated the award for the Best Intermediate Biochemistry project which is sponsored by American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. In addition, she volunteered for multiple outreach science activities, and led middle or high school students in a laboratory biochemistry-themed activity. She hopes to attend medical school in the near future.
Matthias Ngo '25
B.S. Chemistry, American Chemical Society
Summa Cum Laude
Throughout his undergraduate career, Matthias has both studied and tutored in Stockton University’s Chemistry program. In his last two years, he was able to conduct research on protease enzymes and their biological role in facilitating immune system responses and aiding digestion for the last two years alongside Professor of Chemistry Kelly Keenan. He has authored a peer-reviewed publication and presented his work at the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) national conference in San Antonio. Outside of his studies, Matthias runs marathons and cycling to decompress – he completed seven marathons, including last spring’s Boston Marathon and last fall’s Chicago Marathon. Matthias will be pursuing his Ph.D. in Chemistry at Penn State University this fall.
Andrea Sandoval '25
B.A. Environmental Studies
Minor Political Science
Andrea was First Gen and an EOF participant. She graduated with bachelor degree in Environmental Studies, with a Political Science minor. She served as president of the Student Senate and active in many other clubs. Her faculty said was excelled in her beach nesting bird internship and was a great student to have in class.
Alexandre Zucoloto '25
B.S Geology
As part of his senior project and inspiration from a professor in California, Alex designed an innovate tool to help students visualize tophography in real time. Using three simple components – the Kinect (from an Xbox360), a computer, and a projector, he was able to build an augmented reality tool for hands-on learning of topography maps and watershed. By using their hands to shape the sand, users can create mountains, valleys, and bodies of water, while the AR technology overlays contour lines and simulates natural elements.
Juan Diego Chaparro ‘25
B.S. Marine Science
Juan Diego is for his tremendous success as both a scholar and community leader at Stockton. He has taken on a leadership role in the Stockton Aquarium and Aquaculture Club, interned at the New York Aquarium during summer 2024, while actively participating in multiple local and regional fisheries meetings (Mid-Atlantic Chapter American Fisheries Society, Northeast Division American Fisheries Society). He held a leadership role in Dr. Lauren Seyler’s research lab studying microbial communities from local bog iron deposits. He has presented his research findings at the Pinelands Preservation Alliance Science Forum, University of Pennsylvania, and NAMS Research Symposium. He has been involved in multiple leadership positions across campus during his undergraduate career. Including Student Trustee to the Stockton University Board. Juan Diego’s community contributions have been recognized outside of Stockton’s campus as one of “30 Under 40 Top Young Latino leaders in SJ” by Front Runner La Prensa.
Katelyn Saey '25
B.S. Marine Science
Summa Cum Laude
Katelyn’s cheerful personality and dedication to the MARS program made her stand out among her peers. She went above and beyond in both her classes and in supporting her fellow students. Katelyn was a reliable volunteer at MARS recruiting events, played an active role in organizing events as a leader of the Marine Technology Society student club, and assisted with many faculty-led research programs during her time at Stockton. Her efforts as a Teaching Assistant for the 2024 Intro to Marine Biology cohort were greatly appreciated, as she went above and beyond to provide tutoring for two additional course sections despite only getting credit for one section. Katelyn also presented research at the NAMS Summer 2023 Research Symposium and the MARS Symposium in Spring 2024. Her efforts had a meaningful impact on the MARS program and the students she supported.
Riya Goyal '25
B.S. Mathematics
B.S. Computer Science
Program Distinction, Summa Cum Laude
Riya was an outstanding Math major. She was involved in many activites on campus,
such as an Admissions Ambassador, math competitions, and math undergraduate research
project. She served as the Vice Presdient of the Stockton Chapter of the Alpha Lambda
Delta (ALD) Honor Society, and earned a $1,000 scholarship for her involvement on
campus. She also served as a peer mentor for the Office of Admissions, Residential
Assistant, and a math and computer science tutor. In addition, she studied abroad
in Taiwan through the mathematics program.
Riya graduated this past spring, and will be purusing a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics
in fall.
Anthony Marino '25
B.S. Sustainability
Minor in Applied Physics
Energy Certificate
Cum Laude
Anthony participated in the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Wind Institute Fellowship for two years conducting experimental research in the field of fluid dynamics. Anthony will be pursuing his doctorate in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Aerospace and Fluid Dynamics at Stevens Institute of Technology. He will be continuing to study fluid dynamics, but at a much faster speed, and will be part of the research team focusing on hypersonic (faster than the speed of sound) collisions between water droplets.
Academic Year 2023-2024
Trevor Beecroft '24
B.S. Mathematics
B.S. Applied Physics
Summa Cum Laude
Trevor was the President of both the Physics Club and Stockton Society of Physics Students (SPS), and had often volunteered for open houses and other recruitment events. In addition to his studies and extracurriculars, he was also a weightlifter.Trevor was accepted to several graduate schools, and will be attending the Physics Ph.D. program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in the Fall.
Oliver Baumeyer '24
B.S. Biology
Pre-Professional Studies
Minor in Chemistry
Cum Laude
Oliver has done an excellent job on her research in Dr. Ki’s lab. Ki is preparing another manuscript based on her excellent achievement. She received acceptance letters from prestigious graduate schools Purdue University, the University of Delaware, and Colorado State University. She is planning to pursue a Ph.D. in Chemistry.
Briana Barros '24
B.S. Biology
Minor in Chemistry
Summa Cum Laude
Briana maintained a 4.0 GPA while juggling other
responsibilities, some of which include being a summer class counselor, a writing
tutor on campus, and an undergraduate student researcher. She’s also been effective
at volunteer work, including the Chemistry Society, Stockton First Ospreys program,
and the Coalition for Women’s Rights. Effectively executing all these undertakings
demonstrated her superior time management skills. And yet, through it all, Bri has
managed to garner various awards and honors. Briana was accepted into the Biological
Sciences Ph.D. program at Binghamton University.
Michelle Ficken '24
B.S. Environmental Science
Minor in Geology
As a first-generation college student, Michelle was a wonderful member of both the Environmental and Geology programs, and took every opportunity to educate, enrich, and diversify herself her last three years after returning to Stockton after a seven-year break in her undergraduate career. She worked as a NAMS student worker in the Greenhouse, got an internship with the Hammonton Municipal Water Treatment Facility, and also participated in a research project looking at critical metals in the Shawangunk mining district of New York. Michelle presented the latter research project with three other students at the Geological Society of America’s Northeastern conference in March 2024 in Manchester, New Hampshire. Immediately upon graduation she started a position as a Hydrogeologist/Geologist with Amentum in Atlantic City.
Gabriela Garcia '24
B.S. Biology
Pre-Professional Studies
Minor in Chemistry and Spanish
Summa Cum Laude
As an undergraduate student, Gabriela conducted research at both Stockton in Jennifer Martin’s lab, and at Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) at the University of North Carolina (UNC) Chapel Hill. She applied and was accepted at several prestigious post-baccalaureate research programs across the country, but chose the PennPREP one-year post-baccalaureate education program at the University of Pennsylvania (UPENN) in the fall. The program helps strengthens the scholars research skills before applying for biomedical doctoral programs.
Johanna Maioriello ‘23
B.S. Biology - Pre-Professional Studies
Minor in Chemistry and Spanish
Cum Laude
Johanna worked in Dr. Michael Law’s laboratory since her first year at Stockton. She took on a leadership position in the lab and has worked on several projects that spanned the areas of genetics and molecular biology. She also presented at the international conference, The Allied Genetics Conference.
Joseph Rosal ‘24
B.S. Geology
Summa Cum Laude
Joe is Cuban-American student with 4.0 GPA. He served as a Teaching Assistant for Physical Geology labs, a geology program tutor, and as a resident assistant for the last two years. He worked on a research project with Dr. Matthew “Rocky” Severs in the ‘23/24 academic years and presented his work at the Geological Society of America’s Northeastern/Southeastern Conference. In addition, he worked an internship with Colliers Engineering and Design in Egg Harbor Township in the summer of 2023. In the Fall of 2024, he will be attending the University of Nevada-Reno for his master’s degree.
Madelynn Schina ‘24
B.S. Mathematics
B.S. Applied Physics
Minor in Computer Science
Cum Laude
Madelynn has been accepted into the Biostatistics Ph.D. Program at University of Colorado Denver. She was on the Women's Rowing Team for four years and served as captain for last two. She was a member of Physics Club and the Honor Society of Physics Students (Sigma Pi Sigma).
Andrew Wu ‘23
B.S. Biochemistry/Molecular Biology
Cum Laude
Andrew has done tremendous and impressive work in Dr. Daniel Ki’s laboratory. He is the first author in a high-impact, high-quality, peer-reviewed journal, Dalton Transactions from the Royal Society of Chemistry (Q1, IF=4.0). Dr. Ki is preparing a revision based on the reviewers’ comments, which are very positive. This means that their manuscript would be accepted for publication after thorough revision which is an outstanding achievement! As a first-generation Chinese-American, Andrew’s story is impressive. He received acceptance letters from prestigious graduate schools, such as Purdue University, Colorado State University, and Penn State University. Fall 2024, Andrew will pursuing a Ph.D. in organic chemistry Ph.D. program at the University of Delaware.
