Meet our 2026 Class
From 3D printing microchannels to helping Team USA reach new heights, this year’s 30 Under 30 are thinking outside the box in big ways. These young alumni are founding mission-driven organizations, improving patient outcomes, building AI-powered solutions and fighting for social justice. They are policy-shapers, creators, innovators and mentors who are building the next generation of changemakers.
We’re proud to announce the 30 Bucknellians who are leading the herd in 2026.
Artistic Visionaries
Amisha
Chhetri ’22
Management Consultant
Accenture
Amisha channeled the leadership experience she gained as a student into founding Naach Columbus, a South Asian dance and cultural community that has reached over 500 individuals through Bollywood and Nepali-inspired workshops, all while working full-time in the corporate world. Her vision to grow the initiative into a full-scale studio reflects her commitment to building joyful, culturally affirming spaces that foster connection and intergenerational community. Learn more about Amisha on LinkedIn.
Kathryn
Nicolai ’20
Copywriter
BBH USA
A rising advertising creative and senior copywriter, Kathryn’s campaigns for brands (including Folgers, Cava, Scotts, Samsung and Spotify) have earned widespread industry attention. She was named one of Ad Age’s Creatives to Watch in 2026 and has received other honors such as Ad Age Editor’s Pick and The Drum’s Ad of the Day. Learn more about Kathryn.
Berkley
Reddick ’23
Interdisciplinary Artist and Educator
Self Employed
Berkley is an interdisciplinary artist whose deeply personal alternative-process photography explores memory, distance and the human impact of bureaucracy, drawing from her experience navigating the U.S. immigration system with her partner. A recent graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s master of fine arts in photography program — where she received the Visionary Scholars Award and Jamie Tuttle Fellowship — Berkley has exhibited her work in Chicago, and it has been displayed by the Joan Flasch Artists’ Book Collection and has been featured by Fox News. Through her practice, teaching and community engagement, she continues to contribute to Chicago’s vibrant arts community. Learn more about Berkley.
Mercedes
Rodriguez ’23
Program Associate
Bucknell Seminar for Undergraduate Poets
Editorial Assistant
Poetry Northwest
Mercedes has transformed grief into a powerful body of poetry, earning early acclaim by being selected as the 2025 recipient of the Loraine Williams Poetry Prize by Pulitzer Prize winner Brandon Som. Their work has received support from Bread Loaf, Millay Arts, the Stadler Center for Poetry and Literary Arts and the Charleston Literary Festival’s Cato Fellowship. Through fearless writing that explores illness, identity and survival, Mercedes is emerging as a distinctive voice in contemporary American poetry. Read Mercedes’s work in the New England Review, The Georgia Review, Washington Square Review, Michigan Quarterly Review: Mixtape, like a field, The Los Angeles Review and Barrow Street.
Changemakers
Deborah
Gonkpah ’26
Founder and CEO
Debrasca Trading Company
Inspired by the deadly 2014 Ebola outbreak and her desire to improve the lives and health of Liberians, Deborah founded WeCan Liberia, an organization dedicated to improving sanitation facilities, providing health education and providing scholarships to students seeking higher education. She secured funding to build sanitation facilities that serve over 1,500 people, with a goal to build enough for everyone in the rural Liberian communities of Bong, Grand Bassa and Montserrado. Learn more about Deborah on LinkedIn.
Ninah
Jackson ’25
Ph.D. Student
Harvard Graduate School of Education
Ninah has distinguished herself through exceptional academic achievement, completing an honors thesis that led to direct admission to Harvard University doctoral program — the only undergraduate in her cohort to enter the program directly. Her interdisciplinary scholarship in education, Critical Black Studies and social change, combined with her leadership in a national academic conference and work facilitating education with incarcerated individuals, demonstrates a rare commitment to using scholarship as a catalyst for meaningful social impact. Learn more about Ninah on LinkedIn.
Jasmine Kaur Minhas ’22
Policy Advisor
Office of Delaware Governor Matt Meyer
Jasmine has translated grassroots advocacy into lasting institutional change, from leading gun violence prevention efforts as a teenager to helping propel Matt Meyer to an upset victory in Delaware’s 2024 gubernatorial race. Now one of the nation’s youngest gubernatorial policy advisors, she authored the executive order establishing Delaware’s first Office of Gun Violence Prevention and Community Safety and helps shape statewide policy on public safety, criminal justice and immigration. As a Policy Advisor to Gov. Matt Meyer and First Lady Dr. Lauren Meyer, Jasmine also leads the Governor’s Interfaith Council and advances initiatives that strengthen communities across Delaware.
Learn more about Jasmine on LinkedIn.
Molly
Schmader ’22
Founding Team Member & Enrollment Manager
Early College Charter School of Philadelphia
Dedicated to expanding educational opportunity, Molly spent four years on the founding team of Early College Charter School of Philadelphia, helping launch Philadelphia and Pennsylvania’s first public, open-enrollment early college secondary school serving grades 6-12. From concept to opening, she built systems, led enrollment efforts and engaged families to bring the school’s mission to life, creating pathways for students to earn the competencies, connections and credentials needed to thrive in high-demand careers and beyond. Learn more about Molly on LinkedIn.
Emily
Shapiro ’19
Elementary Math Interventionist
Mahwah Township Public Schools
Adjunct Professor
William Paterson University
Emily has translated her early passion for mathematics education into a broad and lasting impact as an educator, researcher, math interventionist and mentor to future teachers. Through classroom innovation, national thought leadership and a commitment to expanding access to effective math instruction, she is helping shape the future of elementary mathematics education. Learn more about Emily on LinkedIn.
The Shine On Giving Circle
Pictured: Olivia Amoruso ’20, Megan Bugniazet ’20, Sophia Klaber ’20, Libby O’Hare ’20, Taylor Sears ’20, Julia Stern ’20, co-founder Meghan Egan and partner Kala Malvas.
Shine On is a nonprofit founded by seven women who believe every talented, driven young woman deserves access to the opportunities, mentorship and support needed to thrive in college and their early careers. Through scholarships and mentorship, Shine On empowers underrepresented young women by helping remove financial barriers while creating meaningful connections that build confidence and open doors. Since its founding, Shine On has grown into a community of more than 500 donors and has awarded nearly 40 scholarships, expanding opportunities for the next generation of women leaders. Learn more about Shine On.
Megan
Bugniazet ’20
Associate
Spencer Stuart
Taylor
Sears ’20
Account & Category Associate
LGS Specialty Sales
Julia
Stern ’20
Global Strategic
Account Executive – Financials
Zscaler
Entrepreneurial Innovators
Marwan
Abaza ’21
Co-Founder / President
RPM Pickleball
Marwan left a data engineering career at Citibank to co-found RPM Pickleball with professional player James Ignatowich. He helped to grow the company from a single production run to eight-figure revenue in less than a year. RPM Pickleball is now a brand carried in hundreds of retail locations and backed by a network of hundreds of ambassadors. Beyond building one of the leading brands in America’s fastest-growing sport, Marwan has helped expand access to pickleball by donating equipment to schools, clubs and community programs worldwide. Learn more about Marwan on LinkedIn.
Marcus
Ademilola ’19
Founder & President QuickTrashUSA
Founder & Executive Director
A1 Priorities Home Care Agency
Founder & President
EliteDraftGroup
Pairing entrepreneurial vision with community impact, Marcus is building three mission-driven businesses that create jobs, expand access to essential services and strengthen economic opportunity. From waste management to in-home care and athlete representation, he leads across industries with the same focus: sustainable growth that lifts up the people and communities he serves, strengthening families and mentoring the next generation of leaders. Learn more about Marcus: QuickTrashUSA and A1 Priorities
Ben
Langley ’19
Head of Product
Kibu
Ben is driving innovation that expands access, improves care delivery and empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through technology. Across his career in healthcare and accessibility-focused technology, he has demonstrated a commitment to building people-centered solutions that improve outcomes and create meaningful impact. Learn more about Ben on LinkedIn.
Christina
Mills ’19
Nest Designs NYC LLC
Founder
Christina has built impact across both the startup and entrepreneurial worlds — scaling Leapsome’s North American partnerships and field marketing efforts while simultaneously growing her own home organizing business through client advocacy and organic growth. Her ability to identify opportunity, build from the ground up and create meaningful momentum across industries reflects her entrepreneurial mindset and exceptional drive. Learn more about Christina.
Fern
Morrison ’19
Co-Founder, CEO
IronGrid
Combining her engineering expertise and entrepreneurial vision, Fern built IronGrid, a company developing foundation models for risk and quality. Her work has earned her a place in this year’s Manufacturing & Industry category of Forbes 30 Under 30. Learn more about Fern on LinkedIn.
Benjamin
Siciliano ’20
Client Solutions Architect
Certara
Benjamin has emerged as a leader at the intersection of biotechnology, commercialization and digital innovation, translating complex scientific research into real-world impact through technology transfer, regulatory strategy and AI-enabled solutions. He is helping accelerate innovation across the life sciences sector through industry leadership, startup mentorship and early-career achievements. Learn more about Benjamin.
Thomas
Smith ’23
Software Engineer
Lockheed Martin Corporation
As a rapid innovator, Thomas distinguished himself as a student by developing novel enrollment-forecasting algorithms and building a custom programmable guitar pedal. He is now swiftly rising at Lockheed Martin, where he leads AI integration efforts that have cut routine update times by a factor of 100. His track record — including consulting work that transformed data strategy at a 300-person company — reflects a rare ability to make immediate, high-impact contributions across vastly different domains. Learn more about Thomas on LinkedIn.
Industry Standouts
Kenzie
Burns ’20, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Lafayette College
Kenzie earned her doctorate in civil and environmental engineering from UW-Madison, where she researched novel technologies for sustainable dairy manure treatment, published several first-author papers in leading academic journals, secured multiple prestigious research fellowships and mentored more than 15 undergraduates — two of whom went on to win Fulbright and Hilldale fellowships. Inspired by her own undergraduate experiences at Bucknell, she is now launching her career as an assistant professor at Lafayette College, where she is dedicated to teaching and mentoring the next generation of engineers. Learn more about Kenzie on LinkedIn.
Isabella
Björkeson ’20
Associate Director of Procurement
Unilever
Newly appointed to her role at Unilever, Isa has quickly distinguished herself as a rising leader, advancing rapidly through the organization while guiding major supply chain and sourcing initiatives that deliver impact across complex global challenges. Beyond her professional achievements, she invests in the next generation through youth track and field coaching. She continues to grow as a leader through graduate education and a commitment to supporting those around her.
Learn more about Isabella on LinkedIn.
Nicholas
Caravias ’22
AI Software Engineer
Growth Protocol
Nicholas has quickly emerged as a standout applied AI engineer, leading the development of AI tools that have generated tens of millions of dollars in claims processing for pediatric patients. He is also pioneering neuro-symbolic AI for advanced reasoning while mentoring more experienced engineers as a tech lead. Beyond his technical achievements, he uses his expertise to create meaningful impact, serving as lead engineer for Tech Day of Pink’s breast cancer fundraising technology and providing pro bono consulting to pediatric care clinics. Learn more about Nicholas on LinkedIn.
Katie
Childers ’19
Postdoctoral Fellow
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Through pioneering research in bioengineering and microfluidic diagnostics, Katie is advancing earlier disease detection and more accessible diagnostic tools, and developing technologies with the potential to improve patient outcomes across a range of conditions. Her leadership in collaborative research, scientific innovation and mentorship reflects a commitment to expanding healthcare access and shaping the future of precision medicine. Learn more about Katie on LinkedIn.
Ian
Coates ’21
Postdoctoral Scholar
Stanford University
Ian is a rising leader in digital manufacturing at Stanford’s DeSimone Lab, where he develops next-generation medical technologies and stereolithographic fabrication methods that enable previously impossible 3D-printed microchannel designs. His work has advanced fluidic-backed microneedles, vascularized tissue engineering and bioreactor systems, demonstrating the creativity and technical expertise driving his growing impact in the field. Learn more about Ian on LinkedIn.
Zach
Forman ’20
Project Engineer
Airport Design Consultants, Inc.
By helping deliver complex, high-impact infrastructure projects, Zach has emerged as a trusted leader, demonstrating technical expertise, collaboration and exceptional project coordination. Beyond his professional achievements, he is investing in the future of the industry by mentoring emerging professionals and championing the next generation of engineering talent.
Learn more about Zach on LinkedIn.
Paige
Gilliam ’21
Engineer (Water/Wastewater)
GHD
Paige has distinguished herself as an emerging leader in civil and environmental engineering, becoming a trusted expert in trenchless design and delivering complex utility projects across North America through technical excellence, adaptability and hands-on leadership. Her commitment to mentorship, professional growth and advancing innovative infrastructure solutions is shaping the future of the industry. Learn more about Paige on LinkedIn.
Alexandra
Longest ’20, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow
Noblis, Inc.
As a postdoctoral fellow in applied science at Noblis Inc. and an environmental engineer, Alexandra uses AI and machine learning to study bioaerosols. Her impactful research has been published in leading scientific journals and presented at national and international conferences. A first-generation doctoral graduate, she has demonstrated both research excellence and a strong commitment to mentorship and giving back. Learn more about Alexandra on LinkedIn.
William
Snyder ’21
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
University of Pennsylvania, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
William has begun an exceptional research career in neuroscience, using network science and advanced neuroimaging to uncover how brain folding patterns serve as markers for psychiatric disorders — work that earned him a Goldwater Scholarship and the prestigious Gates Cambridge Scholarship. Recently completing a psychiatry Ph.D. through the NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program, and with multiple first-authored publications to his name, he is becoming a globally influential scientific voice. Learn more about William on LinkedIn.
Harper
Stewart ’19
Regional Sport Science Provider
USA Track & Field
Combining her expertise in biomechanics, engineering and athletics, Harper is advancing elite sport performance and injury prevention by supporting Olympic and Paralympic athletes through innovative research and applied sport science. Beyond her technical contributions, she is expanding access to scientific knowledge by translating complex concepts into engaging educational content for broader audiences.
Learn more about Harper.
William
Wall ’20
Senior Network Technology Engineer
AT&T
William has emerged as a key voice in AI and automation at AT&T, leading transformation across the nation’s network infrastructure. He has founded an AI organization that is reshaping AT&T’s network engineering through intelligent automation, scalable solutions and broader AI adoption. As he completes his master of business administration, William aims to leverage his education to scale his impact in the field. Learn more about William on LinkedIn.
Jaxon
White ’23
Capitol Reporter
Spotlight PA
Establishing himself as a leading political reporter, Jaxon covers Pennsylvania’s Capitol, focusing on holding the governor, members of the General Assembly and other elected officials accountable to the public. Named among the top political reporters to follow in Pennsylvania by industry veterans, he continues delivering accountable journalism, despite pressure from powerful figures, while also mentoring future journalists as co-director of the Pennsylvania Legislative Correspondents’ Association internship program. Learn more about Jaxon on LinkedIn.
Caleb
Wooten ’23
Director of College Knowledge & Advising
The SEED School of Los Angeles County
Caleb has quickly risen to an executive-level role at California’s first public, college-prep boarding school, where he built comprehensive college readiness programs and led the school’s inaugural graduating class to a 100% college acceptance rate — with every graduate receiving a scholarship. Through his innovative leadership and commitment to expanding access to higher education for first-generation and low-income students, Caleb is helping create transformative opportunities for students across South LA. Learn more about Caleb on LinkedIn.
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