Maria Nikolaitchik and Karthik Sellakumaran Latha honored teachers and professors who guided, inspired, tutored and challenged them during their academic journeys.

Outstanding graduating seniors at the University of Maryland have analyzed drought patterns, researched diabetes and tutored elementary school students in math. One plans to be an eye surgeon; another, a human rights attorney.

But as varied as their aspirations and accomplishments are, each of the 20 students chosen as 2023-24 Philip Merrill Presidential Scholars shares a deep conviction that they could not have achieved so much without teachers and professors who guided, inspired, tutored and challenged them during their academic journeys.

The program, named for the late university benefactor and Washington-area publisher, highlights the importance of mentorship with $1,500 scholarships, each of which is given in the K-12 teacher’s name to another student from their school district who will attend UMD the next academic year.

The 2023-24 Philip Merrill Presidential Scholars include:

• Maria Nikolaitchik, Statistics and Atmospheric and Oceanic Science major
• Karthik Sellakumaran Latha, Mathematics major

 Maria Nikolaitchik

Nikolaitchik honored teacher mentor Jeremy Brenneman from Middletown High School in Middletown, Maryland, and UMD faculty mentor Timothy Canty, an associate professor in the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science.

“In high school, Mr. Jeremy Brenneman taught my very first class in statistics. He made the class fun and engaging by giving real-world examples, from horse racing to football,” Nikolaitchik said. “I came into UMD as a statistics major, but in part thanks to Professor Timothy Canty’s engaging lecture style, I was soon hooked on the world of atmospheric science. From Professor Canty I learned about the ins and outs of atmospheric science research.”

Canty also serves as the faculty advisor for Mesoterps, a student-led project to install weather stations across campus. Nikolaitchik serves as the project lead. 

“Both Mr. Brenneman and Professor Canty helped me better who I fundamentally am as a person: someone who loves numbers and clouds,” Nikolaitchik added.

Karthik Sellakumaran Latha

Latha honored teacher mentor Marisa Reinsch from Skyline High School in Sammamish, Washington, and UMD faculty mentor Roohollah Ebrahimian, a principal lecturer in the Department of Mathematics.

“I was lucky to have Ms. Marisa Reinsch as my calculus teacher in high school. Ms. Reinsch motivated me to study math in college, fostering my love for the subject and instilling a desire to teach in the future,” Latha said. “Her class was instrumental in my decision to serve as a teaching assistant for Calculus I and II at the University of Maryland.”

Latha conducted number theory research at UMD with Ebrahimian, solidifying his passion for math and convincing Latha to pursue becoming a math professor in the future.

“Dr. Ebrahimian is an amazing lecturer and is always willing to help his students,” Latha added.

About the Program

“The late Philip Merrill established this program to foster a community of scholars, faculty members and K-12 teachers who understand the pivotal role of mentoring and educating the upcoming generation,” said UMD President Darryll J. Pines. “We are profoundly thankful for all the individuals, including the many teachers, who have significantly influenced our students' academic progress.”

The program also spotlights the work of the graduating seniors, who are selected by the academic colleges and schools. In addition to internships and research projects, the honorees were involved in a range of campus activities, from matching students with service projects to marching in the marching band.

“The accomplishments of these scholars stand as a testament to the enduring influence of teacher excellence in shaping outstanding student achievements,” said William A. Cohen, associate provost and dean for undergraduate studies. “It is a special joy to celebrate student achievements alongside those individuals who helped foster their success. The Merrill Presidential Scholars Program is creating an essential legacy by emphasizing the mentorship that makes academic and personal triumphs possible.”