Ready for the Future: The Class of 2025 Boldly Goes Forth

As the Class of 2025 crossed the stage on May 19 and May 20 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, graduating students shared their plans for the future and reflected on their most memorable moments from their time at Pace—from meaningful mentorship from professors to career-altering courses to unforgettable extracurricular experiences.

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Morgan Amos

Biochemistry, BS
Pursing a PhD at Rutgers University

What research and internship opportunities did you have as a student?

I worked with Assistant Professor Karen Caldwell, PhD, on a research project on methamphetamine contamination within homes, which was funded by Pace’s Center for Undergraduate Research Experiences (CURE). Professor Caldwell has been a great mentor, giving me the confidence to pursue a future in research and supporting me throughout the graduate school application process. During the summers of 2023 and 2024, I interned at the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Aging, in Baltimore, Maryland, conducting computational biomedical research on two different studies involving aging and aging-related diseases.

How has being a student-athlete been meaningful to you?

The experience of playing defensive specialist on the women’s volleyball team was extremely rewarding. I have met some of my best friends on the team and have matured so much as a young adult. Adapting to my academic and athletic schedules was hard at times but has also taught me some of the best lessons. I also had the privilege to be the co-captain my last year, alongside fellow senior Abby Robertson. It was an honor and I had a great time in that role.

What are your post-graduation plans?

I am pursuing my doctoral degree at Rutgers University in their biomedical engineering program and with a concentration in binging and bioinstrumentation. I want to continue to be involved with biomedical research, specifically within engineering and neuroscience, and my career goals are to be a biomedical engineer for surgical innovation.

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Kevin Huang

Childhood Education/Biology, BS
Pursuing a PhD at Penn State

Why did you pursue your major/degree program?

I chose an education major because I enjoyed working with children in summer camps in Shanghai, China, where I am from. Biology was also one of my favorite subjects in high school, and when I realized my passion for research in my junior year at Pace, I continued with my education major in the School of Education and enrolled in as many biology and chemistry courses in Dyson College of Arts and Sciences as possible. Pace came up on my radar because one of my best friends had been admitted, and, since it offered an education major (my primary interest at the time), I applied and decided to enroll.

Which faculty member(s) had the most impact on your experience?

In my sophomore year, Professor Eric Brenner, PhD, introduced me to research, and, with funding from Pace’s Provost Office, I presented my work on plant movement in his lab at the National Conference of Undergraduate Research in Long Beach, California. In my junior year, Professor Jeanmaire Molina, PhD, funded me, through her National Science Foundation grant, to attend the world’s largest plant biology conference, the American Society of Plant Biologists, in Hawaii, where I shared our research on the endangered Rafflesia plant. Additionally, I have co-authored two papers with her; one published in Current Plant Biology, and another in EvoS Journal: Evolutionary Studies and Higher Education. At a conference at the WPUNJ Symposium at William Paterson University, funded by the Biology department, I presented posters for my research with both Professors Brenner and Molina, and each won second place in their respective categories.

What are your post-graduation plans?

I will be joining Penn State’s Plant Biology PhD Program to continue pursuing my passion in plant biology research.

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Jaden Kealy

Communications, BA
Pursuing an MBA at Pace University

What were your favorite course(s) and why?

My favorite course was Basic American Sign Language (ASL) with Professor Emmanuel Azodeh. Through it, I learned about the significant history of Deaf culture and was embraced by the Deaf community through my professor and other students. We were not only a class, but a growing testament to culture and the importance of acceptance and understanding of all types of people. ASL was not taught as a true disability, but rather a growing area of knowledge that is becoming more valuable and modernized into today’s world.

Which faculty member(s) had the most impact on your academic experience?

One of my most impactful professors was Samuel Ravech, Sports Journalism and Sports Broadcasting. An active ESPN broadcaster and PlayxPlay analyst, he provided insight into the sports and entertainment industry and helped encourage my career pursuits by providing both meaningful criticism and praise for my work in class. It taught me to be confident in my voice and even inspired me to be the public address announcer of athletic games on campus.

What are your post-graduation plans?

In fall 2025, I will be returning to Pace to pursue a general MBA in the Lubin School of Business. I was able to complete my undergraduate degree in just three years with transfer credits, and with this graduate opportunity, I will be returning for my fourth and final year of eligibility while a part of the Pace men’s basketball team. Being a student-athlete at Pace has been wonderful and I look forward to pursuing endeavors that come with furthering my education next year.

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Viktoriia Yevtushenko

Business Economics, BS
Pursuing a master’s degree at Columbia University

Why did you pursue your major/degree program?

I began my studies at Pace as a marketing major but quickly realized that what I enjoyed most were the courses involving data, statistics, and analysis. I started exploring the Economics Department and was impressed by how much it had to offer: strong academics, supportive professors, and opportunities to learn outside of the classroom. Switching to economics ended up being the best decision I made, helping me grow in ways I didn’t expect.

Which faculty member had the most impact on your experience?

Professor Anna Shostya, PhD, made the biggest impact on my experience at Pace. She genuinely cares about her students, not just academically, but personally, and thanks to her support, I was able to complete a UN Millennium Fellowship that was very personal to me. My project, The War Through Children’s Eyes, focused on raising awareness on how the war in Ukraine has affected children, especially their education and emotional well-being. We gave these children a chance to express their experiences through artwork, accompanied by short stories about their lives. We then organized an exhibit on the New York City campus to showcase their work and share their voices with the Pace community.

What are your post-graduation plans?

After graduation, I’ll be attending Columbia University to pursue a master’s degree in quantitative methods in the social sciences, with a concentration in economics. I’m incredibly excited for this next chapter, and I know I wouldn’t be here without the education and support I received at Pace. The Economics department gave me a strong foundation, encouraged my curiosity, and gave me the tools to take my interests further.

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Kaitlyn Weinerman

​BA in Psychology
Pursuing a master’s degree at Columbia University

Why did you pursue your major/degree program?

I pursued a major in Psychology because I want to make a positive impact on my community, and service those who truly need it. It has always been and will always be my passion.

What were your favorite course(s) and why?

My favorite courses have been Sexuality, Reproduction and the Family, Psychology of Civic Engagement, and Group Relations and Interview Techniques. These courses helped me fully realize my passion for service and psychology, and how we relate to the world around us. Taught by amazing professors, these courses helped me grow and shaped my view of the world.

What are your post-graduation plans?

I will be attending Columbia University for a Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW). I will be continuing my research on risky sexual behavior in college students, and I plan on working in hospitals, agencies, schools, and shelters throughout my career in social work.