“Our Bioengineering Department, the College of Engineering, and the whole of Northeastern are lucky to have Kiley York for her leadership and service,” says Teaching Professor and Associate Chair for Undergraduate Affairs in Bioengineering Timothy Lannin. “She is a force for good, and her merits are well-aligned with those of the Compass Award.”

Professor Lannin is one of many lauding the achievements of Kiley York, a bachelor of science in bioengineering candidate with concentration in medical devices with honors distinction. Her praise is well deserved. During Kiley’s years at Northeastern, she has held several leadership roles, including President of the NU Biomedical Engineering Society, Vice President of NU Engineers Without Borders, and Honors Ambassador and Honors Living Learning Assistant Presidential Ambassador for the John Martinson Honors Program. Lydia Bird, Kiley’s mentor in the Honors Mentorship Program, says, “Kiley puts her all into everything she does and leads with dedication and kindness.”

Maintaining a 3.87 GPA is no easy feat, but Kiley has done that while masterfully, balancing club participation, ambassador programs, and volunteer opportunities—and exceling in all.  She considers her most significant achievement to be organizing fall and spring co-op career fairs for undergraduate engineering students for the past three years. “The change in planning structure that I have implemented has caused for growth of the

event,” she says. “The number of companies and undergraduate students has increased, as well as we have expanded the event to be held in two spaces—the McLeod Suited and Curry Ballroom—as opposed to just one (Curry Ballroom).”

In addition to her extensive accomplishments on campus, Kiley has participated in notable global experiences. During the Honors Dialogue of Civilizations program in Chile, she completed interdisciplinary coursework combining microbiology research and landscape photography, gaining scientific and cultural perspectives through community-based volunteering. Her second global experience was part of the John Martinson Honors Program (JMHP) Self-Directed Global Experience (SDGE)—one of JMHP’s more demanding academic opportunities. In this, Kiley explored South Africa’s history, culture, and landscapes through photography. 

In terms of professional development, Kiley participated in a bioengineering co-op at Sage Product Development—engineering consulting for medical devices—where she supported multisite clinical trials and prototyped fixtures and part stand-ins for testing. While doing an R&D engineering co-op at Fresenius Medical Care North America, she designed and debugged reliability improvements for existing products and those under development.

“Across all contexts, Kiley stands out for her steadiness, compassion, and quiet but impactful leadership,” says Nancy Watkins, former assistant director for community service and civic engagement and honors living learning coordinator. “Her presence consistently elevates the experiences of her peers and the communities she serves.”

Kiley plans to pursue a Masters of Mechanical Engineering in the Northeastern PlusOne program.

Soon to graduate with a bachelor of science in Data Science and Mathematics—and a 3.95 GPA—Emeline Donovan is an innovator and proven leader. Khoury Senior Associate Dean of Academic Programs and Student Experience Benjamin Hescott says, “Emeline’s leadership abilities shine through in every endeavor she undertakes.” She transformed NU’s fencing club from a modest group of 20 members into a three-time national champion. She also spearheaded collaborative events such as Hora de Café with the LatinX Center and Queer Prom with the LGBTQ+ Resource Center.

Emeline received The Inclusive Husky award for her role as a resident assistant. When assigned to 60 Belvidere, a residence hall located a 10 to 15-minute walk from campus during her fourth year, she soon discovered the physical distance from campus had turned into an emotional distance for many students. “Wanting to bridge that gap, I proposed a collaboration between ResLife and the LatinX Student Cultural Center (LSCC) to host a Hora de Cafe event at 60 Belvidere.” A huge success, the event even drew residents and staff from neighboring dorms to celebrate Latin culture, comingle, and share food.

As an RA, she has shown “exceptional interpersonal skills, crisis management abilities, and the capacity to support students through their most challenging moments.” This is no surprise, as Emeline says, “A driving force within me is to help others through things I have struggled with myself.” Getting the visa, finding an apartment, and setting things up for her study abroad program in Spain at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid were challenging. However, after that semester, Emeline signed up to be a student alumni contact so that she could help others through the same process.

Emeline faced another challenge—trying to find a co-op. After several rejections, she decided to secure a summer internship. “I leveraged my network and landed an informational interview with a data scientist at HITE Hedge Asset Management, an energy hedge fund in Quincy.” Emeline discovered they were interested in technology she had recently used in her coursework and after demonstrating her capabilities, HITE offered her a paid summer internship. Because of Emeline, HITE joined Northeastern’s co-op program. HITE was so pleased with her that they offered her co-op and even a full-time job as a data scientist after graduation.

Most recently, Emeline was one of 10 students nationwide selected from 6,000 applicants for Deutsche Bank’s summer internship program in New York City. “I capitalized on Northeastern’s resources—securing housing through Educational Housing Services—and gained further experience at the intersection of technology and finance.”

Her proudest achievement? It’s a tie. Emeline says, “[LSCC] taught me that when you intentionally create spaces where everyone feels welcome, people show up.” Molding the co-op set her up for success. “It made me feel as though I had leveraged all the resources NEU provides to their fullest capacity and truly embodied a Northeastern student.”

To call Helena D’Alessandro a multi-tasker is an understatement. She balances her role as a DMSB co-op peer mentor with on-campus leadership responsibilities, her own active job search, taking a full course load—all while working 20 hours per week. In addition, she has been on the Dean’s list every semester and maintains a 3.84 GPA.

Wait. There’s more. Helena has already begun her first post-college job even before graduation—a sustainability analyst for Sustainable Fitch, part of Fitch Group, in New York City. “I hope to deepen my expertise in sustainable finance, ESG analysis, entity ratings, second-party opinions (SPOs), and green bond market assessments,” she says. In two years, her plan is to pursue a master’s degree focused on climate finance or sustainable business.

Helena has been a powerhouse at Northeastern, both on campus and in the broader community. As a co-op peer mentor, she supported more than 40 students per semester with resume development, interview preparation, networking strategies, and navigating the co-op search process. She began as a junior investment analyst and is now co-director of venture advisory for NUImpact, Northeastern University’s impact investment fund. She and her co-director designed a Venture Advisory program to support Northeastern students building impact-driven startup companies connect to venture capital funding opportunities. Through this work, she says, “I combined my interests in sustainability, entrepreneurship, and finance while contributing to a growing ecosystem of student-led impact investing on campus.” She considers it her most significant achievement and says, “It was not simply about holding a leadership title but also about helping build something new that could have a lasting impact beyond my own time at the university.”

Even with her multiple responsibilities, Helena says, “I was involved in organizations that supported my personal and creative interests, including CHAARG and No Limits Dance Crew, which gave me community through fitness and dance.” In the community, Helena participated in service initiatives such as the Prison Project, working with a team of students to design and deliver a workshop on AI and entrepreneurship for incarcerated individuals at the South Bay House of Correction. She also regularly volunteered at Council for University Programs (CUP) events.

Helena participated in two co-ops, including one at the European Public Law Organization (EPLO), Institute for Sustainable Development, in Legrena, Sounion, Greece. While there, she produced content to promote involvement in EU Missions, the Earthshot Prize, South3E Project, and UN SDGs. “I developed an enormous sense of independence, adaptability and cultural agility, while gaining firsthand exposure to sustainability initiatives, impact-oriented work, and international collaboration.” More recently, Helena took part in a sustainable investing co-op at Wellington Management in Boston.

DMSB Co-op Coordinators Erin Salomon and Jen Guillemin say, “Students like Helena who lead with integrity, give back to their community, and do so with consistency and grace are exactly the kind of people this award was created to recognize.”

Don’t be surprised if you see the name “Grayson Bunting” on the national political stage before long. A member of the John Martinson Honors Program with a 3.76 GPA, Grayson is carving his path in politics and international affairs.

Grayson is a semifinalist for the U.S. ETA Fullbright Scholarship to Bosnia and Herzegovina and hopes to return to
the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York as a paralegal before attending law school. In 2024, he completed a co-op there and served on the national security prosecution team aiding assistant U.S. attorneys in preparing for—and trying—high-profile criminal cases. These required close collaboration with several U.S. government agencies, including the FBI, the DEA, and the Department of State. His later co-op was with Ropes & Gray LLP, where he produced the firm’s daily “In the News” communication that is distributed to more than 800 recipients.

During his time at Northeastern, Grayson has contributed to many events and organizations. He has been a Northeastern presidential ambassador, a 2025 Dialogue of Civilization program assistant, CSSH ambassador, lead peer mentor and peer mentor, CSSH co-op teaching assistant, and more. Additionally, Grayson was on the founding e-board of NU’s Alexander Hamilton Society chapter, the nation’s preeminent nonpartisan organization that promotes constructive debate on basic American principles and contemporary issues in economic, statecraft, foreign policy, and national security. 

Grayson is a Huntington 100 honoree, named Beta Theta Pi fraternity Brother of the Year 2025, and won first place—raising nearly $20,000—in the Take it to the Floor Charity Team Dance Competition. He also volunteered for the United Nations Association of Greater Boston

As a bachelor of science in International Affairs and International Business candidate, Grayson has had the opportunity to study in his field internationally. He participated in “Balkan War and Peace” in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Greece, as well as “The Old and New Middle East” in Egypt, Jordan, and UAE, and NU in London.

Grayson says his greatest achievement has been serving as the lead peer mentor for the International Affairs department, supporting new students as they navigate their way. “It has been incredibly meaningful to contribute to the same department that shaped my own academic journey,” he says, “and to play a small part in fostering the next generation of globally minded students.”

Associate Director, Undergraduate Recruitment Programs Krissy Maloney says, “He is the perfect student to have talk about our college and what we can offer to prospective and admitted students because he has taken advantage of just about every opportunity we have.”

Undoubtedly, countless doors of opportunity will open for Grayson during his career.

Warda Ahmed is leading a life dedicated to service, a quality that should serve her well in her intended career as a physician. She has been part of Project 351, a youth-centered nonprofit that selects one eighth grader from every town in Massachusetts to lead community service initiatives, since she was in middle school. She also organized large-scale food and clothing drives in her community.

Now nearing college graduation, Warda’s commitment to service has only increased. She is still working with Project 351, but now in a leadership role, supporting two major statewide events each year as the welcoming lead, who provides transportation support, handles hotline outreach, and serves on the medical team as an EMT. Additionally, as a part of the Alternative Breaks program for two years, she co-led a team of 10 volunteers to Seattle to serve with Urban ArtWorks, painting a mural honoring a Northeastern grad student who lost her life to police violence. Most recently, she co-led a trip to London to serve with Granville Community Kitchen, an organization that addresses food insecurity and community displacement due to gentrification.

Much of Warda’s service has been in the medical field. As a volunteer at Boston Community Pediatrics, she helped the Care Navigation and Administration team support patients’ needs outside the clinic, such as

enrolling them in summer camps. She was also a pediatrics surgery volunteer and front desk greeter at Massachusetts Eye & Ear.

Warda is also an outstanding academic with a 3.99 GPA in biochemistry. She has been named to the Huntington 100 and Dean’s List, recognized as an Advancing Women in Science Scholar, and is a recipient of the Condit Award. Professor Jude Matthews says, “Her intellectual ability, generosity, and professionalism set her apart, and she represents the very best of our students.”

“In each of her two co-ops, Warda demonstrated a thoughtful approach to gaining real world experience,” says College of Science Associate Director of Co-op Jacquelyn MacDonald. “She was both careful and creative as she considered opportunities alongside her goal to pursue a career in medicine.” Warda’s first co-op was as a biology researcher at Larkspur Biosciences. As a patient care technician in general and vascular surgery at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Wanda improved comfort and recovery for patients through wound care, mobility, and post-operative monitoring.

That’s not the extent of Warda’s accomplishments. She’s also been a knack tutor, peer mentor, and teaching assistant.

“Northeastern shaped not only how Warda has studied, but who she has become,” says MacDonald. “Warda is someone who brings professionalism, warmth, humor and genuine purpose to every environment she enters.”

After a gap year for research, Warda hopes to attend medical school.

Kaitlin Bondi’s involvement at Northeastern has contributed to trends and ideas that are expected to influence the future. A senior in the Bouvé College of Health Sciences with a 4.0 GPA, she is a founding member of—and the only Bouvé student on—the Northeastern Artificial Intelligence (AI) Student Advisory Board that works with university leaders to define Northeastern’s position as a leader and innovator in the age of AI.

As an executive board member of Northeastern’s Healthcare Innovation Core, ViTAL, Kaitlin has created and led programming for networking events and professional development workshops designed to help students succeed in their future careers. Additionally, Kaitlin has served on multiple Bouvé advisory councils and has been a STEM peer tutor for the College of Science. As a Bouvé Fellow, she has been a peer mentor and student leader for first-year health students.

Kaitlin’s academic research is outstanding. As a contributor to Northeastern’s CaNCURE program—cancer nanomedicine research—at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, she explored clinical and epidemiological correlates of monoclonal gammopathies and published a peer-reviewed abstract for the American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting, one of the most prestigious conferences in hematology and oncology research.

She’s proudest of her capstone project, however, and says, “I am developing educational materials for patients at the Center for Early Detection and Interception of Blood Cancers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute who are diagnosed with monoclonal gammopathies, including monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and smoldering multiple myeloma.” This area of disease is relatively unknown to the general population, and Kaitlin hopes to strengthen patient understanding and lessen provider burden.

Besides being an important member of the Northeastern community, Kaitlin also contributes to the Boston community as a Playspace Activity Leader (PAL) at Horizons for Homeless Children. Previously, she was a student volunteer for Victory Programs where she assembled harm reduction kits to individuals experiencing hardships and helped in the planning and execution of the annual Mission Hill Road Race.

In recognition of her outstanding academic record, Kaitlin has been inducted into the Northeastern Chapter of Alpha Epsilon Delta, the national health pre-professional honor society. “Over the past four years, Kaitlin has grown into an impressive leader, scholar, researcher and clinician,” Bouvé Dean Carmen Sceppa says. “It is rare to see the combination of competence and humility, leadership, and intelligence that Kaitlin demonstrates.”

Before attending medical school in 2027, Kaitlin plans to travel, spend quality time with family and friends, and work in the medical field.

Throughout Chinonso Morsindi’s five-year academic journey, she has achieved academic excellence, inspired leadership, and exhibited professional development. Chinonso is set to graduate from the D’Amore-McKim School of Business with a 3.77 GPA.

Chinonso is president of the Black Business Student Association (BBSA), and planned the group’s inaugural Black Professionals Conference, a landmark event that fostered connections between students and industry leaders. She has been a peer mentor for the Office of Student Engagement, Affinity, and Inclusion; a Summer Bridge leader; and a BUSN1102 mentor. As a legacy peer mentor at the John D. O’Bryant African American Institute, Chinonso helped increase retention and graduation rates for students of color by providing academic and professional mentorship.

“Establishing BBSA’s Inaugural Black Professionals Conference was one of the biggest highlights of my college career,” says Chinonso. “It dedicated a space for students from around Boston to connect with leaders that look like them, while also helping them explore various pathways to breaking into their desired profession.”

Last year, Chinonso presented her international affairs capstone research project, “Harnessing Africa’s Growing Influence on the 21st Century Global Stage,” at the RISE Expo. She received the 2024 Srinivasan Grant for Projects in Emerging Markets to develop and publish her findings. Chinonso’s global experiences include six months at the IÉSEG School of Management in Paris in 2023, and a field study on sustainable energy in Denmark in March 2025 that culminated in a presentation of a case study on CarbFix, an Icelandic carbon capture company.

Chinonso participated in a strategic tech partnership and project management co-op with Boston Consulting Group, and a case team assistant co-op with L.E.K. Consulting. She was an ESG reporting analyst for PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in New York, a corporate venture capital analyst with HP Tech Ventures, and a corporate banking summer analyst for HSBC USA. Chinonso’s passion for technology and innovation led her to join the Break Through Tech AI Fellowship at MIT, where she and other students developed an algorithm for the startup hedge fund Cashew Capital. The project enabled her to bridge the gap between AI and business.

The consensus from the Dean’s Office at the D’Amore-McKim School of Business is that Chinonso’s experiences shaped her into dynamic leader, scholar, and changemaker. There is a level of confidence that upon graduating in May, she will leverage her knowledge, skills, and leadership to drive innovation and create equitable opportunities in academia, business, and society.

Before beginning her PhD program in August through the Biochemistry, Quantitative Biology, Biophysics and Structural Biology Track at Yale University, Diana Turrieta will continue to help and support minority students. This summer, she will be a TA in chemistry and algebra for high school students in the Mathematics and Science for Minority Students Program at Phillips Academy in Andover, MA, a program she took part in during high school.

Diana has been active in Northeastern’s PODER (Prosperity Ownership Determination Empowerment Resilience) Early Arrival Program. She directed a five-day early arrival program that assists first-generation, Latinx and/or undocumented/DACA students for a successful transition to university life. This, Diana says, is her proudest achievement.

“I have mentored a number of students, built community, and helped students become leaders,” she shares.

Diana has also held several positions in Northeastern’s Latin American Student Organization, helping to strengthen the group through positive relationships and management. As a FUNL program assistant, she organizes events and develops resources for the Latinx community.

With all her community involvement, Diana has kept on top of her studies. She will graduate with a 3.974 GPA and has won research awards, including the National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) in 2025; the Genetic Information Honorable Mention Poster at the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) Annual Conference; ASBMB’s Student Chapter Travel Award; the Huntington 100; the Princeton University 2024 MolBio Scholars; and the Northeastern University Garnet Award.

Diana participated in the AJC Merit Research Scholar co-op with the Dr. Tovah Day Laboratory at Northeastern, and the Prime Editing Platform co-op at Prime Medicine, Inc. Diana is “outstanding in the classroom, in the laboratory, and as a member of our community. She has an impressive trajectory,” says Day. “Diana has grown to operate at the level of a graduate student in my lab, and has made remarkable contributions. She’s singularly clear-headed, presents with confidence, clarity, and insight, and brings an entrepreneurial spirit,” Day adds.

Diana has also served as a biochemistry peer mentor and a Campus Crossroads information attendant.

Biochemistry Program Director Professor Kirsten Ferteck says, “Diana is a highly energetic, curious, and empathetic student who has been serving as an ideal role model for our students. She is an accomplished biochemistry researcher with an impressive academic record, and is also a recognized champion of the underserved communities that she is passionate about,” says Ferteck.

Most people go to college and then grow into their careers. Chisako Oga-Cunningham is not like most people. She already has a lucrative career as a principal dancer with the Boston Ballet, and will soon be a Northeastern University graduate.

Chisako is currently one of the best in the world in her profession. She is also a realist, aware that a career in dance has a short timeline. Her leadership in the classroom has given her a promising second career. Chisako is on track to receive a B.S. in finance and accounting management, and hopes to pursue graduate studies and earn her Certified Management Accountant (CMA) credential. In the meantime, she plans to fully dedicate herself to dancing while also seeking internship opportunities to gain valuable on-the-job experience.

Chisako served as an ambassador for the partnership between the Boston Ballet and Northeastern, providing testimonials for donors, guiding prospective students, and sharing insights with dancers. Outside of Northeastern, she’s taken on leadership roles that align with her values, mentoring two ballet students through a program between the Boston Ballet and the Walnut Hill School for the Arts. She was also a union delegate for the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA), advocating for safer and fairer working conditions.

“Pursuing a degree through Northeastern has been a dream realized,” Chisako says, “I’ve worked hard to ensure that my academic performance reflects the same level of commitment and discipline I bring in the studio.” She is most proud of balancing a rigorous professional ballet career with academics and assures others that it’s possible to balance a career and education.

Chisako has performed major roles in countless ballets and has been lauded for her talent. She received a bronze medal at the 2018 USA International Ballet Competition, was listed among the 25 to Watch by Dance magazine in 2018, and received a silver medal at the 2016 Shanghai International Ballet Competition.

Veronica Horne, the Boston Ballet’s company manager says, “Chisako is a textbook role model for her colleagues, making Boston Ballet proud of her continued accomplishments on and off stage.”

Chisako says, “The partnership between the Boston Ballet and Northeastern has opened the opportunity for me to continue my education. Not only does it make it possible for me to earn a bachelor’s degree while working full-time as a dancer, but the scholarship helps me to do so while feeling financially stable.”

Mya Leonardo, who will graduate with a 4.0 GPA in biology, is narrowly taking a break before she starts attending Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine in July 2025. This pace is not unusual for Mya, as she has been a powerhouse on campus and in the community throughout her time on campus.

Since 2022, Mya has chaired the Student Philanthropy Council, helping educate the student body on philanthropy’s power and its role in shaping students’ experience on campus. “Mya has shown remarkable resilience and dedication,” says Director, Student Engagement + Philanthropy C. Hawkins. “She led through the natural growing pains of a new organization—navigating shifts in member engagement and leadership—while never losing sight of the council’s purpose.” She’s also proud of the way she has grown SPC. “I developed a whole new perspective on the values that encompass Northeastern and why certain things on campus are carried out the way that they are.” That helped her inform the student body of the importance of donations—and donor’s choice.

Mya has been a tutor and gala committee member for EVkids and a Husky Ambassador. For Miss America Opportunity, she has volunteered more than 600 hours at various community events. She’s committed to helping children and has tied that into her plans to become a dentist. She hosts free oral hygiene workshops for after-school programs and schools across Massachusetts. She also hosts the Smart Smiles Toothbrush Drive, collecting and donating more than 800 toothbrushes plus toothpastes for schools and shelters across the state. In addition, she also published her first children’s book, Maggie and Her Powerful Braces. “Maggie’s story has helped kids across the Commonwealth find confidence through their smile and not letting the bullies’ negative words overpower you.”

Mya has not yet begun dental school, yet she has become a licensed dental assistant, earning about 2,000 clinical hours assisting procedures in general dentistry, pediatrics, orthodontics, periodontics, and dentistry for patients with special needs. “Providing care for patients with special needs brought so much joy to me,” she says, “because it was all about having patience and being adaptable to provide for the patient in a way that was geared to their needs.”

In addition to becoming a dental assistant, Mya is certified in CPR, AED, radiology and infection control. A member of Northeastern TriBeta Biological Honor Society, Mya is a member of the ASDA Pre-Dental Advisory Committee, and debate team member, as well as the public relations chair and mentor of Northeastern University Pre-Dental Association. She is founder of EMPOWER and EMPOWER Workshops in Dartmouth,  and holds weekly “Mindsets with Mya” podcasts and blog postings to help spread inclusion and a positive mindset.

Hawkins says, “Her leadership, volunteer spirit, academic integrity, and deep commitment to Northeastern are undeniable. She is exactly the kind of student who becomes a lifelong ambassador for the university.”