Maira Owais: Tenacious and Poised to Confront Health-Care Policy

Known by peers for her excellence and composure, Owais is leaving Amherst having integrated a solid sense of identity — from her long-time love of the health sciences and a newfound interest in economics, to her roots as a Pakistani immigrant.

Kelechi Eziri: A Devoted Teammate and Community-Builder

Anchored in the “familial” nature of the track and field team, Kelechi Eziri built power among student-athletes of color, linking his Black studies and psychology coursework with his leadership ethic.

Helen Feibes: A Colorful Practitioner of the Liberal Arts

Her radio show is called “And She Was,” but Helen Feibes is anything but a has-been. Finding joy in everything from neuroscience to creative writing, Feibes is the personification of the liberal-arts ideal.

Daksha Pathak: A Squash Star With an Eye for Architecture

Daksha Pathak ’23 brings an acute sense of intentionality to everything she does — from her play on the squash courts to her architecture thesis.

Maya Foster: Improving Institutions Through Care and Connection

Serving as the student representative to many of the college’s DEI efforts, Maya Foster’s personal “brightness” has perhaps improved as many lives as her work to institute protections against identity-based harm.

Aditi Nayak: Bridging the Gap Between Lab and World

Aditi Nayak combines a remarkable work ethic, an empathetic demeanor, and a mind for problem-solving in her efforts to bring scientific knowledge into the world at large.

Gabriel Echarte: Grounding Achievement in Joyful Community

After his pandemic gap year as an EMT, Gabriel Echarte desired a more grounded relationship with the campus. Finding a home at Humphries House, and now on his way to Truman and Fulbright scholarships, Echarte has worked to reconcile his excitement for impactful work with a need to be in community.

Sophie Kubik: Giving Voice to Their Philosophy

“Intrepid” and persistently thoughtful, Kubik not only excels in the philosophy classroom but has translated her moral convictions into practice.

Sika Essegbey: A Quiet but Powerful Voice

Understated by nature, Fulbright winner Sika Essegbey has nevertheless left an important mark in her time at Amherst — as a campus leader, a scholar, and a friend.

Ryan Kyle: A Judicious Journey Into Education

From research on capital punishment to her upcoming Fulbright to teach English in Uruguay, Ryan Kyle’s time at Amherst has been shaped by education, mentorship, and an effort to defend human dignity.

Sterling Kee: A Passion for People, Onstage and Off

Sterling Kee has blossomed at Amherst as both a dynamic performer and an attentive friend, well-known for his thoughtfulness and quiet power.

Cailin Plunkett: An Astronomical Researcher and Spirited Leader

Having translated her lifelong love for space into groundbreaking research on planetary formation, Cailin Plunkett exemplifies zealous dedication. Her passion has invigorated Amherst’s scientific community, and will carry over into an MIT doctorate.

Haoran Tong: Amherst’s Resident Polymath

Described by his thesis advisor as a “dodecahedron,” Haoran Tong is universally-known for his boundless intellectual energy, many creative pursuits, and the mentorship he provides to so many in the community.

Ellis Phillips-Gallucci: A Track Star and Philosopher Energizing Education

With a voracity for philosophical texts, and an excitement to share them with others, Ellis Phillips-Gallucci is poised to leap into a teaching fellowship on Capitol Hill.

Staff Spotlight: Bilal A. Muhammad ’99

Bilal A. Muhammad ’99 works in Frost Library as the evening circulation student supervisor and specialist. He spoke with The Student about his role at Amherst, his podcast, and returning to the Pioneer Valley.

Meet Jules: Trailblazer, Educator, and Val Worker

Contributing writer Jeanyna Garcia ’23 profiles a Val worker, documenting their life and challenges, and reflects upon her time in the Amherst Labor Alliance.

Fresh Faculty: Lara Halaoui

Lara Halaoui is a visiting professor of chemistry at Amherst College and a professor of chemistry at the American University of Beirut. She received a bachelor’s degree from the American University of Beirut and later attended Duke University for her Ph.D.