Student Stories

At Bucknell, you'll be surrounded by amazing, talented, creative people who share your curiosity and desire to make a positive difference in the world. Get to know some of them.

Two researchers wearing chest waders stand in a shallow waterway, one holding a sample bottle and the other checking a handheld device.

Finding Her Place at Bucknell Through Research: Shelby Kaminsky '29

An engineering merit scholarship brought Shelby Kaminsky '29, an environmental engineering major, to Bucknell, where hands-on research helped her find mentors, community and a path toward her future.

Kaleb Eger sits on a teal chair and smiles.

Finding Opportunity Close to Home: Kaleb Eger '29

With scholarship support and mentorship, Milton, Pa., native and first-generation student Kaleb Eger '29 is exploring his interests at Bucknell.

Gianna Sangillo wears a white shirt in front of a green background

The Business of Better Care: Gianna Sangillo '29

A summer research experience showed Gianna Sangillo '29, accounting, how she could pursue her dual passions in business and healthcare.

Ava Sklar smiles beside a monitor displaying clothing listings on her Bucknell Refit website.

From Closet Cleanout to Campus Startup: Ava Sklar '28

Psychology major Ava Sklar '28 created Bucknell Refit, an online platform that helps students exchange secondhand clothes while reducing waste and connecting with one another.

Abbott Spiller smiles; a tree and green grass are visible behind him.

Where Engineering Meets Adventure: Abbott Spiller '28

Abbott Spiller '28 has found ways to bring together his interests in engineering, business and the outdoors through hands-on projects, an internship in Ireland and his involvement with Bucknell’s Outdoor Education & Leadership program.

Michael Evanick stands outdoors on campus and smiles; green grass and trees are behind him.

A Blueprint for Discovery: Michael Evanick '28

Civil engineering major Michael Evanick '28 is building toward a career in structural engineering through close faculty mentorship, hands-on research and industry experience.

Momo Peters wears a white T-shirt and jeans with a backpack slung over his left shoulder as he smiles and walks on campus with pink cherry blossoms behind him.

From Lewisburg to Tokyo: Momo Peters '27

A study abroad experience in Japan broadened psychology major Momo Peters '27's worldview, strengthened his language skills and inspired him to pursue more international opportunities.

Margo Bigue smiles on campus with bright yellow foliage and a Lewisburg lightpost behind her.

Studying What Makes Communities Thrive: Margo Bigue '29

International relations major Margo Bigue '29 is combining her interests in community impact, business and international relations through a research project exploring how social enterprises in the Susquehanna River Valley balance financial sustainability with positive social change.

Caleb Warren smiles as he holds a small container of movie theatre popcorn; the marquee of the Campus Theatre is behind him.

Building an Audience, Becoming Part of a Community: Caleb Warren '29

History major Caleb Warren '29 has revitalized the Campus Theatre’s social media presence, using digital storytelling to expand the historic venue’s audience and strengthen its connection to the Lewisburg community.

Angel Eunisse Yanga wears a black short-sleeved shirt and smiles in a room where there are potted plants in the background.

Unlocking the Secrets of Bat Immunity: Angel Eunisse Yanga '28

While working in Uganda with Bucknell's bat immunology research team, biology major Angel Eunisse Yanga '28 drew on her engineering background to contribute in the field and discovered a deeper sense of belonging in science.

My Ly wears a white lab coat, safety goggles and green gloves while holding lab equipment in a lab setting.

From Transfer Student to Award-winning Researcher: My Ly '27

First-generation student My Ly '27 transferred to Bucknell, where she advocates for underrepresented students while earning recognition for her research on more sustainable lithium-ion battery recycling.

A Bucknell student wearing a green shirt stands outside on a sunny day with trees and a walking path in the background.

Many Interests, One Connected Experience: Shaheryar Asghar '28

Shaheryar Asghar '28, a double-major in psychology and economics from Lahore, Pakistan, is working across disciplines to custom build an education that will prepare him for a variety of careers.

Sophia Bardunias sits on a blue couch in Holmes Hall with a laptop on her lap.

On Course for a Career in Finance: Sophia Bardunias '28

California native and business analytics major Sophia Bardunias '28 sought out Bucknell for its Division I athletics and hands-on academic opportunities.

Priyanka Poplai '29 wears a blue lab coat, blue gloves, and safety goggles as she works in a lab space.

At Home in the Lab: Priyanka Poplai '29

Cell biology/biochemistry major Priyanka Poplai '29 began her Bucknell journey early by joining the STEM Scholars Program, gaining hands-on research experience in a chemical engineering lab over the summer, which helped her build skills and friendships that eased her transition to college life.

Richard Chi stands in a makerspace and smiles while wearing glasses and a navy hoodie.

Making Connections in the Maker-E: Richard Chi '29

Electrical engineering major Richard Chi '29 built early momentum at Bucknell through the EXCELerator program, hands-on work in Maker-E and the creation of a new Lion Dance Team.

Laura Posh wears a black shirt and white pants and stands with her arms across her torso and smiles; yellow and teal chairs are in the room in the background.

Blending Art and Strategy: Laura Posh '27

Through Bucknell's markets, innovation & design major, Laura Posh '27 is shaping a path that blends creativity and business strategy toward a future career in athletic brand marketing.

Quincy Saadeh sits on a chair with a table between her and another student.

Connecting Literature and Learning: Quincy Saadeh '27

As a double-major in early childhood education and English — literary studies, Quincy Saadeh ’27 deepens her love of literature while nourishing her creative spark.

Monwabisi Qeki sits in a chair in a lab setting and smiles as he adjusts a microcope.

Connecting Neuroscience and Health Equity: Monwabisi Qeki '28

At Bucknell, neuroscience major Monwabisi Qeki '28 is combining research, community engagement and global advocacy to advance youth empowerment and equitable healthcare.

Rayna Tyler '27 wears headphones and sits at a table with a microphone and computer screen while speaking to a guest, who has his back to the camera.

A Future at the Intersection of Law and Tech: Rayna Tyler '27

With her eyes on law school, Rayna Tyler '27 is pursuing dual degrees in political science and computer science to develop an interdisciplinary understanding of the intersection between politics and technology.

Hannah Kosko wears gloves as she holds a print in the Samek Art Museum.

Hannah Kosko '27, Art History and English — Literary Studies

To prepare for a career in art restoration, Hannah Kosko ’27 is building an interdisciplinary foundation in art history, English and chemistry at Bucknell.