Class of 2029

Kate Arbour photoKate Arbour is from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and is double-majoring in Biological Sciences and Mechanical Engineering, with a Biomedical specialization, following the Pre-Health track. She chose SMU for its wonderful research opportunities and small class sizes. Kate graduated as Salutatorian from St. Joseph’s Academy with honors, earning the Seal of Biliteracy and recognition as a President’s Scholar and AP Scholar with distinction. She conducted research at Louisiana State University, held the position of treasurer of the Key Club, was a student ambassador, and was an active member of several school clubs. In her free time, Kate enjoys Pilates, baking, traveling, and watching Grey’s Anatomy.
Hudson CaswellHudson Caswell is from Frisco, TX, where he graduated from Legacy Christian Academy. He served as the president of his school’s National Honor Society and played piano in his school and church’s worship teams. Hudson is an AP scholar, a Provost scholar, and a Pre-Law scholar. He is majoring in Economics while pursuing a minor in Law and Legal Reasoning, with hopes of pursuing a career in law. His favorite movies are No Country for Old Men and La La Land. He is a passionate Cowboys, Mavericks, and Rangers fan and is excited to add the Mustangs to this list!
Sarah ChaffinSarah Chaffin is from San Diego, California, and is pursuing majors in Psychology and Biology on the Pre-Health track. She decided to attend SMU because of the inspiring people she met on campus and the incredible academic opportunities. In high school, Sarah was a competitive dancer, a member of the Student Council, and volunteered for several service-learning groups. Academic recognitions include the AP Scholar Award, AP Scholar with Distinction Award, and membership in the National World Language Honors Society. In her free time, Sarah enjoys being at the beach, drawing, and listening to Thee Sacred Souls.
Trent CherryTrent Cherry is from Frisco, Texas, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude and in the Top Ten from Prestonwood Christian Academy. At SMU, he's double majoring in Chemistry and Physics with a concentration in Astrophysics on the Pre-Health track. Trent chose SMU for its research opportunities, welcoming community, and beautiful campus. In high school, he stayed busy with NHS, STEM Honors, cross country, tennis, and Future Doctors of America. Trent also spent five years on the Technology Team at Prestonwood Baptist Church, attended the Texas Boys State education program, and shadowed a general surgeon. Outside of academics, Trent loves running, working out, building computers, gaming, playing the ukulele, and traveling. He’s also a big fan of Dune, The Lord of the Rings, and movies like Interstellar, Blade Runner 2049, and Oppenheimer.
Tanvi DesaiTanvi Desai is from Frisco, Texas, and is studying Biology with minors in Psychology and Business. Her career goal is to be an Obstetrician-Gynecologist, and she knows SMU will help her achieve this goal! She enjoys hands-on activities, so she has learned to do her own nails and received her EMT certification last spring. Outside of school, she loves playing tennis, crocheting, hiking, is a big animal lover, and has a golden doodle of her own named Junior.
 
Lena DoanLena Doan comes to the Hilltop from Plano, Texas, where she graduated from Plano East Senior High with an IB Diploma. Inspired by SMU’s multidisciplinary and STEM programs, she is studying Biological Sciences on a Pre-Health track, aligning with her interests in healthcare, research, and ethics. In high school, Lena promoted awareness for international humanitarian law as an American Red Cross advocate and a co-founder of her Red Cross Club. She was also the girls’ cross-country captain and continues her love for running through half-marathon training. Lena looks forward to becoming involved in the Dedman College Scholars community and supporting Mustang Football.
Isha GoelIsha Goel is from Frisco, Texas, and is a graduate of Centennial High School. At SMU, she's studying Biochemistry with a minor in Spanish on the Pre-Health track. During high school, she was heavily involved with the choir and sang in the top All-Region choir ensembles. She also participated in the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society. In her free time, Isha loves to travel, collect trinkets, listen to music, learn new languages, and play video games.
Ava HallAva Hall is from Colleyville, Texas, and is a graduate of Colleyville Heritage High School, where she graduated in the top 10 percent of her class and served as the Senior Lieutenant of the drill team. At SMU, Ava is pursuing a Political Science major with an interest in Law. She chose SMU for many reasons, but one of my main deciding factors was the location, and she loves that Dallas allows her to begin forming connections. In her free time, Ava enjoys going to the gym, shopping, hanging out with friends, and going on drives. She has many favorite movies and shows, but a few are Titanic, After, Gossip Girl, Vampire Diaries, and Bridgerton.
Sterling HayesSterling Hayes graduated Summa Cum Laude from Southlake Carroll High School in Texas. She is studying Biophysical Sciences and Pre-Health. Sterling chose SMU for its Dallas connections, challenging academics, and tight-knit community. Sterling was a four-year Varsity Emerald Belles dance team member, where she served as Treasurer and a guest performer for the NFL and NBA. She also served as NHS Parliamentarian, Editor, and VP2 of Key Club, and School Ambassador. She won multiple academic honors through Carroll Medical Academy, as well as two Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Awards for her work with a medical respite camp. In her free time, Sterling enjoys traveling, music, fashion, and time with loved ones. Her favorite movies include Legally Blonde and Schindler’s List.
Virginia MaddenVirginia Madden comes to SMU from Atlanta, Georgia, where she graduated from The Lovett School. She plans to major in Psychology, a field that captured her interest in high school as she learned how the brain shapes behavior, health, and relationships. Virginia hopes to one day provide guidance and support to those struggling with their mental well-being. She chose SMU because of the way the campus immediately inspired her—she saw a place that would challenge her, provide resources for success, and allow her to thrive. At Lovett, Virginia served as Vice President of Student Government, a four-year Principal’s List honoree, and a member of the National Honor Society. With a passion for leadership, she co-founded her school’s Meals on Wheels Club, organizing creative outreach projects to brighten the days of Atlanta seniors, and served as a Girl Talk Leader. She was a letter winner in cross country, track, basketball, cheer, and lacrosse, and served as captain of the track team during her senior year. In her free time, Virginia enjoys baking, delighting friends and family with homemade treats. Her favorite book is Fish in a Tree, which continues to inspire her to embrace her strengths and value growth over perfection.
Armeen Mann photoArmeen Mann is from Houston, TX, but was raised in Dallas. She plans to major in Biological Sciences and Health and Society on the Pre-Health track at SMU. One of her most impactful experiences was working with the World Health Organization to promote their GenNext program in Indian schools. She visited schools across the region, advocating for the program and working to convince administrators to implement it to raise awareness about global health and youth engagement. She also wrote for her blog, where she published health and wellness articles aimed at encouraging healthier lifestyles. In high school, Armeen was an AP Scholar with Distinction, sang in the choir, and was a part of the varsity cheer team. She chose SMU for its small class sizes and strong sense of community. Armeen is excited to be back in Dallas and meet new people at SMU!
Alex McKinlay photoAlexandra McKinlay was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawai’i, and graduated from ʻIolani School, where she was consistently honored on the Headmaster’s List throughout her high school career. She was an active member of the National Latin Honor Society and received the Daniel P. Coon Latin Award. Alexandra served as a Senior Prefect and chaired the school fair. She also competed in varsity water polo, swimming, and bowling. Alexandra played bass in the ʻIolani Orchestra, which advanced to the National Orchestra Cup finals. At SMU, Alexandra plans to major in Biological Sciences and looks forward to studying abroad. She was drawn to SMU for its welcoming community, academic flexibility, and beautiful campus. In her free time, Alexandra enjoys hiking, spending time at the beach, socializing with family and friends, and caring for her Australian labradoodle, Apollo. Her favorite movie is Jurassic Park.
Maryam MohmandMaryam Mohmand is from Plano, TX, where she ranked third in her high school graduating class. She chose SMU for its class sizes, mentorship opportunities, and incredible campus. She intends to major in Earth Sciences and is a Provost Scholar, Discovery Scholar, and part of the University Honors Program. A native Pashto speaker, Maryam also speaks Arabic and Urdu at the intermediate level. Maryam enjoys volunteering, working out, traveling, thrifting, kickboxing, playing piano, and crocheting. She also loves music by Hozier, Bowie, Saint Levant, Queen, Big Thief, Peach Pit, and Elyanna, and enjoys movies like Coraline, Interstellar, and The Breakfast Club.
Lillian O'Shaughnessy Lillian O’Shaughnessy, from Solana Beach, CA, graduated from Cathedral Catholic High School and is excited to study Biological Sciences and Psychology at SMU on the Pre-Med track. She was drawn to SMU for its opportunities to grow both academically and personally. During high school, Lillian held leadership positions in several honor societies, was a speaker and committee member for TEDxCathedralCatholicHS, mentored students in special education, and was on the varsity swim team. She also completed an 8-week-long internship in Dr. Kay Tye’s Systems Neurobiology Lab at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. Lillian’s honors include the Bishop Leo T. Maher Outstanding Student Award, CCHS Don of Distinction in Science, Dedicated Don, and AP Scholar with Distinction. Lillian enjoys volunteering, reading the Bible, and dancing.
Connor ReedConnor Reed is from Dallas, Texas, where he graduated from Lake Highlands High School as valedictorian, a National Merit Scholar, and an AP Scholar with Distinction. He was the team captain of the Academic Decathlon team, Trumpet Section Leader in the Wildcat Band, a member of his church choir, and a member of the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra. He chose to attend SMU to study Mathematics and Economics because of the community, opportunities, and connections SMU provides. He loves to spend his free time hanging out with friends, working out, playing video games, and reading, particularly science fiction and fantasy. His current favorite book series is The Stormlight Archive.
Elle Riggs photoElle Riggs is from Park City, Utah, where she graduated from Park City High School with high honors. She was awarded the AP Scholar with Distinction recognition for two consecutive years, earned the Utah State Seal of Biliteracy, and obtained her Certified Nursing Assistant license. In high school, Elle was involved in the National Honor Society and Health Occupations Students of America, volunteered at Park City Hospital and Mountain Life Church, and danced competitively with Summit Dance Project. At SMU, Elle plans to double major in Political Science and International Studies with a minor in French, while participating in the University Honors and Pre-Law Scholars Programs. She chose SMU for its outstanding academics, welcoming community, and the unique professional opportunities available in Dallas. In her free time, Elle enjoys skiing, Pilates, reading, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
Elizabeth RipsElizabeth Rips is from Frisco, TX, where she graduated from Frisco High School with an International Baccalaureate Diploma. At SMU, she will study Economics with Finance Applications on the Pre-Law track, focusing on politics and international relations. Elizabeth chose SMU for its strong student-faculty connections. In high school, she initiated a hygiene drive for the homeless, wrote research papers, was a member of the Business Professional Association, and tutored ESL students. In her free time, she enjoys baking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Some of her favorite books are The Da Vinci Code and Rage of Angels.
Valeria Rodriguez RamirezValeria Rodríguez Ramírez is from San Pedro Sula, Honduras, and plans to double major in Psychology and Business. She chose SMU for its strong academics, vibrant student life, and supportive alumni network. “They really invested in me, and that made me feel like they wanted me there,” she says. Valeria graduated as her high school’s Valedictorian and was deeply involved in clubs, charities, and leadership roles. She served as the National Honor Society’s Scholarship Chair and founded Feeding Minds, a Global Issues Network chapter focused on local nutrition education. In her free time, she enjoys being with family and friends, exercising, watching movies and shows, and reading—some of her favorite books include Crónica de una muerte anunciada by Gabriel García Márquez and The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini.
Rayyan ShahidRayyan Shahid is a Plano native and graduate of Plano East Senior High School. He plans to double major in Psychology and Biology and chose SMU for its smaller classes, research opportunities, and close-knit community. His honors include AP Scholar with Distinction, Academic All-State: Elite Team, Freshman of the Year, and the USTA Sportsmanship Award. Rayyan served as varsity tennis captain for two years, served on his student-athlete leadership team, and in the National Honor Society. Beyond school, he directs charity tennis events, represents the Adidas team, and volunteers in local clinics. In his free time, he loves the outdoors and will never turn down good food.  
Dallas HallShraddha Siddhartha graduated from Centennial High School in Frisco, Texas. She chose SMU after seeing the close-knit community and its focus on interdisciplinary studies, and intends to pursue the Pre-Health track, studying Biochemistry and Health and Society. In high school, Shraddha was the president of her school’s debate organization, while simultaneously competing and receiving a semi-finalist award in Texas. She also gave back to her community as the executive service chair of her school’s National Honor Society. Through her creative side, Shraddha played cello in her school’s orchestra, and recently completed her Bharatanatyam dance debut, being honored as her teacher’s 100th performance. In her free time, Shraddha loves watching romcoms, La La Land being her favorite. She also enjoys crocheting, watching football, and reading.  
Luke SommersLuke Sommers comes to SMU from Park City, Utah, where he graduated with honors from Park City High School. Throughout high school, Luke was a member of the National Honor Society, earned the title of an AP Scholar with Distinction, served as the Vice President of the local chapter of the Lions Heart Service Organization, played varsity football, as well as participated in track and field programs. Luke chose to attend SMU due to its vibrant campus location in the heart of Dallas and connections associated with its location, the small class sizes, and the specialized programming it offered him. Luke is double-majoring in Political Science and Economics, and he hopes to attend the Dedman School of Law, just like his father. Luke is an avid skier, a sports enthusiast, and enjoys travel, playing golf, and spending time with friends.
Claire StarkeClaire Starke comes to SMU from Richmond, Virginia, after graduating from Trinity Episcopal School with an International Baccalaureate diploma. In high school, she was involved with the varsity swim team, the school’s a cappella group, and the IB Art program. After interning with and learning from Dr. B Frank Gupton with the Medicines for All Institute at VCU College of Engineering, she plans to major in Biological Sciences on a Pre-health track with a minor in Art History. Claire chose SMU for its location and weather, its recent designation as an R1 research institution, its opportunities with CRISPR, and its academic and extracurricular opportunities. Claire’s favorites include Pride and Prejudice, New Girl, and Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, along with traveling and attending concerts.
Malia TiantawachMalia Tiantawach comes to SMU from Austin, Texas. During her time in high school, she served as Parliamentarian for her school's National Honor Society. Moreover, she was the Founder and later President of the LT Interact Club, a philanthropic organization that aimed to foster leadership in students through mentorship and service. Most notably, she assisted in facilitating volunteers for Rotary’s Adoption Awareness event, which has successfully matched over 50 children with foster parents. She is an AP Scholar with distinction and is majoring in Political Science on the Pre-Law track. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and spending time with friends and family. Malia has dreamed of attending SMU since her first visit in 2022 and is ecstatic to be a Mustang.
Abby WaughAbby Waugh, a Dallas native, graduated from Highland Park High School and is excited to pursue a major in English. She is a National Merit Commended Scholar, an AP Scholar With Distinction, and a proud member of the National Honor Society and the National English Honors Society. Abby participated in theatre throughout high school and received an award for Excellence in Costume Design at the 2024 International Thespians Festival. In her free time, Abby likes to listen to music and work on her many unfinished art projects. Some of her favorite books are Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and Jane Austen’s Emma.
Marissa WedgeMarissa Wedge is from Boise, Idaho, and graduated from Owyhee High School. She intends to major in History and Spanish on the Pre-law track. Marissa chose SMU because of its tight-knit community and big school spirit. Throughout high school, Marissa was Captain of the Congressional Debate team, a member of Owyhee’s varsity golf team, a Committee Chair for Art Club, and a member of the Advanced Acting department. As Debate Captain, Marissa qualified and led her team to the State Finals and National Tournament. During her academic career, Marissa was recognized as an AP Scholar, tutored kids in English, and helped establish her school’s writing center. Marissa loves historical fiction and Ruta Sepetys’ novels The Fountains of Silence and I Must Betray You.
Emmy WilsonEmersyn Wilson was born in Mobile, Alabama, and raised in DeSoto, Texas. Emersyn chose to attend SMU because of the amazing community and networking opportunities. She plans to graduate with a Bachelor of English and a minor in Public Policy. Emersyn graduated from Dallas College in 2025 with a 4.0, where she was a member of the Dallas College Honors Program, Phi Theta Kappa, and Mu Alpha Theta. She has been working as a tutor since 2021. In her free time, she enjoys watching anime and playing video games.