fellows
The Joyce Ivy Foundation Fellows are high school, college, and graduate school students who are passionate about making college more accessible to students from a variety of backgrounds. Many of the Fellows are alumnae of the Joyce Ivy Foundation Summer Scholars program who wish to pay it forward. They contribute to the Foundation by serving as mentors, planning committee members, project leaders, advisors, and innovators.
2017-2018 Fellows
Ashley Lane
Senior Fellow and Co-Director of Fellows Program
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ’15, Georgetown University ’20
Ashley Lane is a Summer Scholar alumna from Otsego, MI. During the summer of 2015, she attended the Brown University Leadership Institute, where she took a course in Leadership and Global Engagement. Participating in this summer program sparked her passion for social justice and international service, and encouraged her to apply to selective out of state colleges and universities. She is now a sophomore at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, majoring in Science, Technology, and International Affairs with a concentration in Security, and minoring in Persian. She also hopes to pursue a certificate in Religion, Ethics, and World Affairs. On campus, Ashley works at the Center for Social Justice, is a spring break trip leader with the Alternative Breaks Program, and mentors and serves on the board of Stride for College, a college mentoring organization.
Aditi Adhikari
Senior Fellow and Co-Director of Fellows Program
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘14, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ‘20
Aditi Adhikari is a second year Morehead Cain Scholar at UNC-Chapel Hill and a summer scholar alumna originally from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Thanks to the Joyce Ivy Foundation, she was able to delve deeper into her interest in neuroscience by attending a 3-week course on neurobiology at Brown University in 2014. In college, she is pursuing a double major in public policy (with a concentration in health policy) and neuroscience with a minor in chemistry. Outside of school, she works for the Community Empowerment Fund, is the president of the Neuroscience Club, and leads hiking trips throughout the year. After graduation, Aditi hopes to attend medical school.
AMBASSADOR TEAM
Haley Varnadoe
Ambassador Committee Co-Director
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘14, Centre College ‘19
After attending a summer program at Johns Hopkins, Haley went on to graduate from Marietta High School in Marietta, Ohio and enroll at Centre College where she studies economics and French. There, she is a member of the swim team, Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, and serves on the Student Athletic Advisory Council and the Title IX student advisory board. She hopes to go on to law school to pursue her dream of becoming the brunette Elle Woods.
Michelle Zabat
Ambassador Committee Co-Director
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar '13, Brown University ‘18
Michelle Zabat is a Summer Scholar alumna from Rochester Hills, Michigan. She attended Brown University's Leadership Institute in Science, Technology, and Society during the summer of 2013. After graduating from Stoney Creek High School in 2014, she joined Brown University’s Class of 2018. She is studying Health and Human Biology with a focus on Food Studies and is following a pre-medical track. Outside of the classroom, Michelle works in a microbiology lab on campus and teaches biology and organic chemistry as an undergraduate TA and a Dean of the College tutor. In her free time, Michelle serves as VP of the AMSA Pre-Medical Society, plays on the club volleyball team, and works for The Nitro Cart, a nitro cold brew start-up based in Providence.
Emma Brackman
Ambassador Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘17
Emma Brackman is a 2017 Summer Scholar alumna and a senior from Jackson, Ohio. At school, she is actively involved, serving as a senior band council historian, treasurer of Leo Club, and staffer for Model United Nations. She also participates in National Honor Society and her youth group, Shift. Emma is currently applying to college, where she plans to major in chemical engineering.
Amelia Cole
Ambassador Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar '17
Amelia Cole is a Summer Scholar alumna and a current senior at Marquette Senior High School in Marquette, Michigan. She attended Summer College at Cornell for three weeks and immersed herself in a course titled "Conservation Medicine: A Veterinary Perspective". The class focused on the ways human, animal, and environmental health are interconnected. Amelia hopes to study Biology and Ecology in college and then go on to Veterinary school. At home, Amelia is a member of NHS and Student Council, co-president of the Environmental Club, co-captain of the Varsity Alpine Ski Team and loves riding horses and spending time outdoors.
Mary Collins
Ambassador Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ’15 University of Pennsylvania ‘21
Mary Collins is a summer scholar alumna from Columbus, Ohio. She attended the Summer in the City program at Barnard College for four weeks, and took classes in psychology and visual arts. Mary is currently studying nursing at the University of Pennsylvania. She is involved in Penn’s Art Club, Community Champions (a service outreach organization), and the School of Nursing’s student government organization. Upon graduation, she hopes to go on to earn a Masters of Science in Nursing and become a Nurse Practitioner.
Abbee Elwell
Ambassador Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ’17
Abbee was the Mary Vandewiele Leadership Award recipient for 2017, which allowed her to attend the Harvard Pre-College Program. While at Harvard, Abbee took the class “Intro to American Law,” and now has decided law is in her future. Currently, she is taking college classes at Washtenaw Community College as a high school junior, and will graduate with a high school diploma from Washtenaw Technical Middle College and an Associate’s Degree in General Studies in Math and Science from WCC. Abbee is a Student Ambassador for WCC, a varsity player on Air Raid (an Ultimate Frisbee team), the Director of Team Operations for WTMC’s FIRST Robotics team, and involved in her church as well as various other organizations. When not downing a cup of coffee or scribbling yet another event in her planner, Abbee would be throwing a disc with a friend or reading about Margaret Thatcher. In the future, she plans to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Economics, and then attend the University of Michigan’s law school.
Tacy Greissinger
Ambassador Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar '15, University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Tacy Greissinger is a Joyce Ivy Foundation summer scholar alumna from Saint Joseph, Michigan. She attended a three week program at Brown University over the summer of 2015, studying journalism and communication. While thoroughly enjoying the program, it helped her decide that a stronger passion lay within the medical field and her ambitions of pursuing pediatrics were solidified. Currently at the University of Michigan, she's studying Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience with an International Studies discipline, along with being involved with the university's rowing team, March of Dimes club, and 24 Hour Dance Marathon.
Faith Harron
Ambassador Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘16, Stanford University ‘21
Faith Harron is a Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar from Bismarck, North Dakota. She attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Minority Introduction to Technology, Engineering and Science program (MITES). Harron is currently a freshman at Stanford University, studying Mechanical Engineering with minors in Creative Writing and Russian. At school, she is a member of the Marching Band, an intern for Elementary School Outreach with the Society of Women Engineers, and an editor for the Leland Quarterly literary magazine. Outside of classes, she loves writing, biking, and looking at the stars.
Emma Philip
Ambassador Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘16, New York University ‘21
Emma Philip is a Summer Scholar alumna who attended Barnard College's Summer In The City Program, where she studied Journalism and Politics in the Digital Age and Religions of New York. She is currently a freshman at New York University studying Public Policy. She is also a sister of Delta Gamma Fraternity.
Emily Polcyn
Ambassador Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘17
Emily Polcyn is a Summer Scholar alumna of 2017, having attended a two-week course called "Experimental Writing" at Summer@Brown. She is a junior at Jackson High School in Jackson, Ohio. In her school, she is an active member of the drama club, marching band, choir, and yearbook, as well as different community service clubs. After high school, she plans to pursue a career in writing and performance for musical theatre and to continue serving her community.
Kashfia Rahman
Ambassador Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘17
Kashfia Rahman is a Summer Scholar alumna from Brookings, South Dakota. She attended the Summer@Brown program, where she took a three-week course called "Neuroscience in Health and Disease." She is currently a senior at Brookings High School, where she is actively involved in Science Fair, Speech and Debate Club, and is president of HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America). In the future, Kashfia hopes to study psychology and public health.
Shelby Ripp
Ambassador Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘17
Shelby Ripp is currently a senior at Parkway Central High School in St. Louis, Missouri. As a 2017 Summer Scholar, she attended Harvard's Precollege program to study psychopharmacology which focused on drug action in the brain. She is in the process of applying to college and plans to study biology and Spanish. She is a competitive swimmer with hopes of continuing swimming in college. She is also working to implement a native plant garden at her school this year to spread her love of the environment.
Avani Samandur
Ambassador Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘17
Avani Samandur is a Summer Scholar alumna from West Bloomfield, Michigan. She is a senior at West Bloomfield High School and attended Summer@Brown for three weeks. At Brown, she took a course in Organic and Biochemistry. She is the co-president of her school’s Law and Politics Club, president of the Indian American Student Association, and involved with the Chemistry Club at her school. She serves as a volunteer with the Friendship Circle of Michigan and at Henry Ford Hospital. She likes to run, bake, and is a dancer in her free time!
Johanna Schubert
Ambassador Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘17
Johanna Schubert is a Summer Scholar alumna and junior at Lincoln High School in Lincoln, Nebraska, where she is enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Program. In the summer of ‘17, she attended the Harvard Pre-College Program and enrolled in an introductory philosophy course, meeting many diverse scholars from all over the globe and engaging in thought-provoking discourse for the duration of the two weeks. Johanna enjoys running cross country and track for her high school, and swimming for both her high school and club team. She is a three-sport state qualifier. Additionally, she is a member of the Lincoln Youth Symphony where she served as principal second and was a participant in the NMEA All-State orchestra in 2016. Johanna is interested in many subjects, but is highly considering pursuing a career in STEM.
Morgan Schultz
Ambassador Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘15 Cleveland State University ‘21
Morgan Schultz is a 2015 Summer Scholar from Cleveland, Ohio. She attended the summer program at Washington University in St. Louis and took two courses at WashU: Introduction to Problem-Based Learning in Biology and Improvisation for the Actor. Morgan is currently in her freshman year in the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Honors College at Cleveland State University. At Cleveland State, she is a Student Government Association Senator and a member of the 1964 Society, the university's alumni relations organization. Morgan is also a volunteer usher at Cleveland's Playhouse Square and a graduate of Lutheran West High School.
Autumn Shelton
Ambassador Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar '17
Autumn Shelton is a Summer Scholar alumna and currently a sophomore at Lamar High School in Missouri. During the summer of 2017, she attended Smith College's Young Women's Writing Workshop, exploring the craft of writing in many media. Autumn is a junior board member for her local community theatre, active in drama, speech, and debate, participates in archery, and is a varsity member of her school's academic team. Autumn plans to pursue a career in journalism/literature in the future.
Serena Touqan
Ambassador Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar '17
Serena Touqan is a Summer Scholar alumna and senior at Crestwood High School in Dearborn Heights, Michigan. During the summer of 2017, she attended Barnard College where she studied Religions of New York City and Race and Identity in Writing. She is a member of her school's Drama Club, National Honor Society, and many other clubs/organizations. Outside of school she volunteers as a tutor and at her local library. She is currently applying to college and plans to pursue a degree in Religious Studies in hopes of eventually earning her PhD.
Lucy Wickings
Ambassador Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘17
Using her JIF scholarship, Lucy attended Barnard College's four week Summer in the City program in the summer of 2017, where she took two classes, called American Political Communications and Memory, Identity, and Longing in World Literature. She is currently a senior at Port Huron High School in Michigan, and is the president and founder of the Mental Health Awareness club. Lucy is also the president of Student Council, a member of NHS, the Talented Tenth program, Key Club, and Mock Trial. She comes from a low income family of 7 children, and will be the first generation to attend college. Lucy is also in the running to be valedictorian for the 150th graduating class of her school, this spring. She hopes to attend law school someday and become an advocate for fellow low-income people of color either in criminal or immigration law.
Bailey Zywicki
Ambassador Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar '13, University of Michigan ‘19
Bailey Zywicki is a Summer Scholar alumna from Cedar Springs, Michigan. The scholarship Joyce Ivy provided allowed her to go to Brown University for a 3 week course on the intersection of philosophy and physics. That interest in critical thinking and science lead her to attend the University of Michigan, where she majors in Electrical Engineering with a minor in Intergroup Relations. Outside of the classroom, she serves as a resident advisor, and a research assistant in a high-energy density physics lab. For extracurricular activities, she is a member of Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, and member of the Wcoven wind Bluelab project team that designs and builds small scale wind turbines for local elementary schools in order to teach kids about renewable energy, engineering, and teamwork.
PHILANTHROPY TEAM
Sandra Dubaisi
Philanthropy Committee Co-Director
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘16, University of Michigan ‘21
Sandra Dubaisi is a summer scholar alumna from Dearborn Heights, Michigan, who attended a 2-week program at Yale University focused on Politics, Law, and Economics where she attended lectures given by renowned professors. Sandra is a 2017 graduate from Crestwood High School, and currently attends the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor where she plans to major in biomedical engineering. Sandra is a part of her university's Central Student Government, Motley Crew, and Timmy Global Health. Outside of school, Sandra loves to go on morning jogs, read, and have fun with her family and friends!
Kendall Plummer
Philanthropy Committee Co-Director
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ’13, University of Michigan ‘19
Kendall Plummer is a JIF Summer Scholar program alumna from Grand Blanc, Michigan. She spent the summer of 2013 at Brown University studying anatomy and physiology. Kendall graduated from Grand Blanc High School in 2015 and is currently a junior at the University of Michigan. She is pursuing a degree in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience. At Michigan, Kendall is a Student Ambassador, a volunteer for the Children’s Hospital, and a member of the professional fraternity Alpha Phi Omega. She has also spent time working in a research lab that studies the connection between the heart and the brain. Outside of the classroom, Kendall enjoys running, exploring Ann Arbor, and traveling. Kendall plans on pursuing a career in medicine.
Rubba Al-Kafaji
Philanthropy Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘17
Rubba Al-Kafaji is a Summer Scholar alumna from Dearborn Heights, Michigan. She was admitted into the Summer in the City program at Barnard College and spent her summer in New York engaging in research for her STEM class. As a junior at Crestwood High School, she is an active member in The National Honor Society, Student Congress, Link Crew, and Students Against Destructive Decisions. Rubba is also a two time Tennis medalist and received the Coach’s Choice Award. She also plays in Crestwood’s Varsity Golf Team and volunteers her time for her community. Rubba aspires to study in the medical field and feels her experience at Barnard has solidified the confidence in her abilities to become a physician.
Caroline Elliott
Philanthropy Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ’17
Caroline Elliott is a Joyce Ivy alumna and a junior at Kettering Fairmont High School. In the summer of 2017, she attended Johns Hopkins University, attending the Hopkins Discover program, studying psychological profiling. At school, she is an Officer for the Latin Club, Co-president of the Fairmont American Sign Language Club, and a member of the Cross Country team. Outside of school, she is a member of the Saint Albert Youth Ministry and enjoys dancing. After high school, she plans on pursuing her passion of math and science and entering the medical field.
Kate Frait
Philanthropy Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘17
Kate Frait is a Summer Scholar aluma from Milan, Michigan. She attended the Harvard Pre-college Program in Summer '17 where she took an Introduction to Quantum Physics course. Kate is a senior at Milan High School, and is involved in the theater program, robotics team, and National Honors Society. She is treasurer of Student Council, and the secretary of the Milan Mayor's Youth Council. She interned at Ford Motor Company in an emissions research lab summer '17, and intends to major in the STEM fields.
Katie Hancock
Philanthropy Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar '13, Brown University ‘19
Katie Hancock is a Summer Scholar alumna from Defiance, Ohio. In the summer of 2013, she attended Summer@Brown and participated in a number theory course. After that summer, and falling in love with Brown, Katie chose to attend Brown University after graduating high school in 2015. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Art in both Public Policy and Applied Mathematics and Economics. After graduation, she plans to attend graduate school to further her ability to pursue a job in political analysis. Outside of class, Katie is involved in Brown University Dems, NARAL Brown University, What's On Tap? (Brown's one and only tap dance group), and works as a research assistant within her department.
Mahwish Mallick
Philanthropy Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘17
Mahwish Mallick is a Summer Scholar alumna from Ann Arbor, Michigan. She attended the Discover Hopkins program at Johns Hopkins University in the summer of 2017 and took the Introduction to Lab Research Course. Mahwish is currently at Huron High School, and hopes to study Biology and Sociology in college.
Isabella Pearl
Philanthropy Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘17
Isabella Pearl is a Summer Scholar alumna from Grand Rapids, Michigan. She spent the summer of 2017 studying neuroscience at Harvard University’s Pre-College program. She is currently a senior at East Grand Rapids High School where she is an IB Diploma candidate. Isabella is involved in her school’s theater department directing and acting. She also is president of her high school’s Spanish Club, a member of her school’s community service club, and she volunteers at her church’s Sunday school every weekend. When she is not involved in an activity she can be found shopping, sleeping, or doodling. Isabella is in the midst of applying to college but no matter where she goes she plans to double major in Spanish and neuroscience and eventually go on to medical school so that she can become a pediatric neurologist.
Lily Smith
Philanthropy Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar '17
Lily Smith is from Ashland, Ohio and attended Brown University in Summer 2017. She took a course on Global Health with a focus on Anthropology for three weeks. At home, she is involved in her community’s IMPACT Youth Council, National Honor Society and Key Club, and volunteers at the local hospital. She is heavily involved in service and her summer experience reinforced that passion. In college, she hopes to major in Anthropology- inspired by her time at Brown- and minor in Spanish. From there she wants to go on to medical school and apply her degree in Anthropology to medicine and improving developing nations.
Der Vue
Philanthropy Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar '16
Der Vue is a senior at Humboldt High School and is currently aiming to get her Associates in Arts Degree at Saint Paul College through the Post Secondary Enrollment Options program. She spent 2 weeks at Harvard's Pre-College Program in the summer of 2016 where she took a Young Adult Literature class. With that in mind, she has high hopes in pursuing a college career in creative writing and in visual arts.
ALUMNAE RELATIONS TEAM
Abigail Waugh
Alumnae Relations Committee Co-Director
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ’15, Yale University ‘20
Abigail Waugh is a JIF Summer Scholar alumna from Jackson, Ohio. During the summer of 2015, she went to Brown University where she took a course called Laboratory Techniques in Biomedicine, which sparked her interest in biological and biochemical sciences and research. Here she also met some of her (current) best friends! She is now a sophomore at Yale University and is pursuing a degree in Neuroscience on a pre-medicine track. On campus, she works as a research assistant in the Social Robotics lab where socially interactive robots are used to explore cognitive development in people, along with other on-campus jobs and club soccer. Working for JIF with so many other powerful women inspired her passion for women’s leadership and the expansion of women’s college aspirations, especially for young women in the Midwest.
Alice Zhang
Alumnae Relations Committee Co-Director
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar '14, Georgia Institute of Technology '20
Alice Zhang is a Summer Scholar alumna from Cincinnati, Ohio who took a biomedical research class at Johns Hopkins in the summer of 2014. She is majoring in Electrical Engineering at Georgia Tech with hopes of applying engineering to advance healthcare or national defense upon graduation. On campus, she is a member of the Symphony Orchestra, Engineering World Health and Global Jackets. In her free time, she can be found eating and exploring her way through Atlanta with friends.
Alexis Cahill
Alumnae Relations Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ’15, University of Michigan ‘20
Alexis Cahill is a Summer Scholar program alumna hailing from Belding, Michigan. Thanks to the Joyce Ivy Foundation, she had the honor of taking part in the Summer Scholars Program at Washington University in St. Louis in 2015. She is a second year student at the University of Michigan pursuing a double major in communications and international studies with a minor in Spanish. While she is home, she enjoys working in the local children’s museum. Alexis is on her residence hall council and a part of the Residential College Mentorship Among Peers program where she is a mentor to first year students. As a recipient of the Alvin M. and Arvella D. Bentley Scholar, she is also an active member of the student organization Appreciate + Reciprocate which is a community of scholarship recipients who are dedicated to community service and fundraising for a scholarship fund for students in need. Alexis also takes part in the university's Cosmetology Club. Alexis enjoys all things beauty, DIY, fashion, food, and animal related. She hopes to pursue a career in human resources or public relations.
Sarah Craig
Alumnae Relations Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar '17
Sarah Craig is a summer scholar alumna and senior at Wayne Memorial High School. She attended the Brown Leadership Institute, where she took a class in Leadership and Social Justice. In school, she is drum major of the marching band, executive president of Student Senate, and a member of executive board of National Honor Society. She is currently applying to college, where she hopes to pursue a major that will allow her to actively engage in social justice as a part of her career. She is grateful for the opportunities that JIF provides for young women, and is excited to continue working with the foundation.
Tayebah Chowdhury
Alumnae Relations Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘17
Tayebah Chowdhury is a Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar alumna from Detroit, Michigan. She attended the Yale Young Global Scholars program to study Applied Science and Engineering. This 2-week intensive program ignited the fire in her heart to study bio-psychology, cognition, and neuroscience after a seminar called "Split Brain". In her high school, she is an active member in NHS, American Red Cross, UNICEF, Key Club, and FIRST Robotics. In her freshman year, she initiated the multi-cultural event that now takes place annually. Her career aspirations consist of becoming a pediatrician, while being part of a non-profit organization that assists and supports underrepresented children trying to get an education.
Lucy Cordes
Alumnae Relations Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘15, Wellesley College ‘21
Lucy Cordes is a Summer Scholar alumna from Omaha, Nebraska. During the summer of 2015, she studied public speaking for two weeks at Brown University where she gained confidence - as a speaker, and to attend college out of state! Lucy is currently a first-year at Wellesley College where she is involved in choir, house council, and recently auditioned for Wellesley On Tap, a tap dance group on campus. She has not settled on a major, but is interested in math and Spanish. When not studying, Lucy can be found attending random lectures on campus, playing piano, and journaling.
Abtisam Hassan
Alumnae Relations Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘17
Abtisam Hassan is a summer scholar alumna from Dearborn Heights, Michigan. She attended a 4 week program at Barnard College taking a STEM and architecture course. These courses have visibly impacted Abtisam on what career she will pursue in the future. Although undecided, she hopes one day to pursue a job that provides her with opportunities that benefit and better the general public. Abtisam is Vice President of SADD and Communications Director of Student Congress. She is an active member in NHS and link crew as well. Also, Abtisam is independently taking Business 101 at Wayne State University and is involved in an annual business program at U of M Ann Arbor. She plans to follow her dreams by attending any university/college in New York City.
Ashley Mathews
Alumnae Relations Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘17
Ashley Mathews is a Summer Scholar from Ohio who got the amazing opportunity to study at Barnard University in New York City in the summer of 2017. After high school, she plans to get her Environmental Science degree to possibly save the rain forest or stop the icebergs from melting. Ashley decided this was her destiny after sprinting towards a napkin on the grass because it would have added to the already piling landfills. Her various accomplishments include being a section leader for the trumpets, treasurer of National Honors Society and co-president of the Rotary Interact Club. Ashley is extremely excited to be a Joyce Ivy Fellow because she is passionate about the empowerment of women.
Julia Siegle
Alumnae Relations Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘16, University of Michigan ‘21
Julia Siegle is a 2016 Summer Scholar alumna from Shelby Twp., MI, and a freshman at the University of Michigan. She attended Summer@Brown for two weeks, and took an amazing course titled "The U.S. in World Politics." While at Brown, she made some incredible friends whom she still talks to everyday. At the University of Michigan, Julia is involved in Central Student Government, College Democrats, the WOLVTV network, German Club, and a congressional research project. She hopes to major in public policy and minor in German.
COMMUNICATIONS TEAM
Jessica Chan
Communications Committee Co-Director
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘12, Kent State University ‘15, Northeast Ohio Medical University ‘21
Jessica Chan is a 2012 JIF scholar from Cincinnati, Ohio, an alumna of Covington Latin School (2013) and of Kent State University (2015), a medical student at the Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), and a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Out of high school, she entered an accelerated combined BS/MD program - she finished her Bachelor of Science in the Integrated Life Sciences in two years, then took a year off during which she studied theology and philosophy at the International Theological Institute close to Vienna, Austria, traveled, and walked the Camino de Santiago. As she continues upon the journey of learning to care for human life, she is fairly undecided as to what area of medicine she will pursue. She is constantly in awe of the human body; loves being in a state of meandering elicited by travel with little structure, conversation with strangers, and hours spent in nature; and enjoys attempting to establish the elusive perfect, delicate ratio of coffee and reading.
Katelyn Tayler
Communications Committee Co-Director
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘15, Bowling Green State University ‘21
Katelyn Tayler is a Summer Scholar alumna from Monroe, Michigan. In the summer of 2015, she attended Smith College’s two-week Young Women’s Writing Workshop. In 2017, Katelyn graduated from Monroe High School. She is currently a freshman in Bowling Green State University’s Honors College where she is studying Theatre with a specialization in Design and Technical Theatre and Creative Writing. At BGSU, she is currently writing for the Odyssey and is involved with the Honors Learning Community. Outside of her studies and extracurriculars, Katelyn enjoys reading, writing, poetry, and spending time with her friends and family.
Jaynab Akhtar
Communications Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘17
As a junior in high school, Jaynab became a Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar in 2017. Her intended destination was the Summer@Brown program at Brown University, but she ended up taking an online neuroscience course with Brown, which she found very fulfilling. Currently a senior at Hamtramck High school, Jaynab is the President of her school's NHS chapter, and in the middle of the college application process. Jaynab wishes to become a doctor and be able to make a difference in people's lives, though she is content with going in any direction life decides to take her. She is also almost always discovering things about herself, and occasionally writes short stories and poetry for entertainment.
Megan Briggs
Communications Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘16
Megan Briggs is a Summer Scholar alumna and senior at Mason County Central High School in Scottville, MI. The 2016 recipient of the Alumnae Scholarship, she attended the High School Summer Scholars program at Washington University in St. Louis, and studied in both a biology and a biomedical ethics course. She plans on going into biomedical engineering. At her school Megan is Student Council President, National Honor Society Vice President, and a member of Students Against Destructive Decisions. Outside of school she has a part-time job at her local library and is a member of Breakwall Arts, a group of young people working to provide artistic outlets for all members of the community. When not doing extracurriculars she can be found lost in a good book or in the midst of a painting.
Allison Dang
Communications Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘16
Allison Dang is a Summer Scholar alumna from Columbus, Ohio, and in the summer of 2016, she attended Washington University in St. Louis's summer program. She is a senior at the Metro Early College High School and takes classes at The Ohio State University full-time. Allison is also the founder and president of her school's Mock Trial, the president of Science Olympiad, a participant and assistant Mock Trial coach in the Law and Leadership Institute, a writer for her school's newspaper, a volunteer for the Asian Health Initiative, and more. When she is not volunteering, participating in clubs, or doing school-work, she can be found drawing, reading, enjoying movies, or playing video games on her laptop. In the future, she hopes to major in a biological science with a minor in legal studies.
Aria Falcone
Communications Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘17
Aria Falcone is a Summer Scholar alumna from Ann Arbor, Michigan. She attended Yale University's Young Global Scholars program, where she studied Sustainable Development and Social Entrepreneurship. She is a current senior at Washtenaw International High School in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and is in the midst of her college search. Aria is passionate about the arts, especially music, and performs in three choral groups, as well as solo. She is the president of her school's chapter of the National Honor Society, and is the president and founder of Ethics Bowl. When she isn't singing or studying, Aria enjoys writing, reading, and going for long walks with her dog. She is interested in environmental studies, public policy, and philosophy. Whatever her future may be, Aria knows that Joyce Ivy has given her the tools to dream big.
Caroline Rueter
Communications Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘17
Caroline Rueter is a Summer Scholar alumna and a junior at Mount Notre Dame High School (MND) in Cincinnati, Ohio. She attended the Harvard Pre-College Program in 2017, where she took a course entitled, "Speaking With Power, Passion, and Purpose". Caroline is the editor-in-chief of the school yearbook and the assistant editor of the school newspaper. She is also a member of the MND Youth Philanthropy Council Executive Board, the MND Model UN Executive Board, the MND Advancement Team, National Honor Society, the MND Billiart Scholar Program, and she is a makeup designer in the MND Theatre program. When not at school or participating in extracurricular activities, Caroline can usually be found working as a rides operator at a local amusement park, which she loves. Caroline has not applied to any colleges yet, but she plans to focus on studying psychology, pre-law, and biochemistry at Harvard University, so that she can one day become a behavioral analyst for the FBI or a leadership analyst for the CIA.
Brette Stockmaster
Communications Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘15 Haverford College ‘20
Brette Stockmaster is a summer scholar alumna form Attica, Ohio. She attended the Summer@Brown program and studied in a biochemistry lab when she was there. She made two of her best friends on the trip: Abby Waugh, Yale '20, her JIF "buddy;" and Lindsay Young, Johns Hopkins '20. She now attends Haverford College and takes additional coursework at the Wharton School and Bryn Mawr College. She is majoring in International Studies with minors in Economics and Italian Studies. She is planning on studying abroad in Milan, Italy next year. Outside of her coursework, she is interning at a marketing firm during the fall semester and is aiming to work in financial services during the summer. She grew up on a beef cattle farm and now lives in Philadelphia. She is excited to use JIF as a platform to share her experiences with cultivating her academic purpose and maximizing her educational resources with fellow Midwest women.
Eleni Wohl
Communications Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘17
Eleni is a Summer ‘17 Scholar who attended Brown University’s Environmental leadership lab, otherwise known as BELL: Rhode Island. Eleni is currently choosing where she plans on applying for college, aiming for Dartmouth, Cornell, or the University of Michigan. She plans to either study environmental studies or astronomy-centered sciences. She is in the National Honors Society, and is the President of the up and coming “Women In Training” club, known as “W.I.T.” She likes to play instruments like the cello and the ukulele in her free time (among others), and enjoys horseback riding and soccer.
2017-2018 Fellows
Ashley Lane
Senior Fellow and Co-Director of Fellows Program
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ’15, Georgetown University ’20
Ashley Lane is a Summer Scholar alumna from Otsego, MI. During the summer of 2015, she attended the Brown University Leadership Institute, where she took a course in Leadership and Global Engagement. Participating in this summer program sparked her passion for social justice and international service, and encouraged her to apply to selective out of state colleges and universities. She is now a sophomore at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, majoring in Science, Technology, and International Affairs with a concentration in Security, and minoring in Persian. She also hopes to pursue a certificate in Religion, Ethics, and World Affairs. On campus, Ashley works at the Center for Social Justice, is a spring break trip leader with the Alternative Breaks Program, and mentors and serves on the board of Stride for College, a college mentoring organization.
Aditi Adhikari
Senior Fellow and Co-Director of Fellows Program
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘14, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ‘20
Aditi Adhikari is a second year Morehead Cain Scholar at UNC-Chapel Hill and a summer scholar alumna originally from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Thanks to the Joyce Ivy Foundation, she was able to delve deeper into her interest in neuroscience by attending a 3-week course on neurobiology at Brown University in 2014. In college, she is pursuing a double major in public policy (with a concentration in health policy) and neuroscience with a minor in chemistry. Outside of school, she works for the Community Empowerment Fund, is the president of the Neuroscience Club, and leads hiking trips throughout the year. After graduation, Aditi hopes to attend medical school.
AMBASSADOR TEAM
Haley Varnadoe
Ambassador Committee Co-Director
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘14, Centre College ‘19
After attending a summer program at Johns Hopkins, Haley went on to graduate from Marietta High School in Marietta, Ohio and enroll at Centre College where she studies economics and French. There, she is a member of the swim team, Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, and serves on the Student Athletic Advisory Council and the Title IX student advisory board. She hopes to go on to law school to pursue her dream of becoming the brunette Elle Woods.
Michelle Zabat
Ambassador Committee Co-Director
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar '13, Brown University ‘18
Michelle Zabat is a Summer Scholar alumna from Rochester Hills, Michigan. She attended Brown University's Leadership Institute in Science, Technology, and Society during the summer of 2013. After graduating from Stoney Creek High School in 2014, she joined Brown University’s Class of 2018. She is studying Health and Human Biology with a focus on Food Studies and is following a pre-medical track. Outside of the classroom, Michelle works in a microbiology lab on campus and teaches biology and organic chemistry as an undergraduate TA and a Dean of the College tutor. In her free time, Michelle serves as VP of the AMSA Pre-Medical Society, plays on the club volleyball team, and works for The Nitro Cart, a nitro cold brew start-up based in Providence.
Emma Brackman
Ambassador Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘17
Emma Brackman is a 2017 Summer Scholar alumna and a senior from Jackson, Ohio. At school, she is actively involved, serving as a senior band council historian, treasurer of Leo Club, and staffer for Model United Nations. She also participates in National Honor Society and her youth group, Shift. Emma is currently applying to college, where she plans to major in chemical engineering.
Amelia Cole
Ambassador Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar '17
Amelia Cole is a Summer Scholar alumna and a current senior at Marquette Senior High School in Marquette, Michigan. She attended Summer College at Cornell for three weeks and immersed herself in a course titled "Conservation Medicine: A Veterinary Perspective". The class focused on the ways human, animal, and environmental health are interconnected. Amelia hopes to study Biology and Ecology in college and then go on to Veterinary school. At home, Amelia is a member of NHS and Student Council, co-president of the Environmental Club, co-captain of the Varsity Alpine Ski Team and loves riding horses and spending time outdoors.
Mary Collins
Ambassador Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ’15 University of Pennsylvania ‘21
Mary Collins is a summer scholar alumna from Columbus, Ohio. She attended the Summer in the City program at Barnard College for four weeks, and took classes in psychology and visual arts. Mary is currently studying nursing at the University of Pennsylvania. She is involved in Penn’s Art Club, Community Champions (a service outreach organization), and the School of Nursing’s student government organization. Upon graduation, she hopes to go on to earn a Masters of Science in Nursing and become a Nurse Practitioner.
Abbee Elwell
Ambassador Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ’17
Abbee was the Mary Vandewiele Leadership Award recipient for 2017, which allowed her to attend the Harvard Pre-College Program. While at Harvard, Abbee took the class “Intro to American Law,” and now has decided law is in her future. Currently, she is taking college classes at Washtenaw Community College as a high school junior, and will graduate with a high school diploma from Washtenaw Technical Middle College and an Associate’s Degree in General Studies in Math and Science from WCC. Abbee is a Student Ambassador for WCC, a varsity player on Air Raid (an Ultimate Frisbee team), the Director of Team Operations for WTMC’s FIRST Robotics team, and involved in her church as well as various other organizations. When not downing a cup of coffee or scribbling yet another event in her planner, Abbee would be throwing a disc with a friend or reading about Margaret Thatcher. In the future, she plans to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Economics, and then attend the University of Michigan’s law school.
Tacy Greissinger
Ambassador Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar '15, University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Tacy Greissinger is a Joyce Ivy Foundation summer scholar alumna from Saint Joseph, Michigan. She attended a three week program at Brown University over the summer of 2015, studying journalism and communication. While thoroughly enjoying the program, it helped her decide that a stronger passion lay within the medical field and her ambitions of pursuing pediatrics were solidified. Currently at the University of Michigan, she's studying Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience with an International Studies discipline, along with being involved with the university's rowing team, March of Dimes club, and 24 Hour Dance Marathon.
Faith Harron
Ambassador Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘16, Stanford University ‘21
Faith Harron is a Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar from Bismarck, North Dakota. She attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Minority Introduction to Technology, Engineering and Science program (MITES). Harron is currently a freshman at Stanford University, studying Mechanical Engineering with minors in Creative Writing and Russian. At school, she is a member of the Marching Band, an intern for Elementary School Outreach with the Society of Women Engineers, and an editor for the Leland Quarterly literary magazine. Outside of classes, she loves writing, biking, and looking at the stars.
Emma Philip
Ambassador Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘16, New York University ‘21
Emma Philip is a Summer Scholar alumna who attended Barnard College's Summer In The City Program, where she studied Journalism and Politics in the Digital Age and Religions of New York. She is currently a freshman at New York University studying Public Policy. She is also a sister of Delta Gamma Fraternity.
Emily Polcyn
Ambassador Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘17
Emily Polcyn is a Summer Scholar alumna of 2017, having attended a two-week course called "Experimental Writing" at Summer@Brown. She is a junior at Jackson High School in Jackson, Ohio. In her school, she is an active member of the drama club, marching band, choir, and yearbook, as well as different community service clubs. After high school, she plans to pursue a career in writing and performance for musical theatre and to continue serving her community.
Kashfia Rahman
Ambassador Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘17
Kashfia Rahman is a Summer Scholar alumna from Brookings, South Dakota. She attended the Summer@Brown program, where she took a three-week course called "Neuroscience in Health and Disease." She is currently a senior at Brookings High School, where she is actively involved in Science Fair, Speech and Debate Club, and is president of HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America). In the future, Kashfia hopes to study psychology and public health.
Shelby Ripp
Ambassador Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘17
Shelby Ripp is currently a senior at Parkway Central High School in St. Louis, Missouri. As a 2017 Summer Scholar, she attended Harvard's Precollege program to study psychopharmacology which focused on drug action in the brain. She is in the process of applying to college and plans to study biology and Spanish. She is a competitive swimmer with hopes of continuing swimming in college. She is also working to implement a native plant garden at her school this year to spread her love of the environment.
Avani Samandur
Ambassador Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘17
Avani Samandur is a Summer Scholar alumna from West Bloomfield, Michigan. She is a senior at West Bloomfield High School and attended Summer@Brown for three weeks. At Brown, she took a course in Organic and Biochemistry. She is the co-president of her school’s Law and Politics Club, president of the Indian American Student Association, and involved with the Chemistry Club at her school. She serves as a volunteer with the Friendship Circle of Michigan and at Henry Ford Hospital. She likes to run, bake, and is a dancer in her free time!
Johanna Schubert
Ambassador Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘17
Johanna Schubert is a Summer Scholar alumna and junior at Lincoln High School in Lincoln, Nebraska, where she is enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Program. In the summer of ‘17, she attended the Harvard Pre-College Program and enrolled in an introductory philosophy course, meeting many diverse scholars from all over the globe and engaging in thought-provoking discourse for the duration of the two weeks. Johanna enjoys running cross country and track for her high school, and swimming for both her high school and club team. She is a three-sport state qualifier. Additionally, she is a member of the Lincoln Youth Symphony where she served as principal second and was a participant in the NMEA All-State orchestra in 2016. Johanna is interested in many subjects, but is highly considering pursuing a career in STEM.
Morgan Schultz
Ambassador Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘15 Cleveland State University ‘21
Morgan Schultz is a 2015 Summer Scholar from Cleveland, Ohio. She attended the summer program at Washington University in St. Louis and took two courses at WashU: Introduction to Problem-Based Learning in Biology and Improvisation for the Actor. Morgan is currently in her freshman year in the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Honors College at Cleveland State University. At Cleveland State, she is a Student Government Association Senator and a member of the 1964 Society, the university's alumni relations organization. Morgan is also a volunteer usher at Cleveland's Playhouse Square and a graduate of Lutheran West High School.
Autumn Shelton
Ambassador Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar '17
Autumn Shelton is a Summer Scholar alumna and currently a sophomore at Lamar High School in Missouri. During the summer of 2017, she attended Smith College's Young Women's Writing Workshop, exploring the craft of writing in many media. Autumn is a junior board member for her local community theatre, active in drama, speech, and debate, participates in archery, and is a varsity member of her school's academic team. Autumn plans to pursue a career in journalism/literature in the future.
Serena Touqan
Ambassador Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar '17
Serena Touqan is a Summer Scholar alumna and senior at Crestwood High School in Dearborn Heights, Michigan. During the summer of 2017, she attended Barnard College where she studied Religions of New York City and Race and Identity in Writing. She is a member of her school's Drama Club, National Honor Society, and many other clubs/organizations. Outside of school she volunteers as a tutor and at her local library. She is currently applying to college and plans to pursue a degree in Religious Studies in hopes of eventually earning her PhD.
Lucy Wickings
Ambassador Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘17
Using her JIF scholarship, Lucy attended Barnard College's four week Summer in the City program in the summer of 2017, where she took two classes, called American Political Communications and Memory, Identity, and Longing in World Literature. She is currently a senior at Port Huron High School in Michigan, and is the president and founder of the Mental Health Awareness club. Lucy is also the president of Student Council, a member of NHS, the Talented Tenth program, Key Club, and Mock Trial. She comes from a low income family of 7 children, and will be the first generation to attend college. Lucy is also in the running to be valedictorian for the 150th graduating class of her school, this spring. She hopes to attend law school someday and become an advocate for fellow low-income people of color either in criminal or immigration law.
Bailey Zywicki
Ambassador Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar '13, University of Michigan ‘19
Bailey Zywicki is a Summer Scholar alumna from Cedar Springs, Michigan. The scholarship Joyce Ivy provided allowed her to go to Brown University for a 3 week course on the intersection of philosophy and physics. That interest in critical thinking and science lead her to attend the University of Michigan, where she majors in Electrical Engineering with a minor in Intergroup Relations. Outside of the classroom, she serves as a resident advisor, and a research assistant in a high-energy density physics lab. For extracurricular activities, she is a member of Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, and member of the Wcoven wind Bluelab project team that designs and builds small scale wind turbines for local elementary schools in order to teach kids about renewable energy, engineering, and teamwork.
PHILANTHROPY TEAM
Sandra Dubaisi
Philanthropy Committee Co-Director
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘16, University of Michigan ‘21
Sandra Dubaisi is a summer scholar alumna from Dearborn Heights, Michigan, who attended a 2-week program at Yale University focused on Politics, Law, and Economics where she attended lectures given by renowned professors. Sandra is a 2017 graduate from Crestwood High School, and currently attends the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor where she plans to major in biomedical engineering. Sandra is a part of her university's Central Student Government, Motley Crew, and Timmy Global Health. Outside of school, Sandra loves to go on morning jogs, read, and have fun with her family and friends!
Kendall Plummer
Philanthropy Committee Co-Director
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ’13, University of Michigan ‘19
Kendall Plummer is a JIF Summer Scholar program alumna from Grand Blanc, Michigan. She spent the summer of 2013 at Brown University studying anatomy and physiology. Kendall graduated from Grand Blanc High School in 2015 and is currently a junior at the University of Michigan. She is pursuing a degree in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience. At Michigan, Kendall is a Student Ambassador, a volunteer for the Children’s Hospital, and a member of the professional fraternity Alpha Phi Omega. She has also spent time working in a research lab that studies the connection between the heart and the brain. Outside of the classroom, Kendall enjoys running, exploring Ann Arbor, and traveling. Kendall plans on pursuing a career in medicine.
Rubba Al-Kafaji
Philanthropy Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘17
Rubba Al-Kafaji is a Summer Scholar alumna from Dearborn Heights, Michigan. She was admitted into the Summer in the City program at Barnard College and spent her summer in New York engaging in research for her STEM class. As a junior at Crestwood High School, she is an active member in The National Honor Society, Student Congress, Link Crew, and Students Against Destructive Decisions. Rubba is also a two time Tennis medalist and received the Coach’s Choice Award. She also plays in Crestwood’s Varsity Golf Team and volunteers her time for her community. Rubba aspires to study in the medical field and feels her experience at Barnard has solidified the confidence in her abilities to become a physician.
Caroline Elliott
Philanthropy Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ’17
Caroline Elliott is a Joyce Ivy alumna and a junior at Kettering Fairmont High School. In the summer of 2017, she attended Johns Hopkins University, attending the Hopkins Discover program, studying psychological profiling. At school, she is an Officer for the Latin Club, Co-president of the Fairmont American Sign Language Club, and a member of the Cross Country team. Outside of school, she is a member of the Saint Albert Youth Ministry and enjoys dancing. After high school, she plans on pursuing her passion of math and science and entering the medical field.
Kate Frait
Philanthropy Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘17
Kate Frait is a Summer Scholar aluma from Milan, Michigan. She attended the Harvard Pre-college Program in Summer '17 where she took an Introduction to Quantum Physics course. Kate is a senior at Milan High School, and is involved in the theater program, robotics team, and National Honors Society. She is treasurer of Student Council, and the secretary of the Milan Mayor's Youth Council. She interned at Ford Motor Company in an emissions research lab summer '17, and intends to major in the STEM fields.
Katie Hancock
Philanthropy Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar '13, Brown University ‘19
Katie Hancock is a Summer Scholar alumna from Defiance, Ohio. In the summer of 2013, she attended Summer@Brown and participated in a number theory course. After that summer, and falling in love with Brown, Katie chose to attend Brown University after graduating high school in 2015. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Art in both Public Policy and Applied Mathematics and Economics. After graduation, she plans to attend graduate school to further her ability to pursue a job in political analysis. Outside of class, Katie is involved in Brown University Dems, NARAL Brown University, What's On Tap? (Brown's one and only tap dance group), and works as a research assistant within her department.
Mahwish Mallick
Philanthropy Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘17
Mahwish Mallick is a Summer Scholar alumna from Ann Arbor, Michigan. She attended the Discover Hopkins program at Johns Hopkins University in the summer of 2017 and took the Introduction to Lab Research Course. Mahwish is currently at Huron High School, and hopes to study Biology and Sociology in college.
Isabella Pearl
Philanthropy Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘17
Isabella Pearl is a Summer Scholar alumna from Grand Rapids, Michigan. She spent the summer of 2017 studying neuroscience at Harvard University’s Pre-College program. She is currently a senior at East Grand Rapids High School where she is an IB Diploma candidate. Isabella is involved in her school’s theater department directing and acting. She also is president of her high school’s Spanish Club, a member of her school’s community service club, and she volunteers at her church’s Sunday school every weekend. When she is not involved in an activity she can be found shopping, sleeping, or doodling. Isabella is in the midst of applying to college but no matter where she goes she plans to double major in Spanish and neuroscience and eventually go on to medical school so that she can become a pediatric neurologist.
Lily Smith
Philanthropy Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar '17
Lily Smith is from Ashland, Ohio and attended Brown University in Summer 2017. She took a course on Global Health with a focus on Anthropology for three weeks. At home, she is involved in her community’s IMPACT Youth Council, National Honor Society and Key Club, and volunteers at the local hospital. She is heavily involved in service and her summer experience reinforced that passion. In college, she hopes to major in Anthropology- inspired by her time at Brown- and minor in Spanish. From there she wants to go on to medical school and apply her degree in Anthropology to medicine and improving developing nations.
Der Vue
Philanthropy Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar '16
Der Vue is a senior at Humboldt High School and is currently aiming to get her Associates in Arts Degree at Saint Paul College through the Post Secondary Enrollment Options program. She spent 2 weeks at Harvard's Pre-College Program in the summer of 2016 where she took a Young Adult Literature class. With that in mind, she has high hopes in pursuing a college career in creative writing and in visual arts.
ALUMNAE RELATIONS TEAM
Abigail Waugh
Alumnae Relations Committee Co-Director
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ’15, Yale University ‘20
Abigail Waugh is a JIF Summer Scholar alumna from Jackson, Ohio. During the summer of 2015, she went to Brown University where she took a course called Laboratory Techniques in Biomedicine, which sparked her interest in biological and biochemical sciences and research. Here she also met some of her (current) best friends! She is now a sophomore at Yale University and is pursuing a degree in Neuroscience on a pre-medicine track. On campus, she works as a research assistant in the Social Robotics lab where socially interactive robots are used to explore cognitive development in people, along with other on-campus jobs and club soccer. Working for JIF with so many other powerful women inspired her passion for women’s leadership and the expansion of women’s college aspirations, especially for young women in the Midwest.
Alice Zhang
Alumnae Relations Committee Co-Director
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar '14, Georgia Institute of Technology '20
Alice Zhang is a Summer Scholar alumna from Cincinnati, Ohio who took a biomedical research class at Johns Hopkins in the summer of 2014. She is majoring in Electrical Engineering at Georgia Tech with hopes of applying engineering to advance healthcare or national defense upon graduation. On campus, she is a member of the Symphony Orchestra, Engineering World Health and Global Jackets. In her free time, she can be found eating and exploring her way through Atlanta with friends.
Alexis Cahill
Alumnae Relations Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ’15, University of Michigan ‘20
Alexis Cahill is a Summer Scholar program alumna hailing from Belding, Michigan. Thanks to the Joyce Ivy Foundation, she had the honor of taking part in the Summer Scholars Program at Washington University in St. Louis in 2015. She is a second year student at the University of Michigan pursuing a double major in communications and international studies with a minor in Spanish. While she is home, she enjoys working in the local children’s museum. Alexis is on her residence hall council and a part of the Residential College Mentorship Among Peers program where she is a mentor to first year students. As a recipient of the Alvin M. and Arvella D. Bentley Scholar, she is also an active member of the student organization Appreciate + Reciprocate which is a community of scholarship recipients who are dedicated to community service and fundraising for a scholarship fund for students in need. Alexis also takes part in the university's Cosmetology Club. Alexis enjoys all things beauty, DIY, fashion, food, and animal related. She hopes to pursue a career in human resources or public relations.
Sarah Craig
Alumnae Relations Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar '17
Sarah Craig is a summer scholar alumna and senior at Wayne Memorial High School. She attended the Brown Leadership Institute, where she took a class in Leadership and Social Justice. In school, she is drum major of the marching band, executive president of Student Senate, and a member of executive board of National Honor Society. She is currently applying to college, where she hopes to pursue a major that will allow her to actively engage in social justice as a part of her career. She is grateful for the opportunities that JIF provides for young women, and is excited to continue working with the foundation.
Tayebah Chowdhury
Alumnae Relations Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘17
Tayebah Chowdhury is a Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar alumna from Detroit, Michigan. She attended the Yale Young Global Scholars program to study Applied Science and Engineering. This 2-week intensive program ignited the fire in her heart to study bio-psychology, cognition, and neuroscience after a seminar called "Split Brain". In her high school, she is an active member in NHS, American Red Cross, UNICEF, Key Club, and FIRST Robotics. In her freshman year, she initiated the multi-cultural event that now takes place annually. Her career aspirations consist of becoming a pediatrician, while being part of a non-profit organization that assists and supports underrepresented children trying to get an education.
Lucy Cordes
Alumnae Relations Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘15, Wellesley College ‘21
Lucy Cordes is a Summer Scholar alumna from Omaha, Nebraska. During the summer of 2015, she studied public speaking for two weeks at Brown University where she gained confidence - as a speaker, and to attend college out of state! Lucy is currently a first-year at Wellesley College where she is involved in choir, house council, and recently auditioned for Wellesley On Tap, a tap dance group on campus. She has not settled on a major, but is interested in math and Spanish. When not studying, Lucy can be found attending random lectures on campus, playing piano, and journaling.
Abtisam Hassan
Alumnae Relations Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘17
Abtisam Hassan is a summer scholar alumna from Dearborn Heights, Michigan. She attended a 4 week program at Barnard College taking a STEM and architecture course. These courses have visibly impacted Abtisam on what career she will pursue in the future. Although undecided, she hopes one day to pursue a job that provides her with opportunities that benefit and better the general public. Abtisam is Vice President of SADD and Communications Director of Student Congress. She is an active member in NHS and link crew as well. Also, Abtisam is independently taking Business 101 at Wayne State University and is involved in an annual business program at U of M Ann Arbor. She plans to follow her dreams by attending any university/college in New York City.
Ashley Mathews
Alumnae Relations Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘17
Ashley Mathews is a Summer Scholar from Ohio who got the amazing opportunity to study at Barnard University in New York City in the summer of 2017. After high school, she plans to get her Environmental Science degree to possibly save the rain forest or stop the icebergs from melting. Ashley decided this was her destiny after sprinting towards a napkin on the grass because it would have added to the already piling landfills. Her various accomplishments include being a section leader for the trumpets, treasurer of National Honors Society and co-president of the Rotary Interact Club. Ashley is extremely excited to be a Joyce Ivy Fellow because she is passionate about the empowerment of women.
Julia Siegle
Alumnae Relations Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘16, University of Michigan ‘21
Julia Siegle is a 2016 Summer Scholar alumna from Shelby Twp., MI, and a freshman at the University of Michigan. She attended Summer@Brown for two weeks, and took an amazing course titled "The U.S. in World Politics." While at Brown, she made some incredible friends whom she still talks to everyday. At the University of Michigan, Julia is involved in Central Student Government, College Democrats, the WOLVTV network, German Club, and a congressional research project. She hopes to major in public policy and minor in German.
COMMUNICATIONS TEAM
Jessica Chan
Communications Committee Co-Director
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘12, Kent State University ‘15, Northeast Ohio Medical University ‘21
Jessica Chan is a 2012 JIF scholar from Cincinnati, Ohio, an alumna of Covington Latin School (2013) and of Kent State University (2015), a medical student at the Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), and a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Out of high school, she entered an accelerated combined BS/MD program - she finished her Bachelor of Science in the Integrated Life Sciences in two years, then took a year off during which she studied theology and philosophy at the International Theological Institute close to Vienna, Austria, traveled, and walked the Camino de Santiago. As she continues upon the journey of learning to care for human life, she is fairly undecided as to what area of medicine she will pursue. She is constantly in awe of the human body; loves being in a state of meandering elicited by travel with little structure, conversation with strangers, and hours spent in nature; and enjoys attempting to establish the elusive perfect, delicate ratio of coffee and reading.
Katelyn Tayler
Communications Committee Co-Director
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘15, Bowling Green State University ‘21
Katelyn Tayler is a Summer Scholar alumna from Monroe, Michigan. In the summer of 2015, she attended Smith College’s two-week Young Women’s Writing Workshop. In 2017, Katelyn graduated from Monroe High School. She is currently a freshman in Bowling Green State University’s Honors College where she is studying Theatre with a specialization in Design and Technical Theatre and Creative Writing. At BGSU, she is currently writing for the Odyssey and is involved with the Honors Learning Community. Outside of her studies and extracurriculars, Katelyn enjoys reading, writing, poetry, and spending time with her friends and family.
Jaynab Akhtar
Communications Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘17
As a junior in high school, Jaynab became a Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar in 2017. Her intended destination was the Summer@Brown program at Brown University, but she ended up taking an online neuroscience course with Brown, which she found very fulfilling. Currently a senior at Hamtramck High school, Jaynab is the President of her school's NHS chapter, and in the middle of the college application process. Jaynab wishes to become a doctor and be able to make a difference in people's lives, though she is content with going in any direction life decides to take her. She is also almost always discovering things about herself, and occasionally writes short stories and poetry for entertainment.
Megan Briggs
Communications Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘16
Megan Briggs is a Summer Scholar alumna and senior at Mason County Central High School in Scottville, MI. The 2016 recipient of the Alumnae Scholarship, she attended the High School Summer Scholars program at Washington University in St. Louis, and studied in both a biology and a biomedical ethics course. She plans on going into biomedical engineering. At her school Megan is Student Council President, National Honor Society Vice President, and a member of Students Against Destructive Decisions. Outside of school she has a part-time job at her local library and is a member of Breakwall Arts, a group of young people working to provide artistic outlets for all members of the community. When not doing extracurriculars she can be found lost in a good book or in the midst of a painting.
Allison Dang
Communications Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘16
Allison Dang is a Summer Scholar alumna from Columbus, Ohio, and in the summer of 2016, she attended Washington University in St. Louis's summer program. She is a senior at the Metro Early College High School and takes classes at The Ohio State University full-time. Allison is also the founder and president of her school's Mock Trial, the president of Science Olympiad, a participant and assistant Mock Trial coach in the Law and Leadership Institute, a writer for her school's newspaper, a volunteer for the Asian Health Initiative, and more. When she is not volunteering, participating in clubs, or doing school-work, she can be found drawing, reading, enjoying movies, or playing video games on her laptop. In the future, she hopes to major in a biological science with a minor in legal studies.
Aria Falcone
Communications Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘17
Aria Falcone is a Summer Scholar alumna from Ann Arbor, Michigan. She attended Yale University's Young Global Scholars program, where she studied Sustainable Development and Social Entrepreneurship. She is a current senior at Washtenaw International High School in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and is in the midst of her college search. Aria is passionate about the arts, especially music, and performs in three choral groups, as well as solo. She is the president of her school's chapter of the National Honor Society, and is the president and founder of Ethics Bowl. When she isn't singing or studying, Aria enjoys writing, reading, and going for long walks with her dog. She is interested in environmental studies, public policy, and philosophy. Whatever her future may be, Aria knows that Joyce Ivy has given her the tools to dream big.
Caroline Rueter
Communications Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘17
Caroline Rueter is a Summer Scholar alumna and a junior at Mount Notre Dame High School (MND) in Cincinnati, Ohio. She attended the Harvard Pre-College Program in 2017, where she took a course entitled, "Speaking With Power, Passion, and Purpose". Caroline is the editor-in-chief of the school yearbook and the assistant editor of the school newspaper. She is also a member of the MND Youth Philanthropy Council Executive Board, the MND Model UN Executive Board, the MND Advancement Team, National Honor Society, the MND Billiart Scholar Program, and she is a makeup designer in the MND Theatre program. When not at school or participating in extracurricular activities, Caroline can usually be found working as a rides operator at a local amusement park, which she loves. Caroline has not applied to any colleges yet, but she plans to focus on studying psychology, pre-law, and biochemistry at Harvard University, so that she can one day become a behavioral analyst for the FBI or a leadership analyst for the CIA.
Brette Stockmaster
Communications Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘15 Haverford College ‘20
Brette Stockmaster is a summer scholar alumna form Attica, Ohio. She attended the Summer@Brown program and studied in a biochemistry lab when she was there. She made two of her best friends on the trip: Abby Waugh, Yale '20, her JIF "buddy;" and Lindsay Young, Johns Hopkins '20. She now attends Haverford College and takes additional coursework at the Wharton School and Bryn Mawr College. She is majoring in International Studies with minors in Economics and Italian Studies. She is planning on studying abroad in Milan, Italy next year. Outside of her coursework, she is interning at a marketing firm during the fall semester and is aiming to work in financial services during the summer. She grew up on a beef cattle farm and now lives in Philadelphia. She is excited to use JIF as a platform to share her experiences with cultivating her academic purpose and maximizing her educational resources with fellow Midwest women.
Eleni Wohl
Communications Committee
Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar ‘17
Eleni is a Summer ‘17 Scholar who attended Brown University’s Environmental leadership lab, otherwise known as BELL: Rhode Island. Eleni is currently choosing where she plans on applying for college, aiming for Dartmouth, Cornell, or the University of Michigan. She plans to either study environmental studies or astronomy-centered sciences. She is in the National Honors Society, and is the President of the up and coming “Women In Training” club, known as “W.I.T.” She likes to play instruments like the cello and the ukulele in her free time (among others), and enjoys horseback riding and soccer.