Cohort V

Hello, I’m Ibrahim Bah. I’m from DeKalb, Illinois, and I graduated from the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) in Aurora, Illinois. I am majoring in Physics with a minor in Electrical Engineering, and I plan to pursue a career in academia researching nuclear fusion or superconductors.

Outside of academics, I enjoy doing research. In the past, I have worked on quantum projects, biomedical engineering research at NIU, and physics research at Argonne National Laboratory. In my free time, I play volleyball, compete in Super Smash Bros. tournaments, give impromptu speeches, practice photography and editing in Lightroom, play pickup soccer, cook, dance, and I am currently learning piano.

Allen is a member of the UIC Honors College pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy Degree (PharmD). An alumnus of Chicago’s Walter Payton College Prep, he has been recognized with multiple academic distinctions, including but not limited to: AP Scholar with Distinction, Illinois State Scholar, and National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalist. Beyond the classroom, Allen served as Varsity Football Captain, leader of both the Fitness and Recycling Club, and an active member of the Black Student Union. Upon matriculation, he seeks to apply his academic foundation and interpersonal skills to the practice of pharmacy whilst examining the legislative, ethical, and corporate challenges that define the pharmaceutical industry.

Tehtina Tsedeke is from Evanston, IL, and attended Evanston Township High School. She is a Pre-Pharmacy student who has been accepted into the GPPA program and will receive her PharmD degree in six years. Her high school achievements include the President’s Education Awards Program, AVID Student of the Year, and the African American Youth Achievement Award. Tehtina has also accumulated several hours of clinical experience at UI Health Hospital, rotating in departments such as pediatrics, radiology, and outpatient surgery. She aspires to be an oncology pharmacist and work with cancer patients.

Faheem Muhammad is from Chicago, IL, and graduated from Muhammad University of Islam. He is now pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Illinois Chicago, where he is involved in the CHANCE Program and the African American Academic Network (AAAN).

Hello, my name is Jaimar Thompson. I am from the South Side of Chicago, IL, and I attended Simeon High School. My major is Electrical Engineering. My main interest is cutting hair, and I am a licensed barber. I also love trying new things. I was a part of the National Honor Society during high school. My future plan is to earn my bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and work at ComEd with that degree.

Kylan Germany is from Chicago, IL, and attended Hyde Park Academy, where he was involved in JROTC. He later transferred to and graduated from Gwendolyn Brooks College Prep. He is now majoring in Computer Engineering with the goal of working in the aviation industry to develop more sustainable innovations.

Jakira Parker is a Computer Science major from Augusta, Georgia, and a graduate of John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School. She has a strong interest in reading and music, and her academic achievements include competing with her school’s Academic Decathlon team at the national level, where she earned a silver medal in the Interview event in 2025. Jakira aspires to pursue a career in software engineering or web development.

Audrey M. Davis is an alumna of Thornwood High School and an undergraduate student at the University of Illinois Chicago, majoring in Biochemistry and minoring in Fine Arts. Following graduation, Audrey aspires to attend medical school and become an anesthesiologist.

During her time at Thornwood High School, Audrey demonstrated remarkable involvement in various extracurricular activities that reflected her leadership skills and personal interests. Some of her most notable activities included the District 205 Student Board of Education, National Honor Society (NHS), Mathletes, Peer-to-Peer Counseling, and girls’ cross-country.

As Audrey developed as a student, she made it a priority to serve her community. This was evident in her efforts to organize events and programs such as Hands Across Harvey for students in her district, where she served as secretary and vice president of the Student Board of Education. She also volunteered as project manager in NHS, leading a community service project for a local business in South Holland. In addition, Audrey has made significant artistic contributions to her community, including collaborating with the Commissioner of Dolton, Illinois, to create boards of affirmations that beautified an abandoned building in Harvey—one that children pass daily on their way to school—and working with Chicago artist Rodger J. Carter to create a mural representing racial healing for her school.

Outside of academics, Audrey enjoys creating artistic projects using a variety of mediums, including acrylic paint, oil paint, and digital art, and she shares her work on social media. She also enjoys running and has actively volunteered for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon every year since her freshman year of high school.

My name is Shariya Sanders, and I am from Calumet City/Lansing, Illinois. I graduated from Thornton Fractional North High School. While in high school, I maintained a GPA of 3.8 or higher, which I consider one of my greatest achievements. My hobbies include video gaming, journaling, listening to music, and coloring. I am majoring in Biochemistry on a pre-med track. My future plans are to attend medical school and become a nurse anesthetist.

My name is Jayden Finley. I graduated from Homewood-Flossmoor High School, where I served as Head of Sales for the HF Auto Club, breaking the record by raising $1,000 in a single night. At UIC, I am majoring in Electrical Engineering and am part of the Honors College. I have a strong background in technology and enjoy helping people in any way I can.

Djamila Njikam is from the Chicago suburbs and graduated from the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA). In high school, she was a Student Ambassador, Co-President of MSA, Co-Culture Director of BSU, a Girls IN2 STEM Mentor, and a Student Activist. She is currently Engineering Undeclared but hopes to transfer into Computer Science. In her free time, she enjoys reading and watching shows.

Monajah Ewuosho is a Biology major on the Pre-Medicine track. She has been accepted into the GPPA program and is on track to earn her MD in seven to eight years. She graduated from Carl Sandburg High School in Orland Park, IL, where she participated in four sports, five national honor societies, and several leadership committees.

Some of Monajah’s achievements include being named an AP Scholar of Distinction, Illinois State Scholar, and recipient of the National African American Recognition Award, the Cook County Service Award (300+ hours), and the Spanish Seal of Biliteracy, among others.

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Arel Wiggins is from Glenwood, Illinois, and graduated from Homewood-Flossmoor High School. Throughout high school, he participated in Mock Trial, Youth and Government, Robotics, and other activities. He plans to complete the Neuroscience track at UIC during his four years as an undergraduate and intends to pursue graduate school afterward.

Blake McClarin grew up in Chicago and attended Oak Park and River Forest High School. He is currently an Environmental Science major. In his free time, Blake enjoys spending time with friends, listening to music, and drawing. During high school, he received an award for distinguished achievement in AP Language and Literature, as well as multiple honors including placement on the Dean’s List and Honor Roll.

Fatima Rahman is from the Chicago suburbs and graduated from Bloom High School. While in high school, she was involved in extracurricular activities including Varsity Tennis, National Honor Society, Crochet Club, and Key Club, and she actively volunteered at the Bloom Township Center’s Food Pantry. Fatima is described as a hard worker who strives for excellence. She has always been passionate about science and healthcare, which led her to explore different opportunities such as attending medical conferences and participating in STEM programs.

At UIC, Fatima is majoring in Biology on the Pre-Medicine track. She aspires to become a pediatrician and is committed to making a difference in underserved communities. In her free time, Fatima enjoys hiking, crocheting, and watching movies and TV shows.

My name is Jace Raistrick, and I am from Orland Park. I graduated from Carl Sandburg High School. I am majoring in Computer Science and plan to pursue a minor in Physics. I enjoy coding, gaming, and boxing, and I hope to build a career that combines my interests in Computer Science and Physics.

My name is Dominic Casmay. I attended Jones College Prep and am majoring in Electrical Engineering. My main hobby was co-leading my high school MATE Robotics team, but I also enjoy playing sports and video games. I taught audio electronics to other high school students for two summers. In the future, I plan to work in electrical transmission and delivery with companies like ComEd.