Our Eberly Scholars are committed to scholarship, leadership and service. Meet the
2026-2027 Eberly Scholar cohort and learn how they've made the most of their
college experiences.
Reese Allen
Major: Mechanical Engineering and Data Science
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Hometown: Bridgeport, WV
Reese Allen is majoring in Mechanical Engineering and Data Science with an
anticipated graduation date of Spring 2027. He plans to pursue a master’s
degree in robotics at Johns Hopkins University, with the potential to continue
into a PhD, focusing on AI-powered robotics and autonomous systems. At WVU,
Reese has been deeply involved in undergraduate research spanning data science,
neuroscience, and robotics, including work with the Microgravity Research
Team and independent projects using machine learning to train robotic systems
in simulated environments. He has also demonstrated leadership as the founding
president of the Microgravity Research Club and as a WVU Presidential Student
Ambassador. Outside of academics, Reese enjoys cooking and takes pride in
preparing meals from scratch to share with friends. Since last summer, he
has also dedicated a portion of each week to learning Spanish, hoping to
share more in common with people around the world as he works towards becoming
bilingual.
Sharon Aristizabal Botache
Major: Psychology
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Hometown: Morgantown, WV
Sharon Aristizabal Botache is majoring in Psychology and is expected to graduate
in Fall 2026. Following graduation, she plans to take a gap semester to gain
additional clinical experience before applying to Physician Assistant programs.
She hopes to build a career in pediatrics or family medicine, with a focus
on serving marginalized communities, including rural populations in West
Virginia and Hispanic patients. At WVU, Sharon has been recognized as an
Honors student and a consistent member of the President’s List, while also
serving as an Honors mentor and a first-generation student ambassador. Outside
of academics, she is actively involved in the Psychology Club, Pre-PA Club,
and Track Club, and is passionate about giving back to her community. Sharon’s
favorite place on campus is the Rail Trail, where she trained for a half-marathon
beginning in January 2025, completing her race Saturday before finals week
in the spring semester.
Daniel Campa
Major: Data Science and Computer Science
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Hometown: Morgantown, WV
Daniel Campa is majoring in Data Science and Computer Science, with an anticipated
graduation date of May 2026. He plans to pursue a master’s degree in a related
field such as computer science, data science, or artificial intelligence.
Daniel has extensive research experience, including serving as first author
on a paper published at the IEEE Conference on Games, where he presented
his work in Lisbon, Portugal. He has also been recognized as a Statler Research
Scholar and a Mountaineer of Distinction Finalist, among other academic honors.
Outside of academics, Daniel serves as business manager for the Sigma Phi
Delta Professional Engineering Fraternity. His favorite place on campus is
the Rec Center soccer fields, where he began playing pickup soccer and continues
to return for intramural sports and time with friends.
Sydney Dugger
Major: Biology: Pre-Medical
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Hometown: Martinsburg, WV
Sydney Dugger is majoring in Biology: Pre-Medical with a minor in Professional Writing and Editing and is expected to graduate in Spring 2027. She plans to attend optometry school to earn her Doctor of Optometry (OD) and pursue a career providing vision care and treating ocular diseases. Sydney is particularly passionate about serving rural and underserved communities with hopes of volunteering through organizations like Remote Area Medical to expand access to eye care. At WVU she has maintained consistent President’s List honors and has earned multiple scholarships including the Dr. Albert M. Reese Scholarship. Sydney is currently conducting molecular eye research through the WVU Eye Institute for her capstone. Outside of academics, Sydney is an Eberly Ambassador and serves as a Resident Assistant in Oakland Hall West. She enjoys outdoor activities around Morgantown and values community service, especially through mission work and mentoring others interested in optometry. After graduating from WVU, she will miss the connection she has developed to West Virginia but is proud to carry that pride with her wherever she goes.
Ryan Lin
Major: Mathematics
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Hometown: Waynesburg, PA
Ryan Lin is majoring in Mathematics with minors in Statistics and Chinese Studies,
and is expected to graduate in Spring 2026. He plans to pursue a master’s
degree in applied mathematics to strengthen his understanding of the field
and develop his skills as an effective, inspiring teacher. At WVU, Ryan has
engaged in research on applied analysis and math education, worked as a tutor
and learning assistant, and supported coursework as a grader and proctor.
He has earned multiple scholarships, including the Betty Miller Scholarship
and the WVU Scholarship of Distinction, while maintaining a record of academic
excellence on the President’s and Dean’s Lists. As a first-generation college
student, Ryan is passionate about mentoring others and hopes to become a
high school or college math teacher who helps students build confidence and
interest in mathematics. His most memorable moment at WVU was presenting
his research at the summer symposium, realizing how meaningful it was to
contribute to research that can improve how students learn mathematics.
Presley Lucas
Major: Mathematics
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Hometown: Hurricane, WV
Presley Lucas is majoring in Mathematics with an emphasis in Pure Mathematics
and the WVUteach 5-Adult Mathematics Certification, and is expected to graduate
in Spring 2027. She plans to pursue a master’s degree focusing on algebra
and combinatorics while developing her teaching skills as a graduate teaching
assistant. At WVU, Presley has conducted research on numerical semigroups,
assisted the West Virginia National Math Team, and mentored students through
programs like the First2Network STEM Panel. She has earned the William R.
Totterdale Scholarship, served as an Eberly Ambassador, and maintained President’s
List distinction each semester. Outside of academics, Presley leads the Association
for Women in Mathematics, volunteers with the Morgantown Math Circle, and
enjoys math competitions like the WVU Integration Bee. Her favorite place
on campus is the Calculus Learning Center, where she works as a tutor. She
enjoys seeing “lightbulb moments,”, connecting with regulars, learning from
graduate students, and studying with friends in a space she describes as
filled with mathematical joy.
Camryn Morgan
Major: English and Philosophy
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Hometown: Fairmont, WV
Camryn Morgan is majoring in English and Philosophy with an anticipated graduation
date of Spring 2026. After graduation, she plans to attend WVU College of
Law to gain hands-on experience through clinical programs. At WVU, Camryn
has demonstrated strong leadership and academic excellence as a Presidential
Student Ambassador, Resident Assistant, and President of the Residence Hall
Association. She has presented award-winning research at both the West Virginia
Undergraduate Literary Symposium and WVU’s Philosophy Conference and is actively
involved in the Women in Law Club and Student Government Association. Camryn
also volunteers with the WVU College of Law’s Clinical Law Program, gaining
early exposure to legal practice. After earning her law degree, she aspires
to become a government contract attorney and eventually work in legislative
policy, using legal writing to advocate for underrepresented communities.
Heavily inspired by Emily Dickinson, she writes poetry that plays a meaningful
role in her daily life as both a form of expression and her favorite way
of giving personal gifts.
Logan Pierce
Major: Political Science and International Studies
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Hometown:
Carolina, WV
Logan Pierce is majoring in Political Science and International Studies with
a minor in Leadership Studies and an anticipated graduation date of Spring
2026. He plans to pursue either a Juris Doctorate with a focus on international
law or a master’s degree in international relations. At WVU, Logan has demonstrated
exceptional leadership through his involvement in the Student Government
Association, currently serving as External Chief of Staff.. He has also represented
WVU at international Model United Nations conferences in Germany, Ecuador,
and New York City, including serving as Head Delegate. After completing his
education, he aspires to work in diplomacy or international law with organizations
such as the U.S. State Department or the United Nations. He takes immense
pride in being from West Virginia. Having been raised in a close-knit community,
this sense of loyalty and responsibility has shaped his commitment to leadership,
advocacy, and representing both his state and WVU with the belief in the
potential of West Virginia and its people.
Mason Powell
Major: Earth and Environmental Science
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Hometown: Canaan Valley, WV
Mason Powell is majoring in Earth and Environmental Science with a minor in
Biology and an anticipated graduation date of Spring 2027. He plans to pursue
a master’s degree in geography at WVU, focusing on physical geography and
remote sensing, before continuing to a PhD. At WVU, Mason is actively involved
in undergraduate research in the Spatial Ecosystem Ecology Lab, where he
studies forest structure, carbon sequestration, and ecosystem dynamics, with
work presented at research symposiums and national conferences. He has also
contributed to geoscience education as an undergraduate representative in
the Appalachian Geoscience Learning Ecosystem, mentoring high school students
and developing STEM learning modules. After completing his education, he
aspires to a career in academia, leading research while mentoring the next
generation of environmental scientists. His favorite place on campus is the
Core Arboretum, a space he describes as central to his sense of purpose,
which allows him to step away from the surrounding campus and reconnect with
nature.
Abby Ruth
Major: Biochemistry
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Hometown: Fallston, MD
Abby Ruth is majoring in Biochemistry with a minor in Molecular Medicine and
is expected to graduate in Spring 2026. Her experiences as a student-athlete
recovering from multiple knee injuries inspired her to pursue a career in
orthopedic surgery, with a focus on helping athletes navigate injury and
rehabilitation. At WVU, Abby has engaged in biomedical research in Dr. Jen
Gallagher’s lab, taught as an undergraduate teaching assistant, and developed
her leadership through roles as Vice President of Helping Hands and an active
member of Delta Gamma, organizing fundraisers and service projects. She also
played and captained the Women’s Club Volleyball team. Abby plans to attend
medical school and ultimately lead interdisciplinary surgical teams, combining
clinical expertise with mentorship to support both patient recovery and the
growth of future physicians. The non-academic accomplishment she is most
proud of is becoming a powerlifter after two major knee injuries ended her
competitive volleyball career, saying it helped her rebuild strength, regain
confidence, and discover a new sense of purpose.
Sophie Slaughter
Major: Sophie Slaughter
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Hometown: Culloden, WV
Sophie Slaughter is majoring in History and Women’s and Gender Studies and
is expected to graduate in Spring 2026. They plan to take a few years off
before pursuing a master’s and PhD in history, focusing on incarceration
and prison abolitionist organizing in Appalachia. At WVU, Sophie has worked
as an undergraduate intern with the West Virginia Innocence Project, assisted
in socio-legal research, and presented at national conferences. They have
served two terms as president of the Appalachian Advocacy Network, led Triota’s
Eta Chapter, and contributed to Mountaineers for Literacy and Liberation.
Sophie also serves as an Eberly College ambassador, coordinated a feminist
book club, and participates in the Monongalia Friends Meeting. They aim to
continue community-engaged research and advocacy to create safer, more just
futures for their neighbors and loved ones. Their favorite places on campus
are the benches in Woodburn Circle, where they enjoy sitting outside on sunny
days to catch up on readings and people watch. The basement of the Downtown
Library is a close second though.
Alexander Tadros
Major: Biology and Biomedical Engineering
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Hometown: Morgantown, WV
Alexander Tadros is majoring in Biology and Biomedical Engineering with a minor
in General Business and is expected to graduate in Spring 2027. After completing
his bachelor’s degree, he plans to apply to medical school and is also considering
combined programs such as an MD/PhD or MD/MBA. At WVU, he has participated
in research in biochemistry, molecular medicine, and emergency medicine,
contributing to ongoing projects and manuscripts. Alexander has held leadership
roles in the Student Government Association and Global Medical and Dental
Brigades, and founded the Appalachian Youth Retention and Development Project
to support professional development for students in Appalachia. He also volunteers
in local and global health initiatives. Outside of academics, Alexander plays
in a community kickball league, where he has competed for multiple championships.
His favorite place on campus is the office of his now-retired MATH 251 professor,
where he began exploring additional math-related opportunities that shaped
his early experience at WVU and his appreciation for higher education.
Sheridan Tolley
Major: Neuroscience
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Hometown: Lewisburg, WV
Sheridan Tolley is majoring in Neuroscience and is expected to graduate in
Spring 2026. After earning her bachelor’s degree, she plans to continue her
education in the Physician’s Assistant program at WVU, with a focus on rural
family medicine to address persistent health disparities in the state. Sheridan
has participated in research through the Bridi Lab and the WVU Rockefeller
Neuroscience Institute, served as a teaching assistant for HONR 301, and
contributed as an editor and reviewer for undergraduate and academic journals.
She has also volunteered as an AmeriCorps service member with Energy Express,
mentoring K-5 students in rural West Virginia. She takes pride in her Appalachian
heritage and strives to carry the values of her community into every role
she undertakes. She prides herself on strong interpersonal skills developed
through her roles as a Lead Tutor and Clinical Associate, seeing those abilities
as deeply rooted in her Appalachian heritage and upbringing in rural West
Virginia.
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Olivia Travis
Major: Psychology
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Hometown: Gerrardstown, WV
Olivia Travis is majoring in Psychology pre-med with a minor in Dance and is
expected to graduate in Fall 2026. Upon graduation, she plans to attend West
Virginia University School of Medicine with the goal of becoming a psychiatrist
serving the people of West Virginia. Olivia has participated in research
in the cardiovascular unit at WVU Medicine Children’s, served as a peer mentor
and teaching assistant, and earned a Behavior Analysis Certificate. She is
actively involved in pre-health and service organizations, including Alpha
Epsilon Delta, Helping Hands, and Pre-med Club, and has volunteered extensively
in her community and abroad. She also performs with the Student Dance Association
and participates in the annual Spring Showcase, blending her academic and
artistic passions. Her most memorable moment at WVU thus far was traveling
to rural Panama with Medical and Dental Brigades and sharing a moment of
connection with fellow Mountaineers and Panamanian community members singing
“Country Roads,” which left her reflecting on the impact of service and the
beauty of human connection.
Isabella Tuzzio
Major: Biology Pre-Medical
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Hometown: Shepherdstown, WV
Isabella Tuzzio is majoring in Biology Pre-Medical with a minor in Spanish
and is expected to graduate in Spring 2026. She has been accepted to West
Virginia University School of Medicine and has also applied for a Fulbright
Scholarship in Spain for 2026–2027. Isabella hopes to work as a primary care
physician specializing in women’s health or family medicine in West Virginia
or the D.C. metro area. Her undergraduate experience includes research on
microplastic pollution in Central Appalachian streams, presentations at multiple
conferences, and service as a healthcare volunteer. She has also contributed
to campus organizations such as Beta Psi Omega, Order of Omega, and the Pre-Medical
Club, where she has held leadership roles and mentored fellow students. Isabella
credits her small-town upbringing for instilling a strong sense of community
and connection that she carries into her work and service. Her favorite place
on campus is the Mon River Rail Trail behind Reynolds Hall, where she and
her roommates walk when the weather is nice as a way to get outside and de-stress.
