Madeline Berry is a junior in the Chancellor’s Honors Program where she is pursuing a double major in psychology and biological sciences with a concentration in microbiology. Born in Johnson City, Tennessee, Madeline grew up immersed in Volunteer spirit and was raised with all things UT. As an Honors Peer Mentor, she is eager to guide fellow students in exploring their potential and navigating life as an Honors student at UT. Madeline aspires to study abroad to cultivate a global perspective on scientific inquiry and advancement. Following the completion of her undergraduate studies, she intends to pursue a PhD in genetics to conduct research. Outside of academics, Madeline enjoys reading, painting, and traveling with friends.

Cate Carter is a sophomore from Knoxville, Tennessee and a member of both the Chancellor’s Honors Program and the Haslam Business Fellows Honors Program. She is passionate about both business and law and is pursuing a dual degree, majoring in economics in the Haslam College of Business and public affairs in the Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs. Additionally, she plans to obtain a concentration in international business, which she studied during a week-long program her freshman year in Costa Rica through the Haslam College of Business’s First Year Experience program. She also plans to study abroad again in the future. Beyond academics, Cate is involved with Kappa Alpha Pi Pre-Law Fraternity and the Women in Politics Organization. She plans to attend law school and earn her JD following graduation. In her free time, Cate enjoys reading, hiking, and traveling with friends!

Kate Crass is a sophomore in the Chancellor’s Honors Program from Knoxville, Tennessee. She is a dual degree student, studying business management and industrial engineering with a collateral in integrated business and engineering through being part of the Health IBEP 2029 cohort. Beyond academics, she is active in the Honors Student Engagement Council serving as the LLC Events Lead, The Haslam International Case Consultant Team, RUF, Women of Haslam, TASC, and is a University Honors Ambassador. When not doing homework, you can find her baking something new, roller skating, watching a movie, or playing a card game with friends.

Claire Denton is a junior at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Hispanic Studies. Her academic interests center on understanding human behavior and exploring ways to support and advocate for individuals from diverse backgrounds. On campus, Claire is involved in the SONA Research Lab as a research assistant, the UT Music Department, Spanish Club, Sigma Kappa, and the Chancellor’s Honors Program. Through these experiences, she has developed skills in research, leadership, and communication while building meaningful connections within the university community. Originally from Lake Zurich, Illinois, in the Chicago suburbs, Claire enjoys music, working with others, and staying actively involved on campus. After graduation, she plans to pursue graduate education in psychology, with the goal of developing a career where she can apply her knowledge and experiences to positively impact the lives of others.

Kate Garcia is a junior in the Chancellor’s Honors Program from the Reno/Tahoe area of Nevada. She is majoring in public affairs with a concentration in health policy, hoping to go to law school following her undergraduate studies. Kate is interested in the lobbyist field and hopes to work with non-profit organizations in the future. Outside of her academics, Kate participates in several campus organizations including the sorority of Alpha Chi Omega, UT Wellness Society, and The Cross UTK, looking to hold leadership positions in the coming school year. She loves to do anything outdoors including hiking, paddle boarding, swimming, and climbing and enjoys dancing in her free time. Kate has been loving her time at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and is excited to get to know others in her time as a Peer Mentor!

Kate Hoekstra is a sophomore in the Chancellor’s Honors Program from Minnetonka, Minnesota. She is double majoring in finance and accounting and is also a member of Business Fellows. Looking to her future, Kate is passionate about pursuing a career in investment banking and is especially interested in private equity. Kate is involved in several organizations across campus including Tennessee Capital Markets Society, Delta Delta Delta sorority, and Women of Haslam, where she enjoys connecting with peers who share her same passions. In her free time, Kate enjoys anything outside whether that be spending time on the lake, going for a hike, or going to sporting events. She also loves to run and has completed multiple marathons, including the Knoxville marathon this past April! She is excited to continue growing academically and professionally at UT and looks forward to working with incoming Honors students.

Danial Khan is a junior in the Chancellor’s Honors Program from Knoxville, Tennessee. He is working towards a dual degree in Arabic and biological sciences, with a concentration in biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology. Danial is involved in research with organizations such as the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine and the Tennessee Reading Research Center. He has previously served as an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant in the Biology Department and participated in cross-disciplinary initiatives with the Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs. In addition, he is serving as the vice president of the American Medical Student Association. Ultimately, Danial aspires to leverage these experiences to pursue a career in medicine. Outside of academics, Danial enjoys drawing, fitness, and reading!

Caden Knappier is a sophomore in the Chancellor’s Honors Program from Chattanooga, Tennessee. He is double majoring in neuroscience and biological sciences with a concentration in biochemistry, cellular, and molecular biology. Currently, Caden serves as an undergraduate teaching assistant in the Biology Department. He is also an active volunteer with RAM Clinics and the Emerald Youth Foundation and is involved in the Advancement of Neuroscience Club. Caden aspires to become a physician with an interest in Neurology. Outside of academics, he enjoys hiking and skiing.

Chelsea Kratz is a senior in the Chancellor’s Honors Program from the Charlotte area in North Carolina. She is majoring in psychology with a minor in human development and family science, with hopes of going into a graduate program following her undergraduate studies. Chelsea is interested in working with kids as a child psychologist in the future. Outside of her academics, Chelsea participates in several campus organizations including the FUTURE program as a volunteer, Big Orange Mentors, and was the recipient of the advanced undergraduate research activity award (AURA). In her free time, she loves to watch documentaries and explore Knoxville’s local coffee shops!

Alexis Laramy is a junior in the Chancellor’s Honors Program from Chanhassen, Minnesota. She is double majoring in accounting and finance with a collateral in international business. Aside from her peer mentor role in University Honors, Alexis is an active member of the Business Fellows Honors Program, AIM Accounting Alliance, and the Delta Zeta Sorority. In her free time, she loves attending all UT sporting events, golfing, and spending time at the lake with friends and family. Alexis looks forward to studying abroad for a semester during her time at the university and hopes to pursue a career in the accounting field after graduation. She is excited for the new experiences and opportunities to come in her next two years at UT!

Sarah Lynn is a Junior from Knoxville, Tennessee. She is a double major in finance and accounting, with a concentration in international business. She is a part of the Chancellor’s Honors Program, as well as a Smith Global Leadership Scholar. On campus, she is also a member of the Haslam Student Advisory Council. She volunteers as a soccer coach at the Emerald Youth Foundation. In Spring 2026, she had the amazing opportunity to study abroad in London through the Smith GLS program. Here, she grew as a scholar and leader through rigorous courses taught by the university’s own deans. In her free time, she enjoys baking, reading, playing with her dogs, and just being in nature! University Honors has immersed her in a community filled with driven and positive peers. She has been provided with so many opportunities, and she is excited to share them with future students of this program!

Elena Lyons is a sophomore in the Chancellor’s Honors Program from Palatine, Illinois. She is majoring in nursing and minoring in nutrition. Elena is the current vice president of supplies for the Global Medical Brigades. She is also actively involved in The Salt Company campus ministry and the Makers Club. In her free time, she loves reading, exploring Knoxville’s coffee shops, traveling, and spending time with friends. She hopes to become an ER nurse and pursue further education to become a nurse practitioner or CRNA. She is excited for what the future will bring both at and after her time here at UT!

Nikhila is a sophomore in the Chancellor’s Honors Program from Memphis, Tennessee. She is majoring in computer science with minors in data science and Chancellor’s Honors. On campus, she is involved in several organizations, including the Society of Women Engineers, Systers, the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers, Hack4Impact, VHRA, and AAA. Nikhila hopes to pursue a career as a data engineer, combining her interests in computer science and data to solve meaningful problems. Outside of academics and campus involvement, she enjoys listening to music, reading, programming, exercising, and going on walks. As an Honors Peer Mentor, she is excited to connect with fellow Honors students, share her experiences, and help first-year students navigate their transition to college and the Chancellor’s Honors Program.

Caitlin Maher is a senior from Rockford, Illinois, enrolled in both the Chancellor’s Honors Program and the Business Fellows Honors Program. She is pursuing a dual major in management and accounting, with a collateral in international business and a concentration in finance. Outside of academics, Caitlin is involved with the Tennessee Undergraduate Consulting Club, Kappa Alpha Pi law fraternity, and the Wilson Academy. Caitlin has studied abroad twice already in her undergraduate career, in Costa Rica and Florence, Italy, with plans to embark on a mini-term next winter to Japan. Following graduation, she plans to attend law school. In her free time, she enjoys grabbing coffee with friends, working out, and, of course, cheering on the Vols!

Isabella Marante is a junior in the Chancellor’s Honors Program and has lived in Greeneville, Tennessee, for the past seven years. She is an accounting major with an information management collateral, and following graduation, plans to pursue a Master of Accountancy and become a certified public accountant. Outside of academics, she is involved in Women in Accounting and the AIM Accounting Alliance, where she has served as a Peer Mentor. Formerly a member of The Fashion Society’s executive board, Isabella is looking forward to broadening her campus involvement and leadership going into next year. In her free time, Isabella enjoys reading, thrifting, watching movies, and spending time with friends. As an Honors Peer Mentor, she is excited to contribute to the Honors community and support students in their experience at UT!

Julia Meese is a sophomore in the Chancellor’s Honors Program from Hudson, Ohio. She is double majoring in finance and marketing with a minor in mathematics, and a collateral in international business. Julia serves as a chapter member in Chi Omega sorority and Delta Sigma Pi professional fraternity. She is also actively involved in Women in Finance, University of Tennessee Investment Group, and University of Tennessee American Marketing Association. She is a dedicated student and is looking forward to supporting her peers in University Honors as well as Haslam College of Business. In Julia’s free time, she enjoys being outside, exercising, traveling, creating visual art, reading, and trying new restaurants and coffee shops. She is always excited to try a chai latte! Julia recently completed UT’s International Internships program in Paris, France. She cannot wait for what is in store these next few years at UT!

Maggie Miller is a junior in the Chancellor’s Honors Program from Arlington Heights, Illinois. She is majoring in Political Science with a law and courts concentration, and she plans to attend law school post-graduation. She also has a minor in Italian, and participated in a study abroad program in Bologna, Italy. On campus, she is a member of the Law and Politics UTK club and the Delta Gamma sorority. As an Honors Peer Mentor, she is excited to help new honors students adjust to life at UT. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with friends, reading, and walking around Knoxville!

Denisa Pecen is a sophomore in the Chancellor’s Honors Program, originally from Bloomingdale, Illinois. She is pursuing a major in business management, with an interest in entrepreneurship and international business. Denisa is involved on campus through organizations such as Alpha Kappa Psi, Sigma Kappa, and Women of Haslam. She is also a member of the Business Fellows honors program within the Haslam College of Business. As part of her academic experience, Denisa also participated in the Haslam First-Year Experience Study Abroad program, where she traveled to Costa Rica. Outside of academics and campus involvement, Denisa enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors, playing cards, and connecting with friends. She is driven by her goal of one day launching or managing a global company and is eager to continue growing both personally and professionally throughout her time at UT and beyond.

Katie Peterson is a junior in the Chancellor’s Honors Program from Jackson, Mississippi. She is currently majoring in psychology with the plan of adding a minor in Spanish and going to speech language pathology graduate school. She is involved in the UT Wellness Club, the Volunteer Puppy Partner club, volunteering with different organizations in Knoxville, and is a member of the Phi Mu Sorority. Katie is excited to join more clubs next year and become more involved on campus. In her free time, she loves hanging out with friends, exploring Knoxville, going to school sporting events, going on walks, and meeting new people.

Natalie Ripley is a junior in the Chancellor’s Honors Program from Greeneville, Tennessee. She is majoring in history and anthropology with a minor in cinema studies. She’s hoping to further her studies in archeology and pursue similar studies in grad school as well as abroad. Natalie is the head archeology representative for the Undergraduate Anthropology Association on campus, and she is a resident assistant in Reese Hall. She loves spending time outside to reconnect with nature and going on hikes. She loves movies and her favorite of all time is Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me. Natalie has been loving her time at UT, and she looks forward to helping other students reach their goals and thrive here and beyond!

Mattie Robble is a sophomore in the Chancellor’s Honors Program from Brentwood, Tennessee. She is majoring in animal science with a pre-veterinary concentration and has a goal to attend veterinary school following graduation. Mattie is also a member of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority and Pre-Veterinary Club. Outside of academics, she loves volunteering at Young Williams Animal Center, spending time with friends, and going on hikes or being outdoors in her free time. As an Honors Peer Mentor, Mattie hopes to engage with new students, helping them take advantage of the opportunities available by being an Honors student. She is excited to become more involved at UT and to see what the next years will bring!

Brooke Routen is a sophomore in the Chancellor’s Honor Program from Memphis, Tennessee. She is majoring in pre-medicine with a minor in Hispanic studies. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, being outdoors, crocheting, embroidery, listening to music, and exercising. She is involved with Ablaze magazine, Phi Delta Epsilon, Volunteer Short Films, and the Martial Arts Club. After graduation she plans on attending medical school with a specialty in physciatry or family medicine and one day start her own medical non-profit.

Charley Stagnolia is a sophomore in the Chancellor’s Honors Program from Knoxville, Tennessee. He is majoring in nuclear engineering with a collateral in biology. Charley is a passionate and driven student eager to explore the intersections of science and medicine through the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Aside from his role in University Honors, Charley is actively involved in on-campus research, is a member of Phi Chi, serves as a nurse tech at UT Medical Center, and volunteers with Remote Area Medical. These experiences continue to fuel his passion for helping others and preparing for a future in medicine. In his free time, he loves golfing, spending time at the lake with friends and family, and attending UT sporting events! Charley hopes to attend medical school after graduation.

Francesca Stazzone is a sophomore in the Chancellor’s Honors Program from Brentwood, Tennessee. She is pursuing a double major in neuroscience and pre-professional medicine along with a Chancellor’s Honors minor. This summer, Francesca will study abroad in Bologna, Italy through UT’s Italian program. On campus, she serves as Homecoming director for Alpha Gamma Delta and is involved in  VPP, Future Greek Leaders, VolCatholic, Delight UTK, Italian Club, Future Medical Leaders, and Advancement of Neuroscience. As an Honors Peer Mentor, she is excited to support incoming students as they transition into their first year at UT. After completing her undergraduate studies, Francesca plans to attend medical school and pursue a career in medicine. Outside of academics, she enjoys hiking, singing, watching movies, and attending football games with friends.

Matthew Tyler Traywick is a senior in the Chancellor’s Honors Program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, majoring in biological sciences with a concentration in microbiology, as well as neuroscience and psychology. He is involved in undergraduate research in the lab of Dr. Heidi Goodrich-Blair, where he studies how genetic variation influences targeting specificity in microbial systems, with a focus on bacteriocins and interbacterial interactions. He has presented his research at university symposia and regional conferences. Outside of research, he enjoys reading books, watching movies, and spending time outdoors. After graduation, Matthew plans to pursue a PhD in microbiology and continue studying how genetic variation shapes microbial interactions.

Cordy Watkins is a Sophomore in the Chancellor’s Honors Program from Columbus, Ohio. She is studying Biomedical Engineering as a member of the Cook Grand Challenge program and intends to follow the five-year masters pathway. She is an active member on campus, serving as the SWEeties Pairs Chair for the Society of Women Engineers as well as the Public Relations Officer for the Biomedical Engineering Society. Cordy is passionate about exploring new and innovative ways to integrate regenerative medicine into biomedical technologies to help connect the community with more meaningful healthcare solutions. In her free time, she enjoys running, reading, and attending Lady Vols basketball games!