Each year, Binghamton University highlights outstanding students as part of our Commencement celebration. From groundbreaking researchers to student-athletes in every field — from healthcare, public service, business, engineering, and the humanities — explore the amazing stories of 18 remarkable graduates from the Class of 2026 who are transforming Binghamton and beyond.
College of Community and Public Affairs
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Laila Hamza
Master of Public Administration While earning her undergraduate degree at Binghamton University’s College of Community and Public Affairs (CCPA), Laila Hamza ’24, MPA ’25, knew she wanted a seat at the table where policy decisions are made. She decided that the 4+1 Master of Public Administration program would not only help her reach that goal, but also get her there faster.
“I am grateful to the University and especially CCPA for all of the support that I have received over the last five years. It helps so much when you feel like someone’s always on your side, making sure you graduate, and that you’re doing the absolute best that you can.”
Read Laila’s Binghamton story
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Joey Feliciano
Bachelor of Science, Human Development Joey Feliciano ’26, who will graduate this spring with a degree in human development from the College of Community and Public Affairs (CCPA), did so in just over two years. And while it’s been difficult as a nontraditional student and a parent, he’s excelled in his coursework, balancing life, work, and school.
“I honestly associate my success with the stability and the purpose that I’ve gotten from having my kids in my life, and trying to do something better not just for myself, but for them.”
Read Joey's Binghamton story
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Matthew Guerra
Master of Social Work Matt Guerra once aspired to be a teacher, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, he found himself offering support to friends and discovered a new passion: helping others through social work. Guerra, who earned his Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, arrived at Binghamton driven by purpose and a strong vision for the change he wanted to create. His coursework not only guided him but also strengthened his commitment. Now, as he prepares to complete the MSW program, Guerra feels confident in his direction and eager to make a meaningful difference.
“Whether it's one-on-one work, families in the community, or doing something like a food center or delivery program, as long as I'm happy and I have a secure place of employment, and I'm helping people, that's all I care about.”
Read Matthew’s Binghamton story here
Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science
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Manar Mabrouk
Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Engineering Manar Mabrouk ‘26 was certain about one thing from a young age — she did not want to be a doctor. However, she knew that she wanted to contribute to the medical field by discovering and building new technology. At Binghamton, she did just that, researching aortic valve disease in the lab of Professor Gretchen Mahler.
“It’s definitely the evolving learning ideology that is really cool. You never get bored in the lab. There’s always something that pops up, whether it be an issue with your experiment or a contamination issue. There’s always something that you have to troubleshoot, and it definitely keeps life interesting while also teaching me new skills.”
Read Manar's Binghamton story here
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Yang (Lexi) Gao
PhD, Electrical and Computer Engineering Yang “Lexi” Gao, PhD '26, took part in groundbreaking research during her time at Watson College's Bioelectronics and Microsystems Lab. Alongside Professor Seokheun “Sean” Choi, she explored innovative ideas such as a device that generates electricity from moisture in the air, self-powered mechanical bugs that run on ocean bacteria, and a “living metal” infused with endospores that could bridge the gap between biological and electronic systems.
“It was the right fit at the right time. Everything just feels like destiny.”
Read Lexi's Binghamton story here
Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences
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Emilie Ng
Master of Science, Speech and Language Pathology (MS-SLP) As a member of Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences’ first graduating class for the Division of Speech and Language Pathology, Emilie Ng ’24, MS ’26, will not only be graduating with a Master of Science degree but also closing a chapter she helped write.
“Accept that everything is not going to go as planned, and that’s OK. Just work with it. Be flexible, be calm, and go with the flow. Always have a plan, but expect that you are not always going to be able to follow it.”
Read Emilie's Binghamton story here
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Melissa Caceres and Mubarak Adams
Doctor of Physical Therapy Mubarak Adams and Melissa Caceres noticed each other in one of their first classes at Hostos Community College in the Bronx in 2019. When they talked for the first time, they realized they were both interested in healthcare careers, were completing associate degrees in liberal arts and science, and planned to transfer to four-year programs. They began dating in 2020; now the couple, who have since married and had a daughter, will graduate together again, this time from Binghamton University’s DPT program.
“It has been intense, but we were able to navigate it through hard work, consistency, and patience, along with support from faculty and friends we made along the way,” Adams said.
Read Melissa and Mubarak’s story here
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science
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Jason Oppong
PharmD For Jason Oppong ’23, becoming a pharmacist wasn’t something he had always dreamed of. He had other plans. It wasn’t until he connected with people at the Binghamton University School of Pharmacy that he realized how much more there was to pharmacy than just working in a retail setting.
“I discovered opportunities in clinical practice, industry, and residencies that really opened my eyes. That exposure made me want to give pharmacy a shot. Looking back now, I don’t regret that decision at all.”
Read Jason's Binghamton story here
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Karissa Kindlon-Ballas
PharmD Karissa Kindlon-Ballas, PharmD '26, came to Binghamton with a career in dental hygiene, seeking a more sustainable and dynamic field. She was drawn to pharmacy, where she learned to balance family life as a wife and mother of two with a deep involvement on campus — serving as a mentor, tutor, student ambassador, and student leader.
“Pharmacy is multifaceted. It’s not just math, it’s not just science, it’s not just relationships with people. It’s all those things. I’ve always been a people-forward person, but I get to be a little bit of all those things. And you can’t stop learning in pharmacy..."
Read Karissa's Binghamton story here
School of Management
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Dolan Ma
Bachelor of Science, Business Administration Dolan Ma ’26 didn’t know where he’d end up when he started his academic journey at Binghamton. He bolstered his business degree with concentrations in finance and management information systems, with a minor in Japanese. Along the way, Ma found himself excelling at the intersection of business and clean energy technology with Bridge Green Upcycle, a startup at the University-managed Koffman Southern Tier Incubator dedicated to advancing clean energy practices by pioneering the upcycling of lithium-ion batteries.
"I’ve learned so much, and a big part of that ability to learn is how well SOM prepared me. Not everyone knows what it takes to craft a solid presentation, but SOM is perfect for helping you grow those skills that help you truly stand out when the competition is fierce.”
Read Dolan's Binghamton story here
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Isabella Martillo
Master of Business Administration Isabella Martillo ‘25, MBA ‘26, a five-year women’s soccer player and SOM graduate, dealt with athletic and academic adversity throughout her collegiate career, but persevered and found her footing as a successful student-athlete.
“I wouldn’t have had [my time at Binghamton] any other way, even though it was nonlinear and filled with challenges.”
Read Isabella's Binghamton story here
Harpur College of Arts and Sciences
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Amari Pavati
Bachelor of Arts, Geography and Ancient Mediterranean Studies Minor, Judaic Studies Harpur student and dual major Amari Pavati ’26 blended his interests in geography, archaeology, and Judaic studies for his degree, focusing on Yiddish and ancient Jewish diaspora research. He also helped found the Yiddish Bund, promoting awareness of overlooked aspects of Jewish history and promoting activism and community engagement.
“There’s always more to write and explore. I think the most fulfilling thing about research is discovering something new and producing a compelling argument that is strongly supported. It’s very rewarding to participate in different historical and cultural debates, and after every long and thorough project I finish, I feel like I come out with a new, more well-rounded outlook on the world that I would not have had otherwise.”
Read Amari's Binghamton story here
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Kaitlyn Capone
Bachelor of Science, Economic Policy Analysis Minor, Digital and Data Studies First-generation student Kaitlyn Capone ’26 overcame transition challenges at Binghamton and found her place studying economics and data analytics. Passionate about real change, she sought out communities that would help shape her future, like the Binghamton Kickline team, an internship at MediaBrush Marketing, and as a member of the Kaschak Institute for Social Justice and Girls and 1MReady_BING.
“It’s really important to me [to be a first-generation college graduate]. I’m also the oldest, so I think it’s really cool that I get to lead the way because both of my siblings are in college right now. I like that they look up to me, and I was able to help them throughout their entire college process.”
Read Kaitlyn's Binghamton story here
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McKenzie Skrastins
Bachelor of Arts, in Mathematical Sciences (Data Science and Statistics track) McKenzie Skrastins ’26, a driven student leader and researcher, has achieved many feats during her time at Binghamton, including the creation of an individualized major, completion of multiple STEM research projects, and two years of service as the president of Binghamton University’s Student Association.
“Being a part of research experiences that have been at the intersection of medicine and biology has shown me that I can take my interest in math, data science, and statistics and use them in fields that weren’t immediately visible to me, since I thought I was going to have to choose. I found out that the world is interdisciplinary. If there’s a niche thing that you want to do, there’s definitely a space for it.”
Read McKenzie's Binghamton story here
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Camil Ventura
Bachelor of Science, Global Public Health Camil Ventura ’26 began her Binghamton University journey as a biology major aiming to become a doctor. But after taking a public health class, she discovered a new passion. She has since pursued her interests in the pharmaceutical industry, joined clubs, completed internships, and more, including serving as a tour guide for the Downtown Binghamton Freedom Trail. She plans to return to Binghamton to complete the Master of Public Health (MPH) 4+1 program at Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences in the fall.
“I think it’s really important to learn about history. Binghamton is so rich in history, and I was just so amazed. And I thought [working with the Harriet Tubman Center] would be a great opportunity to keep learning.”
Read Camil's Binghamton story here
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Myo Win
Master of Science, Genocide and Mass Atrocity Prevention For two decades, Myo Win was a prominent civil leader and advocate for ethics and human rights in his home country of Myanmar. After the 2021 military coup, he was targeted and forced to seek refuge in the U.S. He graduates from Binghamton with a Master of Science in Genocide and Mass Atrocity Prevention, a program he feels aligns with his personal interests and research, as well as with the urgent issues facing his home country.
“My experience in the [program] has been very meaningful and positive, even though it has sometimes been quite stressful. These challenges helped me grow, think more critically, and strengthen my commitment to this important field.”
Read Myo's Binghamton story here
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Quinn Hendershot
PhD, Psychology, Clinical Science Couples don’t just navigate relationships together. They navigate cultures — something that becomes more apparent when one or both partners come from elsewhere.
As a doctoral candidate in clinical psychology, Quinn Hendershot’s work engages one of the defining challenges of our time: how migration, cultural adaptation, and dyadic processes shape family and couple functioning. A native of the Chicago area, her research roots in her own family’s experience: her mother is Colombian, and her father is white.
“I grew up recognizing that there were dynamics going on within couples and individuals that impacted how they were relating to the world around them."
Read Quinn's Binghamton story here
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Olivia Tan
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology Minor, Human Rights Olivia Tan ’26 arrived at Binghamton University planning to study psychology, but a Drugs and Behavior course sparked her passion for addiction psychology. Her experiences outside the classroom — including working with the Binghamton YWCA’s emergency housing program and participating in the 20:1 Interpersonal Violence Prevention Program — gave her firsthand insight into the challenges faced by individuals experiencing addiction, homelessness, and violence. Together, these academic and community experiences transformed Tan’s understanding of psychology and helped define both her career path and personal growth during her time at Binghamton University.
“I've definitely matured a lot. If I met first-year me as a senior right now, we would be completely different. …The friendships and the experiences you have here mold you as a person.”
Read Olivia’s Binghamton story here
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