Reflections and next steps for Drew’s graduates
May 2026 – As the academic year ends, we turn our attention to the first steps the Drew University Class of 2026 will take as they share memories and appreciation for their time in The Forest.
Read on to learn where some of Drew’s outstanding students are headed next, and how their Drew experiences helped them reach their goals.
Teeya Desgoutte
Majors: Economics and International Relations
Hometown: Fleming Island, Florida
Post-graduation plans: Pursuing a master’s at Johns Hopkins University at the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) as a master’s student in their International Relations program (MAIR).
Clubs/Sports: Volleyball, Racial Justice Committee
Advice for future Drew students? Seize the opportunities Drew has to offer. From the perspective of a social sciences student, the College of Liberal Arts offers many pathways that allow students to explore opportunities in a myriad of ways. Through this, they can not only understand what type of student they are, whether it is more research based or practical/immersive, but also use the programs offered to capitalize on their own niches. As an interdisciplinary student, I was able to make connections with professors, alumni, and professionals through Drew’s various programs whether I was in the nycTREC, in London, or as an athlete!
Achievements at Drew: I am a collegiate volleyball athlete, where I earned awards such as the Sportsmanship Award two times in a row in the Landmark Conference, along with earning a spot on the All-Landmark Conference Team for two years in a row as well. I also was awarded a fellowship scholarship as an Action Scholar, and that allowed me to create a foundational basis around civic engagement with everything I do, led by Director Sean Hewitt. Furthermore, I am a Thomas R. Kean Fellow, complementary of the U.S. Equal Employment Commission Enforcement Internship. I earned the 1978 Senior Award from the Center of Civic Engagement and the College of Liberal Arts Academic Award. I attended two nycTRECs, the Social Impact Semester led by Economics Professor Jennifer Olmsted and the UN Semester, led by International Relations Professor Carlos Yordan. I attended a London study abroad semester, led by Archaeologist Professor Maria Masucci.
Reflection on your time at Drew: My experiences at Drew have wholeheartedly fueled my passions for an interdisciplinary structure where I was able to narrow in on my own educational niche through being able to converse with so many different perspectives. I believe that my favorite part about Drew University is how versatile it is to work with social science students to achieve their major requirements through flexible options related to how the student would like to learn.
Shoutouts: Drew University is a hidden gem that shines brightest through its expansive offering of interdisciplinary opportunities—and it is the people behind those opportunities who truly bring it to life. The professors, staff, mentors, and coaches who dedicate themselves to guiding students through transformative experiences are the ones who leave the most lasting impressions. Among those I recognize most deeply are Carlos Yordan, from his delegation during the UN Semester as well as recognizing his background in Balkan studies. I would like to especially honor the professors who shaped my intellectual journey after I declared my economics major later in my undergraduate career. Jennifer Olmsted, a consultant for UN Women, whose commitment to their students extends far beyond the classroom and her course on Gender and Globalization and her delegation throughout the Social Impact Semester. Furthermore, I would like to recognize that Yahya Madra’s Contemporary Political Economy course did not simply motivate me to keep going—it ignited a much deeper sense of purpose as I had a better understanding of the world’s economic systems both politically and socially. Altogether, the dense and nuanced command of these subjects from these individuals gave me the clarity to envision my own role at the intersection of socioeconomics and global affairs.
I also want to extend my deepest gratitude to Civic Engagement Director Sean Hewitt and Professor Sanjay Mishra, who were among my earliest mentors as I planted new roots in New Jersey at the start of what would become one of the most defining chapters of my life. Your guidance during those foundational years meant more than words can capture.
John Mclaughlin
Major/Minor: Physics major, Computer Science minor
Hometown: Maplewood, New Jersey
Post-graduation plans: Pursuing a PhD in Physics at Stevens Institute of Technology.
Clubs: President of the Society of Physics Students
Advice for Drew students: Make the most of the resources and connections offered by Drew. By getting closer with my professors and utilizing the resources offered by the physics department, I gained two-plus years of research experience in my field, which is what enabled me to pursue a PhD.
Favorite spot on campus: One hundred percent the massage chairs in the library. I’ve spent hours of my life in zero gravity mode.
Achievements at Drew: Dean’s List fall and spring of 2023, 2024, and 2025; Arnold S. Boxer Memorial Award in Physics, 2025; Award in Physics, 2026; Physics Honors Society; Honors Student.
Reflection on your time at Drew: I came to Drew as a transfer student, and I was really struggling to figure out what I wanted to pursue in life. If I hadn’t come here, I wouldn’t have built meaningful relationships with supportive professors or discovered my passion for physics research. The support that I’ve received from both faculty and students at this school is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced anywhere else.
Shoutouts: Big shoutout to Professor Murawski and Professor Supplee. They have been so supportive throughout my undergraduate experience, and I would not be where I am now without them.
Carrie-Lee Farnham
Degree: Master of Divinity, United Methodist Ministry Track
Hometown: Apex, North Carolina
Post-graduation plans: After graduation, I will be returning to North Carolina to serve as a lay supply pastor at Salem UMC and Ebenezer UMC.
How will your Drew degree impact your future: My time at Drew has equipped me with both the theological foundation and practical ministry skills needed to faithfully serve in pastoral leadership. It has deepened my understanding of Methodism and strengthened my ability to lead, teach, and care for diverse congregations.
Clubs: Women’s Ministerial Alliance (WoMA), Theological Student Association (TSA)
Advice for Drew students: Step out of your comfort zone—you never know how God might grow you through new experiences and relationships.
Achievements: Graduate Student Leader Award, Clement Scholarship Recipient, Eakin Scholarship Recipient, Betty H. Welsh Scholarship Recipient
Reflection on your time at Drew: My time at Drew has been both formative and transformative. I’ve grown not only academically, but also spiritually and personally, through meaningful relationships, challenging coursework, and opportunities to lead and serve. Drew has helped shape my identity as a pastor and prepared me for the work ahead.
Shoutouts: Dr. Kevin Newburg for his vast knowledge of all things Methodism, Dr. Melanie Johnson-DeBaufre (MJD) for her impactful teaching in all things New Testament, and Dr. Gary Simpson for his mentorship over the past three years.
Aurora Marino
Major/Minors(s): Biology major, Chemistry and Psychology double minor
Hometown: Sarasota, Florida
Post-graduation plans: Working as a medical assistant in Florida while I apply to medical school for the 2027 cycle.
Clubs/Sports: I am on the softball team and I am the SAAC president.
Advice for Drew students: Make the most of the time you have. Four years goes by faster than you could imagine.
Reflection on your time at Drew: I have loved my time at Drew. Specifically, I have really enjoyed doing research with Dr. Bayne and Dr. Christina McKittrick focusing on the effects of stimulant drugs on the dopamine pathway in C. elegans.
