News Story

Fischell Undergrad Among Md.'s Top Women

Fischell Department of Bioengineering senior Jenna Aidikoff has been selected to receive the Maryland Daily Record's 2009 Circle of Excellence Scholarship, part of the state’s Top 100 Women awards program. She will be among the winners honored at a public ceremony at the Baltimore Symphony Hall this May, where she will also provide remarks. The award includes a $3000 unrestricted gift.

Since 1996 the Maryland Daily Record newspaper has honored high-achieving women throughout the state. Each four-year college and university in the state has the opportunity to nominate only one of their juniors or seniors to be considered for the Circle of Excellence Scholarship, which is awarded to those who possess the same qualities as the professional women named among the state's Top 100.

Criteria for the award include outstanding scholarship, leadership, and mentorship. Aidikoff was selected for her exceptional scholarship in engineering, education, and at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, where she conducted research on Down Syndrome. She was also recognized for her deep commitment to the University of Maryland community through her leadership in the Student Government Association, as a Resident Assistant, as a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society, and for her leadership with the O.N.E. UMD Student Leaders Conference. Aidikoff has mentored countless students on campus and at Camp Pals, a community for those living with Down Syndrome.

"Jenna is a bright young lady," says Fischell Department of Bioengineering professor and undergraduate program director Adel Shirmohammadi. "Besides her outstanding academic achievements, she is a kind individual with a passion for the well being of others. Her performance in my Senior Capstone Design Course was outstanding. She always showed leadership qualities and had a smile on her face regardless of the challenges of the day."

"Jenna's ability to mentor others, create sustainable long-lasting change, and be an accomplished scholar make her the perfect recipient for this honor," says Ramsey Jabaji, the university’s Coordinator for Leadership Development Programs. "Jenna is a wonderful testament to the University of Maryland and its commitment to multiculturalism, scholarship, and community engagement. Her ability to mentor her peers to be social change agents is remarkable and I have met only a few students who approach her level of character, maturity, and intellect during my time as an educator."

After graduating, Aidikoff plans to accept a consultant position with Citrix Systems, Inc., which specializes in applications delivery for virtualization and remote access.

For More Information:

Maryland's Top 100 Women Awards »

April 6, 2009