91��Ƭ��

By Kelsey Kendall 

As 91��Ƭ�� prepares to celebrate its graduates during its Fall 2025 Commencement, the Outstanding Scholar Awards spotlight the top student with the highest academic average from each college.  

This year’s top scholars for undergraduate academic programs are: 

• Charles Arthur Yohnke, III – Batten College of Engineering and Technology;
• Allie Harrell – Darden College of Education and Professional Studies;
• Olivia Kaufman – Ellmer College of Health Sciences;
• Anis Bachkhandeh – Ellmer School of Nursing;
• Danielle Leland – Strome College of Business;
• Bhaavan Goswami – College of Arts & Letters;
• Kaytlin Marie Armitage – College of Sciences;
• Kim Beatriz Calamanan – Joint School of Public Health, a partnership of Norfolk State University; and
• Brandon Burke – School of Cybersecurity. 

Among the top scholars, Charles Arthur Yohnke III was selected as the Outstanding University Scholar. 

Let’s meet the scholars. 

Charles Arthur Yohnke, III – Batten College of Engineering and Technology 

Major: Mechanical engineering technology 

About Charles: Charles appreciated the hands-on learning opportunities he found at 91��Ƭ��. Working with Orlando Ayala, Ph.D., director of undergraduate research and the Ray Ferrari Endowed Professor in the Department of Engineering Technology, Charles conducted research with applications in hydroponics agriculture. About Dr. Ayala, Charles said, “He held a tough standard in his classes but was always willing to assist anyone in meeting those standards.” As he prepares to graduate, he is looking forward to applying his experience and education in the nonprofit sector.  

 

 

Allie Harrell – Darden College of Education and Professional Studies 

Major: Physical education with a minor in health education 

About Allie: Allie’s journey at 91��Ƭ�� is not quite over as she prepares to start her master’s in adapted physical education (APE) through the Darden College of Education and Professional Studies. After walking across the commencement stage in December, she plans to work part-time as an APE teacher with the Center for Autism in Newport News, where she will apply the education and experience she gained as an undergraduate with the help of several influential faculty. Most inspirational to her was Senior Lecturer Katelyn Makovec, who Allie said made every class exciting and informative. Allie said, “I remember being excited to come to class each day and feeling so thankful that I chose the major I did.” A piccolo player in the Monarch Marching Band and volunteer with Monarch Moves, a community-based adapted physical activity program for Hampton Roads youth, Allie found connections with her fellow students and faculty members.   

 

Olivia Kaufman – Ellmer College of Health Sciences 

Major: Cytology with a minor in psychology 

About Olivia: Olivia was a proud member of the Perry Honors College and made the Dean’s List every year, while attending 91��Ƭ��. She was committed to engaging and growing in the cytology field and served as vice president of the Cytology Club and represented the University at the American Society for Clinical Pathology. Deborah Krzyzaniak, the program director for cytology, inspired Olivia, emphasizing patient care and continuing education to best serve her community as a medical professional. While at the University, Olivia found connections within the Monarch community by engaging with classmates from all over the world and attending multicultural events like the Asian Night Market and Student Night at the Opera. She said, “I have been exposed to so many new perspectives, communities and experiences that I am truly grateful for.” Moving forward, she plans to continue her academic and professional growth in the field.  

 

Anis Bachkhandeh – Ellmer College of Nursing 

Major: Nursing 

About Anis: Anis served active duty in the U.S. Air Force throughout her time at 91��Ƭ��, balancing education with civic duty. She found support and encouragement from all levels — from the administration and financial services to her instructors in the classroom. She said, “I have had the privilege to learn from many great professors at 91��Ƭ��, each of whom played an important role in my learning and professional growth.” In particular, she praised Holly Tenaglia, D.N.P., A.P.R.N., AGCNS-BC, professor of nursing, for her help and thoughtful feedback that encouraged continuous learning. Following graduation, she plans to apply to a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program to further advance her education.   

 

Danielle Leland – Strome College of Business 

Major: Business administration  

About Danielle: Danielle appreciated the flexibility 91��Ƭ�� offered as it allowed her to complete her classes online, while she worked toward her professional goals. She works at the Better Business Bureau as a business development specialist, which gave her experience in the field and insight into her career path. Her inspirational faculty member was Jennifer Klinger, a senior lecturer in the Department of Management. Danielle said even as an online student, Klinger emphasized hands-on learning in her class and provided valuable feedback to help students improve. Danielle said, “That’s hard when you’re doing online classes, but she always kept everyone working together.” Following graduation, Danielle is planning to apply her degree by pursuing opportunities in the business field, with interviews already lined up.  

 

Bhaavan Goswami – College of Arts & Letters 

Major: Cybercrime with a minor in cybersecurity 

About Bhaavan: Bhaavan found inspiration from multiple faculty members. He found mentorship, support and connection with Michael Gulland, an adjunct faculty member in the School of Cybersecurity, and Philip Mann, a senior lecturer in sociology and criminal justice, from day one. Gulland assisted Bhaavan in securing a prestigious internship with the FBI. Additionally, as a Cybercriminology Scholar working with Rod Graham, Ph.D., an associate professor in sociology and criminal justice, Bhaavan was able to assist in shaping coursework for future cybercrime majors, saying, “The coursework we helped work on will guide future lesson plans for professors and help shape the program as it continues to grow.” As he prepares to graduate, he reflects on the wonderful people he met, from the professors who guided him to the friends he made.  

 

Kaytlin Marie Armitage – College of Sciences 

Major: Psychology with a minor in criminal justice 

About Kaytlin: Kaytlin credits Sage Hawn, Ph.D., for being instrumental in her education, having shaped her as both an academic and a person by taking her into the lab and serving as an exceptional honors thesis mentor. She said, “My favorite part of the time I spent at 91��Ƭ�� was the mentorship I received through Dr. Hawn and other faculty members. It made me the learner I am today and the mentor I will be in the future.” Academically, Kaytlin presented at multiple poster symposiums, winning the Kirby Award at the Virginia Academy of Science. She was also a founding executive board member for 91��Ƭ��'s Planned Parenthood Generation Action Club, helping to organize students to get involved in their community. She plans to apply to the University’s clinical psychology doctoral program to further her clinical and academic knowledge. 

 

Kim Beatriz Calamanan – Joint School of Public Health 

Major: Public Health 

About Kim: Kim’s academic journey will continue as she pursues a master’s degree in nutrition, and she plans to graduate in 2027. Her goal is to become a registered dietitian. She volunteered at the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health Conference in 2025 and found new opportunities to explore her field of study. About her experience at 91��Ƭ��, Kim said, “My favorite part was attending career events and the conference because it allowed me to meet professionals in the field and find out about opportunities and new research.” She said Elizabeth Brown, Ph.D., MPA, an associate professor in health behavior, policy and management, was her inspirational faculty member because of the guidance and professional advice she provided.  

 

Brandon Burke – School of Cybersecurity 

Major: Cybersecurity 

About Brandon: Brandon focused intensely on academic and technical development throughout his undergraduate career. His favorite 91��Ƭ�� experiences centered around hands-on learning, which included setting up virtual private environments in cloud lab environments, performing ethical hacking exercises and building his own Ethernet cable. The experiential learning opportunities he found were foundational to his academic and professional growth. He said, “These projects allowed me to apply classroom concepts to real scenarios and deepen my understanding of cybersecurity operations.” Brandon said his most inspirational faculty member was Xianrong (Shawn) Zheng, Ph.D., an associate professor in the Department of Information Technology and Decision Sciences. About Dr. Zheng, Brandon said, “What I found most inspiring was his clear and engaging teaching style, which made complex cybersecurity topics easier to understand and follow.” Following graduation, Brandon plans to pursue a master’s degree in cybersecurity to deepen his technical expertise. In the long term, he hopes to apply his skills in a federal or investigative setting, such as the FBI, to contribute to national security and cyber defense.