We are pleased to announce that Alexandra Atherton has been named a 2025 Merrill Presidential Scholar! Alexandra is a senior pursuing a double degree in Criminology & Criminal Justice (CCJS) and Government & Politics (GVPT), with a minor in Global Terrorism Studies. She has previously interned with MDEM and START, and is currently the CCJS Advising Peer Advisor and SEE Concert Director.

Each year, the Merrill Presidential Scholars Program honors the University of Maryland’s most successful seniors and the mentors who guided them—both at the university and in their K–12 education. The program celebrates mentorship and brings together UMD faculty and teachers from Maryland schools to strengthen connections between the university and the K–12 community.

Alexandra chose to honor Ms. Kristin Chu, her fourth-grade teacher at Gaithersburg Elementary School in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and Dr. Amy Pate, her faculty mentor from the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START).

Reflecting on her mentors’ influence, Alexandra shared, "My elementary school teachers had a profound impact on my life. As I navigated the challenges of moving back to the United States and processing big emotions, teachers like Ms. Chu offered steady support and guidance during some of my most difficult years. Her respect, care, and passion for teaching not only made the classroom a safe and engaging space but also sparked a love of learning. Her fourth-grade class remains a pivotal moment in my education."

She also noted, "My mentor at UMD has inspired me in a different but equally meaningful way. As I transitioned through university and adulthood, I felt a gradual dimming of the passion that I had when I graduated high school. But in Professor Pate’s class, I found that spark again. Her lectures on extremism were not only captivating, but also fostered deep, critical discussions that reignited my intellectual curiosity. Her class and mentorship have had a profound influence on my career path, steering me toward counterterrorism and reshaping my understanding of today’s most pressing security threats."

Please join us in congratulating Alexandra, Ms. Chu, and Dr. Pate on this well-deserved recognition.