Commencement
Karim Mikhail majored in neuroscience and philosophy, led a successful undergraduate career at UAB thanks to the strong mentorship both programs have to offer, and found lifelong friends working as an International Mentor.
After being homeschooled until high school, John Goodman is graduating from UAB with a degree in industrial distribution, lifelong friends, and track record of academic excellence, service and leadership.
Cameron Rodgers-Johnson will go on to study music composition after taking advantage of performance opportunities at UAB and graduating with high distinguished honors.
More than 3,071 students are eligible to graduate this semester, and at least 1,715 students will participate in commencement exercises.
Abby Hill is a volunteer firefighter and a UAB nursing student. From answering emergency calls in rural Alabama to preparing for a career in trauma nursing, Hill’s UAB journey reflects resilience and a deep dedication to her community.
Melissa Mercer, Miss UAB 2025, is set to graduate Saturday, May 3 — just eight weeks before she takes the stage to compete for the prestigious title of Miss Alabama.
Xavier Golden always planned to become a doctor; but after joining the military and discovering tech careers through TikTok, he switched paths to computer science, earning his degree and more than one job offer.
Jacqueline Hernandez-Burgos would have never guessed that when she transferred to UAB she would also become familiar with UAB Medicine.
After an accomplished four years on UAB’s campus, Patel will walk across the commencement stage to graduate with her bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Heersink’s exemplary service to UAB has been recognized by one of the highest honors bestowed at the institution, the President’s Medal.
Colton Segars pivoted from history to nursing after working in the Blazer Simulation Lab at the School of Nursing, finding his long-term career interest.
Nakia Coleman, an assistant director with UAB Birmingham Promise, integrates the cutting-edge skills and techniques from her online master’s program into her daily work, driving innovation and excellence.
After four years of playing with the UAB Marching Blazers, Jonah Ross will graduate with his bachelor’s degree from the UAB School of Engineering.
Dominique Elston’s kidneys were failing, and dreams of becoming a nurse put on pause. Her sister, a medical student, became a living organ donor and gave her a second chance at life and a career.
Leslie Mollica resumed her education after an 11-year break, embraced opportunities in the computer science program and will graduate Aug. 10 having secured a full-time job with Southern Company.
Providing for his family has always been a constant in James Omweri’s life. This UAB chemistry graduate is now set to build a brighter future for his family as a radiochemist.
Mercedes Tarasovich focused her research in medical sociology on barriers to mental health care for an understudied population — people who have survived suicide attempts.
Augmenting his interest in cultural exploration through language learning and exploring the past through an anthropological lens, Ali Kesserwani is set to pursue a master’s degree at Georgia Tech.
Navaneeth Shibu will spend a year in Vietnam as a Princeton in Asia fellow after graduating with a master’s degree from UAB this summer.
With a passion for health care, Sarah Ashouri learned that two degrees were not enough to provide the patient care she genuinely deserved to give.