The URI ESTEEMED program welcomed its third cohort of freshmen trainees this August. Trainees participated in a weeklong ESTEEMED Academy program, which introduced them to STEM resources at URI, careers in the biomedical sciences, and more. This program laid the foundation for their next two years in the program. The following students are part of the 2025-27 cohort:

Aleemat Adediran is originally from Pawtucket and attended North Providence High School. During high school, she was a member of the P-TECH CTE program, where she had the opportunity to earn her associate degree at the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI). Through this program, she also became CPR and CNA certified, furthering her passion for health and science. Aleemat was also involved in DECA, where she gained leadership experience and earned first place in the Food Marketing Series competition. She is majoring in Biological Sciences. In her free time, Aleemat enjoys painting, volunteering, and spending time with her family. After completing her degree, she plans to become a dermatologist but is open to explore all the jobs and possibilities that this degree offers. 

Bineta Konte attended Davies Technical High School in Lincoln. In high school, she did a Biotechnology program that gave her very useful lab skills, and she was part of the Rhode Island Honor Society. Bineta is coming into the University of Rhode Island as a Biotechnology major. Her interests outside of school include writing short stories based on different genres, watching a variety of shows, and listening to music to create different playlists. Bineta is unsure of what she wants to do after receiving her degree, but she plans to use the time at the university to narrow down her options for her future career.

Miranda Lin is a Chinese-American originally born in Providence. During her time at Classical High School, she participated in a handful of programs which include DownCity Design Design/Build Internship, ACE Mentor Program, and PrepareRI Internship program. She was also a part of the Girls Varsity Tennis Team, Helping Hand, and was the President of Ping Pong Club during her senior year. She is currently entering her freshman year at URI as a biotechnology major and potentially minoring in chemistry. After completing her bachelor’s, she plans to pursue her master’s degree and work in a laboratory of a leading biotechnology company. Outside of school, Miranda spends a lot of her free time going on walks, playing racquet sports (ping pong, tennis, pickleball), crocheting/knitting, sewing, drawing, discovering new music, hanging out with friends, and producing mini-films. 

Ruby Chavez is originally from Pawtucket and attended Blackstone Academy Charter School. In high school she was a member of the Robotics club and was part of the Rhode Island Honor Society. Ruby is currently a freshman at URI majoring in Engineering. Outside of school Ruby enjoys arts & crafts, baking, working out, and reading. Ruby is unsure of her plans after receiving her degree, but she hopes her time in the university can help narrow down her options.

Shayla Samayoa attended Charles E. Shea High School in Pawtucket, where she was involved in multiple programs and extracurricular activities. These included being part of the Pawtucket cheer team, where she was captain for two years out of four and became 2x State Champions with her team, National Honor and Spanish Societies, and Designer for the Shea Fashion Show. She loves the idea of science and how it is always changing, and with this passion she completed a 4-year biomedical career and technical education program at her school. In this program she organized and ran three blood drives, raising her determination to save lives for people who are in need. She is majoring in neuroscience at URI. After completing her Bachelor’s degree, she plans to study for the MCAT and attend medical school. During her free time, Shayla enjoys reading murder and romantic style books, working, trying new foods and even going on walks while listening to music. 

Also joining us for the first time are two sophomores, who will join the second cohort this year (2024-26):

Zorayda Gutierrez is originally from Providence and attended to Paul Cuffee High School. In high school, she was involved in band and MAC (Mentors at Cuffee). She also did an internship at Brown Urology in the summer of 2023. Zorayda is currently a student at URI, majoring in cell and molecular biology. Outside of school, Zorayda’s hobbies include playing video games, hiking, drawing, and spending time with her family and dogs.

Zuni Smiling Perez is a Dominican-American originally from the Dominican Republic raised in Providence. She is a sophomore at URI majoring in Chemistry (B.S) and Chemical Engineering and received her high school diploma from Palisades High School, NC. During high school, she was involved in activities such as; string ensemble, marching and symphonic band, Mu Alpha Theta (Maths Honors Society), and Palisades Dance Company. After getting her degree, Zuni plans to attend graduate school to acquire her PhD with the goal of becoming a tenure-track professor at a university. During freshman year and currently, she works within the Kiesewetter lab developing an independent research project researching an aminolysis reaction with common household oil paints. She is a proud member of the URI Ram Marching Band and a URI 101 mentor. In her freetime, Zuni enjoys dancing, playing instruments, video games, and reading comic books.