The URI ESTEEMED program welcomed its second 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 2024-26 cohort:
Daniel Flores is originally from Providence, Rhode Island, and went to Classical High School. In high school, he took part in the tennis team, robotics club, and tutoring. He also had an internship at the Providence City Hall in the summer of 2023. Daniel is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. In the future, he plans on applying to medical school in hopes of finding a career in that field. Outside of school, Daniel enjoys thrifting, listening to music, and playing with his pet bunny.
Ori Barata is a Cape-Verdean-Portuguese student at URI. They are from Providence, Rhode Island, and went to Rhode Island Nurses Institute Middle College. During high school, they were a Student Ambassador, member of the National Honor Society, a Student Tutor. They also became CNA and CPR certified. They are currently double majoring in Biomedical Engineering and Medical Laboratory Science. Outside of school, they are in a dance crew, a bassist in a band, and a creative writer. They also love listening to music. After graduation, they plan to open a medical laboratory and develop medical devices for underrepresented communities.
Temidayo Jegede was raised in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and attended Charles E. Shea High School. During high school, he was involved in track & field, football, and National Honor Society. Temidayo currently attends URI and is in the PharmD program. Outside of school, Temidayo works part-time as a pharmacy technician. After completing his degree, Temidayo plans to become a nuclear pharmacist.
Charlize Liranzo is from Johnston, Rhode island and went to Davies Tech High School in Lincoln. At Davies, Charlize was a part of the Biotechnology CTE program. Through the CTE program, Charlize was able to accomplish many things such as participating in an internship program at Amgen in West Greenwich, Rhode Island and doing real life research as part of the Wolbachia Project. Charlize is currently attending URI pursuing a degree in Biotechnology. Outside of school, Charlize enjoys doing nails as a hobby, listening to music, and playing soccer. After graduating, Charlize plans on using her degree to pursue a career that allows her to work in a lab.
Ayendry Lopez is originally from the Dominican Republic where he was born and raised. He attended the Metropolitan Regional Career and Technical Center High School in Providence. Inhigh school he explored his passions by doing internships related to construction, andfilmmaking. Ayendry also played for the Juanita Sanchez baseball team during his senior year. He is currently a student at URI majoring in Mechanical Engineering. Outside of school, he loves spending time playing chess, basketball, and baseball with his friends. He also enjoys going fishing with his dad as well as painting and drawing with his sister. After completing his degree, Ayendry plans to become a mechanical engineer and explore all the jobs and possibilities that this degree offers.
Ervin Ranz Regalado is a first-year student at the university majoring in Electrical Engineering. He received his diploma from Classical High School and is planning on pursuing a master’s degree in electrical engineering after receiving his bachelors from URI. At Classical, he participated in French Club and Robotics, which led to him discovering his interests in both the hardware and software aspects of electrical engineering. In his free time, he enjoys cycling and admiring the scenery, watching various genres of movies, and playing video games.
Camila M. Quiroga is a Bolivian-American originally from Providence, Rhode Island. Sherecently graduated from Classical High School. Camila is currently studying at the University ofRhode Island double majoring in Biology and Neuroscience. After getting her degree, Camilaplans on getting her master’s degree, focusing on research for a few years, and then going onto medical school to become a pediatrician. During her free time, she enjoys making jewelry, reading, baking, calligraphy, and spending time with her cat.