De’Ajree Branch is a graduate from North Carolina Central University and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. She currently holds three degrees, B.S. in Biology and Pharmaceutical Science with a minor in chemistry and Master of Science degree in Aeronautics. De’Ajree is working towards obtaining her Ph.D. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Virginia (UVA). Professional goals for De’Ajree include becoming an Astronaut and expanding her financial knowledge by investing to do community outreach in her hometown Rocky Mount, North Carolina, and other underserved areas. Her goal academically is to work on obtaining more publications to expand her repertoire in research. De’Ajree also has a strong connection with doing diversity, equity, and inclusion work. She currently serves as the Program Coordinator for MOCHA/WOCHA where her initiative to contribute to diversity began at UVA, ensuring that each member of the program feels included. The MOCHA/WOCHA program focuses on exposing the undergraduate cohort to various events that they may not have otherwise been privileged to experience. At UVA De’Ajree is currently working with a group of esteemed engineers/scientists to help develop an underwater system to extract energy from rivers using oscillating hydrofoils.

Tyler Busch is a fourth-year at the University of Virginia majoring in African & African-American Studies with a History minor. He is currently conducting research in the Distinguished Majors Program focusing on desegregation and integration. In his previous years as an undergrad, he has been involved in the Student Council serving as a Representative and promoting diversity through the Echols Outreach and Inclusion Program, and is a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.

Emily Luong is a third-year Echols Scholar majoring in Neuroscience. She serves as the President of the Vietnamese Student Association, which is a cultural, service, and social organization aiming to educate others about Vietnamese culture. Additionally, she serves as a cabinet member of the Mid-Atlantic Union of Vietnamese Student Associations, a nonprofit dedicated to serving the Vietnamese American community and empowering young Vietnamese Americans by fostering cultural awareness, promoting social justice, and developing leadership in the Mid-Atlantic region. Outside of VSA, Emily is a member of the Admissions Tour Guides and a research volunteer at the Human Brain Lab in the UVA School of Medicine.