Distinguished Lee Scholars

Nicholas Merante, with an Electrical Engineering degree and a minor in Computer Science from RIT, distinguished himself through exceptional academic performance and sustained leadership in complex, team-based engineering environments, particularly through his role as Electrical Lead of RIT’s Electric Vehicle Team.

Carlos Barrios, Faculty Advisor of the Electric Vehicle Team, wrote in his letter of recommendation:

Nicholas has been an excellent student, and it is evident from his impressive resume that he has been successfully applying skills learned through coursework to work environments as well as in extracurricular activities. His work with the Electric Vehicle Team has been exceptional, leading to several functional designs used in competition vehicles. He has demonstrated qualities of teamwork, leadership, and camaraderie, progressing from a contributing member to a project lead, mentor, and ultimately Electrical Lead. He has devoted countless hours to onboarding and training new members, helping them develop both technical skills and confidence. Nicholas is hard working, focused, and able to deliver successful results in all goals he sets for himself.

After graduation, Nicholas decided to remain in Rochester, NY and begin his career at Re:Build AppliedLogix. In this role, he works on embedded systems projects involving custom electronics across areas such as robotics, power, and imaging, applying his background in electrical engineering and computer science to low-level firmware and hardware design. 

Anthony Bloore earned a Physical Therapist Assistant degree from Onondaga Community College. While in school, he demonstrated resilience and a consistent dedication to supporting both his peers and the patients he served.

Tammy Lytle, Program Director of the Physical Therapist Assistant program at OCC, shared the following in her letter of recommendation:

From the beginning of the program, Anthony stood out for his consistently warm, welcoming, and friendly demeanor. He brings a positive energy into every space he enters and maintains that attitude even under pressure. His peers gravitate toward him because he is approachable, steady, and genuinely supportive. During clinical rotations, he demonstrated a remarkable ability to connect with patients, particularly older adults, communicating with a level of comfort, patience, and respect that is rare in a developing clinician. His ability to make patients feel seen, heard, and valued reflects both emotional intelligence and a deep sense of service.

Anthony is interested in working in acute care settings, where he can continue building hands-on clinical experience in a hospital environment. He is committed to working with patients recovering from complex conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury. Over time, he hopes to pursue additional certifications and contribute to the field by mentoring and educating future healthcare professionals.

Distinguished Lee Scholar

Paloma Hamilton, who graduated from RIT in May 2025 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, is focused on human-centered engineering in the prosthetics design field. One of Paloma’s professional goals is to design innovative prosthetic devices for the medical sector.

According to her academic mentor “Paloma is the well-rounded student. Not only does she do well academically, but she is getting a minor in electrical engineering, as well as a bio-options in mechanical engineering. As a student she is curious and asked detailed questions that showed clear understanding and a desire to get the details.”

Paloma is entering the workforce as a professional mechanical engineer at DARP Engineering in New Hampshire. 

Distinguished Lee Scholar

Rashard Woods, a Radiologic Technology student from SUNY Niagara, earned the DLS award because of his perseverence and dedication to the medical field.  

One of his clinical professors commented that “Rashard’s confidence at clinic allows him to work well with patients, staff, and fellow students alike. His intelligence, dedication and high motivation are all necessary characteristics moving forward in the career path of radiologic technology, and beyond. He will be a valuable asset in any endeavor he pursues.”

Rashard graduated in May 2025 with his associates of applied science and plans to become certified in two different modalities of radiology—MRI and interventional radiology. In the future, he wants to continue his education to ascend in the medical profession and pursue management positions in a radiology department.

Distinguished Lee Scholar

Jade Carter graduated with a BS in Biomedical Engineering and plans to earn a MS in Human Movement Science. Her goal is to work in rehabilitation engineering, with a specific focus on devices and technology aimed at enhancing the quality of life for individuals with walking challenges.

Jade’s long-term commitment to service, demonstrated in her mentoring of high school STEM students and a leadership role with the Biomedical Engineering Society, made her a standout candidate for this award.

According to Dr. Douglas Yung, Jade's professor at Syracuse University:

Jade's intellectual curiosity, coupled with solid ethical foundation, positions her as a leader not just in the classroom but in all facets of life. Her integrity is unimpeachable; she approaches every task with honesty and a robust moral compass that inspires her peers. Jade embodies the ideals of integrity, leadership, and community service that the Lee Foundation champions.

Distinguished Lee Scholar

Graduating with a degree in nursing, Korey MacDonald is the Lee Foundation's first Disinguished Lee Scholar from a two-year partner school. 

Korey persevered through personal challenges on his journey towards his degree. He excelled in his academic studies and demonstrated leadership, serving as the class elected representative to the Student Nursing Association. One of Korey's professors noted "Korey surpassed my expectations for student performance both academically and personally. His engagement during class time encouraged other students to speak up." 

Korey's immediate plans include working in the medical field and he hopes to someday return to NCCC as an instructor and/or lecturer. 

Distinguished Lee Scholar

Calvin graduated in May 2023 with a dual BS in Industrial Engineering and MS in Industrial and Systems Engineering. He plans to earn a PhD in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at RIT while continuing to work as a software engineer at CUBRC. Calvin's professional goal is to integrate research into real-world settings and focus on the practical application of his studies.

Throughout his academic career, Calvin demonstrated a commitment to excellence and intergity. He has presented original research at national conferences, served as the treasurer of RIT’s Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineering and volunteered as a tutor.

According to Dr. Katie McConky, his professor and research advisor, "Calvin has taken on a number of roles despite trying to balance the demands of family, academics, research, health concerns, and odd jobs outside of campus. Outside of official leadership positions, in my observations of Calvin with his classmates, he always assumes a leadership role in groups." 

Distinguished Lee Scholar

In May 2022, Alex graduated with a degree in Optical Engineering and joined the team at Corning. He hopes to earn his masters in optical sciences through the University of Arizona’s online program while working.

Alex is an industrious young man who excelled in the classroom while also finding time to volunteer in the community and take on a leadership role with the university’s club volleyball team. According to Georg Nadorff, Professor, Institute of Optics at University of Rochester: 

“Alex is the type of individual any engineering team would benefit from having aboard, because he represents the ethics of a dedicated and capable contributor, while also investing his energy with causes in the greater community.  I look forward to watching his career develop and continue to represent the ideals of the Lee Foundation of integrity, leadership, and service.” 

Distinguished Lee Scholar

For Chiara and the Lee Foundation, the selection process worked both ways. Before applying to be a Lee Scholar as a junior at RIT, she surveyed our website and “felt a connection” with our mission. The Foundation was “looking for philanthropically minded engineers,” she recalls, “and that spoke to me.”

Chiara does, indeed, prioritize service. While an undergraduate, she included a three-week trip to repair medical equipment in Guatemala among her many volunteer efforts. She received a B.S. in biomedical engineering in May 2021, and is now studying for an M.E. in engineering management, also at RIT.

“Engineering is a magical match between science and math,” Chiara believes. Her “deep passion for the human body and physiology” explains her interest in biomedical engineering. “I am so thankful” for the Lee Foundation’s support, Chiara says. The Distinguished Lee Scholar Award funding will eliminate her qualified student loans, and “the impact on me and my family is life-changing!”

Distinguished Lee Scholar

Crystal Bell graduated cum laude with a degree in civil engineering from St. Louis University in May 2020. In addition to excelling in academics, Crystal participated in many volunteer activities, including mentoring high school students and encouraging them to think about their education goals. She also worked with refugees to resolve their housing and employment issues.

One of Crystal’s most notable volunteer commitments was to Billikens for Clean Water (B4CW), a student-run service project committed to educating others about the world water crisis and funding efforts to address water disparities.

While a junior at St. Louis University, Crystal led a group of students to rural Belize where they analyzed and implemented water solutions with villages experiencing water scarcity and quality maladies. As Crystal shared with the Lee Selection Committee, "my involvement with B4CW started the first week of college and someone will have to drag me from it. I do it with all of my energy and all of my heart."

We know Crystal will continue her community involvement as she works to complete her master’s degree. 

Distinguished Lee Scholar

The Lee Foundation met Jessica in 2010 while she was attending St. Louis University and was selected to be the first Lee Foundation Scholarship recipient. At that time, Jessica was a junior studying aerospace engineering and the pressures of her job, work-study and student loans were overwhelming. She was worried that she might need to transfer or put her education on hold.

According to Jessica, “when I was told I got the Lee Scholarship, my heart exploded! I was filled with joy because it allowed me to stay.”

With support of the Lee Foundation, Jessica graduated in 2012 and became a Test and Evaluation Engineer, conducting wind tunnel tests for defense and space programs at Boeing. In 2019, she also earned her master’s degree in aerodynamics. 

In recognition of Jessica’s personal and professional achievements and her unwavering commitment to the Lee Foundation values, she was named a Distinguished Lee Scholar in 2017.

Jessica remains connected to the Lee Foundation by serving on the Lee Foundation Selection Committee and mentoring the current St. Louis University Lee Scholars.