The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) will honor six students as outstanding graduates during the winter commencement ceremonies. These individuals have excelled in various fields, including neuroscience, mechanical engineering, and public policy. President Keith E. Whitfield will recognize their achievements in academics, research, and community service.
Among those honored is Daniel Fisher, who graduates Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Fisher has been involved in significant research projects and was an active member of UNLV's Skatin’ Rebels Hockey team. He contributed to the design of Nevada’s first satellite and participated in international fellowships at Korea University.
Jesse Fager-Larsen is another graduate being recognized for his work in political science and psychology. A first-generation college student from the foster care system, Fager-Larsen has been involved with organizations such as Brookings Mountain West and served on the UNLV Mock Trial team.
Pierre Lescure from France pursued a degree in criminal justice at UNLV after diverse career experiences. As a non-traditional student, he has supported peers as an Honors Peer Mentor and plans to continue his studies focusing on crime prevention.
Darlyn Magaña earns her master's degree in Couple and Family Therapy with a perfect 4.0 GPA. She aims to start a bilingual therapy practice and has already contributed significantly through her roles at Las Vegas Therapy and UNLV’s Center for Individual, Couple and Family Counseling.
Samer Youssouf graduates with a bachelor's degree in computer science from the Honors College. He co-founded UNLV's Cyber Clinic and has dedicated substantial time to cybersecurity education through various initiatives.
Finally, Xiaowei Zhuang completes her Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience with notable contributions to public health research on COVID-19, Alzheimer’s disease, and traumatic brain injuries. Her work is published extensively in national journals.
These students are part of approximately 2,500 expected graduates crossing the stage at Thomas & Mack Center on December 17th and 18th.