Pictured above (L-R) seniors Catie, Elena, Isabella, Samantha, Chloe, and Katie catching up with Dr. Melnyk after their Global Scholar Capstone presentations on April 9, 2025.

Eleven accomplished members of Ursuline’s Class of 2025 took the spotlight during a two-day Global Scholars Capstone presentation on April 8-9, showcasing a diverse and compelling array of independent, scholarly research on critical global issues. The presentations reflected months of rigorous study, cross-cultural analysis, and passionate inquiry into some of the world’s most urgent challenges — from healthcare disparities and sustainable agriculture to authoritarian governance and human rights violations.

The Capstone project, a hallmark of Ursuline’s Global Scholars Program, encourages students to examine complex, globally relevant topics through academic research, personal engagement, and often, first-hand experiences. This year’s cohort exemplified the program’s mission of cultivating informed, ethical global citizens ready to advocate and shape the future. 

What set this year’s presentations apart was the depth of research and the deeply personal connection to each project. Many students drew directly from their own experiences, travels, service opportunities, and interactions with local and global communities. These connections inspired them to dig deeper into complex issues, amplify marginalized voices, and seek meaningful solutions. This integration of heart and scholarship makes Ursuline’s Global Scholars Program one of the school’s most distinctive offerings—preparing students not just for college but for life by helping them discover their passions and develop the critical thinking skills to pursue them with purpose.

We’re extremely proud of our 2025 Global Scholars and know they will continue to achieve great things and make our world a better place.” 
- Mrs. Maria Barton, director of Global Education

Each presentation offered unique insight and depth; highlights included:

Chelsea ‘25 tackled the profound question of whether political systems shape socioeconomic conditions or vice versa in her presentation "The Socioeconomic Impact of Political Systems in the U.S. and China." Bungay's comparative analysis highlighted the intertwining of culture, governance, and economic status, focusing on how Democratic and Communist frameworks play out across affluent and impoverished nations.

Silvia ‘25 explored modern Chinese nationalism and global strategy in her research titled “The Great Rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation.” Cuono dissected the Chinese Communist Party’s quest for superpower resurgence, emphasizing identity politics, economic expansion, and territorial ambitions as key pillars of its 21st-century global strategy.

Elena ‘25 presented "The End Of The Road," a powerful examination of marginalized migrant communities in France, Brazil, and the Dominican Republic. Through service trips abroad, policy analysis, and personal narratives, Della Rocca sheds light on the systemic neglect and daily struggles these populations face, challenging audiences to confront global patterns of socioeconomic exclusion.

Caralyn ‘25 delved into the environmental and human costs of modern farming with "Sustainable Agriculture: A New Revolution." Her research spanned the Democratic Republic of Congo, Brazil, and China, showcasing cutting-edge innovations like Agrivoltaics and AI-based solutions to reverse climate-driven food insecurity.

Juliette ‘25 addressed a chilling resurgence of antisemitism in her project "Historical Roots and Current Manifestations of Antisemitism in Latin America." With historical depth and present-day urgency, Thomas traced the trajectory of antisemitic ideologies from colonial times to the current spike in anti-Jewish sentiment among youth following the events of October 7, 2023.

Maiya ‘25, in her presentation "Statelessness: Through the Eyes of the Middle East," brought attention to the ongoing plights of Kurdish and Palestinian communities. Williams highlighted how lack of statehood results in lost rights, legal invisibility, and political disenfranchisement, calling for renewed international attention and action.

Samantha ‘25 turned a spotlight on “Maternal Healthcare Gaps in Rural Costa Rica and the United States,” where she analyzed how geographic isolation, systemic inequalities, and policy failures create maternal care deserts, endangering lives in areas where care should be a human right, not a luxury. She found inspiration after visiting Costa Rica and shadowing an OBGYN doctor at NY Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center.

Inspired by a health crisis close to home, Catie ‘25 addressed the overlooked intersection of war and chronic illness in her Capstone, “Insufficient Medical Resources in War-Torn Areas with a Focus on Type 1 Diabetes." Croker’s research examined the barriers to accessing insulin and critical supplies in conflict zones, offering creative, humanitarian-based solutions for delivery and access.

After working in local hospitals, Chloe Eaglesham ‘25 became drawn to exploring a future in healthcare. For her Capstone, she took a hard look at “The Healthcare Crisis in Afghanistan,” especially for women and girls. Drawing stark comparisons between Afghanistan and the United States, Eaglesham detailed the compounding effects of political repression and medical inaccessibility, particularly on minority and female populations.

Katie ‘25 investigated the global disparities and stigmas surrounding Autism Spectrum Disorder in her project “Stigma and Access to Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) on a Global Scale.” Focusing on the U.S., South Korea, Argentina, and Bhutan, Miller’s research advocated for global education, dignity in care, and more accessible diagnostic services. As a music teacher who works with special needs children, Miller is inspired to increase awareness and work towards solutions in this area.

Isabella ‘25 closed out the showcase with “How Economics Affects Healthcare: Delivery, Access and Equity in India.” With India now the world’s most populous nation, Vembenil’s work examined how socioeconomic inequality impacts healthcare accessibility, highlighting the urgency of reforms to improve outcomes for vulnerable communities.

Mrs. Maria Barton, Ursuline’s director of Global Education, praised the Global Scholars, stating, “Each student’s global studies experiences have shaped them into authentic, curious, and compassionate learners. Ursuline alumnae Global Scholars tell me that this independent study program prepares them with the academic research and writing skills needed at the college level. We’re extremely proud of our 2025 Global Scholars and know they will continue to achieve great things and make our world a better place.” 

The Global Scholars Capstone Research projects underscored Ursuline’s ongoing commitment to fostering a new generation of wise, active global collaborators and socially conscious young women with voices ready to be heard in a world in need of bold, compassionate solutions.