Most Likely to Change the World

Yearbook style layout with student headshots on right and their names on the left

Most Likely to Change the World

by Briahna Switzer '23 | May 10, 2022

Read time:

Christopher Newport is student-led and student-driven.

Our students have countless opportunities to engage in research and service to others. This meaningful work takes time and perseverance, but it's worth it. Students hone their passions and explore careers, become better leaders and change our community for the greater good.

Rather than strive for common yearbook superlatives like "best dressed" or "biggest flirt," these students operate on a higher level. And there is one trait that many would be in the running for: "most likely to change the world," as you can see here.

Click on each "yearbook" photo below to learn more about each student and the impact they're making on campus.

Brenton Duvall ‘22

Computer Engineering

As president of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee and the Christopher Newport NAACP chapter, Brenton works to create opportunities for change both on and off the field.

"I wanted to use our platform as student athletes to create social change, so I developed the Diversity and Inclusion Committee within the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. Every Friday we meet with other clubs to establish liaisons and get updates about what we’re all doing. I’ve seen a stronger Black community as well as stronger connections overall between different cultural organizations on campus. We all support each other and I think it’s cool to see that over time."

Cynthia Huynh ‘22

Psychology, Biology, Leadership Studies

As a cofounder and president of the Asian Student Union, Cynthia aims to enhance representation on campus and educate others on topics related to Asian culture and communities.

“I really did not expect to be able to integrate my new passion with my future career goal — using my psychology degree to help minority and underprivileged populations when it comes to physical and mental health.”

Marina Organt ‘23

Environmental Biology, Leadership Studies, Civic Engagement and Social Justice

Marina created the Green Teens program, in which local teenagers pitch and implement community-led environmental projects.

“Through Green Teens, I’ve learned that service is a lot more than just showing up for your shift and getting some work done. I realize I’ve made a big impact on 17 students’ lives by going beyond accruing service hours and fulfilling a program requirement.”

Tongase Booth ‘22

Cellular, Molecular and Physiological Biology, Neuroscience, Leadership Studies

Tongase has been a local EMT since 2017. She is now based with the American Medical Response in Hampton.

“Being an EMT, you sometimes see people at their worst and sometimes their best moments. This work has taught me to be less quick to judge because you never know what’s going on in people’s lives.”

Michael Bush ‘22

Political Science, Communication, Leadership Studies

Michael Bush volunteers with the Natasha House, a transitional home for women and children experiencing homelessness. He also works with RISE Male Empowerment Network, a mentorship program for young men in Newport News Public Schools.

“Learning about the different issues in a community and hearing from different perspectives, I’ve become more open minded. There are so many different experiences that people have, you can't judge a book by its cover.”

Katelyn Sloan ‘23

Sociology, African-American Studies, Women’s and Gender Studies

As an undergraduate researcher under Dr. Andria Timmer, she interviewed refugees who have recently relocated to Newport News about their experiences and transition to living in a new country. She hopes to continue working with marginalized populations after graduation.

“I always knew I wanted to work with disenfranchised and marginalized people, and this project was a step in that direction. My work has taught me that I want to hear people’s true opinion, their true stories and get a sense of their essence.”

Aiden Rucker ‘24

Cellular, Molecular and Physiological Biology, Neuroscience

As president of Captains Emergency Response Organization, Aiden partnered with Violence Intervention Prevention to implement bystander emergency response education in local schools.

“I love teaching and I am very passionate about emergency response. When you’re part of a team that you’ve trained with so much, it’s amazing to see your hard work create positive change.”

Srinidhi Gopal ‘23

Cellular, Molecular and Physiological Biology, Leadership Studies

Srinidhi started the club WE CARE, which stands for Women Empowerment through Collaboration, Awareness, and Resources for Education.

“Education gives people the confidence to take on leadership positions in order to advance their career. I know educational change isn't dramatic in a short span of time, but it can happen gradually over generations.”

Reuben Laryea ‘24

Neuroscience, Leadership Studies

Reuben is an undergraduate researcher under Dr. Kathryn Cole, specializing in cancer research.

“My favorite part of research is the relationship I have with Dr. Cole. It’s different from just a student-professor relationship that you have in class, it’s more based on collaboration. This project will be going on for a while so it’s great for future students, too — students just like me who want to learn about the scientific process.”

Audrey White ‘23

Environmental Biology, Business Administration, Leadership Studies

Through her involvement with the Center for Sustainability in Education, Audrey has worked with many campus partners in reducing solid waste and single-use plastics across the university. She is currently working on projects introducing recycling education and composting programs to campus.

“I have definitely become much more patient with sustainability work. As much as I wish it was, it’s far from instant gratification. I’ve also grown to be a lot more confident in speaking out — the work I’m doing matters and it’s worth listening to.”

Christopher Mojica ‘25

Management

As a Community Captain, Christopher Mojica prepares lower income and first-generation high school students for their transition to college, as well as organizes service projects.

“The Community Captains program is fairly new, but I’ve been able to see the impact it’s had on new students in a short amount of time. Seeing this has made me think about pursuing a career with these types of organizations.”

Brandon Davis ‘22

Marketing

As a visual storyteller, Brandon created a short documentary about the environmental and social impacts of a large coal facility in Newport News.

“This project has instilled a fire in me to create more documentaries and question the world around me in order to educate others.”