Students Celebrating Students

Kathryn Chao is a current junior from Cary, NC, majoring in Economics and Quantitative Energy Systems with a minor in PPE (Philosophy, Politics, and Economics). She aspires to pursue a career in green finance and plans to attend law and business school. Kathryn’s academic pursuits include serving as an Indo-Pacific Strategy Research Intern with the U.S. State Department, where she examines economic sanctions, human rights developments in Hong Kong and Taiwan, and the PRC solar PV supply chain. She is also an Investments Researcher for the International Development Research Club (IDRC@UNC), focusing on hydropower and renewable energy investments for Honduras.

Beyond academics, Kathryn co-founded a sustainable fashion brand and works to build a fully traceable and domestic supply chain for luxury recycled textile goods. She is also a member of NC Fellows under Student Life and Leadership, an Agora Fellow with the Department of Public Discourse, and a Global Bridge Fellow through the Campus Y

Colin Chen is a current junior from Cincinnati, OH, majoring in Neuroscience with minors in Entrepreneurship and Chemistry. He aspires to attend medical school and has a strong passion for research, innovation, and mentorship. Colin is a founding member of the Translational Neuro Oncology Lab, where he develops and tests experimental therapeutics for the treatment of Glioblastoma. He has played a pivotal role in establishing the lab, including procuring essential equipment and creating protocols to streamline experiments and data collection.

Beyond academics, Colin serves as President of the UNC Run Club, leading the team in national-level competitions and daily runs across campus. He is also the Founder and President of Made4Me UNC, a project that designs and creates custom cardboard furniture and equipment for children with disabilities. Additionally, Colin is an academic coach for HEELSUP, a program that integrates students with autism into college life by supporting their participation in classes and extracurriculars.

Tyler Coffee is a current junior from Cary, NC, studying Business Administration with a minor in Data Science. He aspires to a consulting and venture capital career, blending his analytical expertise with his passion for innovation and community impact. Tyler serves as an Executive Board Member for the Union of Black Men, working under the External Relations & Partnership Committee to foster meaningful collaborations. He has also contributed to Community Engagement and Student Wellbeing within the Kenan-Flagler Business School and as an Executive Director for UNCUT Chapel Hill, a storytelling platform for collegiate athletes.

Outside of academics, Tyler is on the JV Men’s Basketball team and is helping to plan our next campus-wide music festival as the Head of Strategy for Franklin Street Market. His hobbies include cooking, traveling, and playing an enthusiastic round of UNO. Tyler is also a Luther Hodges Scholar, gaining invaluable nonprofit consulting experience in Atlanta, Georgia, this past summer.

Samantha Greene is a current junior from Bethesda, MD double majoring in Nutrition and Philosophy with a minor in Creative Writing. She plans to pursue a career in health litigation and negotiation, advocating for marginalized groups, particularly Black and Queer populations disproportionately affected by healthcare systems. Her goal is to attend law school and work with private or public sector firms to drive equity and justice in health policy.

Samantha serves as the 57th President of the Black Student Movement, leading initiatives that create safe spaces for Black students while emphasizing community service. She is also a gut microbial student researcher in Carroll Labs at the Gillings School of Public Health. Additionally, Samantha is the Director of Strategy & Development for the American Mock World Health Organization (AMWHO). Outside of academics, Samantha is a Section Leader for the Marching Tar Heels’ Tuba Section, performing at football and basketball games as well as other athletic events.

Jakob Williams is a current junior from Franklin, NC, double majoring in Political Science and Dramatic Arts with a minor in Advertising and Public Relations. His academic pursuits have ignited a passion for a future career in law, and he will be the first in his family to pursue a degree in the legal field.

Jakob is deeply involved in academic and leadership initiatives at Carolina. He co-founded and serves as President of The Law Society at Carolina, spearheading initiatives such as law school admission panels, attorney panels, mentorship programs, LSAT workshops, and collaborations with UNC Law, attracting roughly 200 members. As Undergraduate Student Body Secretary, Jakob coordinates communication between student representatives, faculty, and administration to implement impactful initiatives. He is also an Agora Fellow for the UNC Program for Public Discourse, the student representative for the Equal Opportunity and Compliance Office Policy Advisory Group.