CAPS Student Profiles

Nina Jaramillo (She/Her)

Nina joins CAPS from Valrico Florida, just outside of Tampa, as a graduate of Bloomingdale High School.  During High School Nina balanced a challenging course of study with working a full time 40-hour a week job. Not only did Nina meet the demands of being both a full time student and employee, she also found time to complete various graphic design commissions and enjoyed practicing archery in a nearby forest.

While at Colby Nina hopes to study Biology and Mathematical Sciences and complete the requirements for Medical School. Nina is interested in conducting research while at Colby, excelling academically and exploring the many options available to Colby students during Jan-Plan. During her Colby journey Nina also hopes to make lasting connections with her peers.

Ritika Pawar (She/Her, They/Them)

Ritika joins CAPS from Congers, New York located just north of New York City along the Hudson river where she graduated from Clarkstown High School North. As a self identified multipotentialite, meaning that she has a myriad of interests at which she excels, Ritika invested time in high school pursuing music, service and student leadership. In addition to these areas Ritika took advantage of opportunities to pursue her love of STEM disciplines. Completing a research project in Public Health, participating in the Science Olympiad, writing for her school’s science magazine and serving as president of their school’s robotic team were some of the ways Ritika explored the world of STEM during high school. Some of their fondest memories are working with younger students during outreach events hosted by the robotics club and as the HR manager and volunteer for a non profit organization that taught drawing and painting to students over Zoom.

At Colby Ritika is interested in pursuing studies in Physics, Astronomy and Chemistry and would love to participate in the Engineering Dual-Degree program. Studying abroad and conducting research are also priorities for Ritika. Finally Ritika is interested in a variety of clubs on campus including Colby Helping Hands, The Debate Society, CER and the Tea Club.

Jennifer Jackson (She/Her)

Jennifer joins CAPS from Paris Texas which is located about a two hour drive north east of Dallas. During her time at North Lamar High School Jennifer participated in her school’s University Interscholastic League (UIL) winning several medals including receiving first place in the Biology section for her district during a Science UIL competition. Jennifer also represented her school as an artist when she brought her sculpture of a dragon to the state Visual Art Scholastic Event. Finally Jennifer served as Treasurer for her school’s National Honor Society.

At Colby Jennifer plans on majoring in Biology with a possible concentration in Neuroscience or Biochemistry. Of course with her interest in art Jennifer plans on exploring the offerings of the Art Department as well. Jennifer is interested in both participating in research and studying abroad for a semester while at Colby. Jennifer is looking forward to the change in environment as she transitions from living in a small, rural southern town to the Waterville and Colby communities.

Ottavia Coderoni Rousso (She/Her)

Ottavia joins CAPS from New York City where she attended Millennium High School in Manhattan. Starting her high school career in the middle of a pandemic required a huge adjustment in how Ottavia had to learn and interact with peers. But after those challenges Ottavia was able to build strong relationships with both peers and teachers and held leadership positions in the Student Senate and as a Student Officer. Service was also a large part of Ottavia’s life in high school. She worked with a student club dedicated to period equity and built period packages for local homeless shelters, helped raise $7,500 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and provided weekly tutoring sessions to children from her neighborhood.

At Colby Ottavia plans on majoring in Neuroscience and will be deciding whether to pursue a pre-med course of study or focus more of her time conducting research. Her biggest hope while at Colby is to actively create opportunities for herself, try new things, participate in a variety of clubs, study abroad and be open to new aspirations that will inevitably arise during her undergraduate career. Taking advantage of the resources available through the Davis Connects College Career Center and the unique Jan Plan curriculum are also goals for Ottavia while at Colby.

Sadie Williams (She/Her)

Sadie joins CAPS from Colton New York which is located near the Canadian border in the northern part of the state. Sadie attended Colton-Pierrepont High School and during her senior year participated in an early college program at The Clarkson School in Potsdam NY. During her high school career Sadie was involved in a number of clubs and organizations including the Speaking Team, Environmental Club, Whiz Quiz, The National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society and Stage and Studio. She also served as class president for several years. An avid runner, Sadie was part of her school’s track and field team and also played varsity soccer. At Clarkson Sadie joined the Nordic Ski Team, the Sustainability and Outing clubs and worked with various STEM education initiatives.

At Colby Sadie plans on majoring in either Chemistry, Environmental Science or Geology and becoming involved in research. Sadie also hopes to travel and explore by taking advantage of Jan Plan offerings, a semester abroad and opportunities during the summer. Clubs of interest to Sadie include the outing club, nordic club and any sustainability or environmental clubs. Finally Sadie hope to meet and make lifelong friendships with other motivated and passionate students.

Aqilla Ikrar (She/Her)

Aqilla comes to CAPS from Lake Forest California which is about an hour drive south along the coast from Los Angeles. Graduating from Trabuco Hills High School in Mission Viejo, Aqilla leaves behind a record of academic, athletic and extracurricular achievement. Aqilla completed the international baccalaureate program at Travuco Hills and was a member of both the varsity and club volleyball teams as well as the varsity track and field team. Aqilla created the Southeast Asian Club (SEAC) while at Trabuco Hills, participated in the Associated Student Body and served as the President of the school’s chapter of the National Honors Society. Because she was so active in High School Aqilla built strong friendships with a variety of students and hopes to do the same at Colby.

While at Colby Aqilla plans on majoring in Biology or Psychology with a concentration in Neuroscience. She loves the field of psychology and is fascinated by the neurological aspects of motivation, dopamine, and resilience. Aqilla plans on exploring a variety of interests while at Colby including conducting research and traveling abroad, possibly during one of her January terms. Maintaining healthy routines for her academic, physical, mental and spiritual health is a priority for Aqilla. Currently Aqilla is thinking about attending medical school after Colby.

Gael Ortiz Ramirez (He/Him)

Gael joins CAPS from Austin Texas where he attended Kipp Austin Brave High School. A proud Questbridge Scholar, Gael balanced his academic accomplishments with a variety of extracurricular activities, many of which highlight his interests in environmentalism. Gael created a working rain collection system for Kipp Austin Brave and was an active member of the Environmental/Gardening Club. In addition, Gael was a member of this school’s National Honors Society and the Student Leadership Committee. Gael managed his academic and extracurricular demands along with a part time job, an accomplishment for which he is understandably proud.

Not surprisingly, Gael hopes to focus his academic program in either Environmental Science, Marine Biology or Oceanography. Learning about the local environment here at Colby, studying ways to preserve and learn about nature and possibly working with partner organizations like the Bigelow Laboratory are all goals for Gael. Taking advantage of opportunities to conduct research and study abroad are also some of the things Gael would like to accomplish while at Colby.

Angel Rosales

Angel joins CAPS from San Diego California where he attended Bayfront Charter High School. During high school Angel was an active member of Bayfront’s Table-Top playing club which provided him the opportunity to regularly play Dungeons and Dragons with classmates. Angel also found time outside of his academics to volunteer at a local nature center where he met many wonderful people and learned more about animal husbandry. Angel is most proud of fulfilling his family’s dream of him attending college after high school.

At Colby Angel plans on majoring in Biology. Angel is also interested in the ASL Club, getting involved in field research, and taking advantage of the myriad opportunities to engage his curiosity and find adventure. Most importantly, Angel is looking forward to becoming a part of the Colby community.

Tamara Rusakovich (She/Her)

Tamara comes to CAPS from Wayne Maine where she graduated from Leavitt Area High School in nearby Turner. Wayne Maine is about a forty minute drive southwest of Colby.

Having attended three different high schools, Tamara is understandably proud of successfully negotiating a tumultuous time during the last four years. Tamara found her niche at various schools and while at Leavitt she started an outing club, participated in local trash clean up initiatives, helped collect discarded eclipse glasses and assisted with her school’s thrift store. Not surprisingly, sustainability and working outside are priorities for Tamara. In fact among the various jobs she’s held, Tamara has especially enjoyed working on farms and gardening.

At Colby Tamara is interested in studying Environmental Policy and Government all the while expanding her knowledge and finding both her voice and confidence. Making a difference in the world and being an agent for change are Tamara’s ultimate goals so focusing on advocacy work and outdoor leadership will be priorities for her while at Colby. To those ends Tamara is interested in clubs such as the Feminist Alliance, the Gardening Club, the Volunteer Club and the Outing Club.

Beck Hall (He/Him)

Beck comes to CAPS from Auburn Alabama located about a one hour drive northeast from Montgomery. Beck graduated from Auburn High School where he was actively involved in his school’s Diversity Council and their Future Farmers of America chapter. He served as an officer for both organizations while at Auburn. Additionally Beck volunteered in his local community and participated in online citizen science programs. Beck is proud of the work he did academically which resulted in him becoming an AP Scholar with Distinction and belonging to the National Honors Society, National English Honors Society and the National Technical Honors Society. Beck accomplished all of this while also working part time during his senior year.

At Colby Beck is interested in studying Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Science. He is especially interested in wildlife research and offerings from the Buck Lab for Climate and Environment. Coming to Maine Beck is looking forward to having access to the State’s natural habitat, participating in outdoor activities, and experiencing a change in culture from the rural south to the northeastern part of the U.S. Finally Beck wants to explore the possibility of studying abroad in Southeast Asia, South America or Africa.