Meet Pitt’s incoming class of Chancellor’s scholars

Pitt has awarded the Chancellor’s Scholarship, one of the University’s most prestigious undergraduate awards, to 12 incoming first-year students. The awardees, who hail from Wisconsin, Georgia, Maryland and beyond, will begin their studies in fall 2025.

Awarded through the David C. Frederick Honors College, the Chancellor’s Scholarship recognizes students who exemplify academic excellence, leadership and a commitment to service. Recipients receive full tuition, room and board, guaranteed honors housing and access to tailored academic and research opportunities on Pitt’s campus.

Among this year’s recipients is Noah Oguh of Edgewood, Maryland. He graduated this spring from Edgewood High School, where he was an International Baccalaureate student and led honors societies dedicated to math, Spanish and social studies.

Oguh’s interest in biomedical research was first sparked in seventh grade, after a close friend was diagnosed with a rare thyroid condition.

“I realized there are so many genetic diseases that people just could not control, and to me, that felt a little unfair,” Oguh said. “I wanted to make my life's work to help reduce the instances of and even eradicate those diseases, so people can live a better and more fulfilled life.”

Oguh plans to major in bioengineering at the Swanson School of Engineering and hopes to eventually study abroad in Switzerland to conduct research on gene editing and artificial organoids, synthetic organ models that can help reduce the need for transplants. He also looks forward to community service through PittServes and building relationships within the Frederick Honors College community.

Fewer than 15 students are named Chancellor’s scholars each year, making it one of the most selective honors available to Pitt’s incoming class.

“These remarkable students represent the very best of what the Frederick Honors College stands for — intellectual curiosity, public engagement and an unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the world,” said Nicola Foote, dean of the Frederick Honors College. “We are excited to welcome them into our community and support them as they grow into scholars, leaders and changemakers.”

The 2025 Chancellor’s scholars are:

• Gretchen Baudendistel, of Ridgefield, Connecticut
• Fin Blohowiak, of Larsen, Wisconsin
• Lily Hurtz, of Highlands Ranch, Colorado
• Lisa-Sophia Kachalova, of Goshen, Kentucky
• Domiona Marine, of Midvale, Utah
• Tiffany Miller, of Union City, Georgia
• Ezra Moon, of Pittsburgh
• Noah Oguh, of Edgewood, Maryland
• Grace Piro, of Chalfont, Pennsylvania
• Leo Rodriguez, of Peach Tree City, Georgia
• Vera Singh, of Rockville, Maryland
• Miriam Spak, of Pittsburgh