Theophile Nkulikiyinka

College of Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering

Theophile Nkulikiyinka of Kigali, Rwanda is the Outstanding Graduating International Student in the College of Engineering. Nkulikiyinka, a biomedical engineering student, is a Presidential Scholar and the recipient of the International Presidential Scholarship. He has been an undergraduate researcher in the laboratory of professor Michael Mason, evaluating the potential of cellulose nanofiber as a biomaterial for bone replacement. His academic experiences off campus included shadowing at Hanger Orthotics and Prosthetics Clinic, and working as a cardiac technician at Northern Light Health and a direct support professional for adults with disabilities at MERT Enterprises and Peace Residential Care. Nkulikiyinka is president of UMaine’s African Student Association. He plans to pursue a master’s degree in prosthetics and orthotics at the University of Hartford.

Shelby Philips

Maine Business School

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Management

Shelby Philips of Buffalo, New York is the Outstanding Graduating Student in the Maine Business School. Philips is a business administration major in management. Her numerous academic awards include the Senior Alumni Non-Traditional Student Scholarship, the Carville Non-Traditional Student Scholarship, and the David and Debra Scott Scholarship. Philips interned with Food Rescue Maine, an initiative of the Senator George J. Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions, and served as president of MBS Corps. She also was a member of SPIFFY and the International Business and Culture Club, and was a cast member in the School of Performing Arts production of “Everybody.” This summer, she will be a producer on an independent feature film. Philips plans to pursue a career in management.