First class of Sophomore Selection scholars to graduate from UNC–Chapel Hill this May, Pt. 1 with Clara DiVincenzo ’26 of Raleigh

First class of Sophomore Selection scholars to graduate from UNC–Chapel Hill this May, Pt. 1 with Clara DiVincenzo ’26 of Raleigh

From Catalyze by Morehead-Cain

April 14, 2026 · 22 min · Episode 144

About this episode

Clara DiVincenzo reflects on her journey as a Morehead-Cain Scholar and the first class of Sophomore Selection scholars graduating from UNC–Chapel Hill.

It’s been nearly three years since the Morehead-Cain Foundation launched the Sophomore Selection process. The program was established to identify second-year students at Carolina who demonstrate exceptional scholarship, leadership, and character. This year marks a historic milestone: the first class of Sophomore Selection scholars will graduate this May from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. These fifteen scholars joined the Morehead-Cain Program in fall 2023. In this episode, host Oni Terrado ’27 sits down with Clara DiVincenzo ’26 to reflect on her journey as a Morehead-Cain Scholar, from coral reef research and global experiences abroad to professional work with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Clara shares how she embraced the four pillars of the Morehead-Cain Program, navigated challenges, and remained grounded in authenticity throughout her college experience. The scholar is a biology and statistics double major and marine sciences minor.

People in this episode

Host: Oni Terrado

Guest: Clara DiVincenzo

Topics covered

  • scholarship
  • leadership
  • college experience
  • marine sciences
  • Morehead-Cain Program

Keywords

  • Morehead-Cain
  • scholarship
  • UNC
  • marine sciences
  • leadership
  • college experience
  • NOAA
  • coral reef research

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Morehead-Cain Foundation, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Places: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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