Alumni Council

University of Maine — B.S. in Economics and Political Science, magna cum laude (2019).
2018 Jack and Charlie Canning Pioneer Scholar.
2017 George Mitchell Peace Scholar — University College Cork, Ireland.

Policy and consulting roles in Washington, D.C., including with the U.S. Senate, The Cohen Group, and Deloitte & Touche LLP. His work focuses on risk management, energy, communications, and climate resilience. He also helped pass the Great American Outdoors Act of 2020.

Exploring Maine’s wild spaces, coastline, and food scene.

Adam looks forward to contributing to the continued success of the Mitchell Institute and creating new professional development and educational opportunities for all Mitchell Scholars.

Bowdoin College (2023): B.A. in Economics & Religion; minor in Classics.
Campus Ambassador for the Mitchell Institute, President of Mock Trial, and Men’s Lacrosse goalie.

Analyst at OGx Consulting — a management and technology consulting firm focused on strategy, transformation, and technology.
Internships: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration; Office of U.S. Senator Susan Collins.

Hunter recalls being pushed out of his comfort zone early on by the Mitchell community and hopes to help more Scholars feel confident taking similar steps with the Institute’s support behind them.

Bowdoin College — B.A. in Environmental Studies and Earth & Oceanographic Sciences (2018).
The Ohio State University — M.A. in Geography (2024).
Leon and Lisa Gorman Pioneer Scholar Award recipient.
Locations lived: Solon, ME → Nabburg, Germany → Columbus, OH → Newington, CT → Boston, MA.

Transportation Planner — Connecticut Department of Transportation.
Research Fellow & Teaching Assistant — The Ohio State University.
Contact Tracing Supervisor — Ohio Department of Health & Public Consulting Group.
Teaching Assistant — Fulbright Program, Germany.

Traveling, sports, fishing (including as a Registered Maine Fishing Guide), radio, trivia, gardening, and exploring public transportation systems.

Living and going abroad, applying for fellowships, going to graduate school, and GIS mapping.

John’s identity as a Mainer remains a source of pride, and he’s excited to support the Institute’s mission to uplift Mainers just as it did for him.

Bowdoin College — B.A. in Economics, minor in Government and Legal Studies (2019).
Locations lived: Greenville, ME → New York, NY → Austin, TX.

Director of Strategic Programs — Certinia (current).
Senior M&A Advisor — Quest Software.
Senior Financial Analyst — Yext.
Investment Banking Analyst — UBS Investment Bank.

Long-distance running, traveling, weight lifting, food (all kinds), and coffee (also all kinds).

Financial management and investing, financial modeling, enterprise software, navigating new jobs and cities, living and traveling abroad, and conversational Spanish.

Molly is grateful to give back to the organization that shaped her college years and looks forward to helping strengthen connections among Scholars and alumni.

Wesleyan University — B.A. in American Studies and Spanish (2019).
Yale University — Ph.D. Student in American Studies (current).
Locations: Washington, D.C. → New Haven, CT → New York, NY.

Legislative Aide — U.S. Senate (3 years).
Ph.D. Student — Yale University, American Studies (current).

Asian American history, current events, cooking, cats, and crafts.

Navigating the U.S. education system, applying to graduate school, and adjusting to life in new cities.

Nancy values the meaningful connections built through the Mitchell Institute community and is committed to helping future Scholars access the same support that shaped her own journey.

University of Southern Maine — B.A. in Media Studies (2005).
Locations: Spring Valley, NY → Bethel, ME → Portland, ME → Orono, ME → Bangor, ME.

Peer Services Coordinator & Advisor — TRIO Student Support Services, University of Maine.
Assistant Director of Student Services — Office of Student Financial Aid, University of Maine (former).
Core Organizer (Volunteer) — Black Bear Mutual Aid Fund.

Hiking, yoga, stand-up paddleboarding, practicing financial independence, and eating tacos.

Cultivating financial capability (money management, credit, and investing), navigating college as a first-generation or neurodiverse student, and supporting loved ones through major life transitions.

As a first-generation college graduate, Nicole recognizes the transformative power of higher education and is dedicated to supporting students on their academic journeys.

Colby College — B.A. in Biology & Sociology (2017).
Journey: Waterville, ME → Washington, DC → Fort Lauderdale, FL → West Palm Beach, FL (current).

Executive Director & Community Organizer — PEACE (current).
Associate Community Organizer — BOLD Justice (previous).
Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellow (previous).

Highlights:
• Community ID Program of the Palm Beaches (2020): 4,000+ IDs issued to date.
• Racial Profiling Study (2024): organized a countywide traffic-stop data initiative with PBSO and Northeastern University.

Reading, looking for sea glass, and exercising.

Navigating career pivots; turning advocacy into a career; building local/state campaigns; power mapping; coalition building; recruiting and training community leaders.

Paige is eager to pay forward the mentorship and opportunities she received by helping Scholars turn their passions into tangible community impact.

American University — B.A. in Journalism with a minor in International Studies.
Locations lived: Windham, ME → Washington, D.C. → New York, NY.
Recognized as a Student Changemaker for founding American University’s first LGBTQ+ student media publication.

Office Manager & Communications Specialist — Alzheimer’s Association (current).
Former Peace Corps intern and Orientation Leader at American University.

Pop music, horror films, and documentaries. Writing, reading, and photography. Collecting physical media such as records, zines, and CDs. Hiking, cycling, traveling internationally, and passionate about fashion and design history.

Navigating city life, overcoming first-generation student challenges, starting student publications, mental health advocacy, communications and recruitment strategies, writing and public speaking, and connecting within the LGBTQ+ community.

“The Mitchell Institute helped me find my voice and confidence. Serving on the Alumni Council lets me give that same support back to Scholars finding their own path.”

University of Maine — B.S. in Microbiology, 2026
Tufts University School of Medicine — M.D., 2026-present

Medical Student — Tufts University School of Medicine
Medical Assistant — Penobscot Valley Dermatology
Teaching Assistant — Infectious Disease Laboratory, Microbiology Laboratory, Molecular Genetics, Phage Genomics

Biking, running, doing triathlons, hiking and backpacking, fly fishing, and watching soccer

Mentorship surrounding research opportunities and experiences, navigating medical school applications and interviews, gaining relevant healthcare experience, and running/triathlon training plans and tips.

“The Mitchell Institute has had a fundamental impact on developing me as an individual, a professional, and a community member. I would be remiss if I did not do my best to provide others with the same phenomenal support.”

University of New Hampshire — B.S. in Environmental Engineering
Locations: South Paris, Maine → Durham and Newmarket, New Hampshire → Greenwood, Maine

Environmental Engineer — Geosyntec Consultants

Carolyn works on complex, multi-year environmental projects involving site investigation, data analysis, and groundwater treatment system design. Her work emphasizes practical, field-driven solutions and coordination across technical teams to move projects forward.

Carolyn is actively involved in community development and historic preservation efforts in Western Maine, serving on the board of the Norway Opera House nonprofit, where she supports long-term planning and the revitalization of a historic downtown building into a modern concert venue.

She also enjoys reading, going to concerts and live music events across Maine; watching historical drama movies; and spending time at the lakes in Western Maine.

Early career development in engineering and consulting, community engagement and nonprofit involvement, and building a career rooted in both professional growth and place-based impact.

“Being part of the Mitchell Institute community has had a lasting impact on me. I want to stay involved in a way that supports both Scholars and Alumni while strengthening the broader community that connects us.”

Bay Path University — B.A. in Justice Studies with a concentration in Rehabilitation, Advocacy, and Justice. Minor in Forensic Psychology. Certificate in Youth Development.

Carlin currently works as the Aftercare and Enrichment Coordinator at Breakwater School, where she is passionate about fostering students’ passions, creativity, and curiosity about the world around them. During the summer months, Carlin is the Assistant Camp Director at Breakwater Summer Camp, a place where she has spent her summers since she was seven years old!

When not at work, Carlin loves to create and decorate things by hand and hang out with her family’s pug. You can often find Carlin lying in a hammock, at an estate sale, or searching for a good view of the moon.

Finding academic/work/life balance; feedback on applications; embroidery and crafting advice; working with children outside of a classroom setting; staying organized.

Carlin felt supported by the Mitchell Institute in many ways throughout and beyond her college years. She believes in the Mitchell Institute’s mission and is excited about the opportunity to stay connected to and support current Scholars on their own journeys!

2009 Mitchell Scholar (Waterville High School)
2013 Colby College, B.A. (Government and Global Studies)
2018: The Fletcher School, Tufts University, M.A. in Law and Diplomacy
2024: The Fletcher School, Tufts University, PhD in International Relations

Legislative Aide for Maine Senate President
Development and Outreach Coordinator, Maine Center for Economic Policy
Dialogue Facilitator at Seeds of Peace
Program Assistant and Facilitator at Community Dialogue, Belfast Northern Ireland

Baking, reading, traveling adventures, hiking, anything on the ocean

Navigating academic environments; approaching uncertain or non-linear career paths; graduate school mentorship

“The Mitchell Institute has been an essential source of support and community throughout my education and career. It’s an honor to give back to an organization that has meant so much to so many people, and to help students all across Maine achieve their personal, educational, and professional aspirations.”