Roby did just that. A graduating senior with a double major in Political Science and Policy Studies and a double minor in Chinese and Global Security and Diplomacy, he is also a winner of the U.S. Department of State’s highly competitive Critical Language Scholarship for intensive Mandarin study.

Policy fellowships and research

As an honors student in the Martinson Honors EDGE Program, Political Science and Law Professor Tony Spanakos showed him that politics could mean “taking your ideas, translating them into public policy, and making a positive impact on the world.” That insight led Roby to seek out real‑world policy experience early in his college career, building a record of hands‑on public‑service work.

“Jacob has a very good ability to link what interests him to seeking information and opportunities to listening to other people and then moving ahead with his research or professional activities,” Spanakos says. “He is humble, hard-working and interested in hearing multiple perspectives.”

Roby dove into opportunities that brought his interests to life:

• Alexander Hamilton Institute, Washington, D.C. – A program that took him to the nation’s capital to study U.S. history and meet policymakers, which “opened me to public service as a vocation.”
• National security research in D.C. – Work with a think tank on Taiwan and Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturing, giving him a window into the intersection of technology, security and foreign policy.
• USDA Student Fellow – A role in New Jersey that connected his policy training to real‑world issues affecting communities closer to home.

Roby also joined Project AROS, a Montclair‑exclusive research lab that paired him with the Wilson Center in Washington, D.C. There, he researched how U.S.–China competition is shaping global efforts to address climate change in the Indo‑Pacific region – a new angle on issues he was already exploring through his national security work in D.C.

Learning alongside students from all walks of life

Roby’s idea of Montclair as an “American dream school” comes as much from who he studied with as from what he studied. He recalled an early macroeconomics course filled with nontraditional students: veterans of the Marine Corps, a taxi driver, a construction worker and a classmate who worked overnight shifts at a FedEx facility before coming straight to class.

“That is what I mean about the American Dream – this University accepts students from all walks of life and gives them a chance to better their lives through higher education,” he says.

Taking Montclair global

After Commencement, Roby will take that story abroad with support from his Critical Language Scholarship, studying Mandarin Chinese at Tamkang University in New Taipei City, Taiwan. The intensive, immersive eight‑week summer program is equivalent to one year of university‑level language study and includes living with a host family, meeting regularly with a language exchange partner on campus and immersing himself in the local community.

Looking ahead, Roby hopes to continue his studies at National Taiwan University’s International Chinese Language Program for the following academic year and summer term. He is also considering staying in Taiwan long‑term by pursuing a master’s degree in Political Science at National Taiwan University and building a career in a Chinese‑speaking environment.

This story is part of a series celebrating ����vlog’s graduates – students who embody the University’s mission to broaden access to exceptional learning opportunities and contribute to the common good.

A dozen years later, that promise is coming true. A first-generation student from Camden, New Jersey, Rodriguez is graduating in May 2026 with a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and minors in Chemistry and Classics from ����vlog, and will attend medical school.

That promise has shaped his time at Montclair, especially his work in the lab with zebrafish to better understand cancer. Rodriguez dove into research focused on melanoma and fertility, presented his work at conferences and mentored fellow pre-med students – all while balancing rigorous science courses with Honors and Classics seminars.

With his mentor Melissa Spigelman ’23, ’25 MS, Rodriguez discusses how clytia jellyfish polyps will be used in the next stage of their research in Professor Carlos Molina’s lab. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

Discovering research with zebrafish

At Montclair, Rodriguez joined research already underway in Biology Professor Carlos Molina’s lab using zebrafish to “apply what we see in the fish to then help humans.”

Explaining the zebrafish research in a way his grandmother would have understood, Rodriguez says, “The genes of the zebrafish are kind of like a light switch; you can turn them on and off.” He and his labmates turn off a tumor-suppressor gene so the fish are more likely to develop tumors and increase their chances of getting melanoma in their skin pigment cells. By watching how a single protein changes under those conditions, they can learn lessons that may apply to people, since humans and zebrafish share similar genetics and the same ICER protein with similar effects.

Rodriguez engaged deeply in that research and in sharing the work, including poster presentations at Montclair, Rutgers University and in Dallas, Texas, as part of the American Heart Association Hispanic-Serving Institution scholar program, where he collaborated on research with scholars across the United States and Puerto Rico. He earned recognition as a (LSAMP) Scholar, a CSAM Summer Research Scholar and a participant in the six-week t (PULSE) program.

“I love being rigorously challenged. I’ve always been very heavy on my work ethic, and there’s just no other curriculum like medicine that is so rigorous, so intense. I feel I would be doing a disservice to myself by not pursuing something that I know I could definitely handle and take on,” he says. “I believe everyone has a God-given vocation, this inexplicable desire to pursue certain professions, and for me that’s medicine.”

Support, mentoring and EOF

Navigating college as a first-generation student came with challenges. He credits the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) program, the Pre-Medical Program, mentors and close friends with providing the support, leadership development and MCAT preparation that helped him succeed and feel a strong sense of belonging at ����vlog.

“Melvin came to college with a clear goal and determination to make it happen,” says Melissa Pecora, his EOF counselor and academic advisor. “Through hard work and focus, he followed through on that mission and turned his goals and dreams into reality.”

Rodriguez is paying it forward as a pre-med mentor. “I help incoming freshmen and transfer students adjust to college life, suggesting what classes to take, what extracurriculars to pursue – and helping to keep them motivated on the pathway towards medicine because it is a really difficult and daunting journey.”

Even with a course load packed with lab work and research, Rodriguez says his Honors and Classics courses give him balance – helping him stay focused on the intense science in front of him. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

A well-rounded education

Rodriguez, a student in the Martinson Edge Honors Program, says his own path has been academically well-rounded. “Science is definitely heavy. If I had pure science every semester, I’d probably want to pull my hair out cause that’s a lot of knowledge, a lot of information, a lot of studying.

“That’s why I like having the Classics minor on the side as well as being in the Honors Program. The Honors Program helped create a further divide, because I’ve taken interesting courses – like a class about cookbooks, a class about animal minds – which makes each semester feel different and have some type of outlet to go to apart from the sciences. Being able to balance my curriculum and to feel very grounded in my education has proven successful and very instrumental in my ability to succeed.”

Looking ahead to oncology

Looking ahead, he knows where he hopes his path leads. He’ll be attending Cooper Medical School of Rowan University in Camden to pursue medicine.

“I definitely want to pursue oncology. Recently, I’ve been debating whether I want to pursue radiation oncology or medical oncology, which would allow me to do chemotherapy and things of that nature. I guess that’s something I will discover in medical school. I also want to have an open mind because I know a lot of people say that you enter med school to become one profession and then might switch to another.

“I understand medicine is multifaceted in both its disciplines as well as the patients that you face. It’s always good to keep an open mind – you never know what you might encounter.”

This story is part of a series celebrating ����vlog’s graduates – students who embody the University’s mission to broaden access to exceptional learning opportunities and contribute to the common good.

Mondays are especially packed for Sara, beginning in her dorm room with an 8 a.m. Zoom meeting for the John Martinson Honors EDGE Program.

As she begins another week at ����vlog, Sara Flores is already moving with purpose. A Linguistics major and honors student, she starts her busy Monday with an early-morning Zoom alongside campus leaders. By evening, she’s in Paterson, helping adult ESL learners at Eastside High School as part of the University’s One-Square Mile initiative.

Flores reflects on her journey – balancing classes, service and her passion to empower those who are often overlooked.

Pursuing Excellence, Honoring Family

A classmate squeezes in a few extra minutes of sleep before class, while Sara catches up on emails. Despite being in her second year at Montclair, Sara’s college-level work in high school means she’s already classified as a junior.

As first gen, I want to make it worth my parents’ money, time and sacrifices – and for myself too. Education is a privilege; you have to take the opportunities in front of you because this environment doesn’t exist elsewhere.”

Her schedule includes Introduction to Cognitive Science with Associate Professor Lauren Covey, an opportunity to better understand how the mind works.

Campus Life: Finding Balance

Sara manages her busy Mondays by using moments of downtime to relax – especially outdoors on campus when the weather is nice.

Lunch on the go: Sara runs on Dunkin’, grabbing an iced coffee and croissant sandwich between commitments.

After a stop at her room in Dinallo Heights, she’s off again for another campus event.

Connecting with Martinson Honors EDGE

Sara sets up for a student event with Montclair’s John Martinson Honors EDGE Program. Thanks to a $5 million gift from philanthropist John Martinson, honors students now benefit from expanded academic, creative and leadership opportunities as well as $5,000 Creative Learning stipends for study abroad, internships and research.

The classes in Honors encourage you to rethink your beliefs and the way things are structured, and then apply that to your field.”

Sara chats with other Honors students during Field Day.

As an officer, I’m always thinking about making events inclusive – considering commuters, timing and exam weeks. We work hard to make sure students feel supported.”

Experiential Learning in Linguistics

Beyond Honors, Sara holds a paid internship in the Linguistics lab. Her work involves annotating speech – tracking starts, stops and word emphasis.

Sara arrives at Eastside High School in Paterson, where funding from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation and Paterson Public Schools support a full-service community school, including English classes for adults.

Unlocking Possibilities Through Language

The language classes at Eastside – center of the One Square Mile initiative – help adults unlock new possibilities. Sara works with beginners on introducing themselves and sharing their origins, encouraging real-life questions and translation support.

Working with adult ESL learners in Paterson has shown me how many people in my community have had opportunities kept from them for so long. I want to help others continue their dreams, in whatever way I can.”

Sara shows fellow Bonner volunteers how to search for training opportunities and track their volunteer hours.

Language, Identity, Mutual Learning

Sara grew up speaking Spanish at home but only learned to read the language at age 13.

Learning Spanish has been an adjustment for me. I still sometimes use informal words or slang. When I tutor, I warn students about my Spanish and ask them to correct me. In the same way they’re learning English, I’m learning – and improving – my Spanish. It’s a good relationship because we both learn.”

As told to Marilyn Joyce Lehren

for a complete look at Sara’s day as a student, campus leader and ESL teacher.

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Major Gift Fuels Change

A $5 million gift from philanthropist John Martinson is powering program enhancements that expand interdisciplinary and experiential learning, with a focus on:

• Preparing innovative leaders
• Supporting creative and socially impactful academic pathways
• Investing in interdisciplinary study and student engagement on campus and beyond

Executive Director Jeff Strickland described this as a defining chapter: “Our vision for honors is bold – to expand access, to promote creativity and leadership, and to ensure that Montclair stands at the forefront of public honors education.”

President Jonathan Koppell addresses students gathered at the John Martinson Honors EDGE reception, encouraging them to embrace creativity and social transformation. (Photo by Mileena Torres ’21)

Reception Welcomes Students

A welcome reception kicked off the��John Martinson Honors EDGE (Engage, Discover, Grow, Experience) Program on September 8, gathering about 120 honors students and faculty. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the honors program at Montclair.��

Speaking to the energy of the new academic year and the program’s milestone, President Jonathan Koppell emphasized the centrality of creativity and social transformation.

��“You have demonstrated commitment, curiosity and eagerness to develop your own potential,” he told the students.

Provost Junius J. Gonzales reinforced this challenge, urging students to make creativity their “competitive advantage in business, scholarship, in your work and future lives.”

Sociology Professor Christopher Donoghue teaches one of Montclair’s signature honors courses, “Honors Creativity,” which underscores that creativity is a cultivated skill tied to public purpose. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

Students credit the program with shaping their academic direction and personal growth. Krishita Vaghani, a junior in Computer Science, said: “Honors is not only preparing us for the future, it’s teaching us to create the kind of future worth living in.”

Expanded Experiences and Opportunities��

Martinson’s gift makes possible expanded academic, creative and leadership opportunities for honors students:

• Creative Learning stipend – $5,000 for every honors student to pursue study abroad, internships and research
• Honors Leadership Certificate – a planned program integrating leadership training into coursework
• Interdisciplinary research clusters – planned initiatives connecting faculty and students across fields
• Distinguished visiting faculty – bringing national experts to campus for mentoring and teaching
• Collaborations – expanded ties to the Martinson Collaborative linking Montclair with 10 leading honors programs nationwide, also funded by Martinson

Montclair envisions growing its program to 1,000 students within five years and positioning the University to evolve the John Martinson Honors EDGE Program into a stand-alone Honors College.��

“These enhancements elevate Montclair’s position among public universities while giving students expanded avenues for discovery and impact,” Strickland noted. “Honors EDGE is not just a curriculum – it is a community and a calling. It is about cultivating knowledge and creativity, not for ourselves alone, but for the larger public good.”

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

Learn more about admission criteria to the John Martinson Honors EDGE Program and take your first step in applying to become a Red Hawk.

In recognition of this extraordinary support, the program will be renamed the John Martinson Honors EDGE Program. With an emphasis on creativity, purposeful leadership development, meaningful community involvement, and interdisciplinary learning, the enhanced honors program aims to provide hands-on experiences that prepare students to become leaders, innovators and change-makers.

A New Era for Honors at Montclair

Reflecting on the significance of the gift, Montclair President Jonathan Koppell said:

“John Martinson’s generous philanthropic investment could not come at a more critical moment. By accelerating the growth and evolution of the honors program at Montclair, a university committed to accessibility and inclusivity, this gift underscores that opportunities to achieve at the highest level must be available to bright, passionate, ambitious students of all backgrounds.

“Achieving that goal is the only way for us to thrive as a state and nation. The John Martinson Honors EDGE Program emphasizes hands-on interdisciplinary learning that cultivates students’ leadership and creativity, thus preparing them to take on the biggest challenges in business and civic life.”

From left: Jeff Strickland, executive director of the John Martinson Honors EDGE Program, John Martinson, University President Jonathan Koppell, and Montclair honors student Jacob Roby, gather at ����vlog in recognition of Martinson’s transformative gift. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

Expanding Access and Inclusion

The gift, Koppell added, “is the latest in an unbelievable series of investments in our shared future.”��

John Martinson, chairman of Martinson Ventures, a technology venture capital firm based in Newtown, Pennsylvania, has donated millions to strengthen honors programs at leading universities nationwide, including Purdue, Georgia Tech, Northeastern, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the University of Pittsburgh. Montclair is the tenth institution to join this growing network of Martinson-supported honors programs.

Through this collaborative network, Montclair students and faculty will connect with peers at these institutions, sharing best practices to accelerate success and build a national honors community.

“This investment reflects my deep belief in Montclair’s mission, its accomplished and innovative faculty, strong university leadership, and my confidence that its students will become the next generation of leaders and innovators,” Martinson said. “Their creativity, energy and potential to improve the world inspire my philanthropy.”

Martinson added, “I am excited to help double the size of the Montclair program and expand opportunities for experiential and immersive learning, graduate school preparation, undergraduate research and leadership development.”

What Sets Montclair Apart

The John Martinson Honors EDGE Program (Engage, Discover, Grow, Experience) will feature a curriculum designed to foster imaginative thinking and problem-solving, with creativity embedded as a central pillar.��

Students will be challenged to expand their minds, brainstorm and loosen the boundaries of their imaginations,” applying creative thinking to real-world problems and day-to-day settings. “They’ll come away with the most salient and indelible experiences in college.” — Provost Junius J. Gonzales.

This investment will make it possible for the University to recruit and retain more top-tier students to its honors program, including incoming transfers and freshmen as well as current students.��

Short-term, high-impact travel experiences are emphasized, making transformative opportunities accessible to students who may not be able to commit to a full-semester program.

The mission is to provide opportunities for those who might not otherwise have access to such experiences, allowing them to “take leaps into places and situations they’ve never been,” says Jeff Strickland, executive director of the John Martinson Honors EDGE Program. Admissions will take a holistic approach, considering leadership, creativity and community engagement alongside academic achievement.

Program Enhancements

• Creative and Leadership Workshops: Expanded offerings, including the introduction of an Honors Leadership Certificate and interdisciplinary research clusters.
• Distinguished Visiting Faculty: Bringing in experts to enrich the curriculum and mentor students.
• Experiential Learning: More international and domestic travel, paid internships, mentorships, research opportunities and study-abroad programs.��
• Every honors student will receive a $5,000 “Creative Learning” stipend to support these pursuits.
• Community Engagement: Courses like “Community Matters” connect students with local and global issues, ensuring learning goes beyond the classroom.
• National Advisors: External advisors from Yale, Rice and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville bring national perspectives and best practices to Montclair.

Jacob Roby, a senior double majoring in Policy Studies and Political Science, has earned prestigious fellowships and internships — exemplifying the caliber of students the John Martinson Honors EDGE Program is designed to support and elevate. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

High-Impact Student Opportunities

Senior Jacob Roby, a double major in Policy Studies and Political Science with minors in Chinese and Global Security and Diplomacy, exemplifies the exceptional caliber of Montclair’s honors program that Martinson’s investment will elevate to even greater heights.

Roby credits Honors EDGE for enabling him to secure prestigious fellowships and internships — including roles as a Research Fellow at the Wilson Center and a Student Fellow at the USDA.��

“����vlog, especially the honors program, is really what I would call an American Dream university,” Roby says. “It’s still one of those places left in our country where if you work really hard you can achieve a lot, have great experiences and find people who will help you succeed.”��

Sara Flores, a sophomore majoring in Linguistics and a first-generation college student, credits the honors program for fostering both academic and civic engagement. As an aspiring ESL teacher, Flores has already presented at a regional honors conference in Pittsburgh and participated in a leadership retreat in Arizona — opportunities she says broadened her perspective on education and community.��

The Honors Program has given me hands-on experiences and helped me rethink how I want to teach and learn. It’s not just about academics — it’s about building a community where students feel like they’re part of something bigger.” — Sara Flores

Flores’ commitment to service is central to her honors experience. She is active in the Bonner Leader Program and volunteers tutoring adult ESL learners in Paterson and on campus.

Building Community and Alumni Connections

As Montclair prepares to celebrate the 40th anniversary of its honors program and the establishment of the John Martinson Honors EDGE Program, there will be a renewed emphasis on engaging and strengthening the alumni network to provide mentoring, job shadowing and career-focused networking for current students.��

With sustained success, Montclair envisions growing its program to 1,000 students within five years and positioning the University to evolve the John Martinson Honors EDGE Program into a stand-alone Honors College. The University welcomes investment from additional partners to advance the program and create more impact for students.��

“This extraordinary gift elevates the student experience at Montclair,” says Strickland. “It is transformational for honors and for the entire institution, enabling students to benefit from what we hope will become a nationally recognized program.”

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

• Prospective Students: It’s not too late to apply! ����vlog is and deposits for fall 2025.
• Looking Ahead? The application for fall 2026 opens August 1. Plan your visit and in applying to become a Red Hawk!
• Interested in the John Martinson Honors EDGE Program? Learn more from the Executive Director.��