Vardaan Srivastava Named Philip Merrill Presidential Scholar

Vardaan Srivastava, a University of Maryland senior double majoring in Government and Politics and Economics, has been named a 2026–27 Philip Merrill Presidential Scholar.

The program recognizes high-achieving UMD seniors and gives them the opportunity to honor the K–12 teachers and university faculty members who have supported their academic journeys.

Vardaan recognized Emily Roberts, his calculus teacher at Marriotts Ridge High School, and Clay Ramsay of the Center for International and Security Studies at Maryland as his mentors.

Vardaan hopes to attend law school and build a career answering questions with data. He also serves as Senate President, where he leads debate and helps guide legislative proceedings.

Published on Wed, 11/11/2026 - 13:58