U.S. News highlights student's innovative drive to become a Spider

November 10, 2017

Spider Pride

Richmond students are a particular type of ambitious — even before they get here.

Recently, the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges Guide recognized the work of a determined then-future Spider as part of a feature on applying to college called “How to Stand Out in the Field.”  

Sara Camilli, now a junior biology and computer science major, was so sure she wanted to come to UR that she began looking for ways to shine among the many students who apply with an interest in science, technology, engineering, and math. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to team up with other students to invent an app that uses facial-recognition technology to identify endangered and invasive plant species.

Not only did they build it, but they entered the Verizon Innovative App Challenge competition and won $10,000 for their high school. U.S. News featured her story among others with advice like “show that you’re entrepreneurial (and a problem-solver).”

We love that Richmond is the kind of place that makes students like Sara go to these lengths because they want to be here. And now her story is showing others what it takes to become a Spider — and how they can impress admissions counselors around the country.

We’re glad you set your sights on UR, Sara!