Emily Hamby: Outstanding Student in Individual and Family Studies

Emily Hamby of Andover, Massachusetts is the 2025 Outstanding Student in Child Development and Family Relations (Individual and Family Studies concentration) in the University of Maine College of Education and Human Development. Hamby was awarded a 2023-24 fellowship by UMaine’s Center for Undergraduate Research (CUGR). She graduates with a minor in Education.

Parent(s): Jennifer and David Hamby

Why did you choose to come to UMaine?

I transferred to UMaine as a second year student because I loved the campus, but more importantly, I loved the sense of community I got from everyone I met. I also appreciated having opportunities to pursue experiential learning right away in research and in field experience.

Have you collaborated with a mentor, professor or role model who made your time at UMaine better, and if so, who are they and how have they impacted your time at UMaine?

I had the privilege of working with Dr. Rebecca (Bec) Buchanan. She taught me how to quantify qualitative data using codes, and demonstrated why this is beneficial. I absolutely loved coding this data! During our weekly meetings, Dr. Buchanan kindly answered my endless questions about the process and celebrated my enthusiasm while I shared the trends I observed. Over time, I developed self-confidence and trust in my ability to code data because she respected and valued my contributions. She encouraged me to apply for a CUGR fellowship and explore my own research questions. After receiving a grant, she persuaded me to apply to present at the annual conference of NEERO, the New England Educational Research Organization. I’m so glad she did! My work was accepted, and we traveled to Portsmouth, New Hampshire where I participated in my first conference. Working with Dr. Buchanan, I learned about the research process, professional networking in higher education, and how to navigate imposter syndrome. But above all, she has supported me as I contemplate next steps after college. I am so grateful for Dr. Buchanan’s support from day one. Thank you, Bec!

What has coming to UMaine enabled you to explore beyond academics?

UMaine allowed me to discover who I am: hobbies, friendships and passions. I joined Greek life and continued to meet new people from the Greek community through studying in the Office of Fraternities and Sororities to philanthropy events. Overall, college has taught me that I get to prioritize what matters to me. I made time to attend sports games, participate in intramural sports, and join clubs with friends. I have been able to explore my hobbies and interests while balancing academics.

Favorite UMaine memory:

My favorite UMaine memory is sledding with friends on snow days and then getting hot chocolate from Hilltop Dining to warm up!

What’s on the horizon? What are your plans for after you graduate? 

This spring, I am enrolled in a May Term travel study course and I look forward to exploring London, Amsterdam and Stockholm. From there, I will be the educational programs intern at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay. I plan to gain experience in an educational setting for a year or two before continuing my education in graduate school.

Special thank you message:

Thank you to my advisors, for listening to my ideas and letting me study in the office for the last three years, the staff at Student Accessibility Services, who have allowed me to access my academics in an inclusive and accessible way, and the VEMI Lab staff, for allowing me to explore outside my comfort zone. Thank you to all the professors, faculty and staff who have supported me and challenged me to think critically. You all have helped me become the person I am today! Finally, a special thank you to my family for always supporting me throughout my educational journey. I would not have been able to do it without you!