Outstanding Master’s Student Award In Community Impact

This award celebrates master’s students who have significantly contributed to Northeastern’s community, displaying a commitment to instigating positive change within and beyond the academic sphere.

2025 Honorees

Liang Chen

CPS'24, MS Commerce and Economic Development

View Profile

Liang Chen

CPS'24, MS Commerce and Economic Development

Liana is a graduate of Northeastern, where she earned a master’s in commerce and economic development. After many years in the education sector, she left her role to further her studies and discovered a passion for coding. Through her capstone team experience, she found joy in collaborating on technical projects, volunteering with autistic children, and organizing concerts for low-income families. These experiences in labs, research, and group initiatives inspired her to explore the interconnectivity of data. Having visited 16 countries, she loves traveling and believes in the power of sharing knowledge to uplift others. 

Muhammad Elarbi

E’26, MS Electrical and Computer Engineering

View Profile

Muhammad Elarbi

E’26, MS Electrical and Computer Engineering

Muhammad is a master’s student in electrical and computer engineering at Northeastern, where he also earned his undergraduate degree. A passionate photographer of over nine years—specializing in live music and astrophotography—his work bridges the creative and technical worlds. As a leader in the Northeastern Wireless Club, he has designed and taught over 50 hands-on technical workshops and built global connections through amateur radio outreach. Born and raised in San Diego, he is a proud first-generation, low-income student who is deeply committed to creating equitable pathways into STEM and using engineering to uplift underserved communities. 

Manushi Sharma

SSH’25, MPP Public Policy

View Profile

Manushi Sharma

SSH’25, MPP Public Policy

Manushi is pursuing a master’s in public policy at Northeastern. With over a decade of experience across Asia-Pacific, sub-Saharan Africa, and North America, her work includes a co-op with the U.N. University Centre for Policy Research. She has contributed to projects with the Racial and Environmental Justice Committee in Rhode Island and the City of Boston Office of Climate Resilience. She serves as a student ambassador on Northeastern’s Arlington campus, founded the GIS Student Group, and has presented her work in Berlin, London, and New York. Manushi volunteers with a bird conservation society and enjoys exploring nature.