In 2022, then first-year student Isabelle Irani of Spring, Texas walked into the University of Maine Athletics in the Memorial Gym Complex with a mission: to improve mental health services for student-athletes.
A member of the Women's Swimming and Diving Team who competed in the butterfly and individual medley, Irani founded the UMaine chapter of The Hidden Opponent, a national nonprofit dedicated to athlete mental health advocacy. Seeking to make a tangible difference for student-athletes, she sought additional mental health services from the university.
Driven by a passion to help her peers, she found the confidence she admittedly lacked at the start of her collegiate career to not only earn the support from UMaine Athletics that would eventually lead to the university hiring an in-office therapist specifically for student-athletes.
"I faked it 'til I made it," Irani said. "The Hidden Opponent was the first instance where I just showed up with a lot of confidence as I asked administration and UMaine Athletics for what I needed, and they just gave it to me."
Success in improving student athlete mental health is one of several personal, athletic and academic accolades that earned Irani, a biomedical engineering major, the title of co-salutatorian for UMaine's Class of 2026. Her recognition as co-salutatorian reflects not just her academic achievement, but the personal growth she has cultivated throughout her time at UMaine.
Between early morning swim practice and rigorous engineering coursework, Irani built a college career defined by discipline, determination and a deep network of support. Alongside excelling in engineering and competing as a Division I level swimmer, Irani navigated new challenges and built the confidence to take ownership of her college experience.
"I went in thinking that my major would define me," she said. "I switched majors four times before I even got to school. I thought this was going to be a make-or-break moment for my career."
Several research and leadership opportunities that shaped Irani's collegiate experience were ones she sought herself. For example, when she contacted chemical engineering professor David Neivandt for lab experience, he invited her to join the Neivandt Lab, where she helped develop sustainable lobster-shell biomaterials.
The material, stronger than both concrete and wood, dissolves in water within two weeks and fully biodegrades in soil in about a month. The work not only allowed her to develop her skills and enhance her resume, but also participate in a project that has a tangible societal impact.
"My goal has always been to contribute meaningfully," Irani said. "I think my mindset changed when I started thinking that way — thinking, how can this be meaningful? How can I show up?"
Irani relied on a structured routine to balance her commitments. Early morning, disciplined schedules, and careful time management enabled her to excel in athletics, coursework, research and leadership roles without compromising her health or well-being.
Irani credits her growth to the support of mentors, advisors and peers. David J. Neivandt guided her research endeavors, while her athletic and academic advisor Julie Cheville helped her to navigate the complex demands of Division I athletics and engineering coursework. Her teammates and roommate, Ashley LeClaire, provided daily motivation and camaraderie, and her girlfriend, Sarah, offered emotional support throughout the rigorous college experience.
"I've had one roommate for the last three years, Ashley, and she's been insanely supportive, helping me find balance during long days and making sure I take time to step away and relax," Irani said. "And my girlfriend, Sarah, has been a big part of my success here over the last two years — encouraging me, questioning me when I doubt myself, and helping me feel confident in pursuing research, conferences, and other opportunities."
Her family also played a formative role. Her aunt, Jean MacRae, a civil & environmental engineering professor here at UMaine, and her uncle, Farahad Dastoor, a biology lecturer and undergraduate coordinator at UMaine, encouraged her curiosity from the start. Their guidance helped Irani see the opportunities at UMaine and made the university feel like a place she could call home very early on.
Looking forward, Irani plans to continue her research through a 4+1 master's program in biomedical engineering at UMaine, working to develop sustainable and effective medical devices that combine innovation with societal impact. She hopes prospective students and families understand the supportive culture at UMaine and the opportunities available for those willing to take initiative and explore beyond their comfort zones.
From Texas to Maine, Irani's journey illustrates how discipline, community and proactive engagement can shape a transformative college experience. Her selection as co-salutortian honors not only her academic success, but also the leadership, curiosity and resilience that have defined her four years at UMaine.
