Student Perspective: Emma Hayes

By Gary Hyatt, WSU Honors College, gary.hyatt1@wsu.edu

Name: Emma Hayes

Year: Senior

Hometown: Bellingham, Washington

Major: Biology

How has The Honors College impacted your time at WSU?

The Honors College has challenged me to grow as a student, researcher, and leader during my time at WSU. Through small class sizes combined with unique coursework, I feel that I have truly become a well-rounded individual with much knowledge to apply in my future endeavors. The Honor’s College has also provided a community of both fellow students and faculty mentors that have branched into my STEM courses, supporting academic success beyond the Honor’s curriculum.

Most impactful Involvement/Leadership/Research you have engaged in and what each entail:

During my time at WSU, I worked for the WSU Athletic Department as an Academic tutor. This position strengthened my leadership skills and directly applied my scientific expertise to helping others. I also completed my Honor’s Thesis with the help of Dr. Michael Konkel on the topic of H.pylori and inflammatory disease correlated to microbiome dysbiosis.

Career Goal/ Future education plans:

Following graduation, I plan to attend additional schooling to become a Medical Laboratory Scientist. I hope to specialize in microbiology and work in a diagnostic setting.

Favorite Honors Course and why?

My favorite Honor’s course has been Honor’s 370, Crime in the Making, A Sociological Perspective. This course was unlike any class I had taken at WSU as it involved sociology and criminal justice topics. I found it interesting to have a course that broadened my perspective beyond Biology based instruction.

Advice for an incoming Honors student?

Connect with faculty mentors and ask questions. The growth you experience during your time within WSU Honors is individually driven. Pursue your passions and challenge yourself to grow as both a learner and individual.

Have you ever received financial support from the Honors College? If so, how did that impact your academic journey?

I received an academic scholarship for one year during my time at the Honors College. As a student independently funding my academic journey it helped relieve stress and allowed me to focus my efforts on my academic goals.

Lastly, what are some things outside of your academic journey you enjoy doing?

Outside of academics I enjoy spending time running, being with family and friends, and coaching young athletes in gymnastics/cheer.