Powering Her Future: Anneka’s Nuclear Path to the Navy

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

Some students discover their future in a classroom. For Anneka Vossler, the spark came from a few chapters on nuclear chemistry and a stack of library books that were, by her own admission, a little over her head.

“I knew that I would understand everything in them someday,” says Anneka, a junior chemical engineering major from Hockinson, Washington.

That curiosity has taken her from exploring nuclear physics in high school to earning her Reactor Operator license at Washington State University. Now, she is preparing for a future in the U.S. Navy, where she hopes to make a difference in the lives of the men and women who serve our country.

From Library Books to the Reactor Room

When Anneka decided to attend WSU, she learned about the university’s research reactor. She knew right away that she wanted to get involved.

WSU offers undergraduate students the opportunity to pursue Reactor Operator (RO) and Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) licenses through a combination of academic coursework and hands-on training. For Anneka, that meant committing to a full year of classes while spending as much time as possible learning inside the nuclear facility.

Students study reactor fundamentals, learn the systems that keep the facility operating, conduct experiments, and develop the knowledge needed to operate the reactor safely. At the end of the training, Nuclear Regulatory Commission examiners put their knowledge to the test through a multi-day examination.

Anneka was among a select group of students to earn their Reactor Operator licenses this year.

“I am very excited and look forward to getting even more experience at the nuclear facility and train the next group of student trainees,” she says.

For someone who once checked out nuclear science books she could not fully understand, the achievement represents more than a license. It is another step toward turning a longstanding interest into a career.

When Honors Physics Meets the U.S. Navy

Anneka’s path toward naval service began while she was searching for internships. A U.S. Navy recruiter contacted her about a program for engineering students interested in nuclear power, leadership, and service.

Her academic performance, chemical engineering major, and involvement in The Honors College helped bring her to the Navy’s attention. Over the following months, she completed technical exams designed to test her problem-solving abilities and understanding of engineering and science concepts.

There was a catch: no notes, no formulas, and no calculators.

Fortunately, Anneka had a strong foundation to draw from. She credits Honors physics with Dr. Frederick Gittes for helping her prepare. Rather than simply memorizing information to pass an exam, she learned to develop a deeper understanding of physics and apply what she knew to unfamiliar problems.

That approach proved especially valuable during the Navy’s technical interviews, where she encountered questions similar to those she had worked through in class.

A Future Built Around Service

Anneka plans to graduate from WSU in May 2028 and then begin the Navy’s nuclear power training in Charleston, South Carolina. After completing that year of training, she expects to serve as a Navy officer and instructor, teaching future submarine officers as they prepare to join the fleet.

She anticipates spending four years in that instructional role, helping prepare the people who will operate and serve aboard the Navy’s submarines.

For Anneka, the opportunity is about more than applying her knowledge of nuclear power.

“My goal in the navy is to have a positive effect on the brave men and women who will be protecting us every day,” she says.

She describes herself as deeply honored to be an American and grateful for the opportunity to serve her country. While she has not yet decided what career might follow her time in the Navy, she is confident that the skills, experience, and connections she builds at WSU and through military service will open doors wherever she goes next.

Finding Community at a Big University

For all the complex science and big career plans, some of Anneka’s favorite Honors memories are refreshingly simple.

During her first week at WSU, she attended the Honors College ice cream social, where she met some of her best friends. That early connection helped her find a close-knit community within a large university.

She also appreciates the opportunity to step outside the technical focus of chemical engineering. Honors courses challenge her to use what she calls “the other half of my brain,” exposing her to different perspectives and helping her become a more well-rounded student.

She sees those experiences paying dividends well beyond graduation.

The Impact of Scholarship Support

Anneka’s WSU journey has also been made possible through scholarships, including multiple awards from The Honors College.

As a student supporting herself through college, that assistance has made a meaningful difference. Scholarship support has eased the financial pressure of tuition and other expenses, allowing her to focus more fully on her coursework, research opportunities, and campus involvement.

For Anneka, donor generosity means more than help with college expenses. It provides the freedom to pursue opportunities that build toward her future.

“Because of others generosity, I can fully dedicate myself to my engineering courses, engage deeply in my Honors classes, and prepare for a career where I hope to pay this kindness forward and make a meaningful difference in the world,” she says.

Looking Ahead

From those early library books to the WSU reactor and her future in the Navy, Anneka has followed her curiosity wherever it leads. She has embraced challenging opportunities, found a community that supports her growth, and began preparing for a career grounded in both technical expertise and service.

Her story also highlights what can happen when talented students have access to the right opportunities and the financial support to pursue them.

Anneka still has plenty to learn, including the next generation of student reactor operators she hopes to help train. But one thing is clear: the student who once believed she would someday understand those nuclear science books is already putting that curiosity to work.

And her next mission is just beginning.

Pancakes, Prizes, and Cougar Connections at the Honors College

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

The Honors College Homecoming Open House and Pancake Feed brought together around 40 alumni, students, families, and friends for a morning of food, games, and great conversation at Elmina White Honors Hall.

Members of the Honors Student Advisory Council (HSAC) helped prepare and serve pancakes while challenging newcomers to friendly games of cornhole. M. Grant Norton, dean of the Honors College, welcomed the group and encouraged everyone to take advantage of the opportunity to ask him questions. Throughout the morning, he connected with alumni, current students, and their families, celebrating the community that makes Honors special.

Guests also had the chance to explore Elmina White Honors Hall through a scavenger hunt, discovering interesting facts about the building and the college along the way. Those who completed the hunt were entered for a chance to win a WSU door prize.

From flipping pancakes to making new connections, the morning offered a fun and welcoming way to kick off Homecoming and celebrate the Honors community.

Whether reconnecting with old friends or meeting Honors students for the first time, everyone helped make it a memorable Crimson and Gray gathering.

Go Cougs!

Honors Students Take a LEAP! Toward Their Future Careers

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

What does it take to feel confident walking up to an employer at a career fair and starting a conversation?

For Honors students, the answer was simple: practice.

On October 1, the Honors College hosted LEAP!, an evening designed to help students build the professional networking skills they will need as they begin their careers. With the WSU Career Expo happening this week, the timing could not have been better.

Students spent the evening rotating through conversations with professionals from a wide range of industries, practicing introductions, elevator pitches, eye contact, asking questions and sharing their own experiences and goals. While the format was designed to feel a little like “speed dating,” the goal was serious: give students a safe place to practice before they walk into a room filled with potential employers.

We are incredibly grateful to the Honors Alums and professionals who gave their time and shared their experience with our students:

Linda Nihoul, Certified Financial Planner, Ameriprise Financial Services

Brady Cornelius, Commercial Real Estate Appraiser, Lembeck Appraisal & Consulting

Colin S. Campbell, Senior Research Scientist, President and CEO, METER Group

Marisa Hemingway, Senior Human Resources Manager, Schweitzer Engineering Labs

Grant Godfrey, Senior Human Resources Manager, Schweitzer Engineering Labs

Elijah Shoemake, Senior Engineer, Plug Power

Kim Hargraves, Principal Technical Program Manager, Microsoft

Tim Hargraves, Managing Director, Ernst & Young

Chris Malde, Private Wealth Investment Management Specialist, Merrill Lynch.

Their advice reinforced an important message for our students: your career path does not have to be perfectly mapped out. Be willing to say yes, take advantage of opportunities, build relationships, learn from others and remain open to where your experiences may lead.

Dean Grant Norton served as the evening’s MC, helping guide the students and mentors through the rotations before bringing everyone together for a panel discussion and Q&A. The mentors shared career advice, observations from the evening and some of the lessons they have learned throughout their own professional journeys.

Most importantly, our students took the LEAP!

They stepped outside their comfort zones, introduced themselves to professionals they had never met and practiced telling their stories. Those conversations may help make the next handshake at the Career Expo a little easier and a little more confident.

Thank you to our mentors for investing your time and experience in the next generation of Cougs and thank you to our students for showing up ready to learn, participate and grow.

Go Cougs!

Engineering a Better World

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

At its best, an Honors education challenges students to use their knowledge in service of something larger than themselves. Whether through research, leadership, or community engagement, Honors students learn to apply their talents to real-world problems and create meaningful change.

That commitment to impact is exemplified by Honors students Connor Reschke, Haley Boileau, and Josephine Gordon, who spent their summer in rural Bolivia helping design and build a clean-water distribution system for the community of Altamira. Working side-by-side with residents, these students put their engineering skills into action while demonstrating the power of collaboration, compassion, and purpose-driven learning.

The Honors College is incredibly proud of students who engage with the world beyond campus and use their education to improve the lives of others. By combining technical expertise with a commitment to service, these students embody the values of an Honors education and remind us that meaningful learning often happens where knowledge meets action. Read how their experience transformed a community and reinforced their commitment to making a difference through engineering.

Read more here: Engineering students help bring clean water to Bolivian town | WSU Insider | Washington State University

Honors Student Advances Alzheimer’s Research Through Prestigious Fulbright Canada Internship

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

For Honors student Gabriella “GiGi” Searle, this past summer provided an opportunity few undergraduate researchers ever experience: conducting international biomedical research through the prestigious Fulbright Canada Mitacs Globalink Research Internship.

A Genetics and Cell Biology major from Burlington-Edison, Washington, Searle spent the summer in Sherbrooke, Quebec, working in the laboratory of Dr. Benoit Laurent at the Université de Sherbrooke. There, she joined a team investigating one of the most pressing challenges in modern medicine: understanding and treating Alzheimer’s disease.

Searle’s project focused on the choroid plexus, a structure in the brain that helps regulate and protect the central nervous system. Using organoid models derived from human patient cells, she investigated how genetic risk factors associated with Alzheimer’s disease may affect the development and function of this important tissue.

The experience allowed Searle to move beyond the classroom and immerse herself in the realities of scientific discovery. In the laboratory, she gained experience with advanced research and learned how researchers navigate the challenges and unexpected results that are a natural part of the scientific process.

Just as valuable was the opportunity to work alongside an international community of scientists. Researchers in the laboratory came from countries including Canada, France, Tunisia, China, and Scotland, exposing Searle to a variety of perspectives and approaches to scientific research.

“Working in a research laboratory abroad allowed me to develop as both a student and a scientist,” Searle said. “I gained experience with new laboratory techniques, strengthened my ability to think critically and independently about scientific questions, and learned how to approach the challenges that naturally arise during research.”

Outside of the laboratory, living in Quebec offered its own lessons. Navigating a new city, university, and culture challenged her to become more independent and adaptable while broadening her understanding of the global scientific community.

By the end of the summer, Searle returned with more than research experience. She gained confidence in her abilities as a scientist and an even stronger commitment to a future in biomedical research.

The internship also reinforced her long-term goals. After earning her undergraduate degree, Searle plans to pursue a Ph.D. in developmental and stem cell biology and ultimately lead her own university research laboratory as a principal investigator focusing on the genetic factors in disease.

“Most importantly, this experience reinforced that scientific research is the career I want to pursue,” she reflected.

Through opportunities like the Fulbright Canada Mitacs Globalink Research Internship and support from The Honors College, Honors students continue to expand their learning beyond campus, applying their knowledge to real-world challenges while preparing to make meaningful contributions in their fields. For Searle, a summer spent researching Alzheimer’s disease in Canada brought her one step closer to a future dedicated to scientific discovery and improving human health.

From Audition to a National Stage in Portland

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

For Rey Howell, this summer was a moment she will remember for the rest of her life.

A fourth-year Washington State University Honors student studying music education, Rey was one of just 25 college students from across the country selected to perform in the National Flute Association Collegiate Flute Ensemble.

Her journey began with an audition. Encouraged by her professor to showcase her advanced knowledge of the bass flute, Rey submitted a complex audition recording in February. Because the ensemble was so competitive, she never expected to be selected. When she received the news, she was “extremely surprised and overjoyed.”

The experience in Portland was much more than performing. Throughout the National Flute Association convention, Rey attended workshops, masterclasses, concerts and speaking events focused on her instrument. She connected with musicians from around the world, learned new techniques and gained experiences she will carry into her future as a music educator.

The highlight came at the end of the convention, when Rey and the other 24 collegiate musicians performed a world premiere—a piece of music being performed for the very first time.

For Rey, it was a major milestone in her musical career, and a powerful reminder of how far her hard work has taken her.

Her growth extends beyond music. Through the WSU Honors College, Rey has begun her thesis research on incorporating music therapy into social-emotional learning. She also serves in a leadership role with Tau Beta Sigma and has developed a deep commitment to community service.

Rey hopes to earn her bachelor’s degree in music education and later pursue a master’s in music therapy. Her dream is to help young people grow through music and give back to her community through the knowledge and experiences she has gained.

The Honors College Fund for Experiential Learning helped give Rey access to an opportunity that might otherwise have been out of reach. More importantly, it gave her the chance to take everything she has worked toward at WSU and experience it on a national stage.

Her experience is a powerful example of what happens when talented students are given the opportunity to say yes to a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

From Florence to the Sahara: An Honors Education Without Borders

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

For Honors student Jordan Rowell, studying abroad in Florence, Italy, became much more than a semester in another country. It was an opportunity to step outside her comfort zone; experience new cultures and discover how much learning can happen beyond the classroom.

A marketing major with a psychology minor, Jordan studied through the SAI program at the Florence University of the Arts. One of her courses, Food, Culture, and Society, connected her studies with the world around her. Exploring local markets and learning about Tuscan cuisine, Renaissance history and Italian culture helped turn Florence itself into part of her education.

Jordan also made it a goal to explore beyond Florence. During her semester abroad, she traveled to 11 countries and more than 20 cities. A trip to Morocco became one of her most memorable experiences. Playing street soccer with locals, riding camels through the Sahara and sharing food and music around a campfire gave her a new perspective on connection and community. “Immersing myself in unfamiliar cultures taught me how to connect deeply, strip away superficial boundaries, and truly enjoy every single minute I have on this Earth,” Jordan reflected.

Over time, Florence went from an intimidating unknown to a place that felt like home. Jordan lived near Santo Spirito Market, where she practiced Italian with local vendors, explored the city’s piazzas and settled into the rhythms of everyday life. “Florence didn’t just host me for four months; it captured a piece of my heart,” she wrote.

Jordan’s experience was made possible in part through the Richard W. McKinney Education Abroad Fund, which supports Honors Business students with the opportunity to study abroad. The funding provided vital financial relief for Jordan and allowed her to focus on making the most of her academic and personal experience.

The semester also helped Jordan develop what she described as “a deep, unshakeable confidence” in herself. She returned to WSU with new perspectives, greater independence and a desire to encourage other Honors students to take advantage of opportunities that take them beyond what they already know.

For Jordan, some of the most important lessons were not found in a textbook or syllabus. They came from navigating unfamiliar places, meeting people from different backgrounds and learning to be comfortable in a world much bigger than the one she knew.

The Richard W. McKinney Education Abroad Fund and other experiential learning endowments established through The Honors College help make these transformative experiences possible, giving Honors students the opportunity to turn the world into their classroom.

A Legacy of People: Meet the 2026 Honors 198 Facilitators

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

For more than 60 years, The Honors College has entrusted students with an important leadership role: welcoming, encouraging and helping guide the next generation of Honors Cougs.

Each fall, that tradition continues through HONORS 198: Honors First-Year Experience, a one-credit course designed to help incoming students find their footing and begin building their WSU experience. What makes the course especially unique is that it is led by Honors students who have recently experienced that same transition themselves.

Dean M. Grant Norton believes that peer leadership brings an important perspective to the classroom. “The facilitators remember what it feels like to be new, making them more approachable than faculty,” Norton said. “They also build social connections with the first-year students, giving them an important resource on campus.”

Those connections can make a difference during the first few months of college. Facilitators can answer the questions that may feel too small to ask a professor, share their own experiences and help first-year students discover the clubs, programs, research opportunities and other experiences available to them through WSU and the Honors College.

The role is also an opportunity for the facilitators to grow as leaders. They are not simply sharing what they have learned. They are learning how to mentor, communicate and lead a classroom of their peers.

“While there are benefits for the first-year students to be part of Hon 198, the facilitators themselves gain valuable leadership, communication, and mentoring skills, which look great on a resume,” Norton said.

This year’s HONORS 198 Facilitators are Taylor Babb, Aarya Bajaj, Lily Becker, Parker Casey, Maura Castillo, Nicole Diefenbach, Audrey Elliot, Michael Fasci, Dylan Gray, Oliver Hart, Alice Higgins, Ethan Irish, Macie Koval, Tiana LaFollette, Rowan Manwaring, Taylor Page, Ani Rice, Katy Touretsky, Anita Valdez and Ari Wilson.

They join generations of Honors students who have stepped into this role, continuing a tradition that is bigger than a one-credit course. It is about students helping students feel connected, confident and ready to make WSU their own.

Mary Nam to serve on WSU Board of Regents

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

The Honors College are thrilled to congratulate Honors alumna Mary Nam on her appointment by Governor Bob Ferguson to the Washington State University Board of Regents.

Mary’s journey from Honors student to longtime Seattle news anchor and now WSU Regent is a wonderful example of the impact our Honors graduates can have when they take their experiences, curiosity, and commitment to others into the world.

For more than two decades, Mary was a familiar and trusted face in living rooms across the Puget Sound as a journalist with KOMO. Now, she is returning to WSU in a new capacity—bringing her professional experience, perspective, and deep Cougar Pride to help shape the future of her alma mater.

Mary has already identified opportunities to strengthen WSU’s presence across the west side of Washington, while remaining focused on the university she has always been passionate about. We are excited to see the perspective she will bring to the Board and the ways she will continue to serve the Cougar community.

Please join us in congratulating Regent Mary Nam on this tremendous honor and in celebrating another outstanding member of the Honors family who is stepping forward to lead.

Read more here: Seattle TV news icon looking forward to serving alma mater | WSU Insider | Washington State University

Student Highlight: Megha Keezhanjil

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

Name: Megha Keezhanjil

Year: Junior

Hometown: Kent, Washington

Major: MIS, Finance

Minor: Computer Science

How has The Honors College impacted your time at WSU?

Being part of the Honors College has made my time at WSU really enjoyable. I’ve loved taking interesting classes and meeting great people along the way.

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

One experience that has really shaped my time at WSU was studying abroad in Greece. It gave me the chance to experience a new culture, step outside my comfort zone, and make memories I’ll always remember. I’ve also been involved in a few student organizations, where I’ve met some of my closest friends. Together, these experiences have made my time at WSU feel more meaningful and memorable.

Career Goal/ Future education plans:

I’m hoping to build a career in the fintech space, especially in roles that let me work closely with people and solve problems through consulting. At some point, I’d also love to go back to school for my MBA so I can keep growing and open up more opportunities for myself.

Favorite Honors Course and why?

My favorite Honors course was Honors 290. I loved how we learned about the role of atoms in the universe. Learning about things like the life cycle of stars was super interesting and made the class feel really special to me.

Advice for an incoming Honors student?

My advice would be to really enjoy your classes and take advantage of how small they are. It’s so much easier to talk with your professors, ask questions, and get to know the people around you. You’ll meet a lot of great people and feel more connected because of it.

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

The Honors College supported my study abroad with a scholarship award, which really helped take some pressure off the expenses. It made it easier for me to fully enjoy and learn from the experience.

What have you enjoyed about being a part of the H.A.B.I.L.E program?

I’ve really enjoyed being part of H.A.B.I.L.E. The classes mix business and Honors in a way that feels engaging and relevant. I’ve also appreciated the professional exposure and connections that have made the program feel even more worthwhile.

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

Outside of school, I love watching movies with my friends, going stargazing, and just walking around exploring new places.