Honors Facilitators
Honors facilitators lead this one-credit freshman course, Honors 198. Presented for the first time in fall 2010, it is intended to help incoming students adjust to college life, to build a sense of community, and learn to work with the Honors curriculum. The class is offered in fall semesters with upperclassmen serving as instructors for the sections. The Honors 198 learning community experience is under the guidance of Honors College Assistant Dean Robin Bond.
Abbigail Kuck
From: Billings, MT
Major: Microbiology
Minor: Genetics
Foreign Languages known: Spanish
What I like about the Honors College at WSU: I like the Honors College and think it is important because of the connections I have made with professors, advisors, and other students. Plus, the numerous options they provide for classes and travel abroad programs.
Where I’ve traveled: I have traveled abroad in Ecuador
Activities (clubs, internships, sports, programs, etc.): The National Society of Collegiate Scholars
I’m excited to be an Honors 198 Facilitator because… I am excited to help incoming students have a good start to college life and they keep their desire to learn and not miss out on any opportunities.
Favorite Quote: “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” Dr. Seuss
Career plans and goals: After college, I plan to work as a Med Tech somewhere on the west coast and travel abroad to Australia and Europe. In ten years, I plan to be working on or have completed my doctorate so I can be a professor and will still be traveling to new places.
Something random about me: I have a white, fuzzy stuffed animal Alpaca from Ecuador!
Anna Crowley
From: Bellingham, Washington
Major: Chemical Engineering
Minor: German
Foreign Languages known: German
What I like about the Honors College at WSU: Honors has made me a better-rounded, more critically thinking individual. In addition to providing a smaller community of like-minded learners within the broader setting of a large university, I love how the Honors College provides students with almost unlimited opportunities and connections! The world is our oyster.
Where I’ve traveled: Germany, Austria, Croatia, Iceland, and of course Canada.
Activities (clubs, internships, sports, programs, etc.): I work at the CUB—you’ll see me there! In my free time I love hiking, skiing, backpacking, and anything outdoors. In high school and in the community I’ve worked backstage in numerous musicals and other productions, running lights, sound, and stage managing.
I’m excited to be an Honors 198 Facilitator because… My Honors 198 Facilitators became some of my favorite people and biggest supporters my first semester at WSU, and really helped and pushed me to succeed. I’m thrilled that I get the chance to be an encouraging influence and resource as we all figure out college!
Favorite Quote: “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love”. Mother Teresa
Career plans and goals: After college, I plan to…attend medical school, hopefully working and living in Washington State. I’d like to travel and visit my family all over the world, but my heart is here in Washington. In ten years, I plan to…fingers crossed, be working for a humanitarian relief organization internationally. Otherwise, I’ll be doing biomedical research.
Something random about me: I learned how to juggle in an Honors class!
Ashley Huynh
From: Sumner, WA
Major: Biology and Spanish
Foreign Languages known: Spanish
What I like about the Honors College at WSU: The Honors College challenges us to think in different ways, provides a well-rounded university education, offers innumerable opportunities, and has sense of community.
Where I’ve traveled: Argentina and Mexico
Activities (clubs, internships, sports, programs, etc.): Undergraduate Research, Pre-Dental Club, Circle K International, Vietnamese Student Association
I’m excited to be an Honors 198 Facilitator because… This is my third year as an Honors 198 Facilitator; the past two years were great and I’m happy to be back again. I am excited to meet this year’s incoming Honors students, and share with them information about the Honors college and WSU, talk about world events and issues, and share my positive experiences and how I overcame the negative ones, and so much more.
Favorite Quote: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” –Maya Angelou
Career plans and goals: After college, I plan to… attend dental school and specialize in orthodontics. In ten years, I plan to… happily co-own my own orthodontics practice.
Something random about me: My favorite animal is a sea turtle and just like them, I spend a lot of time in the water.
Bailey Frankovich
From: Boise, Idaho
Major: Neuroscience
Minor: Psychology and Spanish
Foreign Languages known: Spanish
What I like about the Honors College at WSU: The Honors College provides the small class sizes and diverse curriculum of a liberal arts education while still having access to the resources and research opportunities of a large land grant university. In the Honors College, students are more than a number, and they truly get to know their professors, faculty members, and fellow students. There’s a strong sense of community.
Where I’ve traveled: I have traveled to Mexico and Canada.
Activities (clubs, internships, sports, programs, etc.): In addition to being an Honors 198 Facilitator, I assist with research in Dr. Joe Harding’s lab, volunteer, and participate in Neuroscience Club.
I’m excited to be an Honors 198 Facilitator because… As a Facilitator, I enjoy getting to know the students in my class and introducing them to resources and opportunities that I wish I had known about earlier in my academic career. My ultimate goal is to help students surpass their own personal goals and to ease their transition into college.
Favorite Quote: “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.” – Hellen Keller
Career plans and goals: After college, I plan to… attend medical school in order to become a Psychiatrist. In ten years, I plan to… build my career in Psychiatry and hopefully do nonprofit work with economically disadvantaged populations who are in the greatest need of help but who cannot afford the care they so desperately need.
Something random about me: When I am not studying for classes, I prefer to be outdoors. I enjoy hiking, camping, and rock climbing, and I spent three weeks this summer on a road trip exploring beautiful places in California, Oregon, and Washington.
Becka Bence
From: Everywhere, USA (I grew up all over the U.S. as a military brat, but I graduate high school in Virginia)
Major: Environmental and Ecosystem Science
Minor: Geology and Spanish
Foreign Languages known: Spanish
What I like about the Honors College at WSU: The Honors College at WSU truly gives you the best of both worlds. As Dean Norton describes it, the College gives students the small, liberal arts school feel with the resources of a larger, research institution. I love the small class sizes and the one-on-one time with faculty—things I feel have opened up countless opportunities for me. I also love that the Honors College pushes you to think critically and globally, while still providing a safe, noncompetitive atmosphere. We’re all Cougs, and you can truly find your home away from home with your Honors Family.
Where I’ve traveled: Germany, France, England, Spain, Belgium, Holland, Austria, Costa Rica.
Activities (clubs, internships, sports, programs, etc.): Current: President, Student Alumni Ambassadors; Co-President, Environmental Science Club; Honors Mentor, Cougar Connector (Tour Guide), Office of Admissions; Intramural Soccer. Previous: Summer Student Fellow, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution; Engagement Intern, WSU Alumni Association; Facilitator, Honors 198 Fall 2015; Ecology/Cultural Services Intern, Mission Support Alliance; Hall Ambassador, Office of Admissions
I’m excited to be an Honors 198 Facilitator because… As a military brat, moving from state to state every two years or so, I understand how difficult it can be to pick up and move to a new place, knowing no one, and feeling completely alone. When I arrived as WSU, I thought it would be the same difficult experience with the same agonizing questions. Will I get lost on my way to class? Who will I sit with a lunch? Will I fit in? However, from the moment I arrived in Pullman, I felt like I had finally found my home. The overwhelming support of the university, the Honors College, and the friends I met (including my 198 Facilitators!) helped me turn a very scary transition into the best year of my life. It’s my hope that I can do the same for this year’s incoming Honors students, showing them the spirit and family they will have here forever as a WSU Cougar.
Favorite Quote: A smile can save a life.
Career plans and goals: I am still discovering what I want to be when I grow up (or rather what problems I want to solve), but I know I want to make a difference in the realm of marine science, either through research or policy work. After college, I plan to…CELEBRATE! (and hopefully be on my way to graduate school or in the Peace Corp). In ten years, I plan to…be happy and healthy, working in the field of marine science, waving the Coug flag wherever I go!
Something random about me: I have two pet rats named Ravioli and Ziti (They’re super cute and smart—I promise!)
Chloe Erikson
From: Monroe, Washington
Major: Neuroscience
Minor: Spanish and Biology
Foreign Languages known: Spanish
What I like about the Honors College at WSU: The Honors College has provided me with an array of different opportunities that have allowed me to flourish at WSU including; smaller class sizes with an emphasis on class discussions rather than comprehensive exams, insight in getting involved with undergraduate research and future career development, as well as various scholarship opportunities not offered by the University itself.
Where I’ve traveled: I have unfortunately not been able to travel abroad yet, but this upcoming year I plan to attend two science conferences in Seattle and San Diego where I will present my Neuroscience research.
Activities (clubs, internships, sports, programs, etc.): I am the treasurer and a travel team member on the WSU Club Tennis team. Additionally, I am involved with undergraduate research in the Lab of Alcohol and Addictions Neuroscience.
I’m excited to be an Honors 198 Facilitator because… This will be my final and third year being a facilitator, and after two years of facilitating, I have found immense joy in seeing all the great things my students have continued to accomplish at WSU and within the Honors College. The bonds I have made with some of my students has really made a positive impact on my life, and I look forward to hopefully doing the same with my last group of students.
Favorite Quote: “Reason is the slave of passion” –Crime and Punishment, Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Career plans and goals: Currently, I have a whole lot of thoughts regarding what I want to do after my undergraduate degree, but I am not exactly sure what I want to do precisely, and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that! I plan to apply to graduate school this year as well as careers I could obtain after receiving my BS. On a fun note, I would love to visit a Spanish speaking country in order to use my second language. After college, I plan to continue with my education or find a career as a researcher, laboratory manager, or assistant addiction counselor. In ten years, I hope to have a nice little house somewhere on the west coast, a dog…or two or three, and the Nobel Prize in science. Okay so maybe that’s a little too far, but hopefully a few published scientific journal articles would be nice, and lastly a career I continue to find joy in.
Something random about me: I am allergic to frosted flakes and sun screen but nothing else.
Connor Wolcott
From: Pullman, Wa
Area of Study: Kinesiology Pre-Med
Foreign Languages known: German
What I like about the Honors College at WSU: Honor’s provides transferable skills and knowledge through an interdisciplinary and globally aware educational approach.
Where I’ve traveled: England for a three week preventative medicine course.
Activities (clubs, internships, sports, programs, etc.): ASWSU GSA, Reslife, UREC Challenge Course.
I’m excited to be an Honors 198 Facilitator because… I am excited to be an Honors 198 Facilitator because… Education is the foundation of leadership, and through Honors 198, I believe Honor’s sets up students to be leaders from the very beginning of college.
Favorite Quote: “If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea.” – Antoine de Saint Expurey
Career plans and goals: After college, I plan to… Attend the MD PhD program of Penn State. In ten years, I plan to… Be working as a resident and post doc for a lab studying motor control/development related to balance and prostheses.
Something random about me: I have a twin brother.
Corey Connors
From: Tumwater, Wa
Area of Study: Wildlife Ecology
Foreign Languages known: Spanish
What I like about the Honors College at WSU: The Honors College provides a tight-knit, supportive atmosphere that is rare to find at large universities.
Where I’ve traveled: Ireland
Activities (clubs, internships, sports, programs, etc.): SEB, Raptor Club, Wildlife Society, Student Alumni Ambassador
I’m excited to be an Honors 198 Facilitator because… I love getting to know the new students and introduce them to WSU.
Career plans and goals: After college, I plan to become a zookeeper. In ten years, I plan to have lived abroad.
Something random about me: I once fed a donut to a bear.
Emily Kershaw
From: Elma, WA
Major: Chemical Engineering, Pre-Medical Track
Minor: Mathematics and Chemistry
Foreign Languages known:
What I like about the Honors College at WSU: The honors college focuses on gaining global and cultural perspective, rather than just memorizing facts and figures. The honors college has given me, and all of the other smart and driven people in the program, the skills and experiences necessary to be successful in my future career and life.
Activities (clubs, internships, sports, programs, etc.): Internships: The DOW Chemical Company, Vertellus Inc., BP Exploration (most recently) all as a chemical engineering intern
Clubs: Sigma Kappa Sorority, Coug Guys and Gals, American Institute of Chemical Engineers
Other: PRH Weekly Volunteer
I’m excited to be an Honors 198 Facilitator because… The beginning of college was a really difficult transition for me, but now Pullman is my favorite place in the world. Over the past three years I have got to experience and learn so much, so being able to take those experiences and learnings and help new Cougs fall in love with their school is an incredible experience that I can’t wait to take part in again this year!
Career plans and goals: After college, I plan to go to medical school! In between my undergraduate experience and medical school, I would also love to volunteer abroad! In ten years, I plan to have a successful career and a family. Wherever life takes me will be the right with me.
Something random about me: I love soccer, dancing even though I’m bad at it, and exploring outside!
Ethan Shaw
From: Boston, Ma
Area of Study: Communication and German
Foreign Languages known: German
What I like about the Honors College at WSU: I like the Honors College/I think the Honors College is important because… It provides a more personal, flexible, and respectable learning experience. It gives students the freedom they need to be intellectually curious and have that curiosity be rewarded.
Where I’ve traveled: England, Scotland, Whales, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Mexico, Qatar, Nepal, and India.
Activities (clubs, internships, sports, programs, etc.): Amnesty International WSU
I’m excited to be an Honors 198 Facilitator because… I am excited to be an Honors 198 Facilitator because… I hope my experience and guidance can be beneficial to new students attempting to make a life for themselves here at WSU and beyond. Someone you can count on to help you can make all the difference in the world, especially when the future is uncertain.
Favorite Quote: “I am a towering mountain of ignorance.” –Hank Green
Something random about me: I once kept a journal by doing charcoal drawings of the people I met.
Joanne Kunze
From: Maple Valley, Wa
Major: Neuroscience
Minor: Spanish
Foreign Languages known: Spanish
What I like about the Honors College at WSU: I like the Honors College/I think the Honors College is important because… it emphasizes life skills more than just fulfilling degree requirements. The variety of classes allows me to follow passions that go beyond my major and allows me to explore what really interests me about the topic.
Where I’ve traveled: I’ve been to Guatemala and Ecuador. Over spring break, I went on the Hearts in Motion trip, where I acted as both an interpreter and assistant to medical and dental professionals. This summer I also had the privilege of spending two weeks in Quito, Ecuador, followed by time in the Galapagos. I studied Spanish and fulfilled Honors 370. It was an amazing trip led by Jessica Cassleman.
Activities (clubs, internships, sports, programs, etc.): On campus, I am the volunteer coordinator for the American Medical Student Association (AMSA) so I organize blood drives and other events. I am also a dispatcher for Women’s Transit. I volunteer in the Wayman Lab, a lab focused on the effects that maternal obesity has upon the neural development of the fetus. Down at Pullman Regional, I also volunteer in the NARAP program, giving surveys to patients that enter the Emergency Ward. When I am in my hometown, I still coach my high school’s constitutional debate team, We the People, as they head to both states and nationals.
I’m excited to be an Honors 198 Facilitator because… The Honors College is what convinced me that WSU was the right university for me in the first place. After taking Honors 198, my facilitators really made me feel at home and comfortable where I was. I want to be able to share this with the incoming freshman and pay attention to what each person really wants to know about life at college.
Favorite Quote: “We have to remember what’s important in life: friends, waffles, and work. Or waffles, friends, work. But work has to come third.” – Leslie Knope
Career plans and goals: After college, I plan to attend medical school and become an Ob/Gyn.
In ten years, I plan to be working as a hospitalist in Seattle and enjoying the family life with far too many pets.
Something random about me: I have two chinchillas named Nugget and Snickerdoodle and they are probably my favorite things in the world.
Matthew Waldrip
From: Joyce, Wa
Major: Physics
Foreign Languages known: Spanish
What I like about the Honors College at WSU: I love the discussion based classes. Not only are they fun and intellectually challenging, I’ve learned many important life lessons I doubt I would have found elsewhere. There are also many great opportunities for involvement and leadership, and don’t forget that the Honors College is home to a superb and engaging community of students and a top-notch faculty.
Where I’ve traveled: The Philippines and Canada
Activities (clubs, internships, sports, programs, etc.): Honors Ambassador, Collins Research Group (measurement techniques for organic solar cells), WSU Symphonic Band, Pullman Riders, St. Thomas Moore Newman Center
I’m excited to be an Honors 198 Facilitator because… This will be my third year facilitating, and I am thrilled to be back. Other than the fact that this is the best job I’ve ever had, I do this as a way of paying forward all the help I received. I want to be there for you as you get started in this next chapter of life, and hopefully I will inspire you as well!
Favorite Quote: “Always strive for perfection, even though attaining it is impossible.”
Career plans and goals: After college, I plan to attend graduate school to pursue a PhD, specializing in solid state physics. In ten years, I plan to hop on a plane to New Zealand.
Something random about me: I like to read ancient Chinese literature.
Parth Chandak
From: India
Areas of Study: Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science
Foreign Languages known:
What I like about the Honors College at WSU: I think that it asks more from you, and you can get a little higher than you are by using your potential to get an upper edge in the field you are in and a little more experience in college that is not very common in conventional study programs. Honors College can shape you not just as a better individual but also as a professional with more life skills and experiences.
Where I’ve traveled: Thailand, Singapore, and Bhutan
Activities (clubs, internships, sports, programs, etc.): Robotics Club, Indian Students’ Association, Research with Prof. Kelvin Lynn
I’m excited to be an Honors 198 Facilitator because… I get to work with other students who might have had the same experiences or questions as me, and would be great to facilitate a helping hand to them!
Favorite Quote: “Once we accept our limits, we go beyond them.” – Albert Einstein
Career plans and goals: After college, I plan to either do a masters in an engineering field OR work for an aerospace/robotics firm. In ten years, I plan to start working in the field I like, and get a better understanding about the science of the field I work in. Get some hands on work done!
Something random about me: I love doing math tricks!
Phil VanDevanter
From: Vashon Island, Wa
Area of Study: Landscape Architecture
Foreign Languages known: Spanish
What I like about the Honors College at WSU: The Honors College is a great student community with engaging and enjoyable courses.
Where I’ve traveled: Nicaragua
Activities (clubs, internships, sports, programs, etc.): Developing Sustainable Communities, Pullman-Moscow Bus Project, Landscape Architecture Club, Seattle Parks Capital Planning Intern
I’m excited to be an Honors 198 Facilitator because… I really enjoy the honors community and look forward to meeting the next generation of Cougs!
Career plans and goals: After college, I plan to work for a landscape architecture firm, farming, or grounds keeping. In ten years, I plan to have one pretty house, two average children, three mundane hobbies, and four fashionable chickens.
Something random about me: My favorite toothpaste is Pepsodent.
Bogdan “Theo” Mynka
From: Ukraine
Area of Study: Vocal Performance
Foreign Languages known: Russian, Ukrainian, Croatian, French, and a hint of Arabic
What I like about the Honors College at WSU: I think the Honors College is important because of its focus on a global education. It’s not just about getting a degree, it’s about becoming a better citizen with the hope of influencing those around us for the better.
Where I’ve traveled: Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Korea, Bosnia and Herzegovina…more countries than I can count on two hands, but this summer I got to go on a choir tour with the WSU Concert Choir and Madrigal Chamber Singers to South Korea where we travelled and performed for 10 days.
Activities (clubs, internships, sports, programs, etc.): STAGE – the Student Theater group on campus (Advertising Director). ALLEGRO – Student Association for Music Advocacy (Public Relations).
I’m excited to be an Honors 198 Facilitator because… I am looking forward to working with peers that have the same goals and hopes as myself. I am excited to be around people that are ready to change the world.
Favorite Quote: “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” -Mark 8:36
Career plans and goals: A performance career in Opera or Musical Theater. Travelling around the world and performing with various Opera Houses and symphonies. After college, I plan to begin my Masters in a big city, such as Boston or New York, but I’m keeping studying abroad in mind as well, so somewhere like St. Petersburg or Paris. In ten years, I plan to perform professionally, while professing Music at a University.
Something random about me: I really like scarves and classy socks.
Victoria-Pearl Young
From: Pullman, Wa & Houston, Tx
Major: Comparative Ethnic Studies
Minor: Pop Culture, Women’s Studies, Spanish
Foreign Languages known: Spanish
What I like about the Honors College at WSU: I think the Honors College is important because it allows me to take courses that challenge my thought process and learn on a holistic level. Each class I have taken through the Honors College has allowed for intersectional learning in both the sciences and the humanities while adding an importance to your selected major as well. Additionally, each professor gets to know you by name, and building relationships throughout the courses is always a breeze!
Activities (clubs, internships, sports, programs, etc.): Member of the Alpha Gamma Chapter of Sigma Kappa. Director of Diversity Efforts for the Associated Students of Washington State University. Director of Crimson Leadership VIP for the Crimson Leadership Team at Student Involvement. Director of Group Effort Dance Company
I’m excited to be an Honors 198 Facilitator because… I love working with first-year Honors students and showcasing campuses opportunities to them whenever they occur! First-year students have so many choices to make during their first semester of college, and I am honored to have another opportunity to guide my classroom through those choices while developing their leadership skills as well!
Favorite Quote: “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Career plans and goals: After college, I plan to work as an administrative assistant for a performing arts company called We Are Writer’s Block Inc., in Houston, Texas and intern with a representative or a senator in the City of Houston or Washington D.C. until my student loans are paid off. I also will be getting married in June 2017, after I graduate in May. In ten years, I plan on having my Master’s and Ph.D. in Public Policy from Howard and Columbia University, and will begin my first campaign for Senate.
Something random about me: I was born two months early and only weighed 2.5 pounds when I was born!
Robin Bond
From: San Diego, Ca
Area of Study: Classics
Foreign Languages known: Classical Greek and Latin
What I like about the Honors College at WSU: I think the Honors College is important because of the wonderful students who are part of this learning community at WSU.
Where I’ve traveled: UK, France, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Canada, and Mexico
Activities (clubs, internships, sports, programs, etc.): WSU Orchestra (2nd violin), gardening, snowshoeing
I’m excited to be an Honors 198 Facilitator because… I enjoy getting to know first-year students
Favorite Quote: “The unexamined life is not worth living” — Plato, ‘Apology of Socrates’
Something random about me: I am researching animals in Herodotus’ ‘History of the Persian wars’