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.
Honors Student Facilitators
Miles Boudinot
Matthew Bunge
Jo Castaneda
Sophia Cederholm
Jasleen Dhaliwal
Nicole Diefenbach
Michael Fasci
Honors Student Facilitators
Madeline Kennedy
Tiana LaFollette
Ted Norton
Taylor Page
Avery Percell
Ani Rice
Gabriella “GiGi” Searle
Emma Soderstrom
Grace Sonnichsen
Nitara Sukumaran
Honors Faculty Facilitators
Lillianne Becker
Honors 198 Facilitator
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Richland, Washington
Area(s) of Study: Biochemistry
Involvement at WSU: Member of Dental Club, Rock-Climbing Club, Intramural Volleyball
Hobbies: Reading, Anything Craft (i.e. sewing, embroidery, painting, crocheting, and literally anything else!), Hiking, Going to the gym, Rock Climbing, Volleyball, Spending time with friends and family, and Shopping
What do you like the most about being a student in The Honors College?
I really enjoy the small class sizes, with professors wanting to know you personally and be able to help you as you need. I also enjoy the academic community!
Future plans/goals?
I plan to attend dental school after graduating with my BS in Biochemistry and then specialize in orthodontics where I will have to spend time in residency after. I also plan on having a cat or two, as well as a mini and giant schnauzer and hope to be married with lots of friends and hopefully two kids :)
Why did you join The Honors College?
I joined the honors college so I could have my college experience be filled with academic success and stand out in dental school applications. I wanted to focus on my grades and schoolwork, as well as have smaller class sizes with hopes to build relationships with my professors. I also wanted to surround myself with likeminded peers.
Honors Student Facilitators
Miles Boudinot
Honors 198 Facilitator
Pronouns: He/Him
Hometown: Seattle, Washington
Area(s) of Study: History & German
Involvement at WSU: Resident Advisor in Honors Hall, President of Honors Student Advisory Council, Honors College Ambassador
Hobbies: Reading history books, listening to music
What do you like the most about being a student in The Honors College?
The community, the focus on learning, the appreciation of all fields of research and a culture of no-holds-barred learning.
Future plans/goals?
Develop proficiency with German and eventually become a professor of history at a university.
Why did you join The Honors College?
I joined Honors for the focus on academics and specialized classes—it didn’t hurt that Bob James told me about Dr. Shier’s 280 class!
Matthew Bunge
Honors 198 Facilitator
Hometown: Renton, Washington
Areas of Study: Quantitative economics, with minors in political science and mathematics
Involvement at WSU: I am a member of the WSU TTRPG club
Hobbies: Playing guitar, reading, playing / writing for Dungeons & Dragons, archery
What do you like the most about being a student in the Honors College?
While there are many benefits to being in the honors college, the thing I appreciate most is the passion professors have for honors core curriculum classes. Since they choose their own class topics, they approach their instruction with a passion that makes class very rewarding.
Future plans/goals?
I plan to take qualifying tests for actuarial work while in college, then attend graduate school to pursue a doctorate in the field of economics.
Why did you join the Honors College?
I joined the Honors College because of experiences I had in advanced classes in high school. In those environments nearly everyone present wanted to be there, so classes were more interesting and engaging. I wanted to experience a similar environment in college, so joining a community of students dedicated to academic excellence was a perfect opportunity.
Jo Castaneda
Honors 198 Facilitator
Pronouns: He/Him
Hometown: Everson, WA
Area(s) of Study: Chemistry and Biochemistry
Involvement at WSU: Mars Scholar, LSAMP Student Leader, Organic Chemistry I TA, Research Assistant in the Sharma Transnational Nanomedicine Laboratory
Hobbies: Horror Movies, Going out with friends
What do you like the most about being a student in The Honors College?
The part I like most about being in the honors college is the supportive community and diverse courses!
Future plans/goals?
I plan to pursue my PhD in organic chemistry and one day become a research professor while mentoring the next generation of scientists.
Why did you join The Honors College?
I joined the honors college because I was interested in completing an honors thesis and taking smaller and more discussion-based courses
Sophia Cederholm
Honors 198 Facilitators
Pronouns: (She/Her)
Hometown: Attleboro, MA,
Area(s) of Study: Zoology with a pre-vet concentration and minoring in Spanish
Involvement at WSU: Pre-vet Club, Raptor Club, Zoology Club, Volunteer at the Ungulate Facility and the Cougar Food Pantry, Intern at WSY Veterinary Hospital, Vice President of Prendergast Pups, and Pink Gloves Boxing Fitness Instructor
Hobbies: Reading fantasy and sci-fi, watching educational science videos
What do you like the most about being a student in The Honors College?
One major thing I like about being in the honors college is the smaller classes that let me get to know my classmates and professors better.
Future plans/goals?
My future goal is to become a wildlife veterinarian working at a zoo or wildlife sanctuary.
Why did you join The Honors College?
I joined the honors college for the variety of opportunities from the smaller classes and greater research opportunities to the seven-year vet med program.
Nicole Diefenbach
Honors 198 Facilitator
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Bellevue, Washington
Area(s) of Study: Genetics and Cell Biology & Neuroscience
Involvement at WSU: Undergraduate Researcher at the Wayman Lab
Hobbies: Hiking, Baking, Reading, and Playing Guitar and Clarinet
What do you like the most about being a student in The Honors College?
I like the sense of community that comes from being in small, discussion-based classes.
Future plans/goals?
I’m still figuring out what I want to do after I graduate, but I’m strongly interested in healthcare and medical research.
Why did you join The Honors College?
I joined the Honors College to have access to smaller classes and a more challenging research-based curriculum.
Michael Fasci
Honors 198 Facilitator
Pronouns: (Him/His)
Hometown: Anchorage, Alaska
Area(s) of Study: Bioengineering
Involvement at WSU: Undergraduate Research, Hall government
Hobbies: Video games, cooking/baking, BJJ, swing dance, crochet; any skill that I can work at and improve with
What do you like the most about being a student in the Honors College?
The thing I like most about being a student in the Honors College is the community you can build with your peers and the amount of support you receive from the faculty to be your best self and succeed.
Future plans/goals?
I plan on pursuing research and eventually get a Phd in bioengineering.
Why did you join the Honors College?
I joined the honors college in order to receive access to all of the opportunities and support they provide for their students and because life is more fun when it challenges you.
Madeline Kennedy
Honors 198 Facilitator
Pronouns: (She/Her)
Hometown: Mukilteo, Washington
Area(s) of Study: Hospitality Business Management and Marketing
Involvement at WSU: STARS student, College of VetMed ASWSU Senator, Undergraduate Research Peer Mentor, Honors College Ambassador, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Club Soccer.
Hobbies: Rock Climbing, Longboarding, and Snowboarding. Active in local church, Living Faith Fellowship.
What do you like the most about being a student in The Honors College?
I love the Honors program because I know it will help me in the direction of my lifelong goals. The smaller class sizes allow me to work more closely with my professors. The students in the classes are hard working and relatable, which I haven’t found in my major classes to the same extent. On top of all this, the networking opportunities are incredible which is so important because at the end of the day; It’s not what you know, but who you know.
Future plans/goals?
I am passionate about community and creating experiences because I love seeing people come together. Hopefully, once I graduate, I will get to use my degree and passion in a corporate setting in a company that shares my values. I also dream of someday opening a restaurant.
Why did you join The Honors College?
I initially heard of the honors program because I was high achieving in high school, and I was invited to join. It has been an incredible experience ever since.
Taylor Page
Honors 198 Facilitator
Pronouns: (She/Her)
Hometown: Kennewick, WA
Area(s) of Study: Bioengineering, Pre-Med
Involvement at WSU: Undergraduate Research, Society of Women Engineers
Hobbies: : Cooking, Thrifting, and Hiking
What do you like the most about being a student in the Honors College?
I love how close the community is. I have met some of my best friends through the Honors College!
Future plans/goals?
After graduation, I plan on pursuing an MD/PhD.
Why did you join the Honors College?
I joined the Honors College so that I could be a part of a smaller community while at a large university. The discussion-based coursework and the ability to be involved in a space where everyone was eager to learn were aspects that I really enjoyed!
Avery Percell
Honors 198 Facilitator
Pronouns: (She/Her)
Hometown: Bend, OR
Area(s) of Study: Construction Management & Spanish
Involvement at WSU: Vice President of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority, President Elect for the Associated Students of Construction Management
Hobbies: Running, Surfing. Reading, Cooking, and Spending times with my 2 dogs
What do you like the most about being a student in the Honors College?
The thing I like most about being in The Honors College is beg able to create such strong relationships with my professors because of the smaller class sizes. I have also loved being able to meet other students who are just as passionate about their education as I am.
Future plans/goals?
My future plans include working as a Project Engineer after graduation, and I have a goal to run another marathon next year!
Why did you join the Honors College?
I joined the Honors College because I wanted a challenge while being a college student and I knew that being a part of this community would provide me with great opportunities.
Gabriella “GiGi” Searle
Honors 198 Facilitator
Pronouns: (She/Her)
Hometown: Burlington, Washington
Area(s) of Study: Genetics & Cell Biology
Involvement at WSU: EschLEAD Scholar in the Driskell Lab, German Club Member
Hobbies: Gym, Watching/listening to comedy, Writing short stories
What do you like the most about being a student in the Honors College?
There is a tremendous support system and community that brings me so much joy and energy. I also appreciate the support of undergraduate research that the Honors College provides me through scholarships and opportunities to present my work at conferences.
Future plans/goals?
Obtain a PhD in Molecular Biosciences and own a cat
Why did you join the Honors College?
The Honors thesis sounded fun, and I wanted an opportunity to have a project to work on throughout my undergraduate career. Discussion based classes through the honors requirements were also attractive to my learning style.
Emma Soderstrom
Honors 198 Facilitator
Pronouns: (She/Her)
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Area(s) of Study: Political Science, Criminal Justice & Criminology. Minors in Philosophy and the Chinese language
Involvement at WSU: Hall Government, Honors Student Advisory Council (HSAC), Chinese Learners Club, Greek Life, Intern at WSU’s Thomas S. Foley Institute for Public Policy and Service, University Tour Guide
Hobbies: Volleyball
What do you like the most about being a student in the Honors College?
My favorite part of being in the Honors College is the support system provided by our community.
Future plans/goals?
After I graduate next spring, I hope to attend law school and eventually practice in the field of criminal law.
Why did you join the Honors College?
I joined The Honors College because of the unique curriculum and small class sizes. As an honors student, I have always felt supported by both my professors and peers. Joining the Honors College has been one of the best choices of my academic career!
Grace Sonnichsen
Honors 198 Facilitator
Pronouns: (She/Her)
Hometown: Prosser, Washington
Area(s) of Study: Secondary Mathematics Teaching
Involvement at WSU: I work at the Brelsford WSU Visitor Center, and I’m a student leader for WSU CRU.
Hobbies: I love to read, bake bread, and go for walks.
What do you like the most about being a student in the Honors College?
I love the passion my peers and professors have to learn! I am blessed to have the opportunity to form many relationships with others involved in the Honors College.
Future plans/goals?
I plan to get my masters in education, so I can teach high school level math. I would love to spend some time teaching overseas!
Why did you join the Honors College?
I knew that the Honors College would give me unique experiences I wouldn’t get anywhere else at WSU. I love the classroom sizes, how engaged students and professors are, and the fascinating discussions that are facilitated during class!
Nitara Sukumaran
Honors 198 Facilitator
Pronouns: (She/Her)
Hometown: Chandler, AZ
Area(s) of Study: Zoology Pre-Vet
Involvement at WSU: WSU Raptor Club President, VTH WSU Exotics and Wildlife Ward Assistant
Hobbies: Falconry, Video Games, Reading
What do you like the most about being a student in the Honors College?
I feel like I’m part of a supportive community in the Honors College. It’s easier to engage with other students because of the smaller class sizes and you can really get to know your professors.
Future plans/goals?
After getting my Bachelor’s degree at WSU, I plan on attending vet school and becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.
Why did you join the Honors College?
I joined the Honors College because I was interested in the unique courses offered and wanted more opportunities to work with and connect with other students.
Honors Faculty Facilitators
Donald Allison
Hometown: Fort Benton, MT
Area(s) of study: Biology; Physician Assistant Studies; Culture, Literacy, and Language
Involvement at WSU: Director of Health Professions Student Center; Clinical Assistant Professor School of Biological Sciences
Hobbies: Travel, language, photography, hiking, horses, dogs, cats
Future plans/goals:
My goal is to assist as many students as possible accomplish their desire for admission to the health profession school of their choice in order to ultimately fulfill their dream of following a career in health care.
Favorite Quote:
““Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
― Nelson Mandela”
What is something you wish you wish you had known when you first started college?
I wish I would have taken advantage of all the great resources available on a college campus and appreciated the wisdom provided me by my advisors and professors.
Robin Bond
Pronouns: (She/Her)
Hometown: San Diego, Ca
Area(s) of Study: Classics
Involvement at WSU: Assistant dean of the Honors College
Hobbies: WSU Orchestra (2nd violin), gardening, snowshoeing
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
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’
Cassa Hanon
From: Renton, WA
Area of Study: Computer Science & Business
Involvement at WSU: Adjunct Faculty, Honors College, Advisory Council, Honors College, Advisory Council, College of Arts & Sciences, WSU Foundation Trustee, Society of Women Engineers Mentor
Hobbies: Reading, Theatre, Hiking, Running, Sports Fan
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
I’m excited to be an Honors 198 Facilitator because… I learn as much as I teach.
Favorite Quote: ““We don’t always recognize the most significant moments of our lives while they’re happening to us.” – Dr. Graham in Field of Dreams
Something random about me: I’m an identical twin.
Grant Norton
Pronouns: (He/Him)
Hometown: Godalming, Surrey (in the UK)
Area(s) of study: Materials science
Involvement at WSU: I’m dean of the Honors College
Hobbies: Playing guitar, bird watching, opera, reading, walking my dog
What has been your favorite Honors College class thus far and why?
I teach an Honors 290 class, which I really enjoy. It is “Ten Materials that Changed the World” and has really allowed me to think of my field (materials science) in its broad societal context. I hope the students enjoy taking the class as much as I enjoy teaching it!
What are the Honors College faculty like?
The Honors College faculty are outstanding and committed to the success of each of our students. I am proud and honored to work with these faculty every day.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I am a big fan of the rock group Kiss.