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
Honors Student Facilitators
Alice Higgins
Ethan Irish
Macie Koval
Tiana LaFollette
Rowan Manwaring
Taylor Page
Ani Rice
Katy Touretsky
Anita Valdez
Ari Wilson
Honors Faculty Facilitators
Honors Student Facilitators
Taylor Babb
Honors 198 Facilitator
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Onalaska, WA
Area(s) of Study: Management Information Systems Major, Creative Writing Minor
Involvement at WSU: Honors 198 Facilitation, WSU Country Swing & Line Dancing Club, WSU Women in Business Club
Hobbies: Writing, Reading, Weight Lifting, Snowboarding, Enjoying musical theatre
What do you like the most about being a student in The Honors College?
I love being a part of a community of academics and those who thoroughly care about learning. There are so many opportunities present in the Honors College that I wouldn’t have experienced anywhere else, and I want to continue to seek out new experiences that are offered here. So far, I have found events such as the LEAP! Networking night to be extremely valuable in developing my career.
Future plans/goals?
I am currently a Human Resources Intern at Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories Inc, and upon graduating I hope to grow into a full-time role in Learning & Development or University Relations. I would also like to spend time traveling to places such as Greece, Italy, and Spain before settling down to start a family.
Why did you join The Honors College?
Coming from a very small town, the Honors College offered a smaller, tightly knit community amongst such a large university. The class sizes and dedication found in each course are like no other, and I hoped to develop the honors education I had in high school.
Aarya Bajaj
Honors 198 Facilitator
Pronouns: She/her
Hometown: Hyderabad, India
Area(s) of Study: Biology, with a minor in Psychology
Involvement at WSU: Gilman Scholar, EschLEAD Scholar in the Baylink Lab, Member of Indian Student Association, Member of a Jazz Combo
Hobbies: Playing the drums, watching horror movies, reading, listening to music
What do you like the most about being a student in The Honors College?
What I value most is the sense of academic community. The environment pushes me to hold myself to a higher standard and makes learning feel purposeful.
Future plans/goals?
I plan to attend medical school. I hope to become a physician who integrates research with clinical care. I’m especially interested in mental health and trauma-related conditions.
Why did you join The Honors College?
I joined because I wanted a rigorous academic environment. I wanted to challenge myself and strengthen my critical thinking skills. I also wanted research opportunities that would prepare me for medical school. The Honors College felt like the right place to build that foundation.
Lillianne Becker
Honors 198 Facilitator
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Tri-Cities, WA
Area(s) of Study: Biochemistry on the pre-dental track
Involvement at WSU: A member of Climbing Club, Dental Club, and looking forward to joining a research lab.
Hobbies: Rock climbing, plant collecting, embroidery and painting, reading, bedazzling, going to the gym, doing pilates, and spending time with friends and family.
What do you like the most about being a student in The Honors College?
Having small class sizes to collaborate closely with peers on course material.
Future plans/goals?
In the future, I plan to attend dental school and become an orthodontist.
Why did you join The Honors College?
I joined the honors college to have a small, close-knit community in my classes, as well as have relationships with professors.
Parker Casey
Honors 198 Facilitator
Pronouns: He/Him
Hometown: Selah, WA
Area(s) of Study: Human Development – Family and Consumer Sciences Education
Involvement at WSU: Associated Students of Washington State University (ASWSU) Senate Pro Tempore and Uncertified Senator, Resident Advisor, Member of Crimson Group
Hobbies: Record collecting, going to concerts, spending time with friends!
What do you like the most about being a student in The Honors College?
The smaller class sizes and that they allow for increased connection with professors and classmates!
Future plans/goals?
To work as a High School Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher while advising a Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) chapter, and ultimately working towards a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction.
Why did you join The Honors College?
I was offered admission as a Regent’s Scholar and accepted this offer because my aunt was a member of the Honors College when she attended WSU and told me I should do it!
Maura Castillo
Honors 198 Facilitators
Pronouns:
Hometown:
Area(s) of Study:
Involvement at WSU:
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What do you like the most about being a student in The Honors College?
Future plans/goals?
Why did you join The Honors College?
Nicole Diefenbach
Honors 198 Facilitator
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Bellevue, WA
Area(s) of Study: Genetics and Cell Biology
Involvement at WSU: Neuroscience research, KZUU 90.7FM Radio
Hobbies: Baking, painting, other crafts, and supporting local music
What do you like the most about being a student in The Honors College?
I like the small classes that allow me to explore niche topics (like Philosophy of Food with Dr. Shier or Dog Tales with Dr. Schultz) through discussion and independent research.
Future plans/goals?
After finishing my bachelor’s, I want to pursue a PhD in my field and work in medical research.
Why did you join The Honors College?
I was interested in writing an thesis and I wanted to gain a sense of community from being in small, discussion-based classes.
Audrey Elliot
Honors 198 Facilitator
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Belgrade, MT
Area(s) of Study: Rhetoric and Professional Writing, Environmental and Political Science
Involvement at WSU: I am the President of the WSU Country Swing Dancing Club, the largest RSO to date. I also serve with multiple WSU community partners specifically in conservation, I’ve volunteered over 290 hours since starting school. I also participate in other clubs such as Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Stage Theatre, and teach a Kinesiology class for country swing.
Hobbies: For fun, I always turn to the outdoors. I enjoy backpacking, hiking, hunting, and camping. I also spend a good portion of my time fly fishing, which is easily my favorite pastime. When not outside, I enjoy sewing, hanging out with friends, and playing with my cat Spoingus.
What do you like the most about being a student in The Honors College?
I enjoy the smaller, more personal classes the Honors College offers. It creates a much more engaging atmosphere in class and helps foster better student to student relationships.
Future plans/goals?
After college, I plan to travel the world for a while, and see all of the beautiful things our planet has to offer. During my time, I hope to engage in environmental advocacy and research before going back to grad school for environmental justice in Denmark.
Why did you join The Honors College?
I joined the honors college to surround myself with individuals who will help challenge me and create opportunities for growth.
Michael Fasci
Honors 198 Facilitator
Pronouns: (Him/His)
Hometown: Anchorage, AK
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.
Dylan Gray
Honors 198 Facilitator
Pronouns: He/Him
Hometown: Bainbridge Island, WA
Area of Study: Pre-Med
Involvement: I’m one of two MCs at the English Dept. Poetry Open-Mics and I regularly attend weekly Poetry Circle with Prof. Colin Criss
Hobbies: I love to go backpacking, camping, fishing, reading/writing poetry, and baking
What do you like most about being a student in the Honors College?:
The thing I love most about being a student in the Honors College is how close-knit the community is. Every time I take an honors class, I already know half the people there. Everyone is so nice and welcoming in the honors college, and it feels like one big friend group.
Plans/Goals:
After graduating from WSU, I hope to attend medical school to obtain an MD. My dream is to become an oncologist. I would also love to keep volunteering in my community after college.
Why did you join the Honors College?:
I joined the Honors College because of the appeal of small, seminar-based classes. These classes have exceeded my expectations. I love how great all the professors are and how much of a connection you can make with them and the students due to the size of the classes.
Oliver Hart
Honors 198 Facilitator
Pronouns: They/Them
Hometown: Salem, OR
Area(s) of Study: Genetics and Cell Biology
Involvement at WSU: Undergraduate Researcher in the Wisecaver lab, Resident Advisor in Northside Hall, LSAMP spring 2026 cohort member
Hobbies: Reading, journaling, piano, botany
What do you like the most about being a student in The Honors College?
I enjoy the opportunity to exist in a smaller community within campus, learning familiar faces and forming lasting friendships!
Future plans/goals?
After graduation, I plan on attending graduate school for a master’s in genetic counseling or a PhD in cell biology.
Why did you join The Honors College?
I joined the honors college because I wanted a support system with peers and mentors who would push me to succeed and grow. The advisors, professors, and students in the honors college are all amazing!
Alice Higgins
Honors 198 Facilitator
Ethan Irish
Honors 198 Facilitator
Pronouns: He/Him
Hometown: Bonney Lake, Washington
Area(s) of Study: Mechanical Engineering
Involvement at WSU: President of Linux Users’ Group, WSU Nuclear Science Center Reactor Operator and Researcher
Hobbies: Anything Coffee, Calculators, Photography, Technology (New and Old) and Radiation!
What do you like the most about being a student in The Honors College?
I’ve been able to take some very unique and engaging classes, and also really enjoyed the smaller class sizes, which have allowed me to connect with my peers and professors better. The early class registration has also been very helpful.
Future plans/goals?
In the future, I plan to work in the nuclear industry to design the next generation of power reactors or move more into academia and pursue a PhD in Nuclear Science and Engineering. I fell into nuclear science my freshman year and quickly developed a lifelong passion, it is just so cool and interesting!
Why did you join The Honors College?
I joined the Honors College to gain access to more discussion-based courses with the smaller class sizes, and when looking at courses they seemed (and once in the Honors College found they were) a lot more interesting compared to the normal curriculum.
Macie Koval
Honors 198 Facilitator
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Olympia, WA
Area(s) of Study: Biology
Involvement at WSU: I serve as the Director of Service and Philanthropy for Pi Beta Phi and am also the Vice President of Finance for the Panhellenic Leadership Council.
Hobbies: I love reading, golfing, running and wakesurfing!
What do you like the most about being a student in The Honors College?
I love all of the unique opportunities it has given me, and the connections and experiences I have gained from being a part of The Honors College.
Future plans/goals?
I am still figuring out what I want to do after college, but I would love to either become a science teacher or work in the medical field.
Why did you join The Honors College?
I joined The Honors College because I wanted to challenge myself in school and also be a part of a community that values their academics as much as I do.
Tiana LaFollette
Honors 198 Facilitator
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Zillah, WA
Area(s) of Study: B.S. Neuroscience, B.S. Psychology, Minors in Chemistry, Biology, and, Genetics and Cell Biology
Involvement at WSU: Undergraduate Researcher in the Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience Department, Undergraduate Peer Research Mentor, MARC Scholar, President of the College of Arts and Sciences Student Ambassadors, CO-President of the Undergraduate Research Club, Teaching Assistant, and Honors Facilitator!
Hobbies: I love playing with my cat Cooper! Studying at Pups and Cups, listening/ playing music, getting tattoos or piercings!
What do you like the most about being a student in The Honors College?
I LOVE the Honors College due to their constant support for undergraduate research. The Honors College has supported me through all of my summers at WSU to continue my research experience and I am so thankful. I also love being a student in the Honors College because of the smaller class sizes. These class sizes allow me to create deeper connections with my professors and my colleagues!
Future plans/goals?
My future plans include applying to graduate school for a Ph.D. in molecular neuroscience! Later applying to medical school to specialize in pediatrics or neurology.
Why did you join The Honors College?
I joined the Honors College to not only get more involved within the WSU community, but I knew joining the Honors College would challenge me and prepare me for graduate and medical education.
Rowan Manwaring
Honors 198 Facilitator
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Involvement at WSU:
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What do you like the most about being a student in the Honors College?
Future plans/goals?
Why did you join the Honors College?
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!
Ani Rice
Honors 198 Facilitator
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What do you like the most about being a student in the Honors College?
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Why did you join the Honors College?
Katy Touretsky
Honors 198 Facilitator
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: San Jose, CA, and Haifa, Israel
Area(s) of Study: Neuroscience, Pre-Med
Involvement at WSU: I am involved as an Undergraduate Research Peer Mentor, Team Peer Mentor, Neuroscience 302 Teaching Assistant, Undergraduate Research Assistant in the Delevich Lab, Co-President of the Undergraduate Research Club, and EschLEAD Scholar.
Hobbies: Outside of school, I love baking, cooking, reading, working out, hiking, and learning to crochet!
What do you like most about being a student in The Honors College?
What I love most about the Honors College is the sense of community. I have really enjoyed getting to know other students, building relationships with professors, and taking small, discussion-based classes where everyone is encouraged to share their ideas.
Future plans/goals?
In the future, I hope to pursue an MD/PhD and build a career that combines patient care, research, and teaching. I am especially passionate about mentorship and hope to continue supporting students as they explore their academic, professional, and even personal paths!
Why did you join The Honors College?
I joined the Honors College because I wanted a smaller academic community within WSU where I could build meaningful relationships, take engaging classes, and challenge myself. Looking back, it has given me so many opportunities to grow, and I am excited to help new Honors students find their own place here, too.
Anita Valdez
Honors 198 Facilitator
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Pasco, WA
Area of Study: Chemical engineering
Involvement at WSU: American Institute of Chemical Engineers (President), Jazz Band/Combos, Undergraduate Research
Hobbies: Jazz, Knitting, Mechanical Keyboards, Video Games
What do you like most about being a student in the Honors College?
The community in the honors college is extremely supportive. I am grateful for the opportunities that the Honors college provides to further my research and academic goals.
Future plans/goals:
Potentially graduate school
Why did you join the Honors College?:
I joined the Honors College because I wanted to meet ambitious students and surround myself with people who are willing to put in the extra mile. I was also interested in the smaller class sizes. I wanted a more personal experience with my classmates and professors. Go Cougs!
Ari Wilson
Honors 198 Facilitator
Hometown: Aurora, CO
Area of Study: Genetics and Cell biology
Involvement: Undergraduate Researcher, Student Mentors
Hobbies: Crafts, Weightlifting, Playing Piano, Hiking
What do you like most about being a student in the Honors College?:
I enjoying being a student in the honors college because of the amazing faculty and interesting class topics. I also like the multitude of opportunities that the honors college provides to students like study abroad.
Plans/Goals:
In the future, I want to get my Ph.D. in human genetics and work towards developing personalized medicines.
Why did you join the Honors College?:
I joined the honors college to have an elevated college experience and to take course work that emphasizes collaboration and group discussions.
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’
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.