Honors College Mentors
The Honors Mentor program pairs incoming freshmen with current Honors students based on shared academic areas of interest. Mentors strive to integrate the new students into the Honors community throughout the year by being resources to answer questions and by organizing activities where new friendships are forged. Their most important job is to help new students adjust to, and engage with, the academic challenges that a top-tier research university offers.
2021-22 Honors College Mentors
Cameron Barton
Faraz Abounorinejad
Elizabeth Allen
Christian Anderson
Corrinne Berg
Isabelle Busch
Riley Coonen
Soho Divers
Hannah Healy
Cameron Barton
Mentor Program Chair
Hometown: Genesee, ID
Area(s) of Study: Music – Piano Performance, Music Technology
Involvement at WSU: MTNA, HSAC, Allegro, Emerging Leaders, Crimson VIP
Hobbies: Playing piano and drums, hiking, snow skiing, biking, swimming, reading, and spending time with my dog Ace.
Fun Fact: The first time I played a pipe organ was in the Duke Chapel at Duke University.
What is your favorite place on campus, and why?
It is difficult to pick a favorite because there are numerous places on campus I am fond of, but if I had to narrow it down I would pick Thompson Flats. From Thompson Flats you get a great view of Pullman and some of the best buildings on campus like Thompson Hall. In the winter you can go sledding, and in the fall/spring you can relax, setup a hammock, and play frisbee or football.
What is your favorite weekend activity to do on the Palouse? (Moscow-Pullman area)
I definitely enjoy taking walks to downtown Pullman. There is a great walkway that goes by the President’s house, under the WSU historic archway, and through Reaney Park. There are some very appealing restaurants and coffee shops in downtown Pullman, and when you look up the hill you can see the WSU campus.
What opportunities/experiences have you had through the Honors College?
While in the Honors College I have been a part of HSAC (Honors Student Advisory Council) and helped organize events like the annual Honors College Yule Ball. I have also attended distinguished scholarship presentations and guest lectures. In addition to that, I have helped with Honors College Commencement where I was able to observe the ceremony in which each Honors graduating senior is recognized.
Faraz Abounorinejad
Hometown: Medical Lake (Spokane), WA
Area(s) of Study: Physics and Pre-Medicine major and Biology and Math minor
Involvement at WSU: Undergraduate researcher, physics club, various WSU jazz programs.
Hobbies: I like to play music, play video games, and cook. Well, maybe it’s more the eating part that I like than the cooking part.
Fun Fact: I am also a Canadian citizen!
How has the Honors College prepared you for your future?
In addition to the several unique opportunities I’ve gotten through the Honor’s college, the Honors classes have allowed me to explore interesting subjects outside of my field of study. Also, they’ve prepared me for environments where I would have to work with a team and be a leader.
What are your future plans and goals?
I want to go to medical school to do research in medicine. Some other smaller goals that I have are to improve my Farsi enough to speak it, be able to cook all of my favorite foods, and one day become responsible enough so that I can get a pet cat. !
What opportunities/experiences have you had through the Honors College?
The Dean of the Honors College (Dr. Norton) connected me with my PI very early on in order to do research, and I have since become heavily involved with that. Also, I took a class called “Approaches to Global Leadership” where I was able to work on a group project alongside a student from Chien-Shiung Wu Honors College of Southeast University in China.
Libby Allen
Hometown: Richland, WA
Area(s) of Study: Mechanical Engineering major, Materials Science and Engineering minor
Involvement at WSU: Society of Women Engineers, Honors Student Advisory Council
Hobbies: Cooking, reading, taking walks
Fun Fact: I have interned in three states
How has the Honors College prepared you for your future?
The Honors College allowed me to have a wide range of experiences, from studying abroad to exploring interesting topics in Honors classes.
What are your future plans and goals?
I plan on going into testing engineering
What opportunities/experiences have you had through the Honors College?
I got to study abroad in Shanghai through the Honors college!
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Christian Anderson
Hometown: Selah
Area(s) of Study: Accounting and Management Information Systems majors and Agribusiness Economics minor
Involvement at WSU: Beta Alpha Psi Honor Society, University Recreation Board, Accounting Department Case Competition, Chinook Board, Hall Government
Hobbies: Weightlifting, Hiking, Golf, Playing Pool, Swimming, Driving
Fun Fact: I am left handed
How has the Honors College prepared you for your future?
I have gained personal skills that have provided me with additional ability to connect on a personal level with nearly all around me. I am more confident in my abilities and have become far more well rounded in my time with the Honors College.
What are your future plans and goals?
Attend University of Southern California and earn my Masters in Tax and Data Analytics. Become a CPA and work in the tech industry.
What opportunities/experiences have you had through the Honors College?
I have been able to meet other like-minded, high-achieving individuals and gained experience with a far more diverse group of projects and opportunities.
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Elizabeth Arnold
Hometown: Bothell,WA
Area(s) of Study: Kinesiology (Pre-Med) major and Spanish minor
Involvement at WSU: Kinesiology club and Pre-Med club.
Hobbies: Baking, crafting, and watching movies.
Fun Fact: I have never left the continental United States! !
How has the Honors College prepared you for your future?
The honors college has facilitated improvement my in teamwork and collaboration skills due to the small class sizes and dedicated professors that the Honors College provides. Teamwork and collaboration skills are important for any job or career I may encounter in the future!
What are your future plans and goals?
My dream job is to be an orthopedic physician! My future plans involve applying to medical school and taking the MCAT so I can hopefully attain my dream job.
What opportunities/experiences have you had through the Honors College?
One opportunity that the Honors College presents is the pathway program to the WSU College of Medicine. With having the plans to attend medical school, the Honors College has provided a wonderful opportunity for me to do so ahead of time.
Corinne Berg
Hometown: Spokane, WA
Area(s) of Study: Biology, Pre-Medicine
Involvement at WSU: Co-founder and treasure of WSU HOSA, community outreach officer for H4H,
Hobbies: Traveling, being with friends and family, and exploring the PNW!
Fun Fact: I am a dual citizen of Canada!
How has the Honors College prepared you for your future?
The Honors College has helped me get involved in different clubs around the school, and given me better opportunities for research and different classes to expand my horizons.
What are your future plans and goals?
I plan on attending medical school, where my goal is to be a doctor of some kind!
What opportunities/experiences have you had through the Honors College?
I have unique opportunities to get involved with volunteer work and research, and I have the chance to work more one on one with my professors.
Isabelle Busch
Hometown: Spokane, WA
Area(s) of Study: Biological Sciences: Ecology & Evolution Option
Involvement at WSU: My WSU achievements so far include being a 2020 Presidential Research Scholar, a Regents Scholar, a Glenn Terrell Presidential Scholar, and a 2021 – 2022 Honors Mentor. I’m also looking to get involved in undergraduate research and writing for The Daily Evergreen this year.
Hobbies: In my spare time, I enjoy drawing, hiking, and researching interesting creatures like koi fish. My favorite class I’ve taken so far was BIO 423 Ornithology with Dr. Daniela Monk, which introduced me to what is now one of my favorite activities: birding! If you see someone walking around campus with binoculars, it’s probably me.
Fun Fact: My favorite flavor at Ferdinand’s Creamery is espresso chip.
How has the Honors College prepared you for your future?
The Honors College has allowed me to connect with many professors and advisors, which no doubt has helped prepare me for my future. I know I have plenty of people to turn to if I need a reference for an application or advice on which turn to take next. The connections I’ve made at WSU have already recommended classes that have become favorites, helped me decide what major to specialize in, and encouraged me to apply for opportunities that I was successful in. Connections are important!
What are your future plans and goals?
Wildlife conservation has long been a passion of mine–I’ve advocated for the Cheetah Conservation Fund (cheetah.org) for over thirteen years–so I’d like to end up somewhere in this arena during graduate school. No matter what career I pursue, I know it will center around discovery and sharing science with others. While I’m at WSU my plan is to explore my interests, whether it be by taking a Honeybee Biology class, writing for The Daily Evergreen, or joining some intramural sports. Get your paws dirty and try something new!
What opportunities/experiences have you had through the Honors College?
I chose WSU because of its outstanding Cougar community. Cougs are there for Cougs, no matter what! This is especially true of the Honors College. The smaller class sizes have allowed me to interact directly with my professors and peers, which provided opportunities like being an Honors Mentor, invites to neat Honors classes, and speaking at Convocation this year. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; professors really appreciate an engaged and interested student.
Riley Coonen
Hometown: Helena, MT
Area(s) of Study: Elementary education with an English language learners endorsement
Involvement at WSU: SWEA Member, CCE Volunteer
Hobbies: Wakesurfing, snowboarding, and tennis
Fun Fact: In May 2019, I played in the Montana state tennis tournament in the snow.
How has the Honors College prepared you for your future?
The Honors College has prepared me for the future because the discussion-based classes have challenged my public speaking and now I’m more confident and sure of myself when talking in front of groups.
Describe some of your favorite Honors College professors, faculty, or staff members
I hope to student-teach abroad– either in the U.K. or New Zealand– my senior year! Then, after graduation, I would like to teach abroad fulltime and take advantage of summer vacations by traveling. I have been snowboarding for 13 years now and would also like to continue improving upon that and eventually heli snowboard!
What is a myth you can bust about the Honors College, and how?
Before coming to WSU, I was worried the Honors College was very exclusive, and I wouldn’t meet many people outside of it; however, this couldn’t be further from true! While the Honors College does have a tight-knit community, there are so many opportunities to get involved with students from all over WSU!
Soho Divers
Hometown:Honolulu, HI
Area(s) of Study:Management Information Systems and Finance double major
Involvement at WSU:Currently: Delta Sigma Pi, WSU Housing & Residence Life
Previously: Latin Dance Club, FIRE (Finance, Insurance, & Real Estate) Club, Regents Hall Government, Associated Students of WSU (ASWSU)
Hobbies:Traveling, hiking, bouldering, jigsaw puzzles, board games
Fun Fact:I used to be a competitive ballroom dancer!
How has the Honors College prepared you for your future?
The Honors College has taught me to think more critically about what it is I am learning or doing, and the smaller and more interactive classes have improved my collaboration and public speaking skills, as well as overall academic and personal confidence.
What are your future plans and goals?
I intend to pursue my master’s in either a business or data-related field after my bachelor’s, though I’d also like to get my TEFL certificate and teach English abroad for a bit.
What opportunities/experiences have you had through the Honors College?
I’ve been able to meet so many lovely people, both peers and professors, through the Honors College, as well as attend a handful of really interesting speakers and presentations. I’m also currently looking at studying abroad through programs the Honors College supports!
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Hannah Healy
Hometown: Salem, Oregon
Area(s) of Study: Basic Medical Sciences/Pre-Med major
Involvement at WSU: Honors College, Undergraduate TA for Biology in the School of Molecular BioSciences, Symphony Orchestra, Pre-Health Club, Honors Student Advisory Council (HSAC), Hall Government (2019-2020)
Hobbies: I love baseball, baking, and being outside. I’m passionate about fitness; on any given day, you can find me out running!
Fun Fact: I’m a certified umpire for baseball!
How has the Honors College prepared you for your future?
My Honors courses are always my favorite part of my schedule. The smaller class sizes foster thoughtful discussion and encourage intellectual interaction. As a result, I feel prepared to work in groups effectively, practice active listening, and communicate my own ideas in a professional way. Also, given the regular and close interaction we are afforded with the Honors professors, I feel better equipped to work with my future superiors.
What are your future plans and goals?
I intend to pursue further schooling after my undergraduate degree. As I am Pre-Med, medical school is an option I am considering. However, recently I have become more interested in the Health Management/Administration side of things, so my future plans may be more oriented in that direction. I also hope to travel and catch a few MLB games!
What opportunities/experiences have you had through the Honors College?
Given that the pandemic hit during my freshman year, my opportunities have been limited. This year I am fortunate enough to serve as a mentor and have gotten involved with HSAC. In terms of experience, I was able to attend Dessert with the Dean freshman year and meet some fellow Honors students while also interacting with Dean Norton. I think being a member of the HC has also helped me with various applications over the last couple of years. Presently, I’m looking forward to seeking more opportunities and meeting more people!
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Samantha Hill
Hometown: Mount Vernon
Area(s) of Study: Mount Vernon major
Involvement at WSU: I have been an RA for the Honors dorm 2020-2021 and am currently an RA for Global Scholars. I am a Biology 106 TA and a Peer Health Educator for the 2021-2022 school year. I participated in the Pre-Health and Pre-Med clubs as well as volunteered through the Civic Center for Engagement. I am also an Honors College Mentor for Fall 2021.
Hobbies: I greatly enjoy running and cooking/baking with my friends. I love sitting down and reading a good book and I love being outdoors and staying busy.
Fun Fact: I skipped 2nd grade
How has the Honors College prepared you for your future?
I was accepted into the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine Honors Pathway, so the Honors College opened up the opportunity for me to gain conditional acceptance to WSU’s medical school.
What are your future plans and goals?
I plan on attending Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine in Fall 2023 and hopefully one day becoming an OB/GYN.
What opportunities/experiences have you had through the Honors College?
I have gotten to meet so many wonderful like-minded individuals and create lasting friendships. I often have the same people in multiple classes through the Honors College, so it is always nice to see familiar faces.
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Megan Johnson
Hometown: Redmond, WA
Area(s) of Study: Biochemistry/Molecular Biology (Pre-Med), Spanish
Involvement at WSU: I am involved in undergraduate research in the Department of Psychology and I am also an Undergraduate Research Peer Mentor. I’m also a member of the Molecular Biosciences Club and a sister in Alpha Delta Pi sorority. I was also an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant for an Introductory Genetics & Cell Biology course for three semesters.
Hobbies: I love to cook and bake, and I especially enjoy stepping out of my comfort zone to try new recipes! I also enjoy painting, hiking, and spending time with friends and family.
Fun Fact: I have been ziplining in three different countries (United States, Canada, and Costa Rica).
How has the Honors College prepared you for your future?
The discussion-based setting of Honors courses has helped me develop my critical thinking skills and creativity. Being able to hear everyone’s ideas in class has not only expanded my knowledge on many topics, but it has helped me learn how to think outside-the-box and connect unique concepts. The Honors College has also prepared me more for delivering individual and group presentations, both of which will be extremely helpful after graduation.
What are your future plans and goals?
After completing my undergraduate education, my plan is to attend medical school and specialize in anesthesiology, surgery, or internal medicine. As a physician, I am looking forward to working with patients in the clinic and OR, and also devoting time to research and/or teaching medical students. I also would like to use my Spanish language proficiency to help patients with limited English-speaking abilities obtain proper medical care.
What opportunities/experiences have you had through the Honors College?
I have been able to take classes in topics that deeply interest me, such as Honors 290 “The Science of Leading a Richer Life” where we discussed scientific research on what countries in the world live fulfilled, happy lives. I love the variety of courses that I have been able to take at the Honors College and all the life skills I have learned from them, such as mindfulness and time management.
Emma Ledbetter
Hometown: Newcastle, WA
Area(s) of Study: Microbiology (Pre-Med)
Involvement at WSU: Editor-in-chief at the Daily Evergreen, Honors Hall government, Young Life leader, Research Scholars program, Emerging Leaders program, Country Swing Dancing Club, Real Life Church, Chemistry Teaching Assistant
Hobbies: Hiking, backpacking, camping, photography, reading, writing, traveling, and playing with dogs!
Fun Fact: This summer I hiked on a glacier and around an erupting volcano in Iceland!
How has the Honors College prepared you for your future?
The Honors College has given me a space to learn and discuss ideas with a diverse range of classmates. This has helped me think outside the box and be open to many different perspectives, two skills that will help me in my future life. Also, working on my Honors thesis has helped me integrate research into the writing skills I already use in my work, which I will hopefully use in a future career.
What are your future plans and goals?
After I graduate, I am looking to use my clips from The Daily Evergreen to apply for a science writing or travel writing internship. Ultimately, I hope to be a science writer at a major newspaper/magazine or research institution. I love helping non-scientists understand research, so that is what I hope to spend my career doing!
What opportunities/experiences have you had through the Honors College?
My favorite experience through the Honors College was meeting a great group of friends freshman year. We all lived together in Honors Hall and had classes together. I’m still friends with most of them, and we all encourage each other in school and life. Additionally, the Honors College has given me a lot of scholarship opportunities to fund my education, which makes my college experience a little less stressful. r.
Brook Mac
Hometown: Leona Valley, CA
Area(s) of Study: Animal Science (Pre-vet) major
Involvement at WSU: WSU Pre-Vet Club
Hobbies: I enjoy riding and competing with my horses as well as showing livestock through my 4-H club. I also enjoy running with my pudelpointer puppy.
Fun Fact: I have qualified for CA High School Rodeo State Finals twice!
How has the Honors College prepared you for your future?
Being apart of the Honors College has granted me many opportunities within and outside of school. I believe my involvement in the Honors College shows my dedication to my academics and future career. I feel that because of this, I have received internship opportunities, scholarships, and employment!
What are your future plans and goals?
My future goal is to gain acceptance into veterinary school and become a small animal veterinarian.
What opportunities/experiences have you had through the Honors College?
If you like to be organized and have a structured academic plan, then the Honors College is right for you. The curriculum/courses required are laid out in an easy-to-understand way and all the advisors are extremely helpful. Personally, the opportunity to apply to the Honors College’s 7 year Pre-Admit Program to WSU’s Veterinary School was a major incentive.
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Darya Maysam
Hometown: Pullman, WA
Area(s) of Study: Animal Science (Pre-Vet)Theoretical Mathematics
Involvement at WSU: I’m a member of Pre-Vet Club, Companion Animal Club, Honors Ambassadors, and Honors Mentors. I am also a former TMP and LSAMP Mentor. I have held positions in several research labs on campus and also have extensive work experience through the VTH and WADDL. I love music and I am also the former General Manager of our campus radio station, KZUU. I’ve had a wide array of experiences at WSU and I am always willing to share about them!
Hobbies: I enjoy volunteering, playing with my cats, practicing violin, singing, watching Netflix, hiking, and taking naps!
Fun Fact: I’ve been vegan for 6 years
How has the Honors College prepared you for your future?
Honors has allowed me to get personal and individualized assistance from my professors and advisors. I have also been connected to peers and faculty within my majors through the Honors College.
What are your future plans and goals?
I aim to attend WSU’s vet school and do a combined DVM & PhD program, specializing in mixed practice (small & large animals). I hope to one day open my own practice or have my own animal sanctuary.
What opportunities/experiences have you had through the Honors College?
I have been an Honors Ambassador for 3 years and this is my first year as an Honors Mentor. I have been able to connect and meet people within my fields of interest that I may have never been acquainted with otherwise. I have also found several professors to guide me and assist me during my college journey, allowing me to have clear role models to lean on. I have also developed my public speaking, critical thinking, and presentation skills through the Honors College due to the Honors curriculum and extracurricular activities.
Kayleigh Moore
Hometown: Gig Harbor
Area(s) of Study: Animal Science Pre-Vet major
Involvement at WSU: Collegiate Horsemen Association club president, Archery club vice president, NSLS Honors Society and Regents Scholar.
Hobbies: Horseback riding, archery, reading, sewing
Fun Fact: Spring 2020 I was an intern at a ranch helping deliver 30 baby horses!
How has the Honors College prepared you for your future?
I have developed in my research and writing ability through multiple honors courses that taught intellectual thinking while nurturing peer collaboration.
What are your future plans and goals?
I intend to apply to WSU Veterinary College Fall 2022 with the hope to pursue a career as a large animal/equine veterinarian.
What opportunities/experiences have you had through the Honors College?
I have loved all of my honors classes but one of my favorites was Honors 280 with Dr. Shier. The focus of study was “living a good life” where we delved into what brings life meaning and how to breakdown different beliefs of major philosophers. The class helped me to understand complex ideas as well as organize my priorities as a student.
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Alejandro Prado
Hometown: Torrance, CA
Area(s) of Study: Human Development & Psychology major and Communications and Business Administration minor
Involvement at WSU: Student Entertainment Board, Emerging Leaders.
Hobbies: Reading, hanging out with my 3 dogs, and going on road trips with friends and family.
Fun Fact: I have not had a summer off since the beginning of my college career (4 years), as I constantly find myself taking summer courses.
How has the Honors College prepared you for your future?
The Honors College has allowed me to challenge myself in many ways and thus, experience personal and professional growth that I have been able to apply in the workplace and personal life.
What are your future plans and goals?
I plan on attending a Direct-Entry nursing program and becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner or attending law school and concentrating in corporate or health law.
What opportunities/experiences have you had through the Honors College?
I have been able to work with amazing staff when it comes to applying to scholarships available to Honors College students. They are truly there for you every step of the way and want you to succeed.
Aliya Quintal
Hometown: Beaverton
Area(s) of Study: Genetics and Cell Biology major
Involvement at WSU: Molecular Biosciences Club, LSAMP STEM Ambassador
Hobbies: I played tennis in high school and still enjoy playing recreationally. I also enjoy artsy projects such as making jewelry and crafting.
Fun Fact: I have had the opportunity to travel to Germany to visit family.
How has the Honors College prepared you for your future?
The mentorship that I have experienced from my Honors College professors has helped me to not be afraid to reach for internships and other resources. These resources have been instrumental in providing me with the tools I needed to figure out what future goals I wanted to focus on, both academically and professionally.
What are your future plans and goals?
I plan on pursuing a Ph.D. with an interest in epigenetics and disease. I am interested in going into a career in research with a relation to public health.
What opportunities/experiences have you had through the Honors College?
The Honors College has provided me with resources through classes and has used a community atmosphere to allow me to connect with others that have similar interests. I still remember meeting my Honors College mentor during the week of welcome and how the event helped me to connect with my Honors College peers and feel comfortable in a new environment.
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Matthew Ragsdale
Hometown: Newport, WA
Area(s) of Study: Pre-med/Zoology major and Film minor
Involvement at WSU: President of WSU HOSA, alto sax player in the Cougar Marching Band, and Vice President of H4H.
Hobbies: Playing guitar, watching football, video games, and watching movies!
Fun Fact: I am a die hard Kansas City Chiefs fan!
How has the Honors College prepared you for your future?
Thanks to the structure and small class room size of honors courses, I have been able to proceed with my studies in an academic environment that constantly challenges me. The courses here have allowed me to thrive academically in a way I never thought possible.
What are your future plans and goals?
My goal is to go to EMT school and work as an EMT for a couple of years before applying to medical school. Eventually, I can see myself practicing emergency medicine, but I am looking forward to exploring other medical careers as well.
What opportunities/experiences have you had through the Honors College?
The WSU Honors College has allowed me to branch out and explore a lot of different fields and studies that I never would have expected to be able to. In my honors classes, I have made significant strides in my Spanish speaking abilities, learned creative writing techniques that I use to this day, and explored the history of life with wonderful professors. Not to mention, I have also met some incredible people!
Victoria Stefoglo
Hometown: Spokane, WA
Area(s) of Study:Mechanical Engineering major
Involvement at WSU:I am a technical lab assistant at the HYPER Lab, a student ambassador for the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture (VCEA), and I’m involved in some clubs like Society of Women Engineers (SWE), Palouse Robosub, and I’m the Propulsion Lead for the rocket team in Aerospace Club.
Hobbies:When it comes to competitive hobbies, I enjoy sports like volleyball and basketball, outdoor yard games like spikeball and crossnet, and board games like Catan. I also do a lot of portrait photography as my little side business, and I love to crochet.
Fun Fact:I have, in fact, slipped on a banana peel in public like in the cartoons.
How has the Honors College prepared you for your future?
The Honors College has put a fun twist on my engineering education here at WSU. The engineering curriculum gets tedious at times, but I love that I can decompress and discuss interesting topics in my Honors classes. I have also learned a lot about writing good research papers in my Honors classes, which will be especially helpful as I go into engineering research.
What are your future plans and goals?
My future plans include continuing my education in Aerospace Engineering, whether that be a masters degree or a PhD beyond that. I can’t predict where I will be working post-education, but I would love to be working at SpaceX.
What opportunities/experiences have you had through the Honors College?
All of the Honors professors I’ve had were amazing. Not only were they invested in the material they were teaching, but they also went out of their way to help me reach a deeper understanding of the material. When came the time for a big assignment, they would meet with me personally outside of class time and office hours to ensure my success in the course. The professors are one of the many reasons why my Honors College experience has been so great.
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Shingo Terada
Hometown: Sammamish, WA
Area(s) of Study: Finance major and Psychology minor
Involvement at WSU: I am a part of a business club called SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management, and I hold a leadership position within my fraternity (Sigma Alpha Epsilon).
Hobbies: I love to go backpacking and hike, and any form of exercise like soccer, running, or working out. When I want to relax, I will either choose to read, listen to my favorite sports podcasts, or watch Netflix and snack on gummy bears and pretzels.
Fun Fact: I have traveled to 6 different countries
How has the Honors College prepared you for your future?
The small classroom setting has really been great for sharing and collaboration, pushing myself to constantly share my viewpoints, strengthening my public speaking skills in addition to taking in feedback and constructive criticism.
What are your future plans and goals?
My plans for the near future are to join several more clubs on-campus, and find either a job or a volunteer position in Pullman. Post-college, my goal is to either become a consultant or a financial analyst in Seattle or San Francisco, and possibly go back to school to earn a MBA.
What opportunities/experiences have you had through the Honors College?
I have been able to take courses at WSU through the Honors College that I would have never planned on taking. For instance, I took a Honors course that was about analyzing Biblical and Greco-Roman mythology stories. There are so many amazing options in terms of courses, and I appreciate how they differ completely from my major-specific classes.
Jacqui Thomasson
Hometown: Tustin, CA
Area(s) of Study: Double major Business Management and Multimedia Journalism
Involvement at WSU: I’ve worked closely with the student newspaper The Daily Evergreen in a variety of positions, including Managing Editor, as well as a new job with Gesa Credit Union that promotes teaching financial literacy to college students. Go Cougs!
Hobbies: Camping, Photography
Fun Fact: I have a 4-year-old dog who is the light of my life
How has the Honors College prepared you for your future?
Honors has encouraged me to pursue learning another language.
What are your future plans and goals?
Honors has enabled me to have great professors and small class sizes, which really furthered my ability to learn.
What opportunities/experiences have you had through the Honors College?
Honors has enabled me to have great professors and small class sizes, which really furthered my ability to learn.
Ciaragh Thompson
Hometown: Junction City, Oregon
Area(s) of Study: Accounting major
Involvement at WSU: I was a part of the Emerging Leaders Program, and have applied for the next level of WSU Leadership. I am also a part of the WSU Top Scholars Mentor Program.
Hobbies: I enjoy running, playing sports, and working out. I also enjoy spending time with friends, whether its hiking, watching tv, attending school events, or running errands.
Fun Fact: I am a dual citizen of Ireland and the United States and I was born in Alaska.
How has the Honors College prepared you for your future?
The Honors College has allowed me to take challenging and interesting classes that let me dive deeper into the topics. These classes have also helped me to learn how to research and write papers about my discoveries. The Honors College has helped me to connect with professors and peers, and informed me about networking opportunities.
What are your future plans and goals?
After graduating from WSU, I would like to earn a Master’s Degree in Accounting. I would also like to get my CPA license and either work privately or in a firm.
What opportunities/experiences have you had through the Honors College?
The Honors College has allowed me to take a variety of classes that take a deeper look at different subjects, which has helped me learn about how to write research papers. I have also been able to learn about and participate in different networking events. I also enjoyed attending Dessert with the Deans and getting to meet and interact with different members of the Honors College. It has also given me a chance to be a part of the Honors College Mentor Program and help welcome incoming students to WSU.
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Taylor Waldron
Hometown: Sumner, WA
Area(s) of Study: Neuroscience
Involvement at WSU: At WSU I participate in the Equestrian Team, Neuroscience Club, undergraduate research, a job at Housing and Residence Life, and the Academic Integrity Hearing Board.
Hobbies: I love hiking, riding horses, playing piano, baking, and fishing!
Fun Fact: I have three pet rats!
How has the Honors College prepared you for your future?
The Honors College has definitely prepared me for my future in college and graduate school, because in most of my Honors classes we are expected to write highly informed and lengthy essays. For my future career it has prepared me by teaching me networking and how to interact with other professionals.
What are your future plans and goals?
I plan to get my PhD or PsyD in neuropsychology and then become a cognitive therapist or neuropsychologist.
What opportunities/experiences have you had through the Honors College?
The Honors College has given me the ability to take multiple, smaller classes with topics I otherwise wouldn’t study like mindfulness and meditation, and reading classical biblical stories retold in the Renaissance.
Christina (Christi) Webster
Hometown: Kalispell, MT
Area(s) of Study: Bioengineering, Minor in Mathematics and German
Involvement at WSU: Society of Women Engineers (Vice President), Biomedical Engineering Society, Undergraduate Research with Dr. Haluk Beyenal
Hobbies: Paint by numbers, hiking, kayaking, ice-skating, and cross-stitching
Fun Fact: I have two parakeets named Poppy and Pirahna!
How has the Honors College prepared you for your future?
The Honors College has provided me with a lot of opportunities to grow my resume and develop my leadership skills. In addition, the Honors College has provided me opportunities to present my research, which has been very beneficial to developing my professional career.
What are your future plans and goals?
I plan on applying for a Fulbright to do research abroad in Germany before going to graduate school for Plant Pathology. I hope to conduct research in the agriculture industry to develop sustainable methods for disease control.
What opportunities/experiences have you had through the Honors College?
Through the Honors College, I have been able to make friends with many people in different fields and build a strong network which has helped me find further opportunities. I will also be an Honors 198 facilitator in the Fall for the second time, this has been one of my favorite experiences through the Honors College. In addition, I have been invited to present my undergraduate research at two conferences through the Honors College. These opportunities have helped me grow as an individual and develop professionally in the short time I have been at WSU.
Olivia Willis
Hometown: Deer Park, WA
Area(s) of Study: Dual degrees in Neuroscience and Psychology on a Pre-Med track, Minoring in French
Involvement at WSU: : I am the president of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, the wellness specialist of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority, the president of the Pre-Med Club, a Desk Manager in the residence halls for Residence Life, a Cougar Connector, a lead mentor for the Team Mentoring Program, a Scholar Lead for the Washington Opportunity Scholarship, a Peer Health Educator, an undergraduate researcher in two psychology labs and one engineering group, a volunteer for Alternatives to Violence on the Palouse, an emergency room volunteer at the Pullman Regional Hospital, and a teaching assistant for the Department of Chemistry. I have previously been involved in Leadership WSU, a Resident Advisor for Residence Life, and in Hall Government.
Hobbies: I love to run, work out, hike, play ukulele, listen to vinyl records, watch horror movies, and play with my kitten!
Fun Fact:I collect vinyl records and have around 200!
What do you enjoy most about being an Honors Coug?
The Honors College has allowed me to build strong connections with other involved and motivated students across a variety of majors. The small class sizes have also allowed me to connect with teachers and discuss topics in depth with the class. This has resulted in deeper understandings of content.
Describe some of your favorite Honors College professors, faculty, or staff members:
I plan to take a gap year after I graduate this spring and work at a drug and addiction rehab center that I worked at over the summer. After that, I will attend medical school and specialize in either neurosurgery or emergency medicine.
What is a myth you can bust about the Honors College and how?
The Honors College has connected me with various opportunities to become involved in research, earn scholarships, and meet incredible individuals.