Congratulations to the 2023 graduating class!
Browse the gallery to learn more about the amazing Class of 2023 graduates, their favorite memories, most beloved mentors, and plans for the future!
Class of 2023 Profiles
Senior profiles
Graduating science seniors share their dreams for life after Oregon State
BioHealth Sciences major
Abigail Moss
What did you enjoy most about your major?
I enjoyed how the BioHealth Sciences major integrated life science courses with public health and social science courses. I found this interdisciplinary approach to be extremely valuable to my learning. As a future healthcare provider, I feel better equipped at understanding how the healthcare system works and the importance of supporting public health efforts to better address the root cause of many of the issues in our medical system today.
Who is your favorite mentor and/or professor at OSU and why?
My favorite professor at OSU was Dr.Massoni. Dr.Massoni was my advisor at my START program and I had the opportunity to take numerous courses from him throughout my four years at OSU. I particularly loved taking Microbial Influences on Human Health with Dr.Massoni. This class opened my eyes to the world of the microbiome and taught me how to critically evaluate primary literature that I will come across as a professional.
What is your favorite memory of your time at OSU?
My favorite memory at OSU was the biweekly Pre-PA Club meeting that I had the opportunity to lead as the club president. Being able to help educate my peers about the PA profession and share important resources for applying to PA school was an amazing experience that taught me how to be a better leader.
What are your professional/academic/life plans after graduation?
just submitted my applications to eight different PA schools. Over the summer as I wait to hear back from schools, I will continue working as a medical assistant at a gastroenterology clinic in Corvallis, as I have done for the past two years. I am hoping to start PA school between January and June of 2024.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pre-med option; Medical Humanities Certificate
Abigail P
What did you enjoy most about your major?
I really enjoyed meeting and learning from professors in the Biochemistry department. They are such amazing people and I’ll never forget the fun times we had during office hours or in class! I also think Biochemistry is the best science, obviously, because it is so intricate and precise, so it was always exciting to learn more about it.
Who is your favorite mentor and/or professor at OSU and why?
Dr. Tory Hagen is one of the professors that stands out as someone who devoted so much time and effort to their teaching. He made learning metabolism fun, which is a difficult thing to do when you’re dealing with memorizing enzymes and metabolic pathways. He always made me laugh with his “silly scenarios” that gave us a new way to look at learning Biochemistry. I’m so honored to have met and learned from him. Dr. Ryan Mehl and Dr. Rick Cooley have also been integral to my learning and by giving me an opportunity to join their lab, I have grown so much as an individual.
What is your favorite memory of your time at OSU?
I will always cherish staying up late the night before an exam with my friends in the library laughing and crying over the material we had to learn. It was a stressful time but they always made it much easier.
What are your professional/academic/life plans after graduation?
After graduation, I will be working in the Mehl lab before applying to medical school.
Zoology
Ai Ana Richmond
What did you enjoy most about your major?
All of the questions I got to ask!
Who is your favorite mentor and/or professor at OSU and why?
I have loved my time in the Cornelius Lab. It’s been an incredibly empowering experience to work alongside smart, encouraging female scientists.
What is your favorite memory of your time at OSU?
I've loved doing fieldwork and education and appreciating how intertwined they are! I've had the immense privilege to do research all over the world whilst I've been at OSU: wildfires ripping through the Klamath mountains, releasing sea turtles in Barbados and cohabitating with the moose in the Grand Tetons. I've also had the immense privilege to work with other biology students as a Learning Assistant and Supplemental Instruction Leader for the last two years. I've learned so much from them and I'll miss baking those pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.
What are your professional/academic/life plans after graduation?
I've been accepted into a Ph.D. program at UNR in Reno to study chickadee cognition!
Biology, Physiology & Behavior; minor in Chemistry
Alice Welch
What did you enjoy most about your major?
I love the biology community here, and the classes I got to take matched really closely with my interests. I didn't feel like I was just checking off requirements; I was excited I had the chance to take the classes I did. Outside of coursework, the biology research labs are also amazing, and I got to connect with so many people while getting experience doing research. I felt like I belonged and was surrounded by a bunch of likeminded people who were interested in the same things I was.
Who is your favorite mentor and/or professor at OSU and why?
My favorite mentor at OSU is a recent Ph.D. graduate from Mason Lab, David Hubert. He was my first connection into the research world and was supportive of me and my goals, pushing me to do better and grow as a person and scientist even when I didn't think I could do it. He got me into teaching the BI22x labs and also introduced me to a different lab which I was able to get the SURE scholarship through to do research. I know I wouldn't be the person I am today without him.
What is your favorite memory of your time at OSU?
My favorite memory was doing my SURE scholarship research summer of 2022. I worked with Cornelius Lab and got to do a full month of field work in the Grand Teton National Forest catching and tracking red crossbills, a type of nomadic finch. It was exhausting at times, but I got very close with my research team, and it cemented my love for research and what I want to do with my life.
What are your professional/academic/life plans after graduation?
I have been accepted into graduate school at OSU in the Integrative Biology Department with the intent of gaining my master's. My future plans are to do wildlife research, ideally focusing on both physiology and behavior as I love learning more about wild animals and how they work.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pre-med option; Chemistry minor
Aspyn Gottschalk
Who is your favorite mentor and/or professor at OSU and why?
Devon Quick, she is an amazing teacher that cares deeply about the success of her students and puts in maximum effort to foster their success.
What are your professional/academic/life plans after graduation?
Graduate school, most likely PT school.
Honors BioHealth Sciences with pre-med option; Psychology minor
Breanna Repp
What did you enjoy most about your major?
The range of classes within microbiology that have exposed me to such a variety of topics that will help me in my future clinical career.
Who is your favorite mentor and/or professor at OSU and why?
Dr. Yumie Takata in the CPHHS. She has been with me for two years helping me get involved with research, completing my honors thesis, getting into grad school, getting internships and overall always being supportive.
What is your favorite memory of your time at OSU?
The accumulation of late-night memories working with my residence hall team as an Academic Learning Assistant in Halsell.
What are your professional/academic/life plans after graduation?
I will be pursuing Masters of Public Health in Maternal and Child Health at Boston University.
Honors Biology with pre-veterinary option; Chemistry minor
Carolyn Pearce
What did you enjoy most about your major?
My favorite part of my major was definitely once I got into higher level courses such as anatomy and physiology and all of the pieces of my other classes started fitting together like one big puzzle. It finally made sense why I had to take the general classes such as chemistry and physics that I was so frustrated with at the time.
Who is your favorite mentor and/or professor at OSU and why?
Dr.Massimo Bionaz in the Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences has been my favorite mentor throughout my undergrad because he has always pushed me just outside of my comfort zone so that I can learn. Without his mentorship, I don't believe I would have ever become involved in research.
What is your favorite memory of your time at OSU?
Spontaneous trips up into the cascades or to the coast with my friends whenever we got tired of homework. Getting to know people who are always down to explore and make memories has really been a core part of my time here.
What are your professional/academic/life plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to take the summer off and then return in the fall to start my masters in animal science. I was very fortunate to receive the Chester Wilcox Memorial Scholarship which will allow me to continue the research I became interested in during my undergrad during the next year. After my masters I will be attending the Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine for another four years. After a full ten years at OSU I hope to be a livestock veterinarian and go into mobile practice.
Chemistry
Casey Rummelhart
What did you enjoy most about your major?
Metting my best friend Taryn. I didn’t know anyone who lived in Corvallis or went to OSU and we established a really incredible friendship that I will cherish for the rest of my life. We were able to stick together through a good portion of our degrees and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.
Who is your favorite mentor and/or professor at OSU and why?
Eliseo, my freshman year lab TA. He is a down to earth guy who is super intelligent and doesn’t take things to seriously. He helped me tremendously in navigating my path and becoming a TA.
What is your favorite memory of your time at OSU?
I truly enjoyed being a TA this year for my general chemistry lab students. I appreciate their enthusiasm and willingness to learn. I’ve had some amazing conversations and wish my students the absolute best in their future.
What are your professional/academic/life plans after graduation?
I’m continuing my education here at OSU in the Ph.D. program! I am currently hoping to become a college professor.
Honors Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Advanced Molecular Biology option; Chemistry minor
Daniel Bacher
What did you enjoy most about your major?
The professors, instructors and fellow student cohorts in the Biochemistry and Biophysics department.
Who is your favorite mentor and/or professor at OSU and why?
My thesis professor, Dr. Jeff Anderson in Botany and Plant Pathology, who helped me the most in preparing me for graduate school and completing my thesis.
What is your favorite memory of your time at OSU?
Being in the marching band, where I played the tenor saxophone for four years. My favorite memories within that are my last game at Reser Stadium when we beat Oregon and traveling to Las Vegas twice for the Las Vegas Bowl and the Women's Basketball Pac-12 tournament.
What are your professional/academic/life plans after graduation?
I will be starting a Ph.D. program this fall in plant and microbial biology at the University of Minnesota and hopefully pursuing a career in academia and higher education.
Chemistry; Toxicology minor
Devon Hoskins
What did you enjoy most about your major?
I really enjoyed the lab classes I got to take to show in practice what we were learning in the classes I took.
Who is your favorite mentor and/or professor at OSU and why?
I have enjoyed most of my professors at OSU, but I think my favorite was Dr. Jie Zhang. She was very personable and always wanted ways to help improve the classes. She took our advice to heart and would continuously work to help make the classes she taught make sense to as many students as possible.
What is your favorite memory of your time at OSU?
I went to the civil war game with my younger brother and we had the greatest time when the Beavers won!
What are your professional/academic/life plans after graduation?
I am taking a gap year to work in chemistry and see what I like before applying to grad school next year.
Honors Biology, Pre-vet option; Chemistry minor
Hallie Shean
What did you enjoy most about your major?
I enjoyed learning about the different aspects of veterinary medicine and choosing different classes that seemed interesting!
Who is your favorite mentor and/or professor at OSU and why?
Dr. Monique Udell! She was an amazing mentor and helped me develop both personally and academically.
What is your favorite memory of your time at OSU?
I have so many! If I had to choose it would be watching the Beavs win at the last Rivalry Game.
What are your professional/academic/life plans after graduation?
I will be pursuing a Master's Degree at Boise State University.
Zoology, Chemistry and Spanish minors
Hannah Dugo
What did you enjoy most about your major?
What I enjoyed most about my zoology major was the hands-on experience I got along the way in labs, field trips, and in-class activities. I loved seeing how interconnected each branch of science is and how it all works together while still primarily focusing on the biology of the animal kingdom.
Who is your favorite mentor and/or professor at OSU and why?
My favorite mentor/professor is Dr. Molly Burke. Her work in evolutionary genomics is fascinating and her ability to make students feel important, heard and capable is what has encouraged me to pursue my Master's degree here at OSU. She cares so much about student success, confidence and learning. I'm very grateful to have taken genetics with her and to have worked on research projects in the Burke lab.
What is your favorite memory of your time at OSU?
What a hard question! One of my favorite OSU memories is of the vertebrate biology lab field trip during the fall term of my junior year. We explored streams, marshes and the ocean in the sunshine, snow and rain all on the same day! We found tons of salamanders and other animals and had a blast just hanging out in the beautiful nature of the Pacific Northwest. My other favorite memories are with the friends I've made throughout my time here in Corvallis. Every game night, trip to the Saturday market and day spent in Newport have helped build connections with beautiful people that will last a lifetime.
What are your professional/academic/life plans after graduation?
After graduation, I'm starting my Master's degree here at OSU majoring in Integrative Biology. I will be working with Dr. Burke on an evolutionary genomics research project. After this degree, I plan on applying to genetic counseling programs all across the country to use my passion and knowledge of genetics in a healthcare setting.
Chemistry; Biochemistry minor
Jack Richardson
What did you enjoy most about your major?
What I enjoyed most about this major was the laboratories that I was involved in. Yes, the lab reports might be brutal, but I know for a fact that we have one of the most prestigious lab programs in the PNW based on a lot of grad students I have met throughout my undergrad. I specifically enjoyed the biochemistry labs that I was involved in!
Who is your favorite mentor and/or professor at OSU and why?
My favorite professor while at OSU is Dr. Troy Hagen. Something that seemed to be a trend with a lot of professors in STEM is that they only care about their research and teaching is just a side gig. Not for Dr. Hagen. Dr. Hagen seemed to transcend his fellow professors because he truly cared about our understanding of biochemistry. He cared in general and this is something that I had not experienced with many professors at OSU and I would recommend anyone to take his course! Yes, it was difficult, but he made it fun along the way.
What is your favorite memory of your time at OSU?
My favorite memory at OSU was not exactly school related, rather it was involved in my research through biochemistry. We had made an enzyme that was 8X more efficient than the wild type enzyme with mutagenesis, basically genetically programming a functional protein. Literally was so cool to be involved in this process and especially because of what kind of enzyme it was.
What are your professional/academic/life plans after graduation?
After graduation, I will be applying for jobs as a Forensic Scientist. My plan B is to be applying for intro level research assistant jobs. Plan C is to just be applying for intro level chemist and biochemist positions, hopefully at a medical or biotechnical company.
Spanish and BioHealth Science, Pre-PA option; Psychology minor; Medical Humanities Certificate
Jessica Lopez
What did you enjoy most about your major?
I enjoyed learning about all of these specific concepts that overall connect with healthcare or medicine. It was fascinating to see how some of the skills that I learned are also transferable to careers.
Who is your favorite mentor and/or professor at OSU and why?
My favorite mentor is Amy Frasieur! She is the lead advisor for the student health advisory board and has been very supportive to the organization but also in an interpersonal level too! She goes out of her way and ensures all student are having a great experience. She also empathizes with students’ struggles and life events!
What is your favorite memory of your time at OSU?
My favorite memory is being involved. I enjoyed being part of the ASOSU student fee committee and delegating millions of dollars. Or even mentoring students and helping them navigate through campus.
What are your professional/academic/life plans after graduation?
Currently, hoping to find employment opportunities. In the future, I hope I can go into a graduate program whether that is PA school or a Master’s program.
Biology, pre-veterinary option; Chemistry minor
Kennedi Waldrop
What did you enjoy most about your major?
I really enjoyed all of the different sciences that were integrated into my major. I took everything from chemistry to physics to genetics to microbiology. I also loved how each science class would build off of the previous one.
Who is your favorite mentor and/or professor at OSU and why?
Dr. Warrick was easily my favorite professor! He clearly has so much knowledge in the realm of vertebrate anatomy and physiology and I really enjoyed how he would include stories that related to the material to make it more understandable. I also got to take a class called Monster Biology with him and it was so fun to dissect the possibility of monsters from a biological perspective.
What is your favorite memory of your time at OSU?
I have lots of fun memories with my sorority, attending sports events, and getting involved in western dancing!
What are your professional/academic/life plans after graduation?
I am planning to spend the next year figuring out what my next steps are. I am hoping to substitute teach, work with a youth ministry, and shadow some different medical personnel.
Biohealth; Chemistry minor
Lei Jacob
What did you enjoy most about your major?
I most enjoyed getting to learn new topics relating to my career and making connections with people who have the same aspirations as me.
Who is your favorite mentor and/or professor at OSU and why?
My favorite professor is Dr. Myles. He is really good at explaining complex topics in Organic Chemistry that made it really easy to understand. He is also very easy to reach out to whenever I was confused on a concept and helped me to understand that concept better.
What is your favorite memory of your time at OSU?
My favorite memory at OSU is walking around campus when the leaves have fallen and when it is snowy.
What are your professional/academic/life plans after graduation?
I plan to take a gap year to work and apply to nursing programs. In a year from now. I plan to be admitted in a program to continue the pursuit of my nursing career.
Mathematics
Lodewyk Jansen van Rensburg
What did you enjoy most about your major?
I love how mathematics can bring people from across the world together with a common language. That is mathematics is a pathway for people to connect intellectually and share ideas.
Who is your favorite mentor and/or professor at OSU and why?
I have two mentors at OSU. Firstly, David Wing, because of the passion he has for teaching and working with students. He goes out of his way to ensure that students understand the material and his passion for mathematics is addictive. Secondly, professor Radu Dascaliuc, because of his willingness to help anyone who knocks on his door. He spent many hours assisting my mathematical journey, and he is one of the reasons I am pursuing graduate school in mathematics.
What is your favorite memory of your time at OSU?
There are too many to mention. One of my first memories of OSU is arriving here in the summer of 2020 and seeing the beautiful campus. In particular, walking to the MU and seeing the main hall for the first time. This is a beautiful campus and I will miss it when I am gone.
What are your professional/academic/life plans after graduation?
I accepted an offer to start my graduate studies at the University of Florida in August 2023.
Honors BioHealth Sciences, Health Management and Policy minor
Madelyn Arzie
What did you enjoy most about your major?
I enjoyed the diversity of courses I got to take. They ranged from biology to public health, allowing me to find out what I enjoyed the most and walk away with a well-rounded education.
Who is your favorite mentor and/or professor at OSU and why?
My favorite mentor was my thesis mentor, Steph Bernell. As a mentor she exceeded my expectations on what a mentor should look like and was always kind and supportive in the process. I look up to her professionally and personally and I am honored to have had the chance to work with her.
What is your favorite memory of your time at OSU?
My favorite memory of my time at OSU is being in the student section during the 2022 OSU vs UO football game. It was so much fun witnessing support for a common goal and seeing how exciting it was when we won reminded me of how special being a Beaver is.
What are your professional/academic/life plans after graduation?
After graduation I will begin working in a law office as a paralegal/legal assistant, working towards going to law school in the next two years. I plan to travel, volunteer and send time with my family during this time off from school.
Biology
Madison Perry
What did you enjoy most about your major?
Getting to study so many biological topics!
Who is your favorite mentor and/or professor at OSU and why?
Dr. Jeremy Rose for his class Theory, Practice and Disclosure in Life Sciences!
What is your favorite memory of your time at OSU?
My favorite memory is joining Greek life and meeting amazing friends!
What are your professional/academic/life plans after graduation?
Research!
Biology, Marine Biology and Ecology option; Chemistry minor
MariAnna Hinojosa
What did you enjoy most about your major?
I most enjoyed the experimental, hands-on learning opportunities in my courses. Having the opportunity to pursue my passion for marine biology at one of the best research facilities while working side-by-side with some of the top research and getting to live and breathe the science was inspiring and exciting!
Who is your favorite mentor and/or professor at OSU and why?
My favorite professor and mentor is Dr. Renee Albertson! I decided at the last minute to sign up for her Behavior and Physiology of Marine Megafauna course last year. The field, lab and networking experiences that she provided through that class inspired me and opened many doors for me and my educational future. During that course, she took notice of my hard work and passion for studying marine mammals, particularly photogrammetry, and has given me the opportunity to pursue that after graduating. She regularly motivates me and reminds me that I am capable of doing hard things. Through her encouragement and guidance, I was able to work through challenges and recognize my potential as a marine scientist.
What is your favorite memory of your time at OSU?
have too many great memories at OSU to just pick one. From collecting nudibranchs and sea stars in tidepools and assisting with a green sea turtle necropsy to attending football and baseball games with friends, I will be leaving with many fond memories of my time at OSU.
What are your professional/academic/life plans after graduation?
After graduation I plan on taking a gap year while working at Hatfield Marine Science Center. During that time, I will also be working with Dr. Renee Albertson and other collaborators on a humpback whale project that uses AI learning to identify and match sightings of whales using their unique fluke markings. I hope to use this project and time off of school to build and gather funding for a Masters project.
Biology and Physiology, Behavior option
Rosalia Tanori
What did you enjoy most about your major?
I enjoyed learning about almost every discipline across biology which allows me to have a strong foundation of knowledge in biology.
Who is your favorite mentor and/or professor at OSU and why?
My favorite mentor is Dr. Cecily Bishop! I participated in her laboratory since freshman year and she has been the kindest and most supportive mentor. She gave me the confidence I needed as a woman in STEM.
What is your favorite memory of your time at OSU?
My favorite memory at OSU was spending time with my friends within SACNAS and becoming close to our club advisors.
What are your professional/academic/life plans after graduation?
I will be attending graduate school at Portland State University for a Master of Science in Biology!
BioHealth sciences, Pre-PA option; Psychology minor
Thanh Nguyen
What did you enjoy most about your major?
The group of students I ended up taking a lot of my classes with were really nice.
Who is your favorite mentor and/or professor at OSU and why?
Devon Quick is my favorite professor because she’s really helpful and provided many rescources to aid in our success in and out of her class. She’s really kind and provides a safe space in her class for learning.
What are your professional/academic/life plans after graduation?
I will be taking a gap year to gain healthcare experience and volunteer within my community before applying and heading to PA school. I hope to travel and experience life outside of school and a career before I settle down!
Mathematics; Statistics and Economics minors
Zachary Brentano
What did you enjoy most about your major?
The mathematics major with an option in statistics encouraged me to explore multiple areas of mathematics while providing the opportunity to build a strong understanding of statistics and probability. I also found the advising staff to be very helpful, encouraging, and knowledgeable anytime I needed advice.
Who is your favorite mentor and/or professor at OSU and why?
My favorite professor is James Molyneux from the Statistics Department. I found his teaching to be a healthy mix of explaining the statistical methods that we use and exploring the reasoning that allows for these practices to be rigorous and accurate.
What are your professional/academic/life plans after graduation?
Next year I will be attending OSU-Cascades to pursue a Master of Arts in teaching with plan to become a high school mathematics teacher.
