Ask an Honors Student

Agriculture & Applied Sciences

Deborah is a junior studying nutrition science with a pre-med emphasis. She is a Nutrition, Dietetics & Food Sciences (NDFS) ambassador, a tutor, a volunteer with various off-campus programs, and works in a local hospital within the nutrition department. When she's not working or studying, Deborah enjoys reading, going on long runs, and oil or watercolor painting.

Art

Hazel is a senior in the BFA Photography program with minors in art history and entrepreneurship. She loves taking photos that tell stories and sharing those stories with others – something she is currently working on in her Honors Capstone project. In addition to serving on the Honors Student Advisory Board, Hazel is the Managing Editor of The Utah Statesman and a peer advisor for the University Honors Program. Off campus, she loves to read, craft, and spend time with her friends and family.

Business

Natalia is a sophomore double majoring in bio-veterinary science and business management. She is passionate about animal health, leadership, and community involvement. Natalia is actively involved in the A-Team, Sigma Alpha, and the USU Rodeo Team. Her goal is to pursue a career in veterinary medicine and one day open her own practice.

Education & Human Services

Emily is a junior studying elementary education with a minor in disability studies. She is participating in an early master's program for ELED, but she plans to finish her master's after a few years of teaching. In addition to serving on the Honors Student Advisory Board, she is an aid at a local elementary school and a peer advisor for the University Honors Program. Emily absolutely loves to travel, and she hopes to go on more adventures after she graduates from USU. She also enjoys playing golf, reading, swimming, and playing games.

Engineering

Clay is a sophomore majoring in biological engineering and minoring in both mechanical engineering and chemistry, with plans to be a medical researcher professionally. He is excited to begin his research journey here at USU, and he can't wait to help others along the same path! When he's not studying or working, you can find him doing improv with his friends, reading The Lord of the Rings (again), or catching up on some much-needed sleep.

Humanities & Social Sciences

Ella is a senior studying English with a creative writing emphasis, working toward minors in leadership and management and technical communication and rhetoric, and a certificate in digital writing and publication. When she isn't writing or doing research as an Undergraduate Research Fellow, you can catch her at a volleyball or basketball game, getting a smoothie bowl, or going to any campus event she can.

Natural Resources

Kennedy is a senior majoring in wildlife ecology and management with minors in biology and chemistry. She is a writing fellow, president of The Wildlife Society Student Chapter, and the student advocate vice president for the Quinney College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Student Council. She is the peer advisor for QCANR and is enjoying doing research about wolves in Yellowstone. In her free time, she enjoys climbing on big rocks, reading books, and playing spike ball on the quad.

Science

Ian is a senior majoring in cellular and molecular biology with minors in chemistry and psychology. He is passionate about interdisciplinary collaboration and bridging the gaps between fields of study. On campus, he conducts research alongside mentors Chris Smith and Srijan Seal, where he studies the division of labor in ant colonies and how controlled muscle breakdown in ant queens influences nutrient reallocation and reproductive success. Prior to his current work, he made his introduction into undergraduate research in the bioengineering department working under Ronald Sims. In addition to serving on the Honors Student Advisory Board, he also serves as the teaching collection curator for the USU Entomology Club. Outside the lab and classroom, he enjoys reading, writing, fishing, hiking, and biking.