The Honors Alumni Mentoring Program (AMP) fosters meaningful professional relationships between current Honors juniors and seniors and Honors alumni interested in sharing professional advice with students in fields related to their own. Students and mentors connect with each other monthly via email, phone, video call, or even in person, as circumstances allow. The Honors Program facilitates and focuses these student-mentor partnerships by providing students with specific questions, guidelines, and monthly tasks to complete with their mentors. The topics of the monthly check-ins range from creating a resume to building a professional network, from interviewing effectively to using social media professionally.
Completion of the AMP results in 3 Honors points; students who have previously completed the program may repeat it a second time for an additional 1.5 points.
Please see the below list of our accomplished alumni mentors (organized by the college from which they graduated), including information about their USU experience, current field of work, and interests.
2026-2027 Alumni Mentors
I am an assistant professor at the University of Wyoming. My research focuses on public management, employee well-being, and disability policy. My research is centered on local government work and strives to improve the experience for employees and community members. I have previous experience in student affairs, educational access and equity initiatives, community engagement, and instructional design. I would best mentor individuals seeking to go to graduate school, first-generation students, students interested in education access/equity work, and individuals interested in community engagement or student affairs. I have published in top journals and am willing to bring on students interested in public management research and/or social equity focused work.
Melissa Bowles-Terry (2004, 2007) English
I am a professor and library liaison to the College of Sciences at University of Nevada, Las Vegas. I am the former Director of the Faculty Center at UNLV, where I coordinated programming to support faculty teaching, research, and career development. I also previously served as Head of Educational Initiatives at UNLV Libraries. I earned a master's degree in Library and Information Science at University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign and a Master of Arts in English at Utah State University. My research interests include the impact of libraries on student success, assessment of student learning, and information literacy instruction. I am the co-author of Classroom Assessment Techniques for Librarians, published by ACRL in 2015. I am a member of the Association of College and Research Libraries Immersion faculty, a national training program for librarians who teach and assess student learning. I'd be delighted to mentor a student who might be interested in library and information science, or someone interested in being in an administrative role at a university.
Jennifer Bowman (1997) English
I have worked in the aerospace industry for twenty years and am currently a program manager in the Strategic and Military Systems division of the Space Dynamics Lab. Previous to this, I worked at Northrop Grumman and predecessor companies in strategic communications, operations and new business capture and proposal management. I hold an undergraduate degree in English from Utah State University and a Master of Fine Arts in writing from the University of Pittsburgh. I am most suited to mentor a liberal arts major who is considering multiple future paths or is unsure what paths might be open to them, or an engineering, science or business major with interests in aerospace.
Rebecca Bruso (2005, 2016) Liberal Arts, Communication Disorders
I loved my time at Utah State as a President’s Ambassador and Honors student. My internship in the U.S. Senate was life changing and opened my eyes to the political realm. After five years in the Utah Governor’s office, my family moved to Asia and I later received my master’s degree in speech-language pathology. I could best mentor an international student or a domestic student who is interested in history, political science, or communications disorders.
This Honors alum is also listed under the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education & Human Services.
Michael Buhler (2011) Mathematics Education
I am currently a high school mathematics teacher in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Prior to that, I was a high school and middle school math and Spanish teacher in Tekonsha, Michigan for four years, a dual credit college algebra teacher at Northwest Nazarene University for eight years, and an online math instructor for BYU-Idaho for eight years. I am a Woodrow Wilson National Teaching Fellow. I would be best suited to mentoring education, Spanish education, or social studies education majors.
Jeff Carr (2009) English
I have been fortunate enough to do many interesting things with my English degree from USU. Immediately after graduation, I worked on campus writing ads and magazine articles for the PR & Marketing Office, then got an M.A. in Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies from Stanford University, wrote for a newspaper in the Bay Area, worked in a research center at Stanford as a program and publication coordinator, and then became an analyst for the CIA focused on that part of the world. I did that for four years and had incredible experiences at home and abroad. I then moved home to work at the Museum of Idaho, where I started as the PR Director, focusing on communications in traditional and social media advertising. I am now the director of the museum and get to do all sorts of cool stuff—and it's all been possible thanks to the Honors education in writing, language, and communication I received at USU. I would be happy to mentor any liberal arts major (especially English) who is wondering about different types of jobs. Additionally, I would be a good fit for any student interested in intelligence and foreign affairs.
Katlyn Casagrande (2013) Anthropology
After graduating from USU, I went on to earn my master's (2020) and Ph.D. (2024) in criminal justice from Texas State University. During that time, I worked on a project evaluating a school resource officer training program, served as managing editor for the Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency, taught undergraduate classes, and worked with the Austin (TX) police department on the implementation of a violence intervention program. In August 2025, I joined the USU faculty as an assistant professor of criminal justice based at the Tooele campus. My research has focused on mental health within the correctional system, as well as projects within forensics, policing, and program assessment.
Dawn Dimmick (2020) Religious Studies, International Studies
I currently work as an active-duty Army chaplain at Fort Carson, CO. My role is to perform and provide religious support for soldiers and their families. I advise commanders on ethics, morals, morale, and religion, and provide pastoral counseling for soldiers facing life challenges. I have some experience working in the nonprofit sector, and am mostly passionate about interfaith work, community engagement, women's history/issues, and writing. I feel best suited to mentor students who are trying to discern where their interests intersect. I also feel like I could be of help to those interested in caregiving professions, the military, or the world of religious studies.
Kade Downs (2014) Psychology, Spanish
I grew up on a small farm in Utah. I was the first in my family to graduate from college and attend graduate school. Before I went to grad school I coached football and lacrosse and volunteered with the Best Buddies chapter at USU. I am currently a bilingual (English, Spanish), licensed psychologist at a high school near Salt Lake City, Utah. I finished my PhD in 2024 and have some mentorship (USU Honors), teaching (undergraduate cognition), research (behavior, narratives, language), and group supervision (APPIC interns) experience. I plan to work in an academic position in the future. Until then, one of the things I enjoy most at the high school is running psychotherapy groups for students who recently immigrated to the United States and building community and mentorship at feeder schools. I’ve had the opportunity to be part of the USU Honors Alumni program for several years and I’ve enjoyed working with some bright students whose interests have included things like audiology, music therapy, clinical psychology, and special education. It’s interesting to learn about all the ways our skills and interests can align; for example, I don’t have formal training in every subject, but I do in language and therapeutic, school-based interventions—making for some creative and enlightening conversations from which both honors students and I gained something new. Whether you know exactly what you want to do in the future or you’re creating your plan now, I’d be happy to work with you. However, I remind you that the more specific your plan is the more important fit with a mentor will be.
This Honors alum is also listed under the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education & Human Services.
Joshua Hansen (2018) Human Biology
I was born in Logan, Utah, and raised in Pocatello, Idaho. I completed undergraduate studies at Utah State University, graduating magna cum laude with university and departmental honors in Biology with minors in chemistry and Portuguese. Thereafter, I commissioned in the United States Army and attended America's Medical School, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS). I was inducted as a junior member of Alpha Omega Alpha and was awarded a distinguished academic performance award and an honorable mention for the Emma L. Bockman memorial award. I published six peer-reviewed manuscripts during the course of medical school. I am now in my PGY5 year at the collaborative military-civilian orthopedic surgery program between William Beaumont Army Medical Center and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center of El Paso. I am best suited to mentor a student interested in the health professions or a career with the United States military.
Erica Hawvermale (2017) Cultural Anthropology
I am a Senior Evaluation Associate at Syracuse University's D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF). Through my work, I conduct program evaluations for military-serving non-profits so they can have insights into how to better serve their beneficiaries. In addition to my work at the IVMF, I've conducted research in a broad range of fields including religious diversity/tolerance, gender roles, psychological sense of community, and accessibility. I also previously worked as a researcher at Aperio Insights, where I conducted evaluations of programs, products, and services for a wide range of clients. In addition to my paid work, I have provided volunteer program evaluation services to United Through Reading and Our Military Kids, and my work has helped inform the strategic plans for both organizations. At USU I majored in Cultural Anthropology (music minor), and I went on to earn a master's degree in Applied Anthropology from the University of North Texas. Currently, I am pursuing my doctorate in Evaluation, Measurement, and Research from Western Michigan University. I am best suited to mentor students in the social sciences (anthropology, sociology, etc.) and those interested in research as a career, regardless of their major. I have a lot of experience in how to transfer soft skills learned in the university setting to job applications, how to market yourself in your career, and how to build a portfolio of experiences (internships, research projects, pro-bono work, etc.) that promotes networking and career development. If a student is concerned about how to transfer what they’re learning at USU and their experience to their career post-graduation, I feel I would also be a good match.
Marcus Hayden (2024) Biochemistry
I first fell in love with science in high school, growing hydroponic and aquaponic produce at Utah State University Extension. I continued at Utah State University for my B.S. in Biochemistry and researched how functional foods modulate the gut microbiome with Dr. Abby Benninghoff. At USU, I got involved by leading the Out in STEM club, playing the organ, and volunteering as an undergraduate research fellow. At the University of Utah, I joined the Leung Lab to study the generation of adaptive immunity to commensal gut microbes. After completing my first project, I then switched labs to study the epigenetics of T cell exhaustion during chronic viral infection with Dr. Scott Hale. After my PhD, I hope to become a professor. When I'm not in the lab, you can catch me country swing dancing, playing strategy board games, baking pies, skiing, or hiking. My experience as an early-career researcher in immunology best suits me to mentor students who are interested in biomedical research, maximizing their time as an undergraduate researcher at USU, or a fresh perspective on getting into graduate school and becoming a successful graduate student.
Grant Holyoak (2016) Sociology, Economics
I became a U.S. State Department Foreign Service Officer in April 2019, and have since served as a Vice Consul at the U.S. embassies in Beijing, San Salvador , and Tegucigalpa. Before beginning work at the State Department, I worked for the U.S. federal government in several capacities including at the Department of Health & Human Services and the U.S. Government Accountability Office. After graduating from USU, I received a Master's in Public Policy from George Washington University in December 2018. My professional interests include immigration/refugee issues and U.S. foreign relations with Latin America and the People's Republic of China. My experience could be particularly helpful for students who are considering careers in the federal government or want to be more involved in undergraduate research.
This Honors alum is also listed under the Huntsman School of Business.
Tatyanna Kay (2017) History
I graduated law school with a JD (Juris Doctor) in 2020. I worked for two years as an intern with NCAA compliance at both Division 1 and 2 colleges in New England. I also worked for two years at Fidelity Investments in a variety of roles: handling workplace retirement plans, training new employees, and coordinating with high level executives in onboarding meetings for new companies. I now work in my state’s Attorney General’s office as a Legal Assistant and am being trained to assume the position of Data Privacy Investigative Paralegal. I feel most suited to mentor a student that isn't entirely positive on what they want to do next and is trying to figure it out. I'd also be well suited to any students that are looking to go into the legal field in some capacity or are actively planning on going to law school, or students who are interested in sports law or athletic compliance.
John Kidd (2013) Statistics
I am a professor of statistics at Utah Valley University. I received my Ph.D. in biostatistics from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill in 2021, and began teaching at UVU that year. I am also a consultant for various pharmaceutical-related companies. I feel I will be most helpful to students studying statistics or statistic-based fields who wish to pursue graduate degrees once they complete the Honors Program. Additionally, students interested in graduate programs or entering academia would be a good fit.
Jackson Morley (2023) Biochemistry
I am currently working as a medical assistant while pursuing my goal of attending medical school. Over the years, I’ve gained valuable experience in a variety of healthcare settings, including nursing homes, family practice, and dermatology. Beyond clinical work, I’ve been passionate about serving the community – volunteering at the WAB Warming Center and coordinating homeless street outreach programs. On campus, I’ve been involved in exciting undergraduate research focused on recombinant spider silk, bee silk, and hagfish proteins. I have also enjoyed supporting other students as a pre-health peer advisor, guiding them on their journeys to medical, dental, PA, and other health professional schools. Along the way, I’ve taken on roles such as Resident Assistant, FSY counselor, teaching assistant, and tutor. I feel best suited to mentor a student who’s exploring what's next and is eager to grow – whether that’s learning about graduate programs, getting more involved on campus, or building confidence in their goals. Whether full of questions or just starting to explore their options, I’m excited to share what I’ve learned. I especially enjoy working with students who are motivated, open to new ideas, and ready to take initiative – but most importantly, I’m here for anyone who’s genuinely interested in growing and taking that next step, no matter where they’re starting from. I also connect well with students who want to get more involved – whether that’s through research, service, leadership, or other meaningful activities. As a first-generation student myself, I especially love supporting other first-gen students. I understand how overwhelming this process can feel at times, and I’m passionate about helping others navigate it with confidence, clarity, and encouragement.
Selendra Mullen (2021) Biological Science Composite Teaching
I am a high school science teacher currently working in a Title I school in a Dallas suburb. This is my sixth year teaching. I’ve taught biology, Earth science, and developed a forensics program that has been used in multiple school districts. I’ve been a National Honor Society advisor and a member of the School Improvement Team. I am also a Knowles Teaching Fellow. I believe I am best suited to mentor any students interested in being a teacher, particularly at the high school or middle school levels.
This Honors alum is also listed under the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences.
Jessica Staheli (1998) English
I serve as the Chief Client Officer at a company that provides background reports for business ventures (investments/lending) and hiring decisions. After getting my BA in English at USU (with honors!), I went on to obtain a master's degree and pursued a PhD in English, but a different path presented itself and I went into B2B sales. While unexpected, this was a wonderful turn, that led to a career of continued learning in the ever-changing business landscape. I'm currently exploring how AI can enhance (and detract from) the client experience (CX) as well as overseeing our marketing and sales initiatives. USU holds a special place in my heart and the education and experiences I gained there have helped me in every aspect of my life. I currently live in Southern California with my husband and our dog, Tater, who is an endless source of amusement! I feel that my education and background make me best suited to help students with majors in English, communications, marketing, business, or related fields, though I am open to others areas where my personal experiences (going to graduate school, moving from Logan to Los Angeles, exploring alternate careers over time) may also be helpful.
This Honors alum is also listed under the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business.
Justin Tirrell (2020) Biology
I write and maintain software for use in diagnostic laboratories. I write code in C# and Lims Basic, and I perform a lot of reporting tasks similar to business analysts and MIS majors. I would be a good mentor for someone with a science or computing background who is interested in pivoting their career from a traditional path.
Gregory Waddoups (1994) Liberal Arts, Soviet (Russian) Studies
I have over 30 years of international law, government procurement, dispute resolution, business organization, and transactional experience. I have worked in government, at a large Washington DC law firm, and as business and general counsel in the US, Australia, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. I'm a frequent lecturer on international business law and government procurement, having presented in the US and internationally. I have also served as a guest lecturer at Utah State with the Center for Anticipatory Intelligence and the Huntsman School of Business. I most recently led a panel of experts on global procurement at the American Bar Association’s International Section annual meeting. I am currently Corporate Counsel at Northrop Grumman where I lead the legal team supporting its Launch and Missile Defense (LMDS Division) and the Propulsion Systems Business, which is a leading provider of large solid rocket motors for government and commercial space launches and U.S. strategic weapons. Prior to that, I served as Chief Counsel for the International Legal Group at Raytheon Missiles and Defense, where I led a team providing legal support for $5B in annual transactions in over 60 countries. I would be a good fit for someone interested either in the security or defense industry or the legal profession.
Ryan Wallentine (2016) Math, History
I graduated from USU with dual majors in math and history and minors in Japanese and Asian Studies. I taught English in Japan under the JET Programme for 2 years before doing law school at BYU and completing my tax LLM with an international tax certificate from Georgetown University. I have now worked as an international corporate tax specialist at EY for 4 years. I am well positioned to mentor a student who is interested in pursuing a career in law or tax.
I earned a Ph.D. from Caltech in applied mechanics and have had a career largely focused on R&D including stints at GE Global Research, Energy Recovery, Baker Hughes, and a startup. I also spent some time mastering modeling/data analytics at JPMorgan Chase. I would enjoy mentoring someone who is interested in a career filled with stepping into the unknown, working in complex and challenging work environments, and pressing for success in endeavors that are high-reward but against the odds.
Tyson Barnes (2022) Biological Engineering
I graduated from USU with a Biological Engineering degree, a Chemistry minor, and a medical device senior design project under my belt. I was hired by my industry mentor, Biomerics, and worked on process development on an endoscope project. I've spent the last two years in a different role, general engineer II at ZIEN Medical Technologies. It's a smaller company, where I've worn a few different hats to grow my own experience in the medical device industry. I'm happy to mentor any student looking for professional growth, networking advice, or for general guidance/information regarding an early career in the medical device industry.
Darcie Christensen (2021) Biological Engineering (B.S), Environmental Engineering (M.Eng.), Engineering Education (Ph.D.)
I graduated summa cum laude with university and departmental honors from Utah State University and a BS in Biological Engineering. My undergraduate research was in various fields, such as root mimetics, antibiotic inhibition, bioretention, and engineering education. I filed a provisional patent on an external fixation device developed with an industry partner during my capstone project. I served as both the recording secretary and vice president in the UTG TBP Chapter, was highly involved with the Engineering Student Council, Engineering Ambassadors, and Society of Women Engineers, and was also the outstanding senior for the College of Engineering and the Scholar of the Year for the entire university at Utah State in 2017. I am currently pursuing an M.E. in Environmental Engineering and a PhD in Engineering Education, both at Utah State University. My research interest is the self-efficacy of engineering students, and I intend to work as an instructor and specialist in recruitment and retention for a college of engineering. I also like to ski, play tennis, laugh, bake, cheer on the Aggies, and watch March Madness.
Tyler Gardner (2018, 2020) Mechanical Engineering
I currently work as an aerospace engineer for the Air Force Research Laboratory. In my current role, I conduct research on propulsion systems for hypersonic systems. This includes computational research (using tools such as computational fluid dynamics and analytical methods) and experimental work in test facilities (wind tunnels). During my graduate studies, I conducted research on small scale hybrid rockets. Besides the obvious match criteria of mechanical and aerospace engineering, my experience and interests probably align well with any student that is looking to work in the aerospace and defense industry, the space industry, and within disciplines such as propulsion, computational fluid dynamics, and/or experimental work. Because I do work for the Air Force (as a civilian), I have had particular success in the past connecting with engineering students who participate in ROTC and similar Air Force-related activities.
James Mullen (2022) Mechanical Engineering
I graduated from USU with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and minors in Mathematics and Portuguese. I worked for a local aerospace engineering company and researched in a lab focused on inductive charging for electric vehicles. I attended Duke Law School and now work at one of the world’s top patent litigation firms. My practice covers all stages of patent litigation for both defendants and plaintiffs. I am looking to mentor students interested in legal practice, especially those who will have atypical or STEM degrees. I am the first lawyer in my family, and so mentors played key roles in helping me chart my career path. I hope to be able to pay it forward to current students.
Britany Washburn (2018) Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering
I am the Associate Director of the Cross-Mission Effectiveness Department at The Aerospace Corporation. I help manage a team of around 30 engineers to develop and use modeling and simulation tools to perform performance and utility analysis of current and future government system architectures. I would be best paired with an aerospace engineering, physics, computer science, or math student interested in a career as a government contractor. I have experience working across government (NASA), traditional contractors (Northrop Grumman), and FFRDC/UARC (Aerospace).
I am a pediatric sports and orthopedic doctor of physical therapy practicing at Primary Children’s in Lehi. I am also a board certified pediatric clinical specialist in physical therapy. I work as an advanced rehab clinician focusing on development and growth of the sports program, clinical mentorship of the sports team, and research and projects that help grow and further the profession and services for physical therapy and Primary Children’s.
Emily Bonebrake (2022) Wildlife Ecology and Management
I currently work as a high school teacher at Elmwood High School in Elmwood, IL, where I teach Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Earth Science. Before switching to teaching and earning my Master’s of Teaching in Secondary Biology, I worked for the U.S. Forest Service in the wildlife biology and recreation manager career paths for 2 seasons in Idaho and Colorado. At USU, I earned my GIS certificate and still enjoy making maps. I am passionate about natural resources and wildlife and love to bring my past careers into my current teaching. I would like to mentor a student who is entering into a career related to secondary education or natural resources. I enjoy working with motivated students who are not afraid to ask questions and seek out feedback.
This Honors alum is also listed under the S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Agriculture & Natural Resources.
Rebecca Bruso (2005, 2016) Liberal Arts, Communication Disorders
I loved my time at Utah State as a President’s Ambassador and Honors student. My internship in the U.S. Senate was life changing and opened my eyes to the political realm. After five years in the Utah Governor’s office, my family moved to Asia and I later received my master’s degree in speech-language pathology. I could best mentor an international student or a domestic student who is interested in history, political science, or communications disorders.
This Honors alum is also listed under the College of Arts & Sciences.
Brady DeHart (2012, 2017) Psychology
After completing my PhD in experimental psychology, I was a postdoctoral fellow at Virginia Tech's Addiction Recovery Research Center. After my post-doc, I decided to leave my path toward becoming a professor and enter the private sector. I was a director of research at HCA Healthcare where I supported the research efforts of over 200 medical residents. For the last five years, I have worked for Optum Life Sciences as a director of health outcomes and economics research. I collaborate with pharmaceutical companies to develop research studies to demonstrate the clinical utility of their products. I also manage a team of 5 junior researchers whom I mentor.
Kade Downs (2014) Psychology, Spanish
I grew up on a small farm in Utah. I was the first in my family to graduate from college and attend graduate school. Before I went to grad school I coached football and lacrosse and volunteered with the Best Buddies chapter at USU. I am currently a bilingual (English, Spanish), licensed psychologist at a high school near Salt Lake City, Utah. I finished my PhD in 2024 and have some mentorship (USU Honors), teaching (undergraduate cognition), research (behavior, narratives, language), and group supervision (APPIC interns) experience. I plan to work in an academic position in the future. Until then, one of the things I enjoy most at the high school is running psychotherapy groups for students who recently immigrated to the United States and building community and mentorship at feeder schools. I’ve had the opportunity to be part of the USU Honors Alumni program for several years and I’ve enjoyed working with some bright students whose interests have included things like audiology, music therapy, clinical psychology, and special education. It’s interesting to learn about all the ways our skills and interests can align; for example, I don’t have formal training in every subject, but I do in language and therapeutic, school-based interventions—making for some creative and enlightening conversations from which both honors students and I gained something new. Whether you know exactly what you want to do in the future or you’re creating your plan now, I’d be happy to work with you. However, I remind you that the more specific your plan is the more important fit with a mentor will be.
This Honors alum is also listed under the College of Arts & Sciences.
Bryson Grondel (2017) Psychology (Minor – Portuguese)
I am an Internal Medicine resident and Academic Chief Resident at Inspira Medical Center in Mullica Hill, New Jersey. I earned my Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from A.T. Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and have developed interests in cardiovascular medicine, critical care, medical education, and clinical research. My scholarly work includes systematic reviews, meta-analyses, outcomes research, and case reports presented at national scientific meetings. I am passionate about developing innovative curricula that emphasize evidence-based medicine, board preparation, and resident education. I plan to pursue fellowship training in cardiology with the goal of a career in academic medicine, where I hope to combine patient care, research, mentorship, and education to advance the field and help train the next generation of physicians. I am best suited to mentor students who are motivated, curious, and eager to grow through constructive feedback. Whether they are exploring research, preparing for residency, or developing clinical reasoning skills, I enjoy helping learners set meaningful goals, navigate challenges, and build confidence. I particularly enjoy mentoring students interested in internal medicine, cardiology, medical education, and academic scholarship who are committed to continuous improvement.
Selendra Mullen (2021) Biological Science Composite Teaching
I am a high school science teacher currently working in a Title I school in a Dallas suburb. This is my sixth year teaching. I’ve taught biology, Earth science, and developed a forensics program that has been used in multiple school districts. I’ve been a National Honor Society advisor and a member of the School Improvement Team. I am also a Knowles Teaching Fellow. I believe I am best suited to mentor any students interested in being a teacher, particularly at the high school or middle school levels.
This Honors alum is also listed under the College of Arts & Sciences.
I graduated from USU in 2016 with a degree in economics before pursuing an MPH degree in Finland. I then attended medical school at Dartmouth, where I served on the admissions committee for three years and graduated with academic honors (AOA). I was thrilled to match as one of 21 medical students nationally into a triple board residency. I am in my fifth year of residency at Brown, where I am specializing in medical pediatrics, adult psychiatry, and child psychiatry and serve as one of the chief residents. I would be most equipped to mentor students with an interest in medical school and/or global health. I would also be available to mentor students in economics or other social sciences.
Grant Holyoak (2016) Sociology, Economics
I became a U.S. State Department Foreign Service Officer in April 2019, and have since served as a Vice Consul at the U.S. embassies in Beijing, San Salvador , and Tegucigalpa. Before beginning work at the State Department, I worked for the U.S. federal government in several capacities including at the Department of Health & Human Services and the U.S. Government Accountability Office. After graduating from USU, I received a Master's in Public Policy from George Washington University in December 2018. My professional interests include immigration/refugee issues and U.S. foreign relations with Latin America and the People's Republic of China. My experience could be particularly helpful for students who are considering careers in the federal government or want to be more involved in undergraduate research.
This Honors alum is also listed under the College of Arts & Sciences.
Jenna Olson (2023) International Business
I am the President and Founder of Swedish Saturdays Candy Company. We are a small business that imports Swedish candy and brings the joy of Swedish traditions to the US, allowing me to exercise my creativity and my passion for international business. I graduated Magna Cum Laude from USU with a BS in International Business and minors in Management Information Systems and Data Analytics. As a student, I participated in the Huntsman Scholar and University Honors Programs. Upon graduating, I worked at AmeriHome Mortgage Company as a Management Training Associate and was promoted to Corporate Strategy Analyst. I managed executive-level projects, maintained data dashboards, and gathered business requirements across teams. I may not have the longest professional career, but what I do have are a very particular set of skills, skills I have acquired over a very short career, skills that make me a perfect mentor for people like you.
Jessica Staheli (1998) English
I serve as the Chief Client Officer at a company that provides background reports for business ventures (investments/lending) and hiring decisions. After getting my BA in English at USU (with honors!), I went on to obtain a master's degree and pursued a PhD in English, but a different path presented itself and I went into B2B sales. While unexpected, this was a wonderful turn, that led to a career of continued learning in the ever-changing business landscape. I'm currently exploring how AI can enhance (and detract from) the client experience (CX) as well as overseeing our marketing and sales initiatives. USU holds a special place in my heart and the education and experiences I gained there have helped me in every aspect of my life. I currently live in Southern California with my husband and our dog, Tater, who is an endless source of amusement! I feel that my education and background make me best suited to help students with majors in English, communications, marketing, business, or related fields, though I am open to others areas where my personal experiences (going to graduate school, moving from Logan to Los Angeles, exploring alternate careers over time) may also be helpful.
This Honors alum is also listed under the College of Arts & Sciences.
Jackie Sullivan (2018) Economics
I am currently a finance and operations leader at a fast-growing startup. Previously, I worked as a venture capital investor at Mercato Partners, supporting startups across the U.S., and as a management consultant at Cicero Group, advising on strategic business challenges. I began my career as an economist with the Ethiopian government in Addis Ababa through the ODI Fellowship Scheme. I am a proud alumna of Utah State University’s Honors Program, majoring in Economics with minors in Statistics and Finance. I later earned an MSc in Development Economics from the University of Oxford and was admitted to Harvard Business School’s MBA program through its deferred 2+2 admissions. I've not had a linear career, but I think I could be most helpful to any student interested in international development, economics, management consulting, or venture capital. I'm also happy to help mentor anyone interested in graduate school as I went through the process twice myself.
I currently work as a high school teacher at Elmwood High School in Elmwood, IL, where I teach Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Earth Science. Before switching to teaching and earning my Master’s of Teaching in Secondary Biology, I worked for the U.S. Forest Service in the wildlife biology and recreation manager career paths for 2 seasons in Idaho and Colorado. At USU, I earned my GIS certificate and still enjoy making maps. I am passionate about natural resources and wildlife and love to bring my past careers into my current teaching. I would like to mentor a student who is entering into a career related to secondary education or natural resources. I enjoy working with motivated students who are not afraid to ask questions and seek out feedback.
This Honors alum is also listed under the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences.
MarLee Harris (2006) Nutrition and Dietetics
I am a public health-focused dentist and registered dietitian dedicated to helping communities thrive through compassionate, prevention-driven care. Before entering dental school in 2020, I spent over a decade as a dietitian, earning my Master of Public Health. During my dietetics career, I designed wellness initiatives across universities, including mentoring emerging professionals as a lecturer and preceptor. I hope to mentor a student who is genuinely curious, reflective, and eager to discover what they value in their education and early professional experiences. I’m drawn to mentees who want to understand not just what they’re learning, but why it matters. With experience across multiple health fields and organizational settings, I aim to share the core skills that help students thrive: building motivation, practicing adaptability, and recognizing their unique strengths. My ideal mentee is someone excited to grow and ready to find joy and purpose in whatever future they choose.
Kyleigh Tyler (2019) Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Science
I am a 3rd year veterinary anatomic pathology resident and PhD student at the National Institutes of Health. I completed veterinary school at The Ohio State University in 2023 and immediately began my combined residency and PhD program in conjunction with Michigan State University. I graduated from USU in 2019 and majored in Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences. While at USU I was heavily involved in the Honors program and completed my capstone project with Dr. Jeff Mason on the metabolic effects of menopause. My current research focuses on cancer metastasis and understanding the metastatic microenvironment. My ultimate career goal is to be a veterinary physician-scientist. I am passionate about research, the Honors program, and helping students get all they can out of their time at Utah State! I am best suited to mentor students interested in pre-vet, pre-med, or pre-PhD science.