Student Spotlight
Hometown: Bellevue. Nebraska
Major: Biology
Minor: Women & Gender Studies
Why did you choose Iowa State University?
I chose Iowa State University because of its strong biological sciences programs and research opportunities, which align perfectly with my academic and career goals. The campus has a welcoming, inclusive environment, and I was drawn to the many ways students can get involved. Additionally, the proximity to home and the scholarships I’ve received made Iowa State an ideal fit for me, allowing me to pursue my studies while staying connected to home!
How did you become interested in your major (and minor)?
I’ve always been drawn to STEM fields, and medicine felt like the perfect way to combine my love for biology and chemistry. My passion for Women’s and Gender Studies grew after working with the Program for Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE), where I gained a deeper understanding of social justice and gender equality. Since I was already part of the College of LAS, adding it as a minor was a natural fit. Together, my major and minor offer the ideal balance of logic and social justice, pushing me to expand both my knowledge and perspectives.
What are your current goals following graduation?
Gain patient care experience before attending medical school, where I aim to stay active in research to pursue a career that combines clinical practice and medical research.
Campus Involvement: Through my roles in the Program for Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) and as Health and Safety Officer for the Women’s Ultimate Frisbee team, I’ve had the opportunity to build meaningful connections and develop key leadership skills. These experiences have helped me improve my ability to be inclusive of diverse perspectives and keep a team positive and motivated. They’ve made the campus feel much smaller and have helped me form a close-knit community, which is one of the reasons I love being at Iowa State. The relationships I’ve built and the skills I’ve gained will continue to support my academic and professional goals moving forward.
Research experiences: I worked with Dr. Donald Sakaguchi on neural regeneration, focusing on developing strategies for brain and tissue rescue and repair. What I enjoyed most was applying advanced concepts from class to real-world research and collaborating closely with a dedicated team. The experience not only helped me build professional friendships but also enhanced my ability to communicate research through presentations at ISU and NCUR and manuscript drafting. It also taught me how to balance school, work, and research—skills that will be invaluable as I pursue my future goals in medicine.
How would you fill in the blank for high school students interested in your field?
“You’re going to love studying the sciences at Iowa State because ….”
...you’ll have the chance to connect deeply with your peers through required courses that everyone takes, fostering a strong sense of community. Plus, if you’re interested, there are plenty of opportunities to gain hands-on, technical research experience that will bring your classroom knowledge to life.
Last comments:
My proudest moments at ISU so far are... presenting my research at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) and completing a year-long experiment, for which I’m one of the first authors on a manuscript currently under review for publication.