Every semester, the College of Nevada, Reno and the Alumni Affiliation honor an undergraduate pupil from every faculty or faculty who meets the distinctive Senior Scholar program requirements. The graduating students are honored at a ceremony with their chosen mentors. These excellent members of the Wolf Pack have helped the College proceed to develop as a middle of educational excellence.
Jessica Camelon – Microbiology & Immunology
Senior Scholar from the School of Science & the Honors School
Mentor: Assistant Professor Deanna Colton
For Jessica, northern Nevada has all the time been her dwelling. So when she selected the trail she wished to pursue, the primary faculty she needed to attend was the College of Nevada, Reno. This faculty allowed her to study extra in regards to the space and provides again to the group throughout her time right here.
In highschool, her favourite topic was all the time chemistry. Her plan was to main in chemistry till she noticed what the College needed to supply. Jessica needed to study as a lot about science as she may, and Microbiology & Immunology supplied a better variety. She may nonetheless study chemistry whereas finding out a more moderen program that would assist so many individuals.
Her favourite faculty reminiscence was attending a digital service-learning journey to Lima, Peru. She was capable of increase cash for the individuals of the realm to construct soup kitchens, and she or he realized from individuals residing within the space about how the donations would assist. One of the best half was with the ability to communicate to the group leaders and healthcare suppliers in regards to the issues they face, together with the pandemic, and the way individuals all over the world may assist.
After commencement, Jessica plans on making use of to medical faculty to in the future change into a doctor. Her purpose is to change into a psychiatrist working towards in Northern Nevada to offer again to the group that she cares a lot about. Jessica hopes to carry extra consciousness to psychological well being within the space and create an atmosphere that makes all individuals really feel snug sufficient to ask for assist.
Gavin McCoy Claire – Pc Science & Engineering
Senior Scholar from the School of Engineering
Mentor: Professor Sergiu Dascalu
After being awarded valedictorian of Palo Verde Excessive Faculty in Las Vegas, Gavin was closely recruited by quite a few faculties nationwide. Regardless of the temptation to depart Nevada, he solely utilized to Reno, figuring out he could be given unparalleled alternatives by mentors right here. He loves the state and desires to contribute to its custom of excellence.
As a toddler, he had a eager curiosity in computer systems, and he was lucky to have supportive dad and mom who allowed him to pursue his goals. In highschool, Gavin began programming and publishing video games for iOS, and that’s when he grew to become hooked and knew he needed to work with computer systems for his profession.
His favourite faculty reminiscence was residing together with his buddies from highschool. In highschool, he actively recruited all of his closest buddies to go to Reno. Because of this, all six of his finest buddies (Juno, Ian, Ben, Alex, Austin, Esther) got here with him, and the reminiscences they’ve made will final a lifetime.
Gavin has been admitted and plans to attend New York College as a Cyber Fellow after commencement. He can be getting his masters in cybersecurity whereas creating his personal firm. He plans to be the CEO of his personal cybersecurity firm within the coming years.
Justin Malogan – Neuroscience
Senior Scholar from the School of Science
Mentor: Affiliate Professor Pamela Sandstrom
Justin selected the College of Nevada, Reno due to the good pupil group and the constructive atmosphere he noticed throughout his campus tour. He was additionally drawn in by the college’s marching band, analysis alternatives, and the abundance of pupil assets they supplied.
Justin was initially a biology main, however throughout his second 12 months, he realized that he needed to study extra in regards to the neural mechanisms and pathways of the human mind. Neuroscience glad that yearn for information and even mixed his two favourite fields of biology and psychology.
Throughout his time on the college, he has met and have become buddies with an array of various individuals, with every group having their very own favourite reminiscence related to them. From his time as a resident within the residential halls, his favourite reminiscence was together with his suitemates throughout a late-night Taco Bell hot-sauce packet struggle. His favourite reminiscence from his time as an RA was the entire late nights they spent prepping decorations hours earlier than their residents moved in. He additionally preferred his time as a dialogue group chief, working with different leaders to make humorous mnemonics and instructing actions to current to the scholars. Whereas he was in marching band, his favourite reminiscence was any time he received to hang around together with his fellow members of the trombone part. All of the jokes, video games, and mayhem they received into have been actually what made his faculty expertise the perfect.
After commencement, he plans on taking a niche 12 months to concentrate on analysis and substitute instructing. Throughout his hole 12 months, he additionally plans to use to graduate faculties to get his grasp’s, then ultimately his Ph.D. in Neuroscience. His long-term purpose is to change into a Professor of Neuroscience at a college.
Gabriela Meza Garcia – Social Work
Senior Scholar from the Faculty of Social Work
Mentor: Educating School Member Jocelyn Mata
Rising up in Reno made her choice to attend the College of Nevada, Reno straightforward. She loves the Reno group and plans to offer again to it upon commencement. She figured an effective way to start out was staying native and studying from the people instructing and dealing in the neighborhood.
When requested about how she selected her main, she replied with a quote from writer and scientist Ayesha Siddiqi saying, “Be the individual you wanted whenever you have been youthful.” She then continued: “Undoubtedly, these phrases have resonated with me from the second I heard them. As a feminine Latina rising up in the US, I skilled hardships that kids mustn’t expertise. I attempt to be the individual I wanted by doing one thing better than myself and serving to those that are most susceptible.”
Gabriela’s favourite faculty reminiscence is her senior 12 months. She has had the prospect to observe social work and intern on the Second Judicial Courtroom- Specialty Courts.
After commencement, she’s going to pursue a grasp’s diploma on the College of Nevada, Reno, in Social Work. College has been an atmosphere of assist, preparation, and encouragement throughout her undergraduate schooling. She believes that can be no completely different throughout her graduate schooling.
Jillian Mitsuda – Speech Pathology & Audiology
Senior Scholar from the Faculty of Medication
Mentor: Govt Director of College Advising Emilly Borthwick-Wong
Jillian grew up touring and knew she needed to depart her dwelling state of Hawaii for school. Her household and pal really helpful she try the College of Nevada, Reno, and after visiting campus, she loved it right here. She loves the mountains, the chilly climate, and the way completely different it was again dwelling!
Since highschool, Jillian knew she needed to be a Speech-Language Pathologist and selected the Speech Pathology and Audiology main right here on the College to start out her journey in direction of that purpose. She is so joyful to have chosen UNR for her undergraduate diploma as she has loved her time on this program.
Her favourite faculty reminiscence is assembly all her buddies by way of work, golf equipment, and lessons! She feels that these are lifelong friendships that can comply with her previous her days right here on the college.
After commencement, she plans to attend a Speech Pathology graduate program. She has not made a closing choice on which program she can be attending but, however she is happy to start her subsequent step towards changing into a speech-language pathologist.
Keegan Murphy – Enterprise Administration & Economics
Senior Scholar from the School of Enterprise
Mentor: Vice President for Scholar Providers Shannon Ellis
He selected to attend the College of Nevada, Reno as a result of it felt like dwelling when he stepped onto the campus. He beloved the sense of pack delight others had in the neighborhood and in one another, and it solely felt proper as a born-and-raised Nevadan to check on the College.
Upon arriving on the College, he wasn’t certain what he needed to check, however he knew that he beloved all issues enterprise and authorities. After taking some completely different lessons, he realized enterprise administration and economics blended his pursuits in managing individuals, management, coverage, and enterprise completely collectively.
Keegan’s favourite faculty reminiscence was serving because the ASUN Scholar Physique Vice President. For him, it was the privilege of a lifetime to serve his fellow friends and create lasting connections with different individuals. He’ll always remember the distinctive alternatives this place has introduced him.
In response to a query about his plans after commencement, he mentioned he would work within the non-public sector for a couple of years earlier than returning to highschool to earn his MBA. In an effort to change into a greater chief sooner or later, he hopes to achieve related work expertise and develop his talent set.
Sara Perez – Public Well being
Senior Scholar from the Faculty of Public Well being
Mentor: Assistant Professor Eric Crosbie
Rising up in rural Nevada, the College of Nevada, Reno had a relentless presence in Sara’s childhood, from science festivals and performs on the theater to visiting her brother and sister of their lessons. She has all the time felt like she was part of the wolf pack, and going to the College was an ideal alternative, permitting her to remain near dwelling and obtain the perfect schooling in Nevada.
Sara has all the time needed to work in well being care, so she deliberate on majoring in Biology. Nevertheless, whereas attending the Finest and Brightest occasion, she had the chance to satisfy former Dean Trudy Larson of the Faculty of Neighborhood Well being Sciences. She helped Sara to appreciate her ardour for public well being, and the remaining is historical past.
When requested about her favourite faculty reminiscence, she responded: “Fortunately, having an older sister at UNR, she taught me the entire ins and outs of how one can research, the place to check, and extra importantly, what espresso to check with. Being the espresso fiends, we’ve got studied at almost each espresso store in and near Reno. My favourite reminiscences are the numerous hours I spent with my sister, finding out, laughing, and growing our caffeine tolerances.”
Sara is attending the College’s Grasp of Public Well being program, specializing in well being administration and coverage. She plans to proceed her analysis in tobacco management and add to her publications. Her final purpose is to obtain her Ph.D. in well being coverage and educate on the collegiate degree.
Madison Priest – Nursing
Senior Scholar from the Orvis Faculty of Nursing
Mentor: Lecturer Jasen Brooks
Madison attended the College of Nevada, Reno, as a result of it has a fantastic campus and provides nice education schemes. It’s the faculty that her dad and mom went to, so it was all the time one of many universities she was keen on.
Her first main was not really nursing! She knew she needed to do one thing medical, however she wasn’t certain which path to take. It wasn’t till she labored as a nursing assistant on an oncology unit that she witnessed the passionate and fulfilling nurse-patient relationship. After engaged on this unit with nurses and seeing their dedication, she modified her main to nursing! She thinks it was probably the greatest choices she has ever made, and she or he can not wait to be a affected person advocate.
When requested about her favourite faculty reminiscences, she talked about going to the soccer video games along with her nursing buddies. Nursing faculty brings you very near the individuals in your class, and she or he has made many nice reminiscences. She continued: “It was actually enjoyable within the fall after a tough week of finding out to go to the soccer video games collectively. It was at Orvis the place I met a few of my closest buddies.”
After commencement, Madison plans to make a journey to the UK earlier than finding out for her nursing examination. After passing this examination, she hopes to work in a hospital on this space. She hopes to in the future be an ICU nurse after which proceed her profession in management and nursing schooling positions. She additionally plans to proceed her schooling after gaining some expertise as a registered nurse!
Catherine Schofield – Journalism
Senior Scholar at Reynolds Faculty of Journalism
Mentor: Lecturer Nico Colombant
Catherine wasn’t actually certain the place she needed to go to school in highschool, and she or he attended a couple of faculty festivals the place the College was tabling. She ended up approaching a campus tour and was amazed by how lovely the campus was and what number of companies there have been for college students right here. Nevertheless, most significantly for her, it was far sufficient away from her hometown that she was capable of acquire her personal independence right here in Reno.
Catherine selected a journalism main on a whim. She knew she needed to write down and had initially thought she needed to check English however after a campus tour and speaking with representatives from the RSJ, Catherine determined to take an opportunity and research journalism. She preferred how various the vary of expertise being taught was and the way there are such a lot of fields {that a} journalism diploma can open for you. Now she is so joyful that she took that probability!
Requested about her favourite faculty reminiscence, she responded: “A few of my favourite faculty reminiscences come from being part of the WolfPack Marching Band, regardless that I did not really feel snug sufficient to proceed with the band by way of the pandemic. My favourite reminiscence was when the band accompanied the soccer group to the Idaho Potato Bowl in January 2020. Anytime the band traveled collectively was quite a lot of enjoyable, however my part that 12 months was fairly robust, and I beloved spending time with my buddies and enjoying music collectively!”
After commencement, she has a summer season job as a summer season camp counselor at a camp meaning loads to her. Afterward, she plans to maneuver to Denver, CO, along with her boyfriend and a pal and see what she will be able to do there! Catherine hopes to get a job in radio, podcasting, or social media administration. She can be hoping to have the ability to work outdoor extra and work to share various tales.
Madison Shirley – Historical past
Senior Scholar on the School of Liberal Arts
Mentor: Assistant Professor Jennifer Ng
Madison is a local Nevadan, and she or he has all the time beloved and appreciated the Reno space. She mentioned: “I’ve beloved our lovely campus since earlier than I can bear in mind, and my assist system, comprised of essentially the most great family and friends, are all shut by. As I used to be graduating highschool, I knew that the College of Nevada, Reno is the place I needed to be.”
“Museums have all the time spoken to me as a really particular place for reflecting on the previous and the way we’ve got arrived at our current, and historical past appeared just like the pure course to feed this curiosity,” Madison replied. The historical past division on the College of Nevada is fortunate sufficient to have a number of the most good and artistic minds. So, earlier than the top of her first semester as a freshman, she knew that pursuing historical past could be the correct subject for her. Historical past has supplied such unbelievable perception into the world, and she or he can not advocate it extra extremely.
Madison’s favourite faculty reminiscences are the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 basketball seasons. Not solely did they’ve a fantastic group, however your entire group was extremely concerned, and the environment at Lawlor Occasions heart was thrilling. She is going to always remember how packed and loud dwelling video games have been; it was a particular expertise that she’s going to all the time bear in mind.
Her volunteer expertise at museums and her previous work expertise at a non-profit establishment for the final 6 years have taught her that serving her group is what she is most obsessed with. After commencement, she plans to pursue a profession that can proceed to assist foster her love for historical past and repair to her group.
Kendall Warnock – Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Senior Scholar on the School of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Pure Assets
Mentor: Affiliate Professor Dennis Mathew
Kendall selected to attend the College of Nevada, Reno as a result of she fell in love with the campus when she toured the College throughout a Nevada Sure. She thought it was beautiful and preferred the environment on campus and within the metropolis itself. Regardless that Reno is way greater than her hometown, it appears like a small caring group.
She was initially a biology main, however she transferred to biochemistry her sophomore 12 months after studying extra in regards to the lab experiences and thesis course. Kendall had all the time needed to be extra concerned in analysis, so she was excited to ultimately get the chance to work on a thesis. She additionally needed to study extra about particular biochemical pathways as she beloved studying about them in highschool. It was the right match!
When requested about her favourite faculty reminiscence, she responded, “There are such a lot of reminiscences that I don’t assume I can decide only one. Nevertheless, virtually all of my favourite reminiscences are from the lengthy nights within the KC with my buddies finding out or occurring random late-night adventures to get meals. We have been within the KC till closing many nights throughout my freshman 12 months, and I can’t assist however smile once I bear in mind these instances.”
After commencement, Kendall can be making use of to medical faculty in June. She is hoping to take a niche 12 months and proceed working as a scribe throughout this time, then begin medical faculty within the fall of 2023!
Madison Yeager – English & Secondary Training
Senior Scholar from the School of Training & Human Growth
Mentor: Teacher Caroline Hatcher
She selected to attend the College of Nevada, Reno, as a result of, as somebody from Las Vegas, she needed to enterprise out into faculty, dwell in a distinct metropolis, and nonetheless be near her household. That, coupled with college’s esteemed standing, made her really feel that she would get the perfect faculty expertise if she attended.
She initially needed to be a trainer, however she was solely an English Literature Main. After studying in regards to the PackTeach Program in her sophomore 12 months, she instantly utilized and have become a Secondary Training and English Twin Main. She has all the time had a ardour for literature and adolescents, so being on this program has allowed her to attain her instructional and profession objectives.
Her favourite faculty reminiscence is when she attended the Nice Reno Balloon Race along with her finest pal throughout freshman 12 months. Being from a desert, she was blown away by San Rafael’s lush magnificence and the magnificence of the new air balloons.
When requested about her plans after commencement, she said that she plans on returning to Las Vegas to start her instructing profession at a center faculty in Clark County. Together with that, she can be working in direction of incomes her Studying Curriculum and Literacy M.Ed. Diploma on the College of Nevada, Reno.
