Winner Profiles

Abby Janke, a first year student at Brown University, has not chosen a major yet, but is planning on concentrating in Chemistry, Computational Biology, or Computer Science. Her ultimate goal is to obtain a PhD in Neuroscience and an M.D. in order “to become a physician-researcher dedicated to researching cures for brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s and depression.” Abby is very dedicated to volunteering. Throughout high school, she spent time tutoring peers in math and economics and plans to continue tutoring at Brown. She also volunteers by spending time with elderly people at a local nursing home as well as being a One-on-One Volunteer at the Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI). She says of those experiences, “.  I am drawn to nursing homes because people are fascinating and befriending individuals outside of my age group has been an incredibly illuminating experience that has changed my perspective on life and relationships for the better.   Furthermore, these experiences have shown me the darker side of institutional living, which has impacted me by giving me an eye-opening glimpse of how difficult it is for nursing homes to implement policies that account for the unique needs of every affected individual.”

When asked whether her father’s position with the EPA had any influence on her career path, Abby had the following to say, “My dad’s research is focused on modeling drinking water distribution systems to understand the vulnerabilities of water systems to contamination intrusions and to design tools and methodologies to improve the security of water systems.  His position has impacted me by showing me how a strong scientific background and technical skill set can equip a person to help improve society.”

Caleb Scheckel was a USPS letter carrier and is now a first year Medical Student at Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He plans to do his residency in Internal Medicine, specializing in Infectious Diseases. His eventual goal is to work internationally doing church planting and medical missions work. When asked who inspires him to succeed, he said, “ My wife and my parents inspire me the most. They help remind me that success while in school is much more than the grades I receive. It’s about growing into the kind of person I want to be, the investment of quality time into new and old relationships, and always keeping my priorities straight. In the end, success in school will be best defined by the lives I touch and choices I make rather than the grades I receive.”

Caleb and his wife both love to volunteer and have spent numerous hours giving back to their community through various volunteering opportunities. Though Caleb is no longer a USPS employee, he does appreciate the time he spent with the USPS, and credits it for giving him the means to pursue his dreams. Caleb and his wife also love to go spelunking and he says, “We are fortunate enough to live only a few hours away from a great number of caverns in the northwest corner of Arkansas. We spend as much time as we can underground. It’s a thrill and experience like none other.”

Hannah Montgomery hails from Arcola, Illinois and is currently a first year nursing student at Parkland Community College in Champaign, IL. After completing her nursing degree, she plans to further her education and then eventually become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. She is very dedicated to her field, and works as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Brookstone Estates in Tuscola, IL, which is an assisted living facility. She says, “I absolutely love it! My residents are amazing, and I learn so much from them.” Hannah also spends time volunteering for the local Big Brothers/Big Sisters Program and is an avid animal lover. 

Allie Funk is a sophomore Political Science and Philosophy Student at the University of Louisville in Louisville, KY. Her goal is to receive a PhD in Political Science from the University of Chicago and then become a college professor. On campus she is Vice President of Scholarship in the Sigma Kappa Sorority, is a member of the Student Government Association and the Student Activities Board. 

Lisa Spence is originally from Colorado Springs, CO, but now considers Houston, TX her home. She is currently a full-time employee in the External Relations department at NASA’s Johnson Space Center.  Her primary job consists of hosting the many official visitors who come to JSC. Additionally, Lisa is in her 3rd year of a PhD program in Leadership Studies at Gonzaga University. She says, “My passions are in helping others achieve their goals, and I can do this by continuing my service as a government employee.  I particularly enjoy helping teams work more effectively through focused leadership and purposeful communication.   My second career goal is in teaching at the university level.” Lisa loves her position as a federal employee and says that it has allowed her do things she “would have never imagined, and could never have done anywhere else.” One of Lisa’s favorite hobbies is her involvement in an underwater robotics competition. She’s been hosting the event since 2003 at JSC’s Neutral Buoyancy Lab. Lisa is also an avid runner; she has completed 83 marathons, including a marathon in each of the 50 states, and one in Antarctica!

Teresa Moore, a Program Specialist, IRB Administrator at the Veterans Affairs North Texas Health Care System in Dallas, TX, is in her second year of an Education program at Trinity Valley Community College in Athens, TX. Teresa would like to become a Speech Pathologist, and is currently working on her core classes so she can transfer to a four-year school. She is very involved with her church and also in sports. 

Sydney Green is a senior at Harvard College, studying History and Science. She says, “I want to be a physician-scientist working to improve the quality of women’s sexual health in America, particularly among vulnerable populations and youth. I hope to develop strategies that not only improve quality of care for my patients, but also empower them to take agency in their own health.” Sydney says she looks up to her parents for inspiration to succeed.

On campus, she works at the Fine Arts Library, plays club basketball, and is a member of the Peer Health Exchange, saying, “Basketball has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. It is my release from the stresses of class and work and I have grown close to my teammates. Basketball may not always be a part of my life, but the lessons of teamwork and value of exercise will stick with me forever. I joined Peer Health Exchange (PHE) on a whim with my freshman year roommate, but it has grown to be my most influential experience in my college career. Through PHE, I have discovered a passion for educating others about their health, creating a foundation for everything I have done related to my career thus far.” A fun fact about Sydney is that she loves to cross-stitch! 

Rhandi Green is studying Architecture at Syracuse University and is in her first year. She looks up to her older sister, Sydney, for inspiration to succeed, saying “Even though she is a few years older than me, I see that she is a wonderful person whom everyone loves to be around socially, but at the same time, she is making amazing grades in school.  She knows the importance of each, and balances them really well, whereas I'm still trying to master that task.” Rhandi hopes to one day own her own architecture firm. In her free time, she enjoys art and sports. 

Eric Shide is a senior at St. Mary’s College of California, studying Biology. He hopes to one day become a physician. Eric is very involved on campus. He holds several campus jobs. He is a Resident Advisor, a Chemistry tutor and TA, a Supervisor for Recreational Sports, and a Student Worker in the Career Center. Additionally, he is a member of many clubs and organizations, including the Saint Mary’s College (SMC) Knights of Columbus (KOC) college chapter, the Saint Luke’s Pre-medical Society, and PEER Health Exchange. Eric has had had two surgeries on his leg in the past couple of years, and says, “.  My surgeries have fueled my passion for pursuing medicine because I have seen medicine from the patient’s perspective and understand the importance of serving patients.  The recovery process has limited me on participating in many of my hobbies because I enjoy sports and many outdoor activities.  I’m nearly fully healed and will be able to travel this January 2013 to South Africa for a biology course where I will be fully recovered and will be able to go hiking, swimming, and snorkeling.”

Victoria Biel is a graduate student at Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI, working towards a Masters Degree in Education. She recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with degrees in English and Spanish. She would like to teach high school English and Spanish and then eventually obtain a PhD in English and become a university professor. During the school year, Victoria is a tutor at Genii Learning Services. She says of the experience, “In school, even when I was very young, I enjoyed helping other students with their work. This inspired me to become involved working in remedial classrooms in my hometown, helping incoming freshman students with math. In college, I continued this pursuit by working with bilingual elementary school children. I quickly realized the disadvantage of these students in a traditional classroom, and was therefore inspired to explore new ways of teaching that are tailored to English language learners. I hope to become certified in Bilingual Education in addition to the certifications I will have upon completion of my program at Marquette.”

Victoria also played volleyball competively throughout high school, eventually becoming a coach. In her free time, she enjoys cooking. She says, “As a sophomore in college, I had a birthday party with four different kinds of cake that my roommates and I had made. We invited everyone that we knew, and had an amazing time. Nothing brings people together like food!”

G. Brett Pulvermacher is a Biology student at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. He plans to become either a Physical Therapist or a Physician’s Assistant. Brett played football all throughout high school and says, “It taught me teamwork, leadership, and hard work. I am ultra competitive and playing sports is the best way to compete and have fun. Through football i have become interested in the human body, injuries, and health.” In his free time, Brett enjoys playing tennis with his father and working as a lifeguard. 

John Lanksa is a first year student at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, studying Chemistry with an emphasis on Pre-Med, and minoring in Piano Performance. He plans to be a doctor, like both of his parents, “who both became very skilled doctors who help many people every day.” For the past three and a half years, John has served as the pianist for the First Congregational Church in his hometown of Tomah, WI. Music has always been incredibly important to him. He says, “Music has been a part of my life as long as I can remember.  I started piano lessons in kindergarten.  I have enjoyed lessons in classical piano, jazz piano, voice, and guitar.”

John also enjoys athletics and hopes to encourage a healthy lifestyle in his patients when he becomes a doctor. He lifts weights daily and swims several times a week, but he’s also tried a variety of other sports as well, including: windsurfing, hang gliding, rollerblading, bicycling, tennis, badminton, ping-pong, and downhill and cross-country skiing!

Brianna Bagalkotkar Is a first year student at the University of Virginia, studying Psychology and Pre-Med. She would like to become a doctor or researcher. Throughout high school, Brianna was involved on the yearbook committee as Editor-in-Chief. 

Paul Pacetti is a first year Actuarial Science student at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. He hopes to become a Fellow in the Society of Actuaries. He enjoys playing in the band on campus, and says his father, an SSA employee, got him interested in music in the 5th grade. Paul’s father’s position with the federal government also inspired Paul to pursue a career in the federal sector as well in his future. 

Rebecca Babski is a 3rd year Biochemistry student at the University of Virginia and hopes to pursue a career in medicine. She works as a part-time in a research lab on campus and part-time as a Teacher’s Assistant. Rebecca enjoys Triathaloning, running, biking, and swimming. She also works with the Lake Monticello Rescue Squad as an EMT, and says, “This is one of my favorite activities because not only do I get to help people who need my assistance but, my co-workers are some of the greatest, most interesting group of people that I have ever had the pleasure of interacting with.” 

Molly Schwarz is a first year student at the University of Tulsa, studying Energy Management. She is passionate about dance, and is on the TU Pom Squad. During the summer months, Molly works at a summer camp in Southern Illinois. She says, “My time at Camp Ondessonk has been one of the most influential experiences of my life! I love working with kids in nature, away from the "real world" with some of the greatest people I have ever known.”

Alexis Geurink is a junior double majoring in Mathematics and Spanish with a minor in Teaching English as a Second Language, at Evangel University in Springfield, MO. She has plans to use her Spanish and ESL skills to do mission work and teach English in Latin America. Alexis is a member of the Evangel RAIN Team, which is a church impact team that does videos, skits, and also has a worship team. In her free time, she loves to Geo-Cache, which is a worldwide treasure hunt. 

Ali Perez, originally from Clovis, CA is in her first year at Brigham Young University, studying Accounting. She hopes to go on to earn her Master’s degree in Accounting and then pursue a career from there. Throughout high school, Ali played soccer and was also a member of several leadership clubs. 

Kristen Omi is in her 4th year at the University of California, Los Angeles, studying Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology with a minor in Biomedical Research. She has plans to become a Geriatrician, saying, “After volunteering in the hospital for the past six years, I have observed that the elderly do not receive the same treatment as middle-aged patients. Some have lost their ability to communicate articulately and health care workers will lose patience and ignore their requests. I aspire to be a geriatrician who cares for not only her patient’s health but ensures her patients are comfortable.”

Kristen holds an internship through a program called Care Extenders, where she has had the opportunity to volunteer in several units at Santa Monica Hospital. She also conducts research in a lab on campus, which has given her the opportunity to travel around the country presenting her findings. A fun fact about Kristen is that she played on the Men’s Golf Team in high school! 

Megan Massoud is a first year Pre-Med student at Sierra College in Rocklin, CA. She plans to enter the field of medicine and become a doctor. Megan has been very involved with volunteering, including as a tutor and in her work with the elderly and the needy. In her free time, Megan enjoys playing golf with her father, playing piano and guitar, shopping, and traveling.

McKenzie Hubert hails from Livermore, CA and is in her first year studying Engineering at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. She has plans to become a Chemical Engineer and work to develop alternative fuel and energy sources that contribute to a “greener” society.  McKenzie was heavily involved with athletics throughout high school, including softball, swimming, basketball, and soccer. 

Kelly Trapani is a junior at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, studying Health and Phys. Ed. She sees herself owning her own gym in her future. During the summer months, Kelly works as a camp counselor and during the school year she is a workout instructor. She is very adventurous and for her 18th birthday, she went skydiving! 

Darren Olah is attending Temple University, and is in his second year of studying Film & Media Arts and Information Science & Technology. He says, “I hope to use my skills in film and technology to acquire a position on a film crew that will allow me to use my artistic and technical experience to bring the director’s vision to life.” Darren has been interested in filmmaking since his childhood when he would use his parent’s old VHS tape recorder to make movies. This interest has also allowed Darren to be involved with all kinds of exciting things. He says, “I was an extra in the football stadium scene of The Dark Knight Rises last year, then, the year before that, I shaved my hair to a military cut so I could act as a background talent in a film being produced for the Army, and before that I was one of the lead boom microphone operators on an award-winning feature length film produced by Penn State Mont Alto.”

Bryan Melilli is a first year student at Drexel University where he is pursuing a degree in Biomedical Engineering. After graduating, he would like to start a career in the design and manufacture of new, advanced prostheses such as artificial limbs and/or hands. Bryan currently works at the Bensalem Township Country Club where he is both a Golf Cart Attendant and a Driving Range Attendant. He studies dance and has taken classes in everything from Hip-Hop to Latin Ballroom. Bryan also really enjoys playing the card game, Magic: The Gathering.

Sydney Schneider, a Zoology student, is a first year student at Washington State University. She has plans to become a Veterinarian, but is unsure whether she’d like to specialize or be a general practitioner. Sydney’s love for animals goes back to her youth, when she began horseback riding at age 8. Because of her mother’s position with the Army, Sydney has had the opportunity to travel and live all over the world, which she loves. She also enjoys running, reading, movies, and music. Ironically, even though Sydney loves animals, she is very afraid of sea creatures, so she refuses to go in the ocean! 

Samuel (Jake) Schmidt is a first year student at Mississippi State University, studying Kinesiology & Sports Science. He currently works as a manager for the Mississippi State University Basketball Team, “which compliments [his] academic and career goals because it gives [him] practical work experience with a sports team” Jake would like to become a Physical Therapist for a professional basketball team and eventually establish his own Physical Therapy practice to treat sports-related and occupational injuries. Jake played basketball all throughout high school, which solidified his desire to pursue his field. He says, “Playing basketball taught me that a team’s success depends on many people, both on and off the court. Because of that realization, I decided to major in Kinesiology & Sports Science in order to become a physical therapist. My goal is to someday work in the NBA as a physical therapist who contributes to a team’s success by helping athletes’ improve their performance, and thus improve the team’s performance. I also plan to establish my own physical therapy practice to help anyone with an injury, not just athletes. In this way, I hope to be an integral part of something bigger than myself and make a contribution that matters.”

Audri Larsen, a first year Biomedical Science student at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama, is considering a career in the health sciences, but has not completely decided yet. She has held several jobs, the most interesting of them as a Summer Hire at the United States Embassy in Astana, Kazakhstan. Audri was also very involved throughout high school with several extra-curricular activities, including Cross Country, Tennis, Beta Club, National Honor Society, and Student Government. She loves to travel, and says, “I love traveling, but not to the usual destinations. I much prefer a journey to a country many people haven't heard of. Also, I am a voracious reader. My goal each year is to read at least a hundred books and while that number has significantly decreased now that I am at college, I still try to find time every day to read a couple pages.”

Paula Glass is in a General Education program with an Art History focus at the University of Maryland University College Europe based in Heidelberg, Germany. Her husband, Rich, an Army employee, is his wife’s biggest motivation to succeed. She says, “With his continuing support and encouragement I’ve succeeded in my career goals on an academic level.” Paula would eventually like to pursue a Masters in Art Therapy or become a School Counselor. 

Ashley Will is a junior at the University of Evansville, majoring in Exercise Science/Pre-Physical Therapy. She would like to become a Developmental Physical Therapist in her future, because she loves to work with children and seeing the progress they make coping with their special needs. Ashley has a lot of experience working with children, as she works at a daycare both when she is at home and while she’s at school. She also enjoys playing intramural sports at school and is a member of the Chi Omega Fraternity. A fun fact about Ashley is that she absolutely loves country music and enjoys attending country concerts over the summer months. 

Christine Fung attends Ohio State University, and is currently a junior, studying Biomedical Science. Her goals include earning her MD/PhD, becoming a professor at a research university, and heading her own lab studying infectious diseases. Christine is a member of the Honors and Scholars Programming Board, where she plans events and programs, and she also works as an Organic Chemistry Lab Teaching Assistant. In her free time, Christine loves to bake! 

Nicholas Lee Costa is a first year Computer Science and Mathematics (Pre-Engineering) student at Denison University in Granville, Ohio. He hopes to secure a position developing software after he graduates. He also has interest in obtaining a graduate degree in Engineering. Throughout high school, Nicholas was very involved. He participated as a volunteer with local service organizations, as a member of athletic teams, gave piano lessons, and participated in the German language club. He says, “I feel this broad variety of extra-curricular activities helped to make me a well-rounded individual…I chose a liberal arts university where I would be able to participate in activities and continue with higher level courses that I am so very interested in!”

Nicholas also interns in the Air Force Research Lab, where he also held a summer internship. He says, “My father’s position as an air traffic controller has opened my eyes to the possibilities of a technical career within the government. During my summer internship at the Air Force Research Lab, I realized the important role that research and development play within our government.” In his free time, Nicholas loves to rock climb! 

Evan Clark, a first year student at The Ohio State University, is studying Aerospace Engineering and minoring in Entrepreneurship. He would like work in the Federal Government someday, either for NASA or the Air Force as an Aerospace Engineer. Evan really enjoys playing sports, especially soccer, ultimate frisbee, volleyball, running, and biking. 

Danielle Bare is in her senior year at the University of Dayton, studying in Mechanical Engineering. She has plans to find a job in her field, hopefully working for a company within the field of healthcare, as she is passionate about medical devices and improving the quality of people’s lives. Her mother, Jane, is an Engineer with the EPA, and Danielle says that her mother’s experience in the field, inspired her to pursue it as well. Danielle is very involved with her church as a volunteer with the youth group. She also enjoys spending time with her animals. Danielle grew up on a farm raising cattle, sheep, and goats for the local county fair. 

Leslie Rodriguez, a Home Telehealth Care Coordinator with the Department of Veterans Affairs, is earning a graduate degree in the Primary Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program at Washington State University. She says, “My goals are to become a Primary Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and use my background in nursing and specialty certification in Pain Management to work with Veterans who have suffered trauma and developed PTSD while serving their country. I believe that it is important to identify the stress-related causes of physical illness, allowing treatment and healing to occur.” In her free time, Leslie likes to do Hot Yoga and the “Mantram Walk.” 

Cameron Martin is a junior Medical Laboratory Sciences/Pre-Med student at Weimer College, located in the foothills of the Nevadas. She would like to have a career where she can work with communities to teach them about preventative medicine and health education. She hopes to be able to correct/prevent the spread of disease and social distress in these communities. She is very passionate about her field, and says, “Whenever I talk about the cell, be it prokaryotic or eukaryotic, I get excited. I begin to talk fast and move around with animation. I’m completely enthralled with biology, especially cell biology, microbiology, anything of that nature.”

During the school year, Cameron works as a Resident Assistant on campus, a part-time History TA, and as a Biological Sciences tutor. She is also a member of the traveling choir and plays the cello in a string quartet. She also enjoys horseback riding, DSLR photography & image processing, landscaping, drawing, jogging, and traditional letter writing.

Clayton Korson is a first year student at Colorado State University, double majoring in Biomedical and Mechanical Engineering. He’s not exactly sure what he wants to do for a career yet, but he knows whatever it is, he wants to “make a difference and an impact in the world.” Clayton played football all throughout high school, which he says helped shape his work ethic. In his free time, Clayton enjoys playing the guitar, and some of his videos of his music have as many as 70,000 views on YouTube! 

Nathan Knox is a Human Physiology student at Gonzaga University and is in his first year. He hopes to one day pursue a career as an Army doctor. He is currently part of the Army ROTC and is also heavily involved with intramural sports. 

Darlee Hart attends Western Washington University and is in her first year studying English Literature. She hopes to become a high school English and Drama teacher one day. Darlee is a hardworker, and has worked since she was 14 in her family’s business, Hart’s Gymnastics Center and this past summer she worked as an Administrative Assistant at a summer camp at her former high school. Darlee is a big theater enthusiast and also loves to read and write. She says, “My parents used to read to me every night.  As I got older I loved making up stories of my own.  I eventually want to write my own novels.  My love of books and theater has influenced what I want to teach.”

Katie Grosch hails from Anchorage, Alaska and is in her first year at Tufts University, studying International Relations. She would like to attend Law School in the future and then work in appellate courts, possibly as a judge. A fun fact about Katie is that she likes to unicycle! 

Kristin Edwards is a first year student at Brigham Young University, studying Family and Consumer Sciences Education. She plans to one day be a High School Family and Consumer Science Teacher. Kristin is heavily involved with her church and with the 4H, which sparked her interest in sewing and solidified her decision of what to study. Kristin loves to sew so much that she even makes her own clothes sometimes! 

Lisa Deen is in a graduate program in Educational Leadership at Gonzaga University. She is currently the Director of Special Education in the Port Townsend School District in Washington State. She says, “The students that walk into our schools every day inspire me. Especially the students who are facing significant challenges such as homelessness, disabilities, and hunger.” In addition to her already-busy schedule, Lisa also coaches girls basketball and softball. In her free time, Lisa loves to travel. She spent some time as a long haul truck driver and really enjoyed it because it gave her the chance to see places she’d never been. 

Charles Sanky is a Biology/Pre-Med student at Columbia University, with a minor in Music. He says he looks up to his parents for inspiration to succeed because they have “encouraged [him] from a very young age to apply [himself] and work hard to become successful.” Charles aspires to be a Physician one day, possibly a Pediatric Cardiologist. He does have some experience in the medical field; this past summer he worked at a home care agency as a Client Care Coordinator. He says of the experience, “ I have had the privilege of working with extremely talented and caring individuals to provide home care to elderly and disabled people across Long Island and the five boroughs of New York City.  I hope to continue this work on a part time basis after I begin my studies at Columbia University.” In his free time, Charles enjoys running, singing, and playing several instruments, including the piano, the trumpet, the euphonium, and even the harmonica!

Haley Rice is a first year student a Binghamton University studying Biology, with hopes to become either a Physical Therapist or Podiatrist. She is a very dedicated swimmer, and during breaks she works as a lifeguard. Haley also loves horseback riding and reading “The Hunger Games.” 

Rose Carmen Goldberg is a first year law student at Yale Law School in New Haven, CT. Before taking time off from work to pursue her J.D., Rose worked for the Office of the Inspector General in New York City. She also served as a hospice volunteer, which she says gave her “a human perspective of the impact health regulations have on one of the most delicate phases of life” and strengthened her “desire to study law.” After earning her law degree, she would like to return to government work as a Policy Lawyer in Healthy Policy. In her spare time, Rose loves to travel. She hopes to one day hitchhike East Africa or to ride the full length of the Trans-Siberian Express.

Dana Egan, a sophomore at Boston College, is double majoring in Elementary Education and Human Development with a minor in Special Education. She plans to become an Elementary School Teacher after she earns her degrees. Dana volunteers at the campus school, which is a school for people aged 3-21 with severe special needs. She says of the experience, “This became very important to me because working with these kids was a completely new experience for me, but was one I needed going into the teaching profession. This year I am hoping to run the Boston marathon for the campus school and working here lead me to pursue the special education minor.”

When Dana is home on breaks, she teaches swim lessons and works as a lifeguard at her local YMCA. Though she’s known for a long time that her passions lie in Education, she says that seeing how hard her father works in his position with the FDIC has shown her how hard work and dedicated pay off in the end. A fun fact about Dana is that she a huge animal lover! 

Julia Dale is a first year student at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, studying Electrical Engineering. Throughout high school she was heavily involved with Key Club, National Honor Society, Soccer, and Track & Field. She says, “volunteering and giving your time to help other people is the most rewarding experience out there.” She says her father’s position with the Army has inspired her to pursue a career in engineering, saying, “he works as an expert recruiter for scientists and engineers at Picatinny Arsenal and in the future I want to be an engineer so he knows where I need to be academically and professionally when I go into the field.”

Tom Donnelly, a Biomedical Engineering student from Toms River, NJ, is in his first year at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA. He plans to work in a hospital and eventually earn a Master’s degree in Business. Throughout high school, Tom was heavily involved with the wrestling program. He says his experiences in it gave him a foundation with which to improve and get better. Tom is passionate about sports, especially the New York Yankees and Dallas Cowboys. He says, “My Dad is a NY Mets and Dallas Cowboys fan, my Mom is a Philadelphia Phillies and Philadelphia Eagles fan and my sister is a Philadelphia Phillies and Dallas Cowboy fan.  It can get quite interesting on game day.”

Sam Taber is a junior at the Master’s College in Santa Clarita, CA, studying Speech Communications with a minor in Biblical Studies. He would like to pursue a career in Law Enforcement. This past summer, Sam worked as a full-time Park Ranger and part-time Wildland Firefighter for the Bureau of Land Management, which he says reinforced his desire to work in Law Enforcement. Sam is also very involved with his church. He has been teaching Sunday School for four years, is involved in College Ministries as well as one-on-one discipleship. 

Rebekah Parrish is a first year student at Colorado State University. Though she’s undecided on a major, she knows that she’d like her future to include a career where she can give back to the community. Rebekah is passionate about singing, dancing, and traveling. 

Ellen Klinger is Biological Science Technician at the Agricultural Research Service’s Pollinating Insect Research Unit. She is currently earning her PhD in Biology at Utah State University, and would like to one day hold a Research Scientist position at the USDA-ARS. In her free time, Ellen enjoys rock climbing, marathon running, and playing ice hockey.