Honoring the Class of 2026

Andy Alben
BS Biology
(minor: Psychology)
"Andy, it was a pleasure having you for multiple classes and watching your scientific skills and curiosity grow. I know you have a great future ahead of you." (Dr. Tracie Delgado)

Donya Alkhamis
BS Applied Human Biology
(minors: Chemistry, Psychology)
"Donya, I am so impressed with your intellect and drive to achieve your goals. Thank you for the thoughtful contributions to our Bioethics class and fostering the growth of our pre-dental students.Congratulations on a well-earned degree!" (Dr. John Douglass)

Scarlett Amezcua
BS Physiology
"Scarlett, you have shown perseverance and resilience in completing your degree, and I appreciate all of your participation in Genetics and Embryo Development this year. I am very proud of you!" (Dr. Jenny Tenlen)

Nia Barr-Jeffrey
BS Cellular and Molecular Biology
"Nia! It was wonderful to be on Blakely with you, to talk about running and Seattle Pops popsicles, and to discuss research in women's health. Very best wishes on all your future adventures and I look forward to hearing all about your travels and interesting research." (Dr. Cara Wall-Scheffler)

Farrah Boswell
BS Physiology
(minor: Chemistry)
"Farrah, from your very first research project with me, to your amazing Erickson presentation this month, I have been so impressed with your thoughtfulness and engagement with data, learning, and ideas. I treasure our conversations and all the times you have been in class with me, or managed to track me down on campus(!). I can't wait to see what you do in the future and hope you will keep me updated." (Dr. Cara Wall-Scheffler)

Victor Castillo
BS Physiology
(minor: Psychology)
"Victor, I was always happy when I looked at my roster and saw that you'd be in the class! Your participation and engagement, plus your ready willingness to greet every day with a smile, brought great energy to every class we had together! Congratulations on that well-deserved diploma!" (Dr. Eric Long)

Koya Chan
BS Physiology
BS Biochemistry
"Koya, you have shown impressive ability to tackle challenging coursework and a steadfast dedication to your goals. The world needs people that won't back down from big challenges and I am certain you have that quality. Congratulations on completing your biology degree! " (Dr. John Douglass)

Hannah Chang
BS Physiology
"Hannah, you are such a calm and peaceful addition to every class, and it is my favorite part of the evening to see what you write on all your little sheets for my courses because I get to find out all the cool things you were thinking about during lecture. We are so proud of all your accomplishments, and it has been such a joy to watch you learn how to be an excellent physiologist. Hopefully we will pass each other while walking our dogs in the near future." (Dr. Cara Wall-Scheffler)

Olivia Clark
BS Ecology
BA Christian Theology
(minor: Ecotheology)
"Olivia - what an amazing journey! I remember so well that you came to biology because you wanted to help people. That commitment has never waivered, but it's been so exciting and rewarding to watch your journey develop as you discovered passions and skills that you didn't even know you have. You are going to continue to be such a needed and winsome light in this world." (Dr. Eric Long)

Arlet Diaz Romero
BS Physiology
(minor: Chemistry)
"Arlet, I have greatly appreciated your thoughtful and focused contributions in all of the classes I've had with you, and your kindness toward everyone. You've had to overcome a lot of challenges and you are so strong." (Dr. Jenny Tenlen)

Jasmin Dunlap
BS Applied Human Biology
(minor: Honors, Sociology)
"Jasmine, from academics to students clubs to the BioCORE program thank you for contributing so much hard work and thoughtfulness to making our SPU community even more amazing. I was honored to have you as a student and teaching assistant, and am certain that you are more than prepared for any future challenges. Congratulations on completing your undergraduate degree!" (Dr. John Douglass)

Garrett Egger
BS Physiology
BA Honors Liberal Arts
"Garrett, I appreciate your many contributions to all of the courses you've taken from me. In particular, you are not afraid to take a position and support it with evidence. Your questions about applications of biotechnology pushed the limits of my knowledge, to be sure! As you move on to the next stage in your career, hold on to your sense of wonder and curiosity about life!" (Dr. Jenny Tenlen)

Mia Ewing
BS Physiology
"Mia, I feel cheated not having you in more classes, but blessed in my recent experiences with you. You really bring an energy and insight to the classroom. Congrulations on this achievement!" (Dr. Ryan Ferrer)

Erin Felipe
BS Ecology
(minor: Ecotheology)
"Erin, you have done it! All those advising meetings and challenges are in the past... you've really earned that degree. Kudos!!" (Dr. Ryan Ferrer)

Katelyn Flolo
BS Applied Human Biology
"Katelyn, I feel so lucky to have had you as a student in so many classes and as a teaching assistant! You are an incredibly smart, hardworking, and thoughtful person. And truly one of my "secret weapons" in class who would always have a thoughtful and informed response to any question. I'm so glad you're moving onto an exciting new chapter with graduate school. Congratulations and best of luck!" (Dr. John Douglass)

Lidia Gebrewolde
BS Physiology
(minor: Chemistry)
"Lidia, it was a pleasure having you in my classes and as a BioCORE research scholar in my lab. Your scientific curiosity and work ethic was very evident in all you did. I look forward to hearing about your future endeavours. " (Dr. Tracie Delgado)

Isaac Gómez
BS Physiology
(minor: Chemistry, Sociology)
"Isaac, I am so glad Dr. Wall-Scheffler talked you into taking Animal Phys. You were a key component in that class. It's been fun watching you pursue your passions. I'm sure that will continue after graduation!" (Dr. Ryan Ferrer)

Nikkie Guan
BS Physiology
BS Applied Human Biology
(minors: Chemistry, Psychology)
"Nikkie, your meticulous organization (and hard work and intellect!) have paid off! Congratulations on this achievement and enjoy the celebration!" (Dr. Ryan Ferrer)

Brittney Hartshorn
BS Physiology
BA Honors Liberal Arts
(minor: Chemistry)
"Brittney, it has been an absolute pleasure to watch you grow in your confidence and skills over the past four years. As a student, Learning Assistant, teaching assistant, student researcher, ASSP officer and peer mentor, you made so many positive contributions to the Biology program and to SPU. More importantly, your lab notebooks have been a thing of beauty! I look forward to following your career as a future physician!" (Dr. Jenny Tenlen)

Taylor Heit
BS Applied Human Biology
"Taylor, what a journey we have been on. I have so appreciated having you in so many classes and as a teaching assistant for the past few years. Your honesty, work ethic, and critical thinking will take you far. Congratulations on completing your degree and I look forward to hearing from you in the future!" (Dr. John Douglass)

Cole Hutchinson
BS Physiology
BA Honors Liberal Arts "Cole, thank you for being part of my classes and the larger SPU community for these past couple of years. From music to science to financial entrepreneurship you are a man of many talents. I know that you will do amazing things! Congratulations on completing your degree and stay in touch!" (Dr. John Douglass)

Sofiya Kochubey
BA Life Science
"Sofiya, I happy to see you succeed in earning your degree. It's such an accomplishment. Congratulations!" (Dr. Ryan Ferrer)

Jasmine Ku
BS Physiology
(minors: Business Administration, Chemistry)
"Jasmine, I feel both sad and fortunate that I got to have you as a student in your final term. You bring such a vibrant thoughtfulness to class and it has been a delight to get to know you and listen to your interesting ideas. Thank you for registering for BioAnth and very best wishes in your future." (Dr. Cara Wall-Scheffler)

Vivian Le
BS Applied Human Biology
(minor: Psychology)
"Vivian, I am so impressed with your intelligence and approach to learning. Thank you for all the ways you contributioned in A&P and Bioethics and for being an awesome student overall. I look forward to seeing what happens next, because it will no doubt be amazing. Congratulations!" (Dr. John Douglass)

Greg Lee
BS Physiology
"Greg, it was a pleasure having you in my courses. You were a fierce worker in the lab and look foward to hearing about the amazing things you will do in your future. " (Dr. Tracie Delgado)

Tesla Lelone
BS Physiology
"Tesla, I have truly enjoyed working with you these past several years, in advising, in my courses and as a BioCORE Scholar. You have come a long way and I appreciate your continued commitment to a career in medicine." (Dr. Jenny Tenlen)

Bella Lisenby
BS Physiology
BA Honors Liberal Arts (minor: Chemistry)
"Bella, it has been so fun having you contribute to classes as a student and TA. I really enjoyed watching your enthusiasm when sharing your research. Congratulations!" (Dr. Ryan Ferrer)

Anyssa Mejia
BS Applied Human Biology
(minor: Psychology)
"Anyssa, after so many years advising you, it has been so lovely having you in class. Thank you for being so responsible and always on top of everything, as well as being such a helpful contributor to class. Very best wishes in your future, and please do keep in touch." (Dr. Cara Wall-Scheffler)

Jaria Nekesa
BS Applied Human Biology
"Jaria, I have enjoyed getting to know you through our advising meetings and in Bioethics. I particularly appreciated your thoughtful perspectives and contributions in Bioethics. You have been proactive about taking advantage of opportunities to gain research and data analysis experience, and that drive will carry you far." (Dr. Jenny Tenlen)

Winston Nguyen
BS Physiology
"Winston, thank you for holding the camera during Environmental! You have always shown up for all the parts of all my classes and I really appreciate your presence and your excellent sense of humor. And also, all the little things on your bags and jeans. Very very best wishes to you in your future and I hope you will keep me updated with all your next adventures." (Dr. Cara Wall-Scheffler)

Kellen O'Brien
BS Physiology
(minor: Chemistry)
"Kellen, you almost made it through without having to suffer under the teaching of your uncle's classmate! But, I'm so thankful that we joined forces during your senior year! On the beaches of Belize and in the classrooms and lab for Comaparative Anatomy, your presence, hard work, and engagement made the class a better experience for everyone, myself included. You've got impressive gifts, and wherever you take them, the world is going to be blessed." (Dr. Eric Long)

Marlo Obligacion
BS Physiology
"Marlo, while your path to your degree was not linear, you have shown a lot of grit and determination in reaching this milestone. I have enjoyed working with you in advising and in my courses, and I wish you all the best as you move on toward your goal of a career in medicine!" (Dr. Jenny Tenlen)

Sofia Ramirez
BS Physiology
(minor: Business Administration)
"Sofia, I've enjoyed our meeting and your bright, positive attitude. Congratulations on such a big achievement!" (Dr. Ryan Ferrer)

Madison Rubino
BS Physiology
"Madison, your hard work and perserverence has paid off! Congratulations! I've really enjoyed your contributions to class and watching you thrive in your research." (Dr. Ryan Ferrer)

Sophia Stamatis
BS Applied Human Biology
"Sophia, it has been so fun watching you listen and learn during BioAnth. Thank you for making all the extra efforts to participate in class and the different kinds of assignments. I've enjoyed reading all your ideas about Neanderthals, and your essays are thoughtful and interesting. Very best wishes in all your future endeavors and I hope you will keep in touch." (Dr. Cara Wall-Scheffler)

Faith Toj
BS Applied Human Biology
"Faith, I was inspired watching you lead BioCore and enjoyed your contributions in Animal Phys. Now it's time to celebrate! Congratulations!" (Dr. Ryan Ferrer)

Joey Uganiza
BS Applied Human Biology
(minor: Studio Art)
"Joey, it was was my pleasure to have you in classes. Your hard work and ability to navigate complex topics from bioethics to neurobiology tells me that you'll be ready to handle any future challenges. Well done on completing your biology degree!" (Dr. John Douglass)

Christina Valdez
BS Physiology
BA Honors Liberal Arts
(minor: Chemistry)
"Christina, I was truly blessed to have you in multiple of my classes. You always exceeded expectations and were a true role model for others in the classroom. Your scientific curiosity and yearing to learn was evident, along with your excellence in the lab. I am proud of you and look foward to hearing about all the amazing things you do in the future." (Dr. Tracie Delgado)

Cove Vandervort
BS Ecology
(minor: Data Analytics, Honors)
"Cove, it's been so rewarding for me to follow the path you've charted through SPU and to watch you truly flourish in your education here. From Blakely to Bali to Belize and beyond, you dove in and took advantage of so many formative opportunities. I'll miss our regular conversations between professor and student, but I look forward to many future conversations between two ecologists!" (Dr. Eric Long)