Honoring the Class of 2020

Meron Abay
BS Cellular and Molecular Biology
(Minor: Chemistry)
"Meron is a conscientious and engaged student who strives to do her best." (Dr. Jenny Tenlen)

Ali Ahmed
BS Physiology
(Minor: Chemistry)
"Ali has been an excellent role model and mentor for younger students. We appreciate his kind-hearted attitude, hard work and knowledge of Arsenal football team!" (Dr. Janet Bester-Meredith)

Katelyn Banks
BS Physiology
(Minors: Bioethics and Humanities, Chemistry)
"Katelyn gives 100% to everything she does, and she makes it looks easy." (Dr. Charlotte Pratt)

Shun-Je Bhark
BS Cellular and Molecular Biology
(Minor: Chemistry)
"Shun-Je has not only excelled in his classes, but has a strong heart for service - as a TA, tutor, lab prepper and in myriad other roles." (Dr. Jenny Tenlen)

Chélyn Bigornia
BS Physiology
(Minor: Bioethics and Humanities)
"Chélyn, is super-organized, working to a high standard in all things, with grace and kindness." (Dr. Cara Wall-Scheffler)

Sienna Brane
BS Physiology
(Minor: Biological Anthropology)
"Not only was Sienna an excellent student, but she also gracefully balanced her academics with her gymnastics career and her work in the animal facility." (Dr. Janet Bester-Meredith)

Alyssa Broberg
BS Ecology
After graduation, Alyssa will attend UC Santa Barbara to pursue a master's degree in environmental science and management.
"Alyssa is an easy-going student who worked hard on research. We're looking forward to following her adventures as a graduate student!" (Dr. Janet Bester-Meredith)

Lea (Adelaine) Buenavista
BS Applied Human Biology
"Adelaine has demonstrated perseverance and determination in completing her degree." (Dr. Jenny Tenlen)

Jensen Burton
BS Physiology
"Jensen is a hard-working, conscientious student who loves animals and has served in a leadership role in the animal facility. Thank you for serving our department!" (Dr. Janet Bester-Meredith)

Jacob Calton
BS Applied Human Biology
(Minor: Psychology)
"Jacob is engaged in learning at the deepest level and is a powerful advocate for others." (Dr. Cara Wall-Scheffler)

Erinn Campbell
BS Ecology
(Erinn will also earn a BA in a self-designed major)
After graduation, Erinn plans to gain work experience before applying to the University of Aberdeen's Environmental History MLitt program.
"Erinn is probably the most intellectually curious student that I have met during my time at SPU. She has done amazing work in the humanities and the sciences, has provided valuable leadership in the UScholars program, and has had many creative research ideas." (Dr. Janet Bester-Meredith)

Asia Cayetano
BS Physiology
(Minor: Chemistry)
"Asia inspired us with her excellence in the classroom as well as her dedication to her team and sport. She was a true student-athlete." (Dr. Cara Wall-Scheffler)

Sophia Chacko
BS Physiology
(Minor: Chemistry)
Sophia brightens up every room with her enthusiasm and excitement for learning." (Dr. Cara Wall-Scheffler)

Andrew Cheesman
BS Applied Human Biology
(Minor: Theatre)
After graduation, Andrew plans to take a gap year before applying to Physician Assistant graduate programs.
"Andrew has excelled both in the classroom and on stage with the many productions he appeared in." (Dr. Jenny Tenlen)

Jeremy Chieng
BS Physiology
"Jeremy is calm and capable and a source of support for his friends and classmates." (Dr. Charlotte Pratt)

Joshua Jun Ji Chong
BA Biology
"No one asks more fun questions than Josh; he gets right to the heart of the issues and will be an absolutely amazing teacher." (Dr. Cara Wall-Scheffler)

Tamyra Clark-Hoogstrate
BS Applied Human Biology
"Tamyra is conscientious, organized, and on the ball. She works really hard, and it shows." (Dr. Eric Long)

Madison Cooper
BS Ecology
(Minor: Chemistry)
After graduation, Madison will move to Georgia to work as an EMT while volunteering at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. She plans to apply MD-MPH programs, matriculating in Autumn 2022.
"Madison was the best TA ever. She went above and beyond on all assigned tasks and she earned the respect of her teachers and peers." (Dr. Tim Nelson)

Cross Crabbe
BA Life Science
BA Social Justice/Cultural Studies
"Cross' enthusiasm was palpable. He's overcome a lot of hurdles." (Dr. Tim Nelson)

Minh (Ngan) Dang
BS Physiology
(Minor: Chemistry)
"Ngan is a hard-working superstar in our department who has been a true leader in her work with the BioCore scholars and with research at SPU." (Dr. Janet Bester-Meredith)

Josh Donahue
BS Cellular and Molecular Biology
(Minor: Chemistry)
"Josh was a fantastic research student in my lab and I was also blessed to have him as a TA. He has a excellent scientific mind, great work ethic, a critical thinker and will accomplish amazing things in his future." (Dr. Tracie Delgado)

Antonia Duerre
BS Applied Human Biology
(Minor: Psychology)
"Antonia has done a fantastic job doing research. Her excellent work as a TA and a CFL tutor has inspired many students during their academic journeys." (Dr. Elena Brezynski)

Elli Fox
BS Cellular and Molecular Biology
(Minor: Chemistry)
After graduation, Elli plans to gain work experience and further her education in preparation for Physician Assistant programs.
"Elli has been a delight to work with as a student and especially as a microbiology TA. She is bright, organized and very dependable. I am excited to see where the future takes her." (Dr. Cindy Bishop)

Francesca Giraudo
BS Physiology
(Minors: Chemistry, Bioethics and Humanities)
"Francesca's effort and focus motivated her fellow students." (Dr. Tim Nelson)

Halle Grebe
BS Physiology
After graduation, Halle will work at the Zoom+Care Clinic in Seattle before applying to medical school, with plans to matriculate in Autumn 2022.
"Halle's thoughtfulness and attention to detail made her a star in the classroom. Her coursework was simply fantastic at the highest level." (Dr. Cara Wall-Scheffler)

Menna Hailemariam
BS Physiology
(Minor: Chemistry)
After graduation, Menna plans to gain experience in a research lab before applying to medical school
"Menna has been an inspirational mentor to BioCORE Scholars, her kindness will not be forgotten." (Dr. Elena Brezynski)

Brianna Herron
BA Life Science
"Brianna is enthusiastic and a great spark in classroom discussions!" (Dr. Cara Wall-Scheffler)

Ellie Hoffner
BS Applied Human Biology
"Ellie is a hard worker, does well in class, and brings great energy to any group that she's in. She brings out the best in those around her." (Dr. Eric Long)

Sami Hoiland
BS Physiology
After graduation, Sami will work as a medical scribe before applying to medical school.
"Sami's visualization of physiological processes (with stunning notes) should be published in a book!" (Dr. Cara Wall-Scheffler)

Kayla (Kay) Hopwo
BS Biology
After graduation, Kay will continue to work at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center as a Research Technician.
"Kay has a contagious enthusiasm for research, and has blossomed in opportunities where she can contribute to ongoing research." (Dr. Jenny Tenlen)

Karin Jenkins
BS Ecology
"Karin was motivated in the lab, passionate about her bees, and received her first published research article!" (Dr. Ryan Ferrer)

Melanny Kanemitsu
BS Biology
"Melanny excels in every class with her attention to detail, ability to work so well with her classmates, and her sense of humor." (Dr. Cara Wall-Scheffler)

Bereket Kassa
BA Life Science
"Bereket has shown grit and positivity throughout her time at SPU. I will miss her laughter!" (Dr. Elena Brezynski)

Erin Kawelo
BS Cellular and Molecular Biology
"Erin demonstrates a strong commitment to doing her best in all of her courses, and has demonstrated a strong rapport with her peers, particularly in lab." (Dr. Jenny Tenlen)

Sung Joon (Steven) Ki
BA Life Science
"Steven is a dedicated student who always went above and beyond in completing assignments. His quiet demeanor hides an inquisitive, critical thinker. I sincerely enjoyed his thought process in physiology." (Dr. Cindy Bishop)

Urim Kim
BS Cellular and Molecular Biology
(Minor: Chemistry)
After graduation, Urim plans to attend dental school at Loma Linda University.
"Urim has a heart for serving others and a cheerful outlook that is contagious." (Dr. Charlotte Pratt)

Ayodhaya (Hart) Kitsondhi
BS Ecology
"Hart always has a smile and has made class interactions a pleasure!" (Dr. Ryan Ferrer)

Jacob Knudsen
BS Applied Human Biology
(Minor: Psychology)
"Jacob is the epitome of a serious student, and has been since his first year. He quickly engages with material, knows how to make connections between different topics and builds on his learning." (Dr. Cara Wall-Scheffler)

Linda Koster
BS Physiology
"Though she has a very calm 'resting face', Linda's sense of humor brings a delightful perspective to every class period." (Dr. Cara Wall-Scheffler)

Nikki Leighton
BS Physiology
(Minor: Chemistry)
"There is not a single class period in which Nikki's thoughtful comments, interesting parallels, and penetrating questions did not occur. She combines hard work and innate skills to try and be the best student she can be." (Dr. Cara Wall-Scheffler)

Gavin Long
BS Physiology
"Gavin works really hard, balancing the demands of basketball and a challenging course load. He's always on the ball, works hard, and does really well in class." (Dr. Eric Long)

Grace Luta
BS Cellular and Molecular Biology
After graduation, Grace plans to earn a Masters degree, then apply to medical school.
"I met Grace in our microbiology class and was amazed by the wonderful questions that she asked during our lab sessions. It was a pleasure to see her critical thinking skills put to work on physiological/clinical problems and lab research." (Dr. Cindy Bishop)

Mari MacLane
BS Biology
(Minor: Biological Anthropology)
"I have never seen a student blossom the way that Mari has over her time here. Always delightful, her confidence in herself and her ideas has been joyous to watch." (Dr. Cara Wall-Scheffler)

Samuel Madasu
BS Biology
(Minor: Chemistry)
Samuel is currently applying to medical school, and hopes to matriculate in Autumn 2021.
"Sam has boundless enthusiasm and the smarts to take on any project." (Dr. Charlotte Pratt)

Peter Marx
BA Life Science
"Peter has brought enthusiasm, curiosity, and passion for science to the classroom. There are no dull discussions with his contributions!" (Dr. Ryan Ferrer)

Katelyn McCollor
BS Physiology
"Katelyn is persistent and has shown incredible maturity. She's been a great contributor to class discussion and a truly innovator researcher. It has been so wonderful to watch her blossom." (Dr. Cara Wall-Scheffler)

Taylor Morscheck
BS Physiology
(Minor: Psychology)
"As both a researcher and a student, Taylor is thoughtful, calm and a joy to work with." (Dr. Cara Wall-Scheffler)

Callista Nackviseth
BS Cellular and Molecular Biology
(Minor: Psychology)
"Callista demonstrated strong growth in her self-confidence and research skills. Her enthusiasm for research was essential in pushing forward my lab's project." (Dr. Jenny Tenlen)

Amber Nichols
BS Applied Human Biology
"Amber is a fantastic thinker and manages to work above and beyond what is expected in everything all the time. She is fun and funny and I hope she comes back to visit." (Dr. Cara Wall-Scheffler)

Tyler Preston
BA Life Science
(Minor: Chemistry)
"Tyler always puts in maximum effort in her work. She shows kindness to all and a real gratitude for her education at SPU." (Dr. Elena Brezynski)

Michael Quan
BS Physiology
(Minors: Bioethics and Humanities, Chemistry)
After graduation, Michael plans to work as a medical scribe before applying to medical school.
"Michael excelled academically, but more importantly, has a deeply compassionate and empathetic nature that was evident in how he interacted with his peers, faculty and the greater Seattle community." (Dr. Jenny Tenlen)

Daniel Rury
BS Ecology
(Minor: English Professional Writing)
After graduation, Daniel plans to gain work experience in medical writing and other fields, before deciding on a specific graduate program to continue his training.
"Daniel's focus and creativity are inspirational to those around him." (Dr. Cara Wall-Scheffler)

Suzie Ruskin
BS Physiology
(Minor: Ecotheology)
"Suzie is deeply determined and manages to organize herself and an infinite number of students into dynamic learning groups." (Dr. Cara Wall-Scheffler)

Christian Sandoval
BA Biology
After graduation, Christian plans to seek out opportunities as wildlife biologist at state or federal agencies.
"Christian is a deep thinker, and worked hard to understand the "why" behind the concepts he learned in class." (Dr. Jenny Tenlen)

Chelsea Santjer
BS Biology
"Chelsea is interesting, interested and highly engaged. A front-seat student, Chelsea was simply a joy to have in class and thinks deeply about ideas and about life." (Dr. Cara Wall-Scheffler)

Sarah Sellke
BS Ecology
(Minor: Global and Urban Ministry)
After graduation, Sarah plans to gain work experience before applying to MS/PhD programs in Ecology.
"Sarah is a brilliant thinker, full of interesting ideas and great connections. She also always gets her work done on time." (Dr. Ryan Ferrer)

Chelsea Shanitta
BS Biology
"Chelsea brings a spark of joy and a can-do attitude to everything she does." (Dr. Charlotte Pratt)

Seyed Emad Shirazi
BS Physiology
(Minor: Chemistry)
"Emad was a valued and thoughtful mentor to BioCORE scholars. We will miss his positive energy." (Dr. Elena Brezynski)

Isabella Solano
BS Ecology
"Bella's enthusiasm for nature and science is apparent in class discussion. She brings an upbeat attitude to her peers and instructors!" (Dr. Ryan Ferrer)

Hannah Thompson
BS Ecology
"Hannah demonstrated a strong passion for BS Ecology, particularly all things Blakely Island!" (Dr. Jenny Tenlen)

Kari Thorsen
BS Cellular and Molecular Biology
(Minors: Psychology, Chemistry)
"Kari is such a sweet, kind student. It was a pleasure to have her in both microbiology and animal physiology. She was a dedicated, determined, hard working student. I am excited to see her future successes." (Dr. Cindy Bishop)

Casey Tolcser
BS Physiology
(Minor: Chemistry)
"Casey in unmatched in his professionalism; he is meticulous, caring, and loyal." (Dr. Charlotte Pratt)

Nancy Truong
BS Applied Human Biology
(Minor: Psychology)
"Nancy has grown as a student during her time at SPU. We anticipate a great future for her!" (Dr. Janet Bester-Meredith)

Jennifer Tung
BS Physiology
"I first met Jennifer as a BioCore Scholar research student. She was a joy to work with from the beginning. What a bright, engaging young lady. It has been a pleasure to know her and I expect great things in her future." (Dr. Cindy Bishop)

Lauren Valentine
BS Applied Human Biology
"Lauren's positivity and can-do attitude were instrumental in helping her balance her strong academic performance with difficult times outside of school." (Dr. Jenny Tenlen)

Sara Wilton
BS Ecology
BA Global Development Studies
After graduation, Sara plans to enroll in a discipleship school in Seattle and continue her volunteer work. Long-term, she is deciding between teaching high school or serving in a ministry with people who have been sexually exploited.
"Sara is one of the finest essay writers I have ever seen. She makes connections between material in a masterful way. Additionally, her calm, happy presence helped her classmates relax in stressful classes." (Dr. Tim Nelson)

Ally Wire
BS Applied Human Biology
(Minor: Business Administration)
"Ally is a brilliant and hard-working student who has been a gift to us in the classroom and has been a strong leader among our group of A&P TAs." (Dr. Janet Bester-Meredith)

Rasha Yaghmour
BA Life Science
"Rasha showed grit, determination and positivity throughout her time at SPU." (Dr. Elena Brezynski)