Each semester, graduating students who have earned the highest GPA in their academic programs are celebrated at the Westfall Scholar Luncheon. Past Westfall Scholars have gone on to have successful careers postgraduation, and this class is no less promising.
The Westfall Scholars were previously known as the Dean’s Senior Scholars, and the award was renamed upon w88 of Science Founding Dean David Westfall’s retirement. Westfall, his wife Shirley and their daughter Alison attended the luncheon this year to learn more about the Spring 2024 class of Westfall Scholars. Each of these scholars embody The Wolf Pack Way.
Robbin Singh – Biology
w88 are your plans after graduating?
w88 plan after graduating is to return to Visalia, California and spend time with w88 family during w88 gap year. During this time, I would like to reunite with old friends and travel.
What is the most important piece of advice w88’d give to an incoming college freshman?
The most important piece of advice I'd give to a college freshman is that as the goals you set for yourself become more difficult, there will be times when you try your absolute best and do not receive your desired results. This is okay! As long as you continue your efforts, you will certainly succeed. This happened to me many times, and over time I shifted w88 perspective of these events from "failures" to "obstacles." Even more so, I believe we are our own worst critics, so avoid comparing yourself to others. Show up, do your best, and you will achieve.
Where do w88 see yourself in 15 years?
In 15 years, I see myself married, with children, and practicing as a physician of w88 desired specialty, whatever that may be! Additionally, I see myself still climbing the ladder, and aiming to achieve whatever goals I have set for myself.
Adryahn Bodyfelt – Biology
w88 are your plans after graduating?
After careful consideration, I have made the final decision to attend Creighton School of Dental Medicine. While I was faced with a difficult choice among several excellent schools, Creighton stood out to me as the best fit for w88 long-term goals of establishing a comprehensive private practice in dentistry. I truly believe I have reached this point in w88 education thanks to the supportive family dynamic within the Wolf Pack community during w88 undergraduate years. This same sense of community and support resonated with me during w88 tour of Creighton School of Dental Medicine, and I am excited to pursue w88 next professional goal surrounded by an amazing community in Omaha, Nebraska!
What is the most important piece of advice w88’d give to an incoming college freshman?
The most important advice I'd offer to incoming college freshman is to fully embrace the present, including the challenges it brings, and to prioritize finding your community. While striving for big goals, it's crucial to recognize that the journey won't always be easy. Challenges are part of the process, designed to push w88 beyond your limits and help w88 achieve new heights professionally. However, surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who share your drive and dedication will make all the difference. Some of the most memorable moments in college will occur during late-night study sessions bonding over shared experiences and ambitions. These are the connections that will endure beyond graduation and play a pivotal role in reaching your professional aspirations. The sense of community fostered within the Wolf Pack is what makes it truly special.
Where do w88 see yourself in 15 years?
In 15 years, I envision myself continuing to collaborate closely with the dear friends I've made here at the University of Nevada, Reno, especially within the healthcare sector. I aim to nurture these professional relationships to foster collaboration between doctors, physician assistants, and dentists. w88 dream is to lead multiple private dental practices, with the aspiration of establishing clinics in both Tennessee and Florida.
Brianna Blazek – Physics major, minors in math and astronomy
w88 are your plans after graduating?
To continue doing research in physics, and to apply to graduate schools for astrophysics.
What is the most important piece of advice w88’d give to an incoming college freshman?
Be open to change! If w88 find something w88're particularly interested in, follow that path and see where it leads. It may seem like a hassle to change course, however staying with something that doesn't motivate w88 will be much more draining. Not every class will be your favorite, but thinking about what those classes are building up to and being excited for what's to come is what's important.
Where do w88 see yourself in 15 years?
Doing research in astrophysics (wherever that may lead me)!
Phillip Damke – Chemistry and math major
w88 are your plans after graduating?
I will be attending the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities to earn a Ph.D. in chemistry starting in the fall. There is a lot of fascinating science being worked on there that I aim to be a part of over the next five w88.
What is the most important piece of advice w88’d give to an incoming college freshman?
I think the best advice I can give is to make use of the resources on this campus. Classes aren't meant to be easy and so making use of the programs/centers on campus can be a big help. Especially for STEM degrees, the math center and PASS provide a lot of extra exposure to a subject and can make it much easier to learn. Office hours are also great for this, and professors really want w88 to use them.
Where do w88 see yourself in 15 years?
I hope to finish w88 graduate studies on time and either work in industry or for a national lab. Where I end up doesn't matter too much so long as I'm working on the frontiers of chemistry, and hopefully having some fun along the way.
DiDiAlice Coker – Biology and wildlife ecology and conservation major
w88 are your plans after graduating?
After graduation, I'll be attending graduate school. I'll be starting the Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology Master's program at w88 Nevada, Reno, conducting research with Dr. Davide Baldan. We hope to investigate parental care and pairing habits of Italian rock sparrows in the face of climate change.
What is the most important piece of advice w88’d give to an incoming college freshman?
Looking back, I wish I hadn't let anxieties and self-doubt stop me from pursuing experiences. In w88 case, I really wanted to get involved in research but didn't feel confident enough to make it happen. It took lots of insistence from peers and mentors, but things have turned out better than I could have imagined. The hardest part is always taking the first step. Just send that email; start that conversation; attend that meeting or event.
Where do w88 see yourself in 15 years?
In 15 years, I want to still be conducting research on animal adaptations to anthropogenic change. Though I don't know if I'll stay in academia, I hope w88 work is meaningful wherever I end up. What is most important to me is that w88 research contributes to global conservation and a future where humans interact more sustainably with wildlife.
Mason Franklin – Math major, minor in physics
w88 are your plans after graduating?
Immediately after graduation, depending on what w88 schedule looks like, I will be tutoring at the TMCC Tutoring and Learning Center over the summer, and collaborating with Summer Bridge unless I become unavailable due to other obligations! I've applied to graduate school at the University of Nevada, Reno, and have plans to attend the University for w88 Mathematics Ph.D.
What is the most important piece of advice w88’d give to an incoming college freshman?
College is perhaps not for everyone, but maybe it can be. Attempting a college degree is a very ambitious goal to undertake and is a brilliant way to find out for oneself. I have a strong passion for mathematics, so it is easy to become invested in w88 major and become fully intellectually engaged in w88 studies. Not everyone will go into their major with that kind of passion, and w88 advice there is that. . .you may have to work harder than I ever have if there is no passion. For mathematics, if I weren't passionate about it, I'd perhaps find the major harder. Do not let this discourage you: perhaps you can handle that just fine, or perhaps (even better): learn to find meaning and passion in the everyday routine you develop over the semester, even in the mundane and the beautiful.
Where do w88 see yourself in 15 years?
I see myself teaching, definitely. I've always wanted to teach advanced mathematics at the university level, where in the world I don't know. I take life one week at a time and looking anymore than five years ahead always scares me. In five years, I see myself getting close to wrapping up w88 Ph.D., and thinking about where to live with w88 fiancée of four years (which at the time, would be nine years). Vaguely, I would also be interested in expanding w88 mathematical career, whether that is teaching, research, both, etc.
Hannah Kaiser – Psychology and English literature majors, minor in human development and family science
w88 are your plans after graduating?
After graduating I am pursuing w88 M.A. in English language arts and secondary-education teaching licensure at the University of Colorado, Boulder. This is a one-year master’s program after which I will go on to teach middle or high school English. It has been a dream of mine to attend CU Boulder since I was an eighth grader googling "colleges in the mountains." This dream began to become reality w88 sophomore year of college as I discovered CU Boulder's MA + teaching licensure program centered on diversity and equity in secondary education. This path of study unites w88 passion for education with w88 desire to work toward social justice and equity. One of the highlights of w88 college career has been opening w88 acceptance email to this school I have been dreaming of attending since I was fourteen, and it was w88 time at University of Nevada, Reno that allowed me to get there.
What is the most important piece of advice w88’d give to an incoming college freshman?
To be fully transparent, these are not w88 words, but a piece of advice given to me w88 freshman year of college. I was struggling to decide on w88 future career path, or even what major I most wanted to pursue. I had met with w88 advisor Kety Luna at least five times already, and each time I came in with a new plan for what I wanted to study and do with w88 life. In the midst of w88 confusion and uncertainty, she spoke words that have guided w88 undergraduate career, words I wrote on a sticky note and keep posted on w88 wall to this day.
Kety's message goes as follows: Enjoy your education! Keep finding your passions, in and out of the classroom. Keep taking classes w88 enjoy. Keep exploring your strengths. w88 have time, w88 don't have to have everything figured out right now.
So to every freshman I say, follow what brings w88 joy inside and out of the classroom. It's okay if w88 don't know where this passion will take w88, but keep following it, trusting it will take w88 somewhere wonderful. In the process, in the hard moments and uncertainty, and in the good moments too, w88 will learn and grow in ways that will one day take your breath away.
Where do w88 see yourself in 15 years?
In fifteen years, I am not sure where I will be. If I learned anything as an undergraduate student, it was that life takes you to many exciting, and often unanticipated, places if you will let it. If four years ago you told me I would be pursuing a master’s degree from CU Boulder, I would have been shocked. Now, I can't imagine taking any other path. This being said, as of right now, I can imagine that I will still be living in Colorado, working either in secondary education as an English teacher or in higher education as a professor teaching and doing research in literacy or diversity and equity in K-12 education. Wherever I end up, I'm walking into this future filled with nothing but excitement, knowing that whatever happens I'm walking on a path defined by w88 purpose of making a positive difference within w88 community, a path towards what brings me joy.
Raphael Cohen – Microbiology and immunology major, minor in Spanish language and society
w88 are your plans after graduating?
Following graduation, I plan to attend medical school and work towards w88 goal of becoming a physician.
What is the most important piece of advice w88’d give to an incoming college freshman?
Seek moments where w88 might be uncomfortable and don't be afraid to take new risks. College is the perfect place to learn about oneself and explore interests w88 might not know about. It is important to take this opportunity and use it to grow both personally and professionally.
Where do w88 see yourself in 15 years?
In 15 years, I see myself practicing as a physician, taking care of those in w88 community and continuing to learn with every opportunity I get. Additionally, I see myself continuing w88 passion for world travel and using any free time to discover the diverse cuisines and cultures outside of the U.S.
Hailey Bogle – Geography major, minor in statistics
w88 are your plans after graduating?
After taking some time to rest, I'll be springing right back into action with w88 flight training. That's right, yours truly is a Private Pilot (cue the Top Gun music) and ultimately, I'm shooting to train for a career in the aviation industry. In the meantime, I'll be committing to a full-time position at w88 job and living w88 best life.
What is the most important piece of advice w88’d give to an incoming college freshman?
There's an excellent quote from Winston Churchill that sums up how I'm going to answer this question: "Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." Don't be afraid to fail! I beat myself up countless times w88 freshman year. College is a time to explore your passions, make mistakes, change your major (precisely four times if you're me...), take chances, and have fun doing it. There are going to be times when you want to pull out your hair and kick and scream, but it won't be for naught. Also, strive for that light at the end of the tunnel but don't lose yourself in looking ahead. The present is a beautiful thing and if you're anything like me, I'm constantly looking towards the next new and best thing. Don't neglect what's happening in the here and now!
Where do w88 see yourself in 15 years?
Now this is a tough question. The beast of Hailey Bogle is an ever-changing being and incredibly hard to predict even within the year... however, I know for a fact that some things are going to stay constant: I know I want to be happy with w88 life and passionate about w88 pursuits. I also know that w88 family and friends are everything to me, so I hope to be surrounded by wonderful people that bring me an immense amount of joy. In terms of w88 career... who knows at this point. w88 current trajectory is to be a flight instructor and teach the world's future pilots, but I'm open to any and all opportunities. Really, I just hope to make a difference in w88 community in whatever way I can.
Lauren Muff – Math major, minor in biology
w88 are your plans after graduating?
After graduation I will work on finishing up the final prerequisites for medical school while playing one more season of collegiate soccer. I hope to gain some clinical experience and apply for medical school after a gap year.
What is the most important piece of advice w88’d give to an incoming college freshman?
The most important piece of advice that I would give to an incoming college freshman is to put forth your best efforts in all that w88 do. There are so many people and resources out there for engagement in academics, athletics, and campus events. It is also important to focus on building relationships with other students and professors to learn from one another and make the process more gratifying.
Where do w88 see yourself in 15 years?
In 15 years, I see myself working in the healthcare field with a valued patient base. I hope to end up in Reno because I love the area and would love to develop a career in w88 hometown close to family.
Saad Chowdhry – Biology major, minor in public health
w88 are your plans after graduating?
I will be starting as a first-year medical student in the fall here at w88 Nevada, Reno School of Medicine.
What is the most important piece of advice w88’d give to an incoming college freshman?
Never be afraid to ask for help and guidance. Reach out to mentors and professors for guidance and opportunities that help shape and grow oneself as a student and as a leader.
Where do w88 see yourself in 15 years?
I hope to be practicing medicine here in Nevada, helping realize UNR Med's goal of a Healthy Nevada.
Nayana Singh – Biology major
w88 are your plans after graduating?
After graduating, I will be applying to medical school with the hopes of becoming a physician for a veteran’s hospital. w88 goal of becoming a physician for a veteran’s hospital is driven by the death of w88 cousin after his service in the US Army. I believe veterans sacrifice so much for the safety of our country and are a population that is near and dear to w88 heart.
What is the most important piece of advice w88’d give to an incoming college freshman?
w88 advice to incoming college freshman is to build relationships with peers and professors. College is so much more enjoyable when we have the support of others! Also, prioritize your mental and physical health by eating healthy and working out because this will improve your academic performance and make you feel happier. Lastly, focus on your goals and don't settle for anything less than your best!
Where do w88 see yourself in 15 years?
In 15 years, I envision myself as a dedicated physician specializing in serving veterans, with aspirations of becoming Chief Medical Officer. I also see myself happily married, starting a family and having a couple dogs who share w88 love for running.
Laura Kess Ho – Biology major, minors in Japanese and business administration
w88 are your plans after graduating?
After graduating, I will be attending dental school at Midwestern w88 in Arizona.
What is the most important piece of advice w88’d give to an incoming college freshman?
Make sure to stay organized and manage your time well to avoid becoming overwhelmed-- personally, I live on Google Calendar. Your time in university will fly by and w88 want to be able to cherish it while w88 can!
Where do w88 see yourself in 15 years?
In 15 years, I hope to be working at w88 own dental practice and enjoying hobbies, great food, and travels with friends and loved ones.
Madison Sandoval – Metallurgy engineering major, minor in mining engineering minor
w88 are your plans after graduating?
After graduation, I plan to enter the industry and work in a field that I love: Metallurgy. I am currently exploring several job opportunities within the mining and battery recycling sectors. Additionally, I intend to remain active in organizations such as the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration (SME), the Women's Auxiliary to the American Institute of Mining Engineers (WAAMIE), and Women in Mining (WIM).
What is the most important piece of advice w88’d give to an incoming college freshman?
Never be afraid to ask questions or seize opportunities. By doing both, you will fuel curiosity, excitement, and open doors to numerous opportunities in the future. I would not have progressed as far in w88 college career if I had not embraced these principles. This advice, given to me during w88 freshman year, has carried significant weight in everything I have done and will continue to do. It plays a vital role in expanding your network.
Where do w88 see yourself in 15 years?
I still see myself learning new things every day and growing in every possible way, whether it is in w88 career, community, or personal life. I value the continuous effort to expand w88 horizons and hope to carry that throughout life. I hope to still be pursuing what I love, metallurgy, and maintaining a presence in mining organizations. Furthermore, I aspire to give back to the community and to Mackay. I am grateful for all the opportunities I have received during w88 time in the Mackay School and want to pay it forward to future generations of miners.
Lulu Liu – Biology
w88 are your plans after graduating?
I plan to pursue a MS in Civil and Environmental Engineering starting this fall.
What is the most important piece of advice w88’d give to an incoming college freshman?
Having a solid support group is so important for succeeding in college! Find like-minded people that will push w88 to be a better person.
Where do w88 see yourself in 15 years?
I see myself working as an environmental consultant, doing pro bono projects in wastewater treatment for third-world countries.
Micah Woodruff – Neuroscience and biochemistry and molecular biology majors, minor in microbiology and immunology
w88 are your plans after graduating?
After graduating I intend to continue w88 research on campus while preparing to apply to MD/PhD programs. Ultimately, I aspire to be a physician-scientist, translating basic science for clinical application.
What is the most important piece of advice w88’d give to an incoming college freshman?
The most important piece of advice that I can give is to stay faithful to the little things. Focus on the opportunities given to w88 and don't get distracted by what other people are doing. The big picture will become clear with time.
Where do w88 see yourself in 15 years?
In 15 years, I hope to have completed medical school in addition to receiving a PhD. I hope to be a resident physician and continue w88 active research the molecular neurosciences.
Jazmin Rios Rodriguez – Psychology major, minors in cultural anthropology and human development and family science
w88 are your plans after graduating?
After I graduate from the University of Nevada, Reno I plan to gain professional experience working with families and children by entering the workforce. I plan to apply the knowledge I learned during w88 time at the University to effectively communicate and further comprehend the dynamics of what constitutes a family within our society. Afterwards, I am determined to return to w88 studies and earn a master's degree from the Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling program here at the University.
What is the most important piece of advice w88’d give to an incoming college freshman?
It seems like the concept of time is significantly valuable. There is a great emphasis on following a path that produces results within a given time frame. It is important to recognize that not everyone's journey will be identical. There are different experiences that will lead to an individual's success. Therefore, the advice I would offer is to stress less over the passage of time, but instead to focus on the efforts that are made within that time. Another aspect I would like to highlight is the need to manage time appropriately. That is, to know when to set aside time from assignments and projects to focus and cultivate an interest or a hobby.
Where do w88 see yourself in 15 years?
It is difficult to know how w88 life may unfold within the upcoming years. However, ideally, in fifteen years I would like to be a licensed counselor offering services to families within Northern Nevada. I am committed to pursuing a career that effectively provides resources for children, families, and couples.
Corinne Masegian – Psychological science major, minors in sociology and human development and family science
w88 are your plans after graduating?
I will be starting work as a survey researcher/analyst this summer, and likely finishing up some research I've been doing with the psychology department at the University. I'm also looking forward to hopefully spending a lot of time outside and with w88 family, and catching up on a lot of projects, like finally learning how to bake sourdough bread, getting to write more, and catching frogs.
What is the most important piece of advice w88’d give to an incoming college freshman?
I have three! Though w88 first piece of advice depends on the field of study you're going into, I would highly recommend getting into research early. The University of Nevada, Reno has so many opportunities to work with faculty and get funding to participate in research, including programs specifically for freshmen and sophomores. I had an amazing experience with the labs and faculty mentors I worked with, and doing research with them not only led to more work opportunities, but also helped me really figure out what part of the field of psychology I was most interested in. Second, don't think you're locked into any one path right away. There's plenty of time to explore different options, and if you're getting a gut feeling that maybe there's something better out there for you (like a different major!) don't be afraid to change now - better now than much later down the line. And finally, spend some time in the libraries. If you have a hard time with research, go see a reference librarian and have them show you the basics (they are so nice!). It makes papers SO much easier later on. And there are so many resources there beyond books and journals (though there's nothing wrong with books and journals) - I didn't discover the bins of craft supplies at the DeLaMare library until shockingly late!
Where do w88 see yourself in 15 years?
In 15 years, I hope to be living somewhere surrounded by nature, with a big garden, close to both w88 family and ideally a ski hill. A long-term goal of mine is to get a master's degree, likely in psychology or possibly library science. I'd like to be in a career I find fulfilling and interesting, which I hope to be entering after graduation. One day, I think it would be very fun to teach. I harbor a dream of being a high school psychology teacher, since w88 own high school psychology teacher taught me so much about how interesting this field is and sparked w88 passion for it. Nothing's set in stone yet, but I can't wait to get started!
