Spring 2019 Graduate Profiles

The Honors education at Iowa State University prepares students to be successful with their next step in life whether that's graduate school, professional school (medical/veterinary/law), or joining the workforce. Read about some of our recent graduates here.

Congratulations Spring 2019 Honors Graduates! Click HERE to view the Senior Honors Graduate Poster.

 

Edel Aron

Majors: Math and Biology

Post-Graduate Plans: Ph.D. in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics at Yale University

Honors Experience: The Honors Program gave me the chance to meet people and have opportunities that I otherwise would not have had (ex: doing research in a lab my freshman year). Taking advantage of Honors leadership opportunities like being an FHP leader, ambassador and HSB Executive Board member has boosted my confidence and allowed me to pursue other on and off campus activities, jobs and research positions.

Edel Aron

Brooke Almasi

Brooke Almasi

Major: Public Relations

Post-Graduate Plans: University of Iowa College of Law

Honors Experience: My Honors experience helped me reach my goals by expanding my knowledge of Iowa State University and the world through my honors seminars, courses and the students/faculty/staff of the program. The extremely motivated, professional and kind Honors student community pushed me to become a stronger scholar and leader. I am very honored to have worked with students in the program through my seminars and classes. The faculty and staff of the Honors program also helped me reach my goals, because they provided valuable resources for professional and academic development. They also helped prepare me for the rigorous law school applications and law school in general. I am the leader, scholar, researcher and person I am today because of the wonderful impact of the Iowa State University Honors Program.

Michael Onyszczak

Majors: Computer Science and Physics

Post-Graduate Plans: Ph.D. in Experimental Condensed Matter Physics at Princeton University

Honors Experience: The First-Year Honors Research Mentor Program was fundamental in sparking my interest in experimental physics. I was connected early on to a lab where I worked throughout my undergraduate studies.

Michael Onyszczak

Natalie Hanson

Natalie Hanson

Major: Biological Systems Engineering

Post-Graduate Plans: Associate Engineer for Cargill

Honors Experience: Although the academic benefits of the Honors Program were certainly notable, the connections I made with other Honors students has had the biggest impact on my experience at Iowa State. Honors students are among the most involved and passionate students on campus, and I loved meeting them and learning from them throughout my college career. Additionally, the faculty and staff I worked with in Honors were nothing but supportive and genuinely interested in helping me achieve my goals!

Adam Willman

Majors: Agronomy and Global Resource Systems

Post-Graduate Plans: MSc in research for International Development at the University of London School of Oriental and African Studies in London, UK.

Honors Experience: The Honors Program has provided me with the resources and guidance over the past four years that has lead to my success so far. The Honors staff have provided me with valuable advice on what classes to take, what programs to apply for, and even what podcasts to listen to. The connections and friends that I've made in Honors will be with me far beyond graduation!

Adam Willman

Jennifer Poncelet

Jennifer Poncelet

Majors: Kinesiology & Health and Psychology

Post-Graduate Plans: Medical School at the University of Iowa

Honors Experience: Being a part of the University Honors Program has been one of my favorite parts of being an Iowa State student. I have had numerous experiences through honors, including student leadership roles within the First Year Honors Program, that have deepened my communication and team-building skills. Because of this, I learned to better articulate my experiences and achievements giving me greater confidence during medical school interviews. Completing my capstone project also provided insight into areas of research and practice I may be interested in for future study.

Renee Layoun

Majors: Business Economics and Math

Post-Graduate Plans: Corporate Auditor at Union Pacific Railroad

Honors Experience: Honors has encouraged me to continually challenge myself and look for more opportunities. Being surrounded by such motivated and driven students in an environment where it is acceptable has helped inspire me to accomplish my goals!

Renee Layoun

Camden Voigt

Camden Voigt

Major: Software Engineering

Post-Graduate Plans: Software Engineer at Cerner Corporation

Honors Experience: Honors helped me reach my goals by providing me many leadership opportunities such as being and FHP leader, being an Honors Ambassador, and being a member of several HSB committees. These experiences not only looked good on my resume, but also gave me insight on how to work with people in the workplace and gave me confidence in working with and leading groups of people. All of which helped me land a great job and become a better person.

Erin Wagner

Majors: Agricultural Business and Animal Science

Post-Graduate Plans: Poultry Sales & Marketing Specialist for GrassWorx, LLC.

Honors Experience: My honors experience has helped to shape me into the person I am today. It has allowed me to grow confident in my abilities to communicate what I know. Specifically, in my career goals, the honors program allowed for the adaptability I needed to complete my two degrees in four years. The program gave me the opportunity to focus on my passions about to direct my career goals.

Erin Wagner