Office of Scholarship and Fellowship Advising
2023 Scholarship and Fellowship Recipients
Astronaut Scholar
Chloe Brekhus
Chloe Brekhus is a fourth-year Biomedical and Mechanical Engineering student at CSU. She has worked at the Orthopaedic Bioengineering Research Laboratory for over 2 years; her research focuses on creating computer models to predict fracture in canines with bone tumors.
Apart from research, Chloe is also part of the CSU Gymnastics Club, which she started during her freshman year in 2019. The team has grown considerably since then and has now attended 2 national competitions.
Chloe plans to get a Ph.D. in Bioengineering after graduating, and ultimately pursue a career in medical device research and development. She would especially like to work with athletes and develop new technology to better treat a variety of orthopedic injuries with currently limited treatment options. Chloe is grateful and honored to receive the Goldwater Scholarship, which will help her achieve her goal of continuing orthopedic research.
Critical Language Scholarship
Tashiana Seebeck
Tashiana Seebeck (she/her) is a second-year Master of Fine Arts candidate in the Creative Writing program. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics from New York University, after which she served as a Peace Corps Volunteer. Currently, she works as a Graduate Teaching Assistant in the Composition department and as an editorial assistant for Colorado Review. She is excited and honored to be named a CLS Finalist for the study of Korean.
DAAD Rise Internship
Madzie Boyles
Madzie studies Ecosystem Science and Sustainability in the Warner College of Natural Resources at CSU with minors in Geospatial Information Science and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Natural Resources. They are passionate about the intersection of environmental justice and sustainability, and plan on pursuing a career in data-driven environmental policy and sustainability data analytics post-graduation. Madzie is an Honors Student, and, in the Fall, will complete their Honors thesis studying climate adaptation plans and climate migration within Houston, TX through geospatial data analysis and modeling.
During their time at CSU, Madzie has been involved with the Ecosystem Science and Sustainability Club, is an Honors Program Peer Mentor, and currently works for the HDS Sustainability Department as a Sustainability Intern. They are also a co-lead developer of the Mission Innovation App, which hosts a 7-week sustainable behavior change program built to relieve the pressures of climate anxiety in youth and to provide beginner-friendly education resources about climate change and environmental sustainability. This summer, Madzie will be working on the EU-wide Sustainable Energy Education at the Bochum University of Applied Sciences in Bochum, Germany.
In their free time, Madzie enjoys hiking, camping, spending time with friends, and reading outside in their hammock. [Madzie uses they/them pronouns.]
Isabel Ong
Isabel is a third year Honors student majoring in Biochemistry. She transferred to Colorado State this year from the University of San Diego and is from Washington state. Isabel loves the adventurous spirit of Colorado and the friendly community of Fort Collins. She treasures her fun and loving sisters in Chi Omega who have made her feel at home at CSU.
Isabel has had a passion for learning from a young age and was her high school Valedictorian. She gained some experience in the Miyake lab at CSU studying closed loop recycling of copolymers and currently works as a tutor for Student Athlete Support Services. She will be studying Microbial Induced Carbonate Precipitation (MICP) in Munich this Summer, an environmentally friendly method of producing construction materials from sustainable raw resources via bacteria. Isabel is looking forward not only to the enriching research experience abroad, but also to the chance to go back to her roots. Isabel’s grandmother is from Germany, and she is excited to reconnect with her distant family. She is extremely grateful for the opportunity and the support provided by CSU.
Claire Lundstrom
Claire Lundstrom is a third year Honors scholar majoring in Biochemistry and minoring in Bioinformatics and Sustainable Water. She grew up in Thornton, CO and throughout her educational experience, has been drawn to the complexity of the biological sciences. She currently works in the Yao and Cohen groups in the Department of Biochemistry, where she investigates the role of the protein ubiquitin in cellular processes and signaling mechanisms. Claire plans to pursue a PhD program in biochemistry or bioinformatics after graduating from CSU, and ultimately hopes to contribute to research initiatives that better human and environmental health.
During her time at CSU, Claire has also been involved in the Office of Undergraduate Research & Artistry’s Ambassadors program, a program that helps to connect undergraduate students with research opportunities through a peer-mentoring format and by hosting events on campus. Aside from her studies, Claire loves to be active in Fort Collins and the mountains while hiking, running, biking, and playing IM soccer!
Addison Lambert
Fulbright US Student Program
Daniel Morris
Daniel is graduating with his master’s in music, music therapy specialization at CSU. Music therapy has allowed Daniel to combine his passions of music and the brain while also helping others in a therapeutic setting. He is an avid musician, loves learning new instruments, and enjoys playing music with others. Daniel also has a strong interest in academic research and neuroscience. The music therapy program at CSU has allowed him to combine his passions by advancing his musical and clinical skills while also gaining experience working in the Brainwaves Research Lab that uses EEG to examine neurologic processes.
From his Fulbright experience, Daniel hopes to advance his Spanish language skills, make connections with music therapists and researchers in Spain, and, of course, enjoy adventuring in a new country and new culture. Daniel looks forward to sharing music, meeting new people, and exploring Spain’s countryside by bike!
Helen Flynn
Helen grew up in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and studies Ecosystem Science and Sustainability at CSU. She also has minors in Conservation Biology and Watershed Science. She plans to pursue a research-based master's in Watershed Science at CSU following her undergraduate degree that focuses on snow hydrology and forest ecology.
During her time at CSU, Helen has been involved with the Alternative Transportation Fee Advisory Board (ATFAB), the Watershed Science Club, the Xi Sigma Pi Forestry Honor Society, and Warner College Council. She now serves as the Chair of the ATFAB which oversees a student fee. Helen works for Colorado Forest Restoration Institute (CFRI) as a Post-Fire Forest Ecology Field Technician in the summer and Lab Technician during the school year. CFRI has allowed her to see many parts of Colorado and gain a better understanding of forest-fire interactions. She also serves on the CFRI Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice Team. As an additional part-time job, Helen is a Warner College Ambassador in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Office.
Some of Helen's hobbies include skiing, fishing, climbing, and camping. Being outside and spending time with friends and family are Helen's favorite things.
Fulbright Summer Institute
Melia Henrichsen
Melia Henrichsen is a 2022-awarded Boettcher Scholar and a sophomore majoring in Computer Science alongside minors in Interdisciplinary Leadership Studies and Mathematics.
As an Asian-American adoptee in a transracial family, Melia advocates for inclusion and equity in her leadership positions. Melia practices inclusive leadership on the Council Of Student Leaders for the Vice President For Student Affairs, Honors Student Association, and Asian Pacific American Cultural Center. Melia is passionate about hearing people’s diverse stories and perspectives and advocates for those who may typically be silenced. She loves connecting with people through active listening.
Melia has an unquenchable thirst for learning and is a proud nerd. She is passionate about STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math), drawing, photography, baking, video games, and spending time with loved ones. With the support of her family and friends, Melia has the confidence to pursue her interests and follow her dreams.
Melia is honored to be selected for the Fulbright Summer Institute in Scotland. She is eager to explore Glasgow, experience Scottish culture, and collaborate with fellow Fulbright participants and the people of Scotland. Melia aims to build lifelong connections that span continents.
Goldwater Scholarship
Chloe Brekhus
Chloe Brekhus is a fourth-year Biomedical and Mechanical Engineering student at CSU. She has worked at the Orthopaedic Bioengineering Research Laboratory for over 2 years; her research focuses on creating computer models to predict fracture in canines with bone tumors.
Apart from research, Chloe is also part of the CSU Gymnastics Club, which she started during her freshman year in 2019. The team has grown considerably since then and has now attended 2 national competitions.
Chloe plans to get a Ph.D. in Bioengineering after graduating, and ultimately pursue a career in medical device research and development. She would especially like to work with athletes and develop new technology to better treat a variety of orthopedic injuries with currently limited treatment options. Chloe is grateful and honored to receive the Goldwater Scholarship, which will help her achieve her goal of continuing orthopedic research.
Claire Lundstrom
Claire Lundstrom is a third year Honors scholar majoring in Biochemistry and minoring in Bioinformatics and Sustainable Water. She grew up in Thornton, CO and throughout her educational experience, has been drawn to the complexity of the biological sciences. She currently works in the Yao and Cohen groups in the Department of Biochemistry, where she investigates the role of the protein ubiquitin in cellular processes and signaling mechanisms. Claire plans to pursue a PhD program in biochemistry or bioinformatics after graduating from CSU, and ultimately hopes to contribute to research initiatives that better human and environmental health.
During her time at CSU, Claire has also been involved in the Office of Undergraduate Research & Artistry’s Ambassadors program, a program that helps to connect undergraduate students with research opportunities through a peer-mentoring format and by hosting events on campus. Aside from her studies, Claire loves to be active in Fort Collins and the mountains while hiking, running, biking, and playing IM soccer!
Jacob VanArsdale
Jacob is a third-year undergraduate majoring in Physics with a minor in Mathematics. During his time at CSU, he has become interested in light-matter interactions at the interface between precision metrology and quantum simulation. His research has consisted of developing an ultrastable optical fiber link between CSU and a NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) radio station to transfer an atomic clock frequency reference, which will be used in future precision measurement experiments at CSU. Currently, he is also building an optical ion clock that will serve as a probe to search for dark matter. He plans to pursue a Ph.D. in physics with a focus on precision measurements applied to quantum simulation. He hopes his research will pave the way to help us understand complex quantum systems to aid in developments to solve pivotal world problems, such as slowing climate change, finding chemicals to cure Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, and providing sources of safe, clean energy.
Outside of his research, Jacob serves as the Vice President of the Society of Physics Students and enjoys volunteering for CSU’s Little Shop of Physics, an interactive science engagement program for K-12 students. In his free time, he plays the snare drum in a world-class percussion ensemble, and enjoys going camping, fishing, and hiking in the beautiful Rocky Mountains.
NSF Graduate Research Fellowships Program
Abigail Fennell
Abigail Fennell is an undergraduate senior studying Chemical & Biological Engineering and Biomedical Engineering, graduating in May 2023. She has conducted research on cellular biomechanics and microfluidic diagnostics at CSU and on digital PCR at Thermo Fisher Scientific. Her most prominent research with Dr. Brad Borlee focused on reducing insect vector competency through genetically modified bacterial symbionts.
Outside of the lab, she is an active member of the CSU community. She was the President of CSU’s section of the Society of Women Engineers, where she managed a team to advance the personal and professional development of women in STEM. She was also a Presidential Ambassador, an Office of Undergraduate Research and Artistry Ambassador, and a Learning Assistant during her time at CSU.
Abigail is incredibly honored to receive the NSF GRFP, and she looks forward to continuing her studies in the Biomedical Engineering PhD program at Johns Hopkins University.
Rachel Masters
Rachel is a graduating senior majoring in Computer Science (CS) with a minor in Business Administration and a Certificate in Entrepreneurship. Rachel is an Undergraduate Research Assistant in the Natural User Interaction (NUI) Lab. Rachel is also collaborating with Dr. Victoria Interrante at the University of Minnesota and the CSU Drone Center to do research.
Rachel decided to pursue CS because she thought it was a fun subject. She was introduced to computer science at an early age by her father and his coworkers at the Larimer County government and taught herself Java and Python. She was encouraged by her high school CS teacher, Mr. Vern Rhead, to continue her pursuit of computer science, and she came to CSU to continue her computer science education. She decided to add a business minor after managing her first business at the age of 17, and she collaborated with peers and Dr. Kipp Krukowski at the College of Business to learn to launch a startup.
Her sophomore year, Rachel joined an independent study under Benjamin Say and Christopher Robertson. Her and a team of researchers partnered with the CSU Drone Center to develop firmware to integrate a high precision inertial measurement unit (IMU) into an existing, open-source drone firmware suite. Her group successfully integrated the IMU and got their code accepted into Ardupilot, one of the most popular drone firmware libraries. Rachel also got her Part 107 drone pilot license.
Rachel is currently managing multiple research projects with NUI Lab under the guidance of Dr. Francisco Ortega, all of which investigate using AR/VR to improve mental health. Her main project investigates how to create an optimal virtual reality (VR) nature immersion experience designed for stress relief and mental resource restoration. This technology would give people without access to nature the ability to experience similar benefits as real forest bathing.
Rachel is thrilled to receive the GRFP, and will enter the computer science Ph.D. program at CSU in the fall continuing her virtual nature research.
Laura Moore
Laura Moore is a 2022 CSU graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Soil and Crop sciences. Her passion for soil, agriculture, and the environment have fueled her motivation to understand agricultural systems more intensely to know how changing our approach to agriculture could mitigate climate change to solve problems globally, rather than create them. This fall, she will return to the Soil and Crop Sciences Department to pursue her PhD where her research will work to discover the microbial functional traits important for maximizing carbon sequestration in regenerative grazing systems. Looking forward, she hopes to work as a soil carbon scientist for a private organization where she can utilize science and technology to combat climate change in agriculture.
Kiyoshi Yamamoto
Kiyoshi is a first year Masters student in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, with a Bachelors (BSEE ’22) from CSU. Kiyoshi’s current research with Dr. Jorge Rocca focuses on high power lasers and high energy density physics, specifically, working on a new ultrashort pulse laser that will advance laser technology and become a tool for high energy density physics experiments. For Kiyoshi, a lifelong interest in optics turned into an undergraduate degree, and then a graduate degree. Although this interest was general Kiyoshi has chosen ultrafast optics, through high power lasers, because it is challenging, interdisciplinary, and highly impactful. One of the most exciting applications of high power lasers is fusion research. Their ability to replicate extreme environments not normally accessible on earth (like plasma conditions inside a star) make them perfect for advancing scientific knowledge in these areas.
Elizabeth Diaz-Clark
Elizabeth Diaz-Clark is a third-year PhD student in the Graduate Degree Program in Ecology and she works in the Department of Biology’s Balgopal Lab. Elizabeth’s interests center at the intersection of science education and science communication, where she is focused on understanding how students' worldview and other ways of knowing influence their interpretation of climate change media images. She hopes to one day join a public agency or nonprofit to develop culturally sensitive and inclusive science curricula and communications.
Angelie Nieves-Jiménez
Angelie Nieves-Jiménez is an M.S. student born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Angelie graduated from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez with a B.S. in Industrial Engineering. Her motivation to study Atmospheric Sciences during her undergraduate studies was complemented by her work as a SOARS Protégé for four years at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). Angelie is interested in expanding her knowledge of tropical cyclone rapid intensification and associated rainfall. Therefore, this award allows her to continue this research and Ph.D. studies in this area while also gaining field experience and collaborating with renowned scientists. She’s motivated to study tropical cyclones because she wants to give back to the community and the island of Puerto Rico, where she grew up. Receiving this award would not have been possible without the support of her advisor Dr. Michael M. Bell, and her mentors, Dr. Rosimar Rios-Berríos and Dr. Joshua J. Alland. She particularly wants to extend her gratitude to her Mom, Dad, brother, and friends, who constantly support and reassure her, from Puerto Rico.
EmmaKate Raisley
Brandon Lowry
P.E.O. Scholarship
Paige Hansen
Paige is a third-year Ecology PhD student in the department of Soil and Crop Sciences at CSU, where she is mentored by Dr. Francesca Cotrufo. Prior to coming to CSU, she earned both her B.S. and M.S. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Kansas. Paige’s research seeks to better understand the mechanisms that control soil carbon storage and nitrogen recycling, with a specific focus on the contributions of soil microbes to both of those processes. She uses a variety of research approaches, including large data syntheses, empirical experiments, and mathematical modeling, to identify microbial traits that are relevant to carbon and nitrogen cycling. Paige aspires to use her research to assist in developing land management practices that harness the potential of soil carbon sequestration to help mitigate climate change, while also ensuring that soils maintain the plant productivity needed to fight food insecurity into the future.
Allison Kohler
Allison (Allie) Kohler is an Ecology PhD student conducting research for the Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory at Colorado State University. Allie grew up in Minnesota and took frequent camping trips to the Boundary Waters where she developed a passion for nature. She studied Biology and Natural Resources at Northland College in Wisconsin where she gained international attention for her lead-authored undergraduate paper. Published in over 100 outlets such at National Geographic, New York Times, BBC, and Disney+, her research involved the discovery of neon pink ultraviolet fluorescence in flying squirrels. Upon graduation, Allie moved across the country to Texas where she studied how cattle grazing regimes impact grassland birds. She obtained her MS in Wildlife Science from Texas A&M and promptly moved to Colorado where she resides today. Allie is currently finishing her dissertation research which investigates the efficacy of alternate white-tailed deer management strategies. Allie recently accepted a full-time Wildlife Biologist position at the USDA’s National Wildlife Research Center in Fort Collins. Upon graduating with her PhD, she will start this position to develop novel, non-lethal, eco-friendly repellents to mitigate human-wildlife conflict and foster sustainable relationships between people and resident wildlife.
Annika Weber
Presidential Management Fellows Program
Camden Baker
Cam Baker is a graduate of the Master of Natural Resources Stewardship program in Warner College. Originally from Mayville, New York, he attended Ithaca College where he was enrolled in the Physical Therapy program and played football for four years. He left Ithaca College to join the Marine Corps in 2015 as an infantryman. He was honorably discharged after four years, during which time he served on two overseas deployments, was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, and filled the billets of Squad Leader and Platoon Sergeant in Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. Leaving the Marines in 2019, Cam decided to pursue a degree in Forestry from Colorado State University. After four years, two degrees, and multiple forestry jobs, he is ready to move into a management position in the natural resources field. Cam is ardent about community engagement and education when making decisions about our natural resources. He believes that diverse public perspectives both complement and direct the scientific knowledge we use to make those decisions.
In his free time, Cam enjoys camping, hunting, and wandering through our public lands at a leisurely pace. He loves Colorado for its National Forests and open spaces that he explores with his two dogs, Ada and Gemma. He has been aided throughout his time in the military and academia by his family and his partner, Claire, who is a graduate of CSU’s Impact MBA program. Without the support of his loved ones, he would not be in the position he is in today.
Erika Peirce
Dr. Erika Peirce completed her Ph.D. in Ecology and B.S. in Horticulture at Colorado State University. Her graduate research focused on developing integrated pest management strategies for the wheat stem sawfly. Previously, Dr. Peirce was a post-doctoral researcher at Colorado State University, working with Dr. Punya Nachappa. Her work explored novel traits of resistance to insect pests, with a focus on the wheat stem sawfly and cannabis aphid. Currently, Erika is a remote sensing specialist at the USDA-ARS in the Rangeland Resources and Systems Research Unit.
Erika’s academic interests and career goals are rooted in the interface and synergy between quantitative ecology and sustainable agriculture. Her career goal is to lead multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams that perform and execute fundamental and applied research on food crops in the US and elsewhere. Erika is also interested in developing new methods for using remote sensing to improve the efficiency of agricultural production.
Theresa Gonzalez
Jeremiah Gorske
Anna Wright
Truman Scholarship Finalist
Nizhoni Hatch
Nizhoni Hatch is an enrolled citizen of the Navajo Nation and studies biomedical sciences with minors in chemistry and Indigenous studies at Colorado State University. She plans to pursue a joint MPH/MD degree to address the health inequities afflicting tribal populations, especially cancer disparities resulting from environmental contamination. Her passion stems from supporting family members in their battles against cancer and giving back to her community. She currently serves her local Native community as a STEM tutor and a peer mentor to first-year Native students, and she has served as the student coordinator of Native Women’s Circle. To support Native youth, she is currently designing a two-week summer program in Fort Collins and has served as a camp counselor to empower Native K-12 children. As a lab manager of the Indigenous Land & Data Stewards Lab, she is learning the importance of ethical Indigenous research methodologies and data sovereignty. She applied her knowledge last summer when she joined a holistic study analyzing the impact of uranium mining in the Navajo Nation and analyzed the microbiome at abandoned uranium mine sites. She plans to continue advocating for equity in health and research as an Indigenous physician, researcher, and public health leader.
Claire Walther
Claire (she/hers) is a fourth-year student double-majoring in Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology and Political Science with concentrations in conservation and environmental policy. She is also minoring in Entomology, where she is an ingrained member of the CSU community as President of the Entomology Club and caretaker for the CSU Bug Zoo. In addition to her work within the world of arthropods, Claire serves as an assistant to Dr. Marcela Velasco and Curtis Kline, researching the status of Indigenous autonomies in Latin America and the settler states. Claire is also involved with the Mountain Sentinels, functioning as the Outreach and Education Coordinator under Dr. Julia Klein and Rowena Davis, which connects her passion for environmental justice with scientific communication. Finally, Claire serves as an intern for the CSU Geospatial Centroid, developing ESRI StoryMaps to increase the accessibility of scientific information at the CSU Spur Campus.
Overall, Claire strives to use these experiences and connections to continue advocating for the inclusion of BIPOC voices in conservation, make science more accessible, and strengthen her community. In the future, Claire endeavors to attend Law School, live in a tiny home, and complete her backpacking triple crown.
Udall Scholarship
Delilah Lopez
Delilah is an ethnic studies major and Indigenous studies minor who is passionate about education, equality, and diversity. She is a mentor for Indigenous youth in her community, and she also works at the Native American Cultural Center at Colorado State University. She advocates for education by speaking at fundraisers and public engagement events to help programs that support underserved populations in her community. Her career goal as a future educator will allow her to continue to serve the Indigenous youth and families in her community. In her free time, Delilah enjoys spending time with her children, visiting art museums, and attending pow wows.
Valeria Quintero-Segura
Valeria Quintero-Segura is a sophomore majoring in animal sciences and double minoring in environmental sustainability and agricultural business. Her upbringing in New York and Colombia have been an integral part in her focus on environmental sustainability through the betterment of animal welfare practices. Valeria is on the pre veterinary track and plans to graduate as a large animal veterinarian. This will aid her as she continues to expand her nonprofit that she created at the age of 16 called Organizacion Animales Felices AFO which focuses on bettering animal welfare in low-income agricultural communities. Valeria is involved in bovine nutrition research under the guidance of Dr. Terry Engle. She is also conducting her own research on bovine behavior and sphincter control capacity to improve sanitation, animal welfare, and nutrient leaching. Valeria loves traveling and is currently studying abroad in New Zealand furthering her understanding of sustainable agriculture. In her free time Valeria enjoys hiking, figure skating, rock climbing and playing instruments like the guitar and piano.
Nizhoni Hatch
Nizhoni Hatch is an enrolled citizen of the Navajo Nation and studies biomedical sciences with minors in chemistry and Indigenous studies at Colorado State University. She plans to pursue a joint MPH/MD degree to address the health inequities afflicting tribal populations, especially cancer disparities resulting from environmental contamination. Her passion stems from supporting family members in their battles against cancer and giving back to her community. She currently serves her local Native community as a STEM tutor and a peer mentor to first-year Native students, and she has served as the student coordinator of Native Women’s Circle. To support Native youth, she is currently designing a two-week summer program in Fort Collins and has served as a camp counselor to empower Native K-12 children. As a lab manager of the Indigenous Land & Data Stewards Lab, she is learning the importance of ethical Indigenous research methodologies and data sovereignty. She applied her knowledge last summer when she joined a holistic study analyzing the impact of uranium mining in the Navajo Nation and analyzed the microbiome at abandoned uranium mine sites. She plans to continue advocating for equity in health and research as an Indigenous physician, researcher, and public health leader.
Udall Scholarship Honorable Mention
Kyla Dart
Kyra (she/her) grew up in Northern California where you can live in the forest and on the beach at the same time. Kyra’s free time was spent playing outside with her siblings, camping, and playing music. At CSU she is studying Human Dimensions of Natural Resources and planning to graduate next spring. Kyra is deeply passionate about human-centered conservation efforts and using traditional Indigenous knowledge to respect the original stewards of the land.
Rotary Global Grant
Kyla Dart
Michelle is a 2022 graduate of the Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering at CSU. She received a dual degree in biomedical engineering and chemical & biological engineering with a minor in mathematics. Additionally, Michelle was a research assistant under Dr. Aga Burzynska in the BRAiN lab in the College of Health and Human Sciences for 3 years where she researched brain aging, structural MRI, and machine learning applications. She also did research internships in New York and Germany, which led her to want to pursue further graduate studies.
Outside of class Michelle served as President of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, winning a national chapter of the year award in 2021, and was a student ambassador for the College of Engineering. She enjoyed partaking in intramural sports, studying abroad in the UK, and being the Director of Fun for the student ambassador team.
Michelle looks forward to learning and uncovering new information in her future research in cognition, neuroimaging, and artificial intelligence as a PhD student at the University of Granada in Spain.
Obama Voyager Scholarship
Mia Dischner
Mia Dischner(she/her) is a third year psychology major who recently transferred in from Northeastern Junior College(NJC). She grew up in Yuma, Colorado which is a small town near the Nebraska border. Growing up in a small, rural community instilled Mia with a love for serving others. She happily recalls helping with holiday food drives at her local family resource center as a kid. After completing her associates degree, Mia felt called to do a year of service with Americorps National Civilian Community Corps(NCCC). This is a national community service program that assigns teams of young people to work with nonprofits all over the country. During her term, Mia assisted over a dozen nonprofits in four different states. While she found all of her projects fulfilling, her two favorites were God's Love Soup Kitchen in Montana and the Community Action Partnership of Orange County California. After completing the program, Mia was excited to return to Colorado and attend CSU. So far, she loves campus life and is a member of the women's rugby team and the algae club. Outside of CSU, she is a volunteer high school women's wrestling coach. At this time, she plans on using her summer Voyage opportunity to work with rural communities in Peru and Argentina.
