Hear our students’ stories

Programs:

Degree Type:

Department:

Natali Jouzi

Through her travels, Natali Jouzi has seen how she can help the people around her through her future healthcare management career.

Morgan Kierscht always loved family and consumer sciences. Her involvement with Family, Consumer and Career Leaders of America gave her the knowledge and confidence to work toward becoming a family and consumer sciences teacher.

Alyson Rogers' academic drive has allowed her to grow as an individual and prepared her for her dream of becoming a child life specialist.

Shelby Zahradnek built her foundations as a leader through Family, Career and Community Leaders of America. She's now preparing herself to be an advocate for her future family and consumer sciences and art students.

Cole Kramer's efficiency, organization, and time management skills are propelling him toward his dream career: president of Walt Disney World Resort.

Alyssa Hanson has always appreciated art. After coming to Iowa State to pursue her graduate degree, she discovered a deep interest in art education.

Switching majors can be a difficult transition, but Teri Jo is thriving in elementary education, with a plan for the future that involves middle school math and coaching.

Sydney Hogle has always enjoyed the idea of becoming a wedding planner. Now, completing her last year at Iowa State, Sydney is confident moving forward and ecstatic for what her future holds.

Natasha Peterson finds solace in gerontology studies as a graduate student after the death of her grandmother.

Jaymie Wasem's ultimate goal is to be the best teacher she can be. She developed the confidence and leadership skills of a great educator through her involvement with Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA).

Sarah Jenkins was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes during her junior year of high school. A visit to a dietitian who was also diabetic changed the course of Sarah's future.

Grace Carey has a distinguishable curiosity for science, which propels her forward in her pediatric dietetics career planning.

Megan Meyn has always been interested in being a teacher. Now, she's studying elementary education to create a positive, enjoyable learning environment in her future math classroom.

Jessica Hansen's experience as a Heddleson Intern with ISU Extension and Outreach helped her to gain valuable experience that she hopes to apply in the real world.

Brynn Hansen has wanted to be an elementary school teacher since kindergarten. Here at Iowa State, Brynn is now working to make her dream come true.

Elena Sieverding has always loved Iowa State. Now, graduating come Spring 2020, Elena is excited to apply the skills she has learned through her classes to her future career and within her photography.

Emily Carley has always wanted to be a physical therapist; now, she's studying kinesiology and psychology at Iowa State to make her dream a reality.

Marcus England has always loved the sports world; through wrestling in high school he found the career path he wanted to follow. Now a senior at Iowa State, Marcus is excited to see how he can aid athletes in his future career.

Working in a preschool classroom in high school inspired Jenna to study early childhood education. Read about how Jenna's experiences in clubs and in the classroom have contributed to her growth as a student.

Sara Siebrecht uses her food allergen as her incentive to develop allergen-free recipes for consumers to enjoy, while spreading awareness of food allergens to producers and consumers.

Lexi Stumpf has known from a young age that pursuing a career in the fashion industry was the path she would take. Now, a junior at Iowa State University, Lexi is confident in and excited for what the future has in store.

Emma Petri traveled across the country before she found her true passion of event management. Read about how travels through the National Student Exchange led Emma to her current major at Iowa State.

Kayla Schaufenbuel has always enjoyed working with kids and watching them develop. After college, she plans to encompass her interests of teaching and engaging in sports as a middle school math teacher and a high school volleyball coach.

Miranda Keith has a plethora of passions she is pursuing. Transferring to Iowa State to follow one passion unexpectedly led Miranda to child, adult, and family services and another passion for working with at-risk youth.

Julia Hansen has undergone physical therapy as a patient, and now looks to pursue it as a career. Read more about how the kinesiology and health program has helped Julia to obtain research opportunities to extend her knowledge on the human body.

Anna Wellman has completed practicum experiences in an elementary classroom to work toward her dream of being a teacher.

Ellen Hungerford has always wanted to work with people. After talking with a friend that had changed their major to event management, her inspiration was sparked. Now, Ellen is interested in a variety of fields within her major, and continues to gain inspiration from her internship, study abroad experience, and classes.

Katie Westlake plans to become an elementary teacher after college. Before and during her time at Iowa State University, she has collected multiple leadership experiences that are paving the way toward her future career.

Gabrielle Woods has been impacted by Alzheimer's disease in her personal life, and that pushed her even closer to studying gerontology. Read about how the gerontology master's program has led Gabrielle to a future career of helping others through hardships.

Lillie DeVries has interned with Sherri Hill and Under Armour while working toward becoming a couture designer in New York.

Alyssa Rosenbaum educated families on the importance of local, healthy eating as a Rising Star Intern for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Read about how adding a second major in culinary food science helped Alyssa pursue her passions.

Amanda Bries has been with Iowa State since the beginning of her undergraduate degree in dietetics — now, she's nearing earning her doctorate in nutritional sciences. Read about how Amanda has taken advantage of numerous research opportunities to reach her goal of becoming a scientist.

Emily Leerhoff is a family and consumer sciences education and studies major who is passionate about teaching. As a Rising Star Intern for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach this summer, Emily got to impact communities in ways she'd never thought of before.

Claire Groth's experience as a Rising Star Intern with ISU Extension and Outreach helped her develop skills in food, nutrition, and community outreach that will support her far beyond graduation.

Maria Perez went from majoring in theater arts as an undergraduate to pursing a PhD in kinesiology with a focus in exercise psychology. She's now passionate about informing others about the mental health benefits of being active.

Dyese Matthews has been fascinated by fashion since she was a young girl watching her mother get dressed. Now a master's of science student, she focuses on researching the influence of Black fashion and American history with the end goal of being a professor and entrepreneur.

Kelsey Best plans on working in the golf industry and planning major tournaments. When she isn't focused on schoolwork, Kelsey is involved in her sorority and communication studies club.

Lydia Granahan changed her major to event management to work with a balanced mix of creativity and numbers. As an intern for the Academy of Country Music Awards, Lydia is actively preparing herself for her dream career in the music industry.

Moving from Puerto Rice to come to college at Iowa State University, Kathy Franco Torres has had to do a lot of adjusting – but her new home has brought her closer to realizing her goal of becoming a neurosurgeon.

Dawn Hales has looked forward to earning a bachelor of science degree in nursing (BSN) since she began her nursing career about 25 years ago. Dawn is proud to lead a team of 20 nurses and 40 aides as the director of nursing. She wants her journey of obtaining a BSN to set an example for her coworkers.

Kiara Roberts, as part of the Cyclone Scholars is a scholarship program, wants to make a difference in by researching and developing solutions for hunger relief and food insecurity around the world.

Alicia Miltner’s personal experience with hospice care made her realize what she wants to do with her life and what’s important to her. She wants to impact people's lives as a physician assistant.

Teaching is in Maggie Hanneman’s blood; Maggie’s grandfather was a teacher and coach his whole life, and her mother has been a teacher since she can remember. Maggie takes the lessons from the teachers and professors in her life to prepare for having a classroom of her own someday.

Allison Gress lived in Las Vegas, New York City, and Munich while searching for a city and institution that would be the right size and educational fit for her. It was when she transferred to Iowa State that she truly discovered her future path.

Misty Brooks is a semester away from earning her BSN from Iowa State. While working through the program, she has uncovered new perspectives on the nursing profession and her role as a caretaker.

Lydia Anderson has wanted to become a teacher for nearly her whole life. Now a sophomore studying elementary education at Iowa State, Lydia has come a long way since erasing the chalkboard in her first-grade classroom.

After transferring from a different college and leaving his baseball career behind, Nathan is looking forward to utilizing Iowa State's nutritional science program to prepare him for his dream career of neuroscience research.

Nicole Kling, a senior in diet and exercise, wants to work in community nutrition and help people develop a positive view of healthy eating and exercise. She is now tailoring her research to her future her goals through her work with the Louise Rosenfeld Undergraduate Research Internship.

As a financial counseling and planning major, a member of the Financial Planning Association, and a student worker in the Student Loan Education Office on campus, Lillie Perry is collecting priceless experience that will help her help others with their finances.

While Brooke Vogel is currently weighing her options when it comes to post-graduation plans, the Louise Rosenfeld Undergraduate Research Internship is giving her a taste of what attending graduate school might be like, should she choose to go.

Jemie Ilunga plans to work as a fashion designer after graduation. When she isn't studying, Jemie enjoys watching Netflix and catching up on sleep.

Sydney Washington plans to work as a general dentist for the U.S. Air Force. When she isn't studying, Sydney spends "me time" going to the gym or hanging out with family.

Kinzie Matz is one of seven students who earned a 2019 Louise Rosenfeld Undergraduate Research Internship. When she graduates with a degree in dietetics, she plans on becoming a Certified Eating Disorder Registered Dietitian.

Taylor Barnard hopes to work at the Make-A-Wish Foundation after she graduates. When she isn't studying, Taylor enjoys volunteering, following Bob Ross painting tutorials with friends, and taking care of her plants.

Jamie Stuhr plans to work as a physical therapist after graduation. When she isn't studying, Jamie enjoys hanging out with friends, watching Netflix, going to the movies, and going to Buffalo Wild Wings every Tuesday night.

Mary Kate Horak is one of seven students who earned the 2019 Louise Rosenfeld Undergraduate Research Internship. She has accepted an offer from the University of Virginia Ph.D. biomedical science program for after she graduates in May.

Adriana Chew plans on working in food product research and development after graduation. When she isn't studying, Adriana likes to hang with friends, try new recipes, and of course, eat.

Brittney Dvorsky plans to work as a kindergarten teacher after graduation. When Brittney isn't studying she enjoys baking, watching movies with her roommates or spending time at home with family.

Sofia Mendoza is one of seven students who earned a 2019 Louise Rosenfeld Undergraduate Research Internship. She plans on being a health care provider and focus on preventive medicine research.

Cassidy Swiggum plans to work with children as a Kindergarten teacher or in school administration. When the she isn't studying, Cassidy enjoys watching Netflix and reading.

KJ Rauch plans to work as an occupational therapist in an acute rehabilitation unit at a hospital. When she isn't studying, KJ enjoys finding recipes on Pinterest, going to concerts and sporting events, watching Netflix, and spending time with friends and family.

Maria Espino hopes to work as a faculty member at a research institution after she graduates with her Ph.D. When she isn't studying, Maria likes to journal and plan, listen to music, and go to the gym.

Michelle Brackett is studying to become a preschool special education teacher. When Michelle isn't studying, she enjoys hanging out with friends and watching The Big Bang Theory.

Riley Drake plans to work as a professor of teacher education after receiving her Ph.D. When Riley isn't studying, she enjoys playing with her dog, reading poetry, spending time with friends and watching Netflix with a glass of Diet Coke.

Paige Perkins is geared toward working with campus recreation after she graduates. When she isn't studying or running CHAARG, Paige enjoys working out and spending time with her friends.

Gabrielle Evans plans on working as a trade show manager at the McCormick Place in Chicago or a catering manager at a large convention center after graduation. When she isn't studying, Gabrielle enjoys trying new restaurants and foods around the Ames area.

Hannah Sunderman is studying to become a cardiac rehabilitation specialist after graduation. When she isn't studying, Hannah enjoys being active outside and attending Iowa State University sports events.

Lynette Wuebker plans to work as a registered dietitian after graduation. When she isn't in class, Lynette enjoys finding new places around Ames to get coffee, run, and go on hikes.

Makenzie Schurk plans to work as a celebrity stylist or in a wholesale showroom after graduation. When Mackenzie isn't studying, she enjoys hanging out with her friends and going to get half price appetizers at Applebee's.

Hannah Van Roekel wants to go into athletic training or physical therapy after she graduates. When she isn't working in the gymnastics athletic training clinic, Hannah enjoys running, baking, and crocheting.

Ashley Jones is in the midst of creating her own online event design studio. When she isn't working on her business, Ashley loves to craft: making shirts, canvases, and customized mugs.

Zoe Lambert is keeping her options open when it comes to her career, but she hopes to go into healthcare policy, academia, or become a physician. When Zoe isn't studying, she enjoys going to the gym, tending to her cacti and succulents, and listening to podcasts.

John Kerr plans on becoming a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner after he graduates. When he has free time, John enjoys watching The Office and Parks and Recreation.

Doug Elrick plans to work as a full-time educator in digital forensics after receiving his Ph.D. In his free time Doug enjoys staying active in his church and helping with the church building, teaching a bible study, and leading a small group.

Once she graduates, Loo-Yee Wong hopes to work in a hospital as a clinical dietician, with a possible focus on professional dancers. When she isn't busy with her club involvement, Loo-Yee enjoys cooking and baking with friends.

Steven Waddell hopes to one day run his own college. In his free time Steven enjoys photography, writing, video games, basketball, and being vegan.

Jake Bennett is on his way to being an elementary school teacher and basketball coach. When he isn't studying, you can find him playing pick-up basketball at State Gym.

Katie Stearney is working to become a physician's assistant in an under-served community after she graduates. When she gets time to herself she enjoys running, reading, cooking, and practicing yoga.

Sela Hanson’s on-campus leadership experience sets her apart in the field of elementary education. When she isn’t busy with her extracurricular activities, you can catch her watching YouTube cooking videos, biking, or knitting.

Brea Baumhover plans to work as a family and consumer sciences and health teacher. When she isn't studying, Brea enjoys spending time with friends, participating in multiple clubs, and relaxing with embroidery, cross-stitch, or wool applique.

Adrienne Rule plans to work in academic advising after graduating. In her free time she likes to spend time with her roommates and friends, listen to crime and mystery podcasts, watch Netflix and YouTube, and eat at Dairy Queen, Starbucks, and Chick-fil-A.

Emily Parent intends to use her degree to work on her weight management program full time. When she isn't studying, she enjoys going for a run, cooking, and relaxing on the lake with friends and family.

Megan Slattery hopes to use her degree to be a family physician. When she isn't studying, she enjoys going to the gym, making crafts, and exploring the Ames area with friends.

Shelby Dumont looks forward to making an impact in the education profession after she graduates. When she isn't growing her skills as an educator, she likes watching Netflix, spending time with her friends, and trying new restaurants.

Karina Stripe looks forward to utilizing the unified program Iowa State University offers in her future career as an early childhood educator. When she isn't working with kids, she enjoys spending time with her chocolate lab, reading books, and eating pineapple on her pizza.

Kaelyn Swartout aspires to make an impact helping children as a child life specialist after graduation. When she isn't building her knowledge for her future career, she enjoys watching Grey's Anatomy, hanging out with her friends, and staying involved in her sorority.

Grace Crapson looks forward to her future as an educator. When Grace isn't doing homework she co-writes short stories with her boyfriend, reads her Bible, or can be found doing her friends' hair and makeup.

Isabella Ellis wants to work as a physical education teacher for an elementary school after graduation. Outside of her classes, clubs, and homework, she enjoys reading, watching HGTV, and working out.

Olivia Pierce wants to teach 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th grade elementary school students after she graduates. Outside of her coursework and her job, Olivia enjoys spending time with friends, working out at State Gym, and spending time outside in nice weather.

Kate Pruess is incredibly excited to teach family and consumer sciences once she graduates; however, her dream job is to become a guidance counselor. She plans on teaching for a few years and then get her masters in school counseling. For now, she enjoys spending her free time reading, baking, and going to the gym.

Megan Wiese looks forward to chiropractic school once she completes her undergraduate degree at Iowa State University. When she isn't preparing for her next adventure, she spends time hammocking with friends or trying to catch up on sleep and Netflix.

Elyse Christian looks forward to educating parents on their children's development after she obtains her degree. For now, she enjoys spending time with her husband, reading, and listening to music.

Corey Ball looks forward to becoming a physical therapist for athletes after he graduates. Until then, Corey enjoys spending his time listening to music, playing basketball, and lifting.

Mariah Mikel is pursuing a degree in hospitality management with the goal of one day managing a resort in Hawaii. Besides making travel plans to tropical destinations, she enjoys working out, going to the movies, and trying new restaurants in her free time.

Sarah Wright has a strong interest for digital retail and hopes to help a major retail company bridge the gap between e-commerce and brick and mortar. Until she reaches her goal, she enjoys listening to Retail Gets Real podcasts by the National Retail Federation and playing computer games in her free time.

After graduating, Anlis Mercado wants to work as a guidance counselor for adolescents. Walking around campus, watching Netflix, or reading a good book are ways she unwinds after hours of classes and studying.

Landon Calderwood is preparing to be a family and consumer sciences professor after graduation. He enjoys playing the organ, watching Netflix, and hanging out with friends when he isn’t focusing on coursework and clubs.

Courtney Biere hopes to become a corporate event planner or immerse herself in fashion show production after graduation. While she prepares to reach her career goal, outside of studying she enjoys spending time with friends over board games, eating good food, and attending group fitness classes.

Tammie Melton hopes to use her apparel, merchandising, and design major and her second major in marketing to work as a talent manager or for Glossier as a social media director. For now, Tammie watches YouTube videos, scrolls through Instagram, and reads style blogs in her free time.

After earning her master’s degree and Ph.D. in gerontology, Gina Lee wants to work at a research institution. During her free time, you can find her dancing, watching movies, or Instagraming.

Ryan True plans to become a fitness entrepreneur servicing the wellness needs of seniors. Until then, he likes to watch The Office or whatever is on Comedy Central when he isn't studying.

Vanessa Kime wants to use her degree in elementary education to teach all over the world. When she isn't studying, you can find her hanging out with friends, watching movies, or practicing photography.

Lauren Stratton sees herself doing research, programming, and/or policy work for an organization devoted to helping older adults and their caregivers after graduation. In her spare time now, she stays active at her church, does community theater, and plays with her two bunnies.

Brandon Jackson chose Iowa State University for the kinesiology program. When he isn't studying to become a physical therapist, you can find him working out, watching Netflix, or thrift shopping.

Carter Reed wants to use his doctoral degree to eventually teach university students. During his time outside of class and lab work, he enjoys playing sports, reading books, playing guitar, and hanging out with friends.

Hannah Dannewitz looks forward to working in long-term care administration after she graduates. Until she enters the industry, she enjoys spending time cooking, binge watching TV, and spending time with her dog, Kaia.

Peiyi Lu hopes to use her doctorate in gerontology to be a researcher after she graduates. For now, Peiyi enjoys spending her time exercising, watching TV, and traveling.

Katie Anthony wants to be a professor at a research institution to continue researching and teaching. When she isn't balancing the many responsibilities of a Ph.D. student, she enjoys reading and traveling back to her hometown to see her family and her dogs.

After spending time teaching elementary education, Amber Holloway wants to continue her education to become a guidance counselor. In between classes and studying, she enjoys doing yoga, trying out new coffee shops, and hanging out with friends.

Diane Tan prepares for her future career as a clinical dietitian. When she isn't in class or volunteering, Diane spends time with her friends eating food or hitting the gym.

Chloe Steffensmeier hopes to one day use her master's degree in gerontology to work for the Department on Aging. In her free time, she enjoys playing piano, being outdoors, and spending time with friends and family.

Macy Morrow wants to become a physician assistant and eventually work for Doctors Without Borders. When she isn't studying, she likes to explore campus, hammock, and hang out with friends.

Haley Appel's career goal is teaching in a child care facility of K-3. Until she earns her degree, she thrift shops, spends time at Cafe Diem, and hangs out with her friends.

Haley Schany is certain she wants to be a physician assistant. In the mean time, she enjoys going on adventures with friends and cheering on the Cyclones with the greatest fan base in the country.

Andra Luth decided to major in kinesiology after suffering a sports injury in high school. When she isn't preparing for physical therapy school, she enjoys running and watching "Friends" with her roommates.

When Megan changed her major to child, adult, and family services after her freshman year, she knew it was the right choice. She enjoys rock climbing, hiking, and going out to eat with friends.

Leah Beman wants to be a special education elementary teacher. When she isn’t studying, she enjoys watching Netflix, hanging out with friends, or drinking refreshers at Starbucks.

Anastasia Frazee wants to use her culinary food science degree to open her own bakery someday. When she isn't trying out new recipes in the kitchen, she enjoys playing soccer and hanging out with her friends.

Marilyn Gasienica hopes to use her hospitality management degree to one day work at Disney World. When she isn't planning her next Disney trip, she spends time watching movies with her roommates or rewarding herself with a sweet treat from Dairy Queen.

Angela Kermes aspires to own and run her own hotel someday. For now, she spends time with friends, working out, and volunteering at the Story County Animal Shelter.

Ken Echevarria loves learning about diet and exercise science. When he isn’t studying, he enjoys spending time at State Gym, making music, or hanging out around central campus.

Olivia Diggs wants to become a tenured professor at an R1 teaching and research academic institution. Between research projects, Olivia finds time to kayak, attend concerts, and support her siblings in their sporting and music activities.

Sia's goal is to serve as a Peace Corps Youth in Development volunteer. She would also like to be a social worker, empowering teens to improve their lives. Between volunteering, Sia finds time to bike, listen to music, and watch Netflix.

Ashley Murphy knows she wants to work in a Title I school district, as a kindergarten teacher, with at-risk children. When she isn’t studying, she enjoys grabbing coffee from Caribou and sitting on central campus with a book, going to the Memorial Union Maintenance Shop, and finding new things to do around Ames.

Jess Alley hopes to open her own business collaborating her education with her love for the outdoors. When she isn't studying, she enjoys running, climbing, and backpacking.

Jenna King wants to work as a clinical exercise physiologist with doctors who prescribe exercise as medicine. When she isn't studying, she enjoys rollerblading, drinking black coffee, and working at Great Plains Sauce and Dough Company.

Sarah Allen plans to eventually obtain her master's degree in public health and become a public health nutritionist. When she isn't studying, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, hanging out with her dog, and working at ISU Extension and Outreach.

Colleen Humble knows she wants to be a sports dietitian. When she isn’t studying, she enjoys cooking, working out, and spending time with family and friends.

Sergio wants to one day help people manage their debt as a financial counselor. When he isn’t studying, he can be found dancing, writing, or playing video games.

Kelsey hopes to plan events for a non-profit organization. When she isn’t studying, she enjoys dancing, hanging out with friends, and taking part in Iowa State traditions before graduation.

Katie Tullar can't wait to become a family and consumer science high school teacher. When she isn't studying, she can be found working out at State Gym, hanging out in coffee shops, or exploring new places on campus.

Brie Johnson wants to help individuals with their health goals. When she isn't studying, she enjoys going to State Gym, lifting weights, and watching "Grey's Anatomy," "One Tree Hill," or "Supernatural" on Netflix.

Allison Cherry plans to make a name for herself in the fashion world. When she isn't studying she enjoys reading novels, road-tripping with friends, and watching Netflix.

Elizabeth (Liz) Davitt plans to combine her love of nutrition and exercise in her future career. When she isn’t studying, she enjoys relaxing, having movie nights with friends, and simply enjoying her study breaks.

Gretchen Henningsen intends to earn her master's degree and work as a registered dietitian. When she isn't studying, she enjoys kayaking, riding her bike, and spending time with family and friends.

Elizabeth (Beth) loves providing positive event experiences for clients. When she isn't studying she enjoys spending time with friends by taking trips to Target, trying new restaurants, and making trips to the High Trestle Trail Bridge.

Brooke Odendahl plans to use her dietetics degree to help those fighting eating disorders. When she isn't studying, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, whipping up something tasty in the kitchen, and relaxing with yoga.

Emily McKnight aspires to be an author, certified dating/relationship coach, and a tenured professor. When she isn't studying, she enjoys spending quality time with her family.

Gina Lee wants to become a gerontology professor in the United States. When she isn't studying, Gina likes to surf Facebook and watch movies.

Karter Ewing has his mind set on helping future athletes. When he isn't studying, he enjoys taking advantage of the free clubs and activities on campus including Cyclone Cinema or playing intramural sports.

Shelly Palmer plans to become a registered dietitian. When she isn't studying, she enjoys running, exploring different trails around Ames, and being outside.

Benjamin Dralle plans to use his nutritional science degree to attend medical school. When he isn't studying or working as a community adviser in Willow Hall, he enjoys participating in judo, going for runs around campus, and spending time with friends hanging out or grabbing meals (especially Conversation's late-night meal bundles).

Cynthia Reyes wants to teach kids. When she isn’t studying, she enjoys hanging out with friends, participating in clubs, and dancing.

Randie D. Camp plans to help others through her graduate degree. When she isn’t studying or working on research, she enjoys reading young adult novels, being ridiculously silly with her son, or watching a Marvel movie.