Hear our students’ stories

Marilyn Gasienica

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.

Taylor Dulaney wants to use her degree in culinary food science to work in product development. Some of her favorite pastimes include catching up on sleep and going out to eat with her friends.

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.

Laura Butcher hopes to teach grades K-3 and then return to graduate school to pursue a masters in library sciences. She spends her down time with sorority sisters, shopping with friends, or hiking at Ledges State Park.

Melanie Nesbitt's dream job would be teaching middle school math in her hometown. Outside of class, Melanie enjoys coaching mock trial teams in her hometown, staying active in her home church, and creating artsy projects like canvases.

Keesha Gaines wants to work as an occupational therapist in the future. Right now, she spends time binge watching television, working, or playing basketball.

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.

Jordan Arellanes hopes to become a professor at a research-intensive university. Jordan spends time fishing, coaching soccer, and playing with his dog, Lana, when he isn't in the lab.

Savana Stangeland aspires to serve as a special or general education teacher for low-income students. If Savana isn't gaining experience in the classroom, you can find her spending time with family, hunting with her dad, or shopping with friends.

Kathryn Southard's goal is to become a professor within a kinesiology or exercise science department at a mid-sized university. In her free time between research you can find her gardening, walking her dog, or baking.

Shaohua "Linda" Pei aspires to become a faculty member or administrator in international higher education. When she isn’t on campus or working on her research projects, she enjoys doing extracurricular activities with her kids or traveling with family.

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.

Amanda Bries plans to do clinical research at a teaching hospital and eventually complete her doctorate. When she isn't studying, she enjoys staying active by training for races, practicing piano, and wood burning.

Kelly Stocker knows she wants to teach preschool in an inclusive classroom. When she isn’t studying, she enjoys reading, hiking, and watching movies.

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.

Mitch Stephenson aspires to be a university professor of biomechanics. When he isn't studying, he enjoys indoor exercises, motorcycle riding, and building/restoring items like furniture and vintage stereos.

Joey Lee wants to teach as a professor at a small or mid-level university or at a community college. When he isn't studying, he enjoys playing basketball, working out, and spending time with his one-year-old son.

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.

Haley Clifton wants to work in corporate wellness or as a health coach. When she isn't studying, she enjoys exercising, cooking, and watching Food Network with her cat, Toby.

Anna Ben-Shlomo's goal is opening her own practice as a registered dietitian. When she isn't studying, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, and reading.

Jonathan Cerna wants to work as a dietitian and researcher. When he isn't studying, he enjoys reading, powerlifting, and playing guitar.

Beth Baustian's goal is working as a dietitian and health editor/medical science writer. When she isn't studying, she enjoys listening to podcasts, drinking coffee, and cooking.

Casey Johnson's goal is working in a clinical setting, preferably with Diabetes patients or disease prevention. When she isn't studying, she enjoys spending time with friends, painting, and reading.

Madeleine Kiepura knows she wants to work in a test kitchen. When she isn’t studying, she enjoys trying new recipes, swimming at State Gym, and lounging in a hammock on central campus.

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.

Ana wants to pursue a career in teaching after graduation. When she isn’t studying, she enjoys yoga, painting for her Etsy shop, and attending athletic events.

Marissa can't wait to work for a cruise line or country club. When she isn't studying she enjoys playing sports, painting, and reading.

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.

Kelly Verburgt plans to use her love of nutrition to help others as a dietitian. When she isn't studying, she enjoys spending time with friends, testing new recipes, and working for Human Sciences Extension and Outreach.

Hannah Astarita aspires to work as an activities director. When she isn't studying, she enjoys going for walks, talking with people, and watching movies with friends.

Monica Thornton hopes to help people as a future dietitian. When she isn't studying, she enjoys hiking at Ledges, attending concerts, and grabbing coffee with friends.

Sarah Mader plans to establish her own apparel design company. When she isn't studying, she enjoys taking advantage of downtime, catching up on sleep, and hanging out with friends.

Katie Dombrosky knows she wants to teach special education. When she isn’t studying, she enjoys hanging out with friends, attending exercise classes at State Gym, and watching movies at Cyclone Cinema.

Jill Vanderhoof knows she wants to be a guidance counselor. When she isn't studying, she enjoys volunteering, spending time on her family's farm, and playing intramural sports.

Haylee aspires to be a Department of Human Services (DHS) social worker. When she’s not studying or working at Mainstream Living, she enjoys reading, going out to eat with friends, and taking naps with her dog.

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.

Casey Even wants to work as a school psychologist. When she isn’t studying, she enjoys shopping, going to $5 movies, and spending time with friends.

Kelly Koch is determined to be a child life specialist. When she’s not studying or volunteering as Miss Iowa, she enjoys getting involved in her sorority, going on walks, and working out at State Gym.

Olivia can’t wait to teach her own class of kids. When she isn’t studying, she enjoys taking naps, being outside, and attending football games.

Samantha Shirazi knows she wants to be buyer for an apparel company. When she isn’t studying, she enjoys trying new recipes, baking, and participating in multiple student organizations.

Jenna wants to use her degree in kinesiology and health to work in health coaching and wellness. When she isn’t studying, she enjoys exercising, baking, or playing guitar.

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.

Emma Bixenman aspires to buy for a large apparel company. When she isn't studying, she enjoys going to brunch with friends, exploring Ames, and going to the gym.

Jessica wants to start her own organization and work in politics. When she’s not studying, she can be found following politics, volunteering, or playing with animals.

Hannah Al-Mazroa plans to become a third-grade teacher. When she isn’t studying, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, being outdoors, and serving as a youth and shelter services mentor.

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.

Logan Schneider can't wait to start his financial counseling career. When he isn’t studying, he enjoys running for the Iowa State University track and field team, lifting weights, and training to be an Ultimate Fighting Champion.

Hannah Chute can’t wait to teach elementary school. When she isn’t studying, she can be found hanging out with friends, going to sporting events, or watching “New Girl” 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.

Elena never doubted her desire to work with kids with special needs. When she isn’t studying, she enjoys playing the guitar and trumpet, canoeing, and spending time with friends.

Leah Blankespoor looks forward to planning events in her hometown. When she isn't studying she enjoys working as a professional princess, posting content on her blog, and surfing Pinterest for DIY crafts.

Genevieve (Genny) knows she wants to work as a pediatric physical therapist. When she isn’t studying she enjoys spending time outdoors, reading leisurely, and making time for close family and friends.

Sarah Menzel knows she wants to be a pediatric dietitian. When she isn't studying, she enjoys working out, knitting, and playing with her cat.

Karly always knew she wanted to teach. When she isn’t studying, she enjoys traveling, cheering her brothers on in athletic events at Iowa State, and spending time with friends.

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.

Jenna Leland can't wait to start her dietetics career. When she isn't studying, she enjoys going for runs around Ames, taking photos, and spending time with friends.

Hannah Walton plans to work organizing events. When she isn't studying she enjoys planning events for the Student Union Board, hanging out with friends, and crocheting quilts to de-stress.

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.

Nyahon Both aspires to start her own community nutrition program When she isn't studying, she enjoys volunteering with ACCESS, participating in various on-campus events, and binging her favorite Netflix shows.

Lindsay Laske can't wait to teach high school students. When she isn’t studying, she enjoys catching up on sleep, watching Netflix, and dancing on the Iowa State Dance Team.

Leah Brooke knows she wants to work in a clinical setting. When she isn't studying, she enjoys roller blading, going on random adventures, and attending Iowa State sporting events.

Jade Weber aspires to help athletes as a physical therapist. When she isn’t studying or working for the Iowa Wild hockey team, she enjoys going to concerts, spending time with her family and friends, and parenting her two dogs: Bear and Bogey.

Sara Martin can't wait to help athletes with nutrition. When she isn’t studying, she enjoys working out, painting, and taking naps.

Elisabeth (Libby) Burken knows she's headed toward a clinical career. When she isn't studying she enjoys volunteering, watching Netflix, and crafting.

Nicole Marg can't wait to teach her own class. When she isn’t studying, or working at the Child Development Laboratory School, she enjoys exploring parks and trails around Ames, doing puzzles, and relaxing with a good book.

Matthew Eaton intends to use his degree to work as a cardiac rehab specialist. When he isn’t studying, he enjoys playing computer games, longboarding outside, and bowling with friends.

Lisa Nebel looks forward to helping clients with their financial issues. When she isn’t studying, she enjoys spending time at home with her family, cooking up weekly dinners with friends, and filling her Pinterest board with new ideas.

Mallory Majors wants to work as an occupational therapist. When she isn't studying she enjoys reading, going shopping, and running with her dog.

Kaitlyn Varner looks forward to teaching family and consumer sciences. When she isn't studying she enjoys attending athletic events, exploring Ames with friends, and watching Netflix.

Maaike Hendrikson hopes to work events for a convention center someday. When she isn't studying she enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching T.V., and cooking/baking.

Parker hopes to work as a surgeon. When he isn't studying or getting involved on campus, he enjoys hanging out with friends, relaxing, and taking advantage of his rare free time.

India Chapman intends to work as a physical therapist. When she isn’t studying, she enjoys hanging out with friends, working out, and binge watching "The Walking Dead" on Netflix.

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.

Kathleen Robertson looks forward to teaching lower elementary following graduation. When she isn’t studying she enjoys practicing the piano, reading, or supporting her sons' extracurricular activities.

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.

Kaitlyn Botkin knows she wants to work as a guidance counselor and coach. When she isn't studying she enjoys working out at Lied Gym and spending time with family and friends.

Morgan Denzer aims to become a food science professor. When she isn't studying she enjoys watching Netflix and hanging out with friends.

Amy Pilcher knows she wants to be a director of online learning. When she isn't studying or at her assistantship, she enjoys practicing Taekwondo and Korean with her sons and spending time with family.

Amberly J. Ehret is excited for a future career as a research professor. When she isn't studying, she enjoys dancing, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

Joey Hassett hopes to become a sports dietitian for the Olympics. When he isn’t studying, he enjoys training for triathlons with his teammates and closest friends.

Angelica Jasper aspires to teach gerontology. When she isn't studying or researching, she enjoys taking advantage of doing nothing, kayaking, and being outside.

Yan Su will use her degrees to become a gerontological nursing professor. When she isn't studying, she enjoys getting involved with her church community.

Rachel Zimmerman is looking forward to teaching middle and elementary school students. When she isn’t studying she enjoys practicing for the ISU ensembles and playing racquetball.

Zebulun Callahan looks forward to a career helping athletes. When he isn't studying, he enjoys working out at Lied Recreation and finding new ways to keep himself active and healthy.

Amos Kotz knows he wants to help people through physical therapy. When he isn't studying, he enjoys exercising at Lied Rec., shopping in Des Moines for art, and riding his bike.

Jess Schaben desires to be a teacher. When she isn’t studying she enjoys watching Grey's Anatomy, The Office, and Parks and Recreation along with playing volleyball for Iowa State.

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.

Linnea Stephens aspires to be a mental health counselor. When she isn’t studying, she enjoys doing puzzles, finding new music, and drinking coffee with friends.

Anupma Singh aspires to become a professor. When she isn’t on campus or working on her research projects, she enjoys taking care of her two sons, listening to books on Audible, and watching different sporting events.

Toluwani Awokoya wants to use his nutritional science degree to become a pharmacist. When he isn't studying he enjoys cooking, playing soccer, and hanging out with friends.

Melissa Delinger plans to open her own non-profit organization. When she isn't studying, she enjoys spending time with her family, husband, and daughter.

Erick Estrada plans to teach kids. When he isn’t studying he enjoys working at Panda Express, relaxing, and spending time with friends.

Birgitta loves developing professional relationships with clients. When she isn't studying or working at the Union Drive Marketplace, she enjoys hanging out with friends by taking trips to Des Moines for Zombie Burgers and shopping, watching movies, and relaxing together on her patio when the weather permits.

Kayla Rusher intends to open a multi-age care facility. When she isn’t studying, she enjoys exploring nature and culture around Ames, participating in clubs, and meeting new people.

Britta Becker intends on using her degree to become a family and consumer science teacher. When she isn’t studying, Britta likes to hang out with friends, hammock, and relax.

Rachel Wonderlich intends on working with a youth development organization after graduation. When she isn't studying, she enjoys taking walks through the beautiful parks of Ames and working at her internship with Iowa State's Extension and Outreach.

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.

Greta Stuhlsatz will use her degree to teach at a research institute. When she isn't studying, she enjoys being active outside by biking or playing disc golf, relaxing with a good book, knitting/crocheting, and spending time with the wonderful people she's met at Iowa State.

Alex McPhail's hardships lead her to dietetics. When she isn't studying, she enjoys crafting (especially crochet), playing video games, and cosplaying.

Maranda Hahn knows she wants to work in the medical field. When she isn't studying, she enjoys working out (cardio especially), riding her bike, and unwinding by watching The Bachelor or Grey's Anatomy with friends.

Alex Peters hopes to become a fashion designer. When he isn't studying or sewing for classes, he enjoys creating his own clothing, watching Netflix, and eating cookie dough.

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).

Catherine Rudolph hopes to become a registered dietitian. When she isn't studying, she enjoys reading, listening to new music, and hanging out with friends.

Mariah Dougherty wants to spread awareness about Celiac Disease and be a positive role model for children. When she isn't studying, she enjoys reading, going on walks when the weather is nice, and watching Disney movies, especially Tangled.

Shinyoung Jeon is determined to apply her research practically. When she isn't studying, she enjoys traveling around the world, she's been to over 10 cities and four other countries since she started at Iowa State.

Anna Riley hopes to become a dietitian. When she isn't studying or working as a dietary aide at Green Hills Retirement Community, she enjoys watching movies, attending basketball games, and reading.

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

Hardeep K. Obhi wants to work as a researcher. When she isn’t studying she enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching movies, and learning about other cultures.

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

Marissa Holst plans to become a professor and continue her research. When she isn’t studying she enjoys spending time with her partner and family, reading novels and catching up on television shows, and spending time outdoors playing Frisbee golf or sitting around bonfires.

Erin Neill hopes to work at a university where she can research and continue working as a social worker. When she isn’t studying or working as the networking officer in the HDFS Graduate Student Network, she enjoys spending time with friends and her significant other relaxing, exploring Des Moines, and participating in yoga classes at the gyms on campus.

Alexa Berkenpas knows she wants to work for Hy-Vee. When she isn't studying she enjoys walking around campus and enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Peggy Lockhart's interest in gerontology started when she was young. When she isn't studying, Peggy loves spending time with her sons and their families, volunteering, and riding her bike.

Molly Goltz wants to be an osteopathic family physician. When she isn't studying she enjoys playing basketball, hanging out with friends, and exploring new places in Ames.

Isabel Hernandez wants to make people's weddings perfect. When she isn't studying she enjoys talking about the College of Human Sciences as an ambassador, hanging out with her roommates -- including her dog -- and watching Netflix.

Courtney Bryant wants to help people around the world. When she isn't studying she enjoys exercising, hanging out with friends, and exploring new things.

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.

Taylor Paulsen is looking forward to graduate school so she can practice medicine. When she isn't studying she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, reading, and participating in intramural sports on campus.

Sarah Elm desires to be a voice for children by becoming a counselor. When she isn’t studying, she enjoys going on walks, reading, and doing yoga.

Carissa Brown plans on becoming a clinical registered dietitian. When she isn't studying she enjoys grabbing coffee or watching movies with friends, reading, and being outside.

Mitchell Carlson knows he wants a career in medicine. When he isn't studying he enjoys running, camping, and playing piano.

Alexandra Johnson plans on using her fashion knowledge in New York. When she isn't studying, she enjoys attending sporting events, spending time with friends, and watching movies.

Jessica Craig dreams of helping people through the medical field. When she isn't studying she enjoys getting involved in campus organizations, reading, and finding different coffee shops around Ames.

Mikayla Cummings is hoping to become a physician assistant. When she isn't studying she enjoys spending time with friends, watching Netflix, and getting involved on campus.

David Mena wants to inspire people and promote healthy lifestyles. When he isn't studying he enjoys rollerblading, working out with friends, and swimming and rock climbing at the gym.

Grace Sparks plans on helping at-risk kids attend college. When she isn't studying she enjoys mentoring middle school students, volunteering in the community, and working as an in-home aid for a girl with Down syndrome.

Claire Espeset has her heart set on becoming a buyer for an apparel or furnishing company. When she isn't studying, she enjoys hanging out with her sorority sisters, knitting, and making the short trip home to see her family.

Caitlyn Greenspan combined her love of medicine and sports to become an athletic training major. When she isn't helping teams and studying, she enjoys watching sports, especially football and Blackhawks hockey.

Sydney Cline wants to combine her love of merchandising and event planning to open her own one-stop wedding boutique. When she isn't studying she enjoys being involved in her sorority, staying active through yoga and rock climbing, and shopping.

Elizabeth Vorreiter knows her future career lies in merchandising. When she isn't studying, she enjoys spending time with friends and helping students through her adviser and ambassador roles.

Hannah Klaassen plans on becoming a pediatric orthodontist to help kids. When she isn't studying she enjoys being outside, soaking up experiences Ames offers, and hanging out with friends.

Bridgett Konradi hopes to plan events for United Airlines. When she isn't studying she enjoys being involved in student organizations, singing, and riding her bike.

Bria Rasmussen is on her way to becoming a physician assistant. When she isn't studying she enjoys finding spontaneous things to do around Ames, making memories with her friends, and reading books.

Samantha loves working in the hospitality industry. When she isn't studying, she enjoys reading, drinking coffee, and watching Friends and Grey's Anatomy.

Rachel Wolf plans on becoming a family and consumer science teacher. When she isn't studying she enjoys watching Netflix, playing with her dog, and spending time with her family and friends.

Hannah Dehaan-Burch always knew she wanted to pursue fashion design. When she isn't studying or working at Banana Republic and Michael Kors, she enjoys reading, writing, and drawing.

Evan Fritz has big goals for himself and plans to use his kinesiology degree to achieve them. When he isn't studying or attending club meetings, he enjoys participating in intramurals and wood working in his garage.

Elizabeth Johnson is ready for a career in wedding planning. When she isn't studying she enjoys being active in clubs, tailgating during football season, and spending time with friends.

Molly Seibel hopes to work in a hospital, helping patients heal faster through nutrition. When she isn't studying she enjoys hanging out with friends and attending basketball games.