SENIOR SCHOLAR SPRING 2021

Each semester, the University of Nevada, Reno and its Alumni Association are proud to recognize graduates with one of the most prestigious awards at the University — the Senior Scholar distinction. This award allows us to honor the top graduate from each school and college along with the faculty mentor who has had the greatest impact on the student’s scholastic success at Nevada.

Yazmeen Ybarra

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, BIOTECHNOLOGY & NATURAL RESOURCES
GPA: 4.0 | Mentor: Coretta Patterson

Why the University of Nevada, Reno?
Along with having such a beautiful campus, I received a lot of great feedback regarding the pre-veterinary program here at UNR and wished to be a part of such a great community of students and professors. UNR was also a great distance from my hometown — far enough to be able to experience life on my own, but close enough to be able to visit when I was feeling homesick.

Plans after graduation
I will be moving to Arizona and finding work! My goal is to become well-rounded before veterinary school. I hope to gain experience working with a variety of animal species to obtain the skills needed to be an exceptional veterinarian before applying to Midwestern University's College of Veterinary Medicine!

Miranda Billings

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
GPA: 4.0 | Mentor: Sarah Mitchell

Why the University of Nevada, Reno?
I chose to attend Nevada because of the wide variety of social science majors offered. The campus is also beautiful and extremely interactive. Also, faculty support and involvement on campus was a major factor for me.

Plans after graduation
I plan to continue my education in grad school and, hopefully, obtain a Ph.D. in human developmental sciences. My interests are in infancy and toddlerhood cognitive development and minority identity development.

Joseph Hill

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
GPA: 4.0 | Mentor: Angelina Padilla

Why the University of Nevada, Reno?
I grew up in Elko, and wanted to stay in-state to save money while attending college. I was drawn to the University because of the engineering programs and facilities. I also liked that Reno was only a few hours always from most of my relatives, which allowed me to see them more often.

Plans after graduation
As of now, I plan to work for a few years after graduation. Depending on how things go, I might return to school to complete my master's degree. Additionally, I am currently working at a startup, Adaract Technologies Ltd., with a group of engineers to develop a new type of actuator for use in active prosthetics and robotics.

Hyunwoo Na

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS
GPA: 4.0 | Mentor: Hugh Shapiro

Why the University of Nevada, Reno?
I chose to attend the University of Nevada, Reno because it is close to home and I was interested in the Army ROTC program on campus. I was also drawn to the renowned faculty in the political science and history departments.

Plans after graduation
Following graduation, I will be commissioned as an active duty second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, branched in Military Intelligence. In November, I will be attending the Military Intelligence Basic Officer Leaders Course at Fort Huachuca, Arizona for four months to receive job training. Upon completion of BOLC, I will report to my first duty station in Fort Campbell, Kentucky with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) where I will serve in the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade.

Raquel Wescott

COLLEGE OF SCIENCE
GPA: 4.0 | Mentor: Pamela Sandstrom ’07 Ph.D.

Why the University of Nevada, Reno?
When I first toured the University, I fell in love with the beauty of the campus and I knew I would enjoy spending the next four years here. I also really liked that I could have small- to medium-sized classes and there were many opportunities to get to know professors or work with them on research and undergraduate teaching. In addition, the school spirit the students seemed to have at football and basketball games as well as their general school pride drew me in and I knew I wanted to be part of the Wolf Pack.

Plans after graduation
I will be continuing my education at UNR Med starting this fall. I am so excited to remain part of the Wolf Pack for the next four years and spend more time on this great campus, making more new friends and fun memories.

Abagail Horner

ORVIS SCHOOL OF NURSING
GPA: 3.984 | Mentor: Cassandra Padgett ’10, ’19 MSN

Why the University of Nevada, Reno?
I chose to attend the University because I was born and raised in Reno and I knew the Orvis School of Nursing would be a wonderful option to help me achieve my goal of completing a BSN. I also love UNR's campus and the comfy, learning-conducive atmosphere it possesses.

Plans after graduation
After college, I plan to obtain my nursing licensure and begin in a new position as an RN-BSN. I hope to gain great experience at the bedside for a few years before I consider pursuing more advanced licensure or education.

Faith Evans

DONALD W. REYNOLDS SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM
GPA: 3.964 | Mentor: Alison Gaulden ’92

Why the University of Nevada, Reno?
During my Nevada Bound tour junior year of high school, I fell in love with the Reynolds School of Journalism — that’s how I knew UNR was the right choice for me. It felt like home from the start.

Plans after graduation
For now, I want to travel and freelance while I’m young and have the energy for it. Pandemic permitting, I’m saving up to go abroad in two years, most likely near Belize, Peru or Ecuador.

Jordan Wolff

SCHOOL OF COMMUNITY HEALTH SCIENCES
GPA: 4.0 | Mentor: Jennifer Hollander ’02 M.S., ’07 Ph.D.

Why the University of Nevada, Reno?
I spent my first semester of college at a school in Oklahoma, and quickly realized that university was not for me. Being from Las Vegas, the University of Nevada felt like a much better fit for me. Transferring to UNR was one of the best decisions I made. I love everything about the University community.

Plans after graduation
I will be applying to PA school upon graduating. My ultimate goal is to become a physician assistant in the U.S. Navy, but for now I am just focused on growing and developing as a provider before I begin my next academic journey.

Mary Kramp

THE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
GPA: 4.0 | Mentor: Jim McClenahan ’06 MBA

Why the University of Nevada, Reno?
I chose to attend the University of Nevada, Reno because it had a beautiful campus, and the faculty members I talked to were all very helpful and nice. It seemed like the professors truly cared about the success of their students, so I knew that this was the college for me!

Plans after graduation
I plan to move back to Las Vegas after I graduate. I want to work in the music industry and have a recording studio internship back in Vegas. Additionally, I have been applying for full-time jobs for companies that want to hire new business graduates, such as Cintas. I am in the interview process with these companies now, and I hope to have a full-time job and internship lined up before I move back to Las Vegas.

Natalie Huddy

UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
GPA: 3.981 | Mentor: Amy Cocanour ’97, ’99 M.S.

Why the University of Nevada, Reno?
I chose to attend the University of Nevada, Reno, after interviewing for the Bonner Leader Program. Civic engagement has always been a passion of mine, and I was excited for the opportunity to connect with the Reno community. I found some of my closest friends and what I call my second family through the Bonner organization. I also chose to attend UNR because I love the outdoors and could travel to beautiful places like Tahoe.

Plans after graduation
I plan to get a Master of Science in speech pathology and audiology. My career goal is to start a nonprofit organization that provides speech therapy services to low-income families. Additionally, I would like to continue my work reducing barriers and enhancing accessibility within academia. I am currently a member of the Neurodiversity Alliance Student Working Group and have hopes to continue this partnership in the future.

Lindsey Bondiek

SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK
GPA: 4.0 | Mentor: Jose Parra ’13, ’16 MSW

Why the University of Nevada, Reno?
I grew up in Nevada and wanted to stay in-state for college. I toured the school and fell in love with the campus and knew this is where I wanted to be.

Plans after graduation
I will be attending graduate school to obtain my Master of Social Work. From there, I hope to begin my lifelong career in social work and help as many people as I can.

Lily Liu

HONORS COLLEGE
GPA: 4.0 | Mentor: Jose Parra ’13, ’16 MSW

Why the University of Nevada, Reno?
I chose to attend the University of Nevada, Reno because it was the perfect school for me to experience some independence while being close to home. I want to stay in Nevada probably for the rest of my life and had no hesitation coming here for my undergraduate career. Also, most of my high school friends ended up here so I felt like I had a family throughout my four years.

Plans after graduation
I am planning to start medical school in Fall 2021 and spend my next four years working to become a worthy and compassionate physician. I also plan to spend as much time as I can with my friends and family during these upcoming months before officially matriculating into the next step of my career.