At the end of each semester, the University of Nevada, Reno and the Nevada Alumni Association recognize one undergraduate student from each school or college who fits the Senior Scholar program criteria. The scholars are given a framed certificate and a Senior Scholar pin to honor their achievements. Below, you can learn more about each individual who has embodied The Wolf Pack Way with their dedication to their studies and significant accomplishments through Q&A interviews.

Ivanna Carrera

College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources

School of Public Health

B.S. Nutrition; B.S. Public Health; Sociology Minor

GPA: 4.00

Mentor: Maureen Molini ’00, ’05, ’09 MPH

Why did you choose the University of Nevada, Reno?

I wanted to go away to continue my education and experience new opportunities, while staying close to my home in Las Vegas.

How did you decide on your major?

I was indecisive and ended up changing my major to nutrition right before the start of my first semester. When I realized I had extra space in my schedule, I added public health as a second major and sociology as a minor after loving my Sociology 101 class!

What is your favorite college memory?

Probably managing to stay on top of work, school and time with friends, and traveling for all the concerts I attended throughout college!

Tell us about your mentor.

Ms. Molini taught my very first nutrition class freshman year, along with some of my other favorite courses. I have always admired her kindness and thoughtfulness in her teaching.

What are your plans after graduation?

I am taking a gap year to work, travel and have fun before I pursue a master’s degree in nutrition.

Anthony Vincent Cordoba

The College of Business

B.S. Finance; B.S. Economics; Risk and Insurance and Spanish Minors

GPA: 4.00 | Honors College

Mentor: Yifei Li

Why did you choose the University of Nevada, Reno?

I chose the University because it is absolutely the best in the state. From strong academics and opportunities to easy access to some of the best outdoor activities in the country, Reno has a lot to offer!

How did you decide on your major?

Being one of many people in Nevada affected by the Great Recession, I was inspired to learn more about the economic and financial health of our state and country. My coursework has not only informed me of the historical facts, but also how to be forward-thinking!

What is your favorite college memory?

Aside from when the Taco Bell opened in the Joe, one of my favorite moments was my first year in Reno, when we had a massive snowstorm! As someone from Las Vegas, experiencing snow like that for the first time was a nice change of pace.

Tell us about your mentor.

Dr. Li is, simply put, inspiring! I loved his investments class — despite not being an active trader — because of the enthusiasm and passion he brings to teaching. While I won’t be working in the finance industry, his guidance and approach have stayed with me and are things I will carry on after graduation.

What are your plans after graduation?

In the fall, I plan to attend the University of Washington School of Law in Seattle to pursue my J.D. My goal is to become a transactional business attorney, working with businesses and startups in the Seattle area.

Bella Ivory Rose

College of Education & Human Development

B.A. Secondary Education; B.A. History; Theater Minor

GPA: 4.00

Mentor: Rachel Salas

Why did you choose the University of Nevada, Reno?

I chose to attend the University because I wanted to stay in Nevada while exploring life outside of Las Vegas, where I am from. I heard about the excellent education program, saw the wonderful weather and knew many of my friends would move north as well for a change of space.

How did you decide on your major?

Although I pursued architecture in high school, I eventually fell out of love with it. I realized that every school project I did focused on education-related topics, and I consistently did well in my history classes. It was a gamble choosing this double major, but both became passions of mine.

What is your favorite college memory?

My favorite college memories have been participating in theater productions, from working on projects with friends to traveling out of state to perform. The University’s production of “Romeo and Juliet” provided me with so much experience in professional theater, supported by encouraging professors and ever-reassuring castmates.

Tell us about your mentor.

Dr. Salas invited me to work with her during my freshman year. I apprenticed her teaching strategies and tested my own, learned professional communication, and received consistent support throughout my degree. As a first-generation student, I turned to her for guidance in academic and real-world situations.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I will stay in Reno to work for the Washoe County School District and pursue a master's degree in educational leadership at the University. I hope to use my degrees to become a high school social studies teacher and continue growing in community theater for years to come.

Derek Yuxi Ngu

College of Engineering

B.S. Computer Science and Engineering; Big Data and Math Minors

GPA: 4.00 | Honors College

Mentor: Emily Hand ’13

Why did you choose the University of Nevada, Reno?

I chose the University because of its overall quality and convenience. Being born in Reno, I had the opportunity to take dual-credit classes and fell in love with the campus and community.

How did you decide on your major?

I learned about computer science during my eighth-grade career presentation. That experience motivated me to enroll in my high school's computer science program, where I grew to enjoy many aspects of the field.

What is your favorite college memory?

My favorite college memory was during the peak of the chess club. We bought 100 Taco Bell cheesy roll-ups for a friend to eat during a club meeting. He unfortunately only ate 20. Best $160 I've spent!

Tell us about your mentor.

I chose Dr. Hand as my mentor because of her excellent teaching and guidance. Her machine learning course helped rekindle my passion for computer science. Her advice and guidance regarding both graduate school and life have given me greater confidence in my future.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to continue my education at the University as a master's student in computer science. I’m completing my undergraduate degree a year early, and I feel an extra year or two will help me to grow professionally and build more meaningful relationships with those around me.

Mackenzie Rankin

College of Liberal Arts

Reynolds School of Journalism

B.A. Political Science; B.A. Journalism; Spanish and Social Justice Minors

GPA: 4.00 | Honors College

Mentor: Lydia Huerta

Why did you choose the University of Nevada, Reno?

I chose to attend the University of Nevada, Reno because I wanted to branch out while staying close to home. The academic experiences and opportunities are so abundant at the University and in the Reno community, and I'm grateful for the support the University has given me.

How did you decide on your major?

I originally applied to the University in the hopes of attending nursing school, but the state of the world demanded my curiosity. Watching the news with my family and participating in civics education in my senior year of high school made me realize I wanted to change the systems I live in.

What is your favorite college memory?

It would be impossible for me to name my favorite college memory. Instead, my favorite college experiences are every moment I've spent building relationships with friends and colleagues through student organizations, living on campus, and meeting new and amazing people.

Tell us about your mentor.

I selected Dr. Huerta as my mentor because I truly believe I would not have pursued law without her guidance. Her course on social justice, along with the constant support she has provided, gave me purpose and direction. She has made me believe I can change the world and given me the tools to do so.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I will be pursuing my J.D. at Lewis & Clark Law School in Oregon. I hope to practice law in the public interest sector after graduation!

Rayan Laique

College of Science

B.S. Biology; Statistics Minor

GPA: 4.00

Mentor: Cynthia Mastick

Why did you choose the University of Nevada, Reno?

The University of Nevada, Reno awarded me a generous scholarship as a National Merit Finalist, and I was eligible for in-state tuition. What ultimately convinced me to attend, however, was a Nevada Bound trip, where I fell in love with the campus.

How did you decide on your major?

I always knew I wanted to go into health care, and I loved studying biology in high school. It felt like an easy decision. After four years, I can say that I chose the right major because I genuinely enjoyed my biology courses.

What is your favorite college memory?

Dr. Lora Richards and the Honors College provided me the opportunity to travel to the Amazon Rainforest, where I conducted fieldwork and collaborated with members of a native Kichwa community. It’s an experience that I will always cherish because it pushed me outside of my comfort zone.

Tell us about your mentor.

I took two upper-division biology courses from Professor Mastick that I thoroughly enjoyed, and I was a peer leader for her cell biology course. She wrote me a strong letter of recommendation that helped me get accepted to medical school, and I am grateful for her support.

What are your plans after graduation?

I will begin my medical education at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV in July with the goal of becoming a physician. But first, I will travel throughout Europe and South America. I am excited to visit new places and begin medical school!

Riley C. Gillis

Honors College

B.S. Microbiology and Immunology

GPA: 4.00 | Honors College

Mentor: Matt Means

Why did you choose the University of Nevada, Reno?

When compared to my other options, the University offered attractive financial advantages, including a Presidential Scholarship. Beyond that, the campus is beautiful, we are a Carnegie R1 institution, Lake Tahoe is close, we get all four seasons and — perhaps most importantly — we are WAY better than UNLV.

How did you decide on your major?

The decision was very easy for me. I am interested in infectious diseases, and the microbiology and immunology program offers access to elite faculty who are experts in this field. The program is a relatively small, tight-knit community of focused students and researchers based mostly at the School of Medicine.

What is your favorite college memory?

Repeatedly pranking Dr. Paul Sumby in microbial genomics and genetics. Even though he never finds them funny, he’s a good sport.

Tell us about your mentor.

Dean Matt Means hosted a one-credit introductory course during my first semester at the University. Beyond traditional lecturing, he showed us how to be compassionate adults and good people. These lessons have stuck with me and played a formative role in how I try to live my life every day.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to accept a Graduate Dean’s Fellowship that will recruit me back to the University for a Ph.D. in cell and molecular biology. While a lot can change in the next three to five years, I anticipate eventually applying to medical school. Ultimately, I want to hunt pathogens in the tropics, savanna, and beyond while conducting research.

Sarah A. Farnham

Orvis School of Nursing

B.S.N. Nursing

GPA: 4.00

Mentor: Janet Lake

Why did you choose the University of Nevada, Reno?

I chose the University because of its highly regarded nursing school and because I know many people who have developed successful careers after graduating from the University!

How did you decide on your major?

I wanted a major that would allow me to jump right into a career while also offering the opportunity for strong work-life balance.

What is your favorite college memory?

My favorite college memories were spending time outside with friends on the University’s beautiful campus.

Tell us about your mentor.

I selected Janet Lake as my mentor because her passion for nursing and teaching is so genuine. It is very evident to me and her other students by the way she lights up when she sees us grow. I couldn’t have experienced clinical in such an enriching way if it weren’t for her!

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I will work at Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center with my interim permit, take the NCLEX and then start my role as an RN on the surgical-orthopedic medical-surgical floor. Shortly after, I’m getting married and moving into our new home!

Drake Avisado

School of Medicine

B.S. Speech Pathology; B.A. Psychology

GPA: 3.97

Mentor: Beth Gautereaux ’01

Why did you choose the University of Nevada, Reno?

As an incoming freshman, the University’s strong and supportive community played the biggest role in my decision to attend the University of Nevada, Reno. Not too far from Las Vegas, Reno was the best option to develop my professional career independently while maintaining my connection to home.

How did you decide on your major?

I came to the University as a psychology major. Due to my language requirement, I decided to take American Sign Language. I fell in love with the language, culture and community. After discovering the field of communication disorders, I decided to double major in speech pathology.

What is your favorite college memory?

I led a project that involved planning a field trip for local high school students who are deaf and hard of hearing. I invited them to the University to see the campus and the resources we offer. It felt so rewarding, and the students were so fun to host. I remember being in their shoes back when I was a freshman.

Tell us about your mentor.

Dr. Gautereaux was my introduction to audiology. I had just decided to take up a second major, and I was unsure of what path to take professionally. She was the one who dialed me in and answered all the questions I had. Since then, I found a deeper connection to my studies and career.

What are your plans after graduation?

I will begin attending Utah State University in the fall to earn my Doctorate of Audiology. I would love to be an audiologist for pediatrics or the Veterans Association.

Hallie L. Zakoor

School of Social Work

B.S.W. Social Work; Addiction Treatment Services Minor

GPA: 4.00

Mentor: Lex Owen

Why did you choose the University of Nevada, Reno?

I was born and raised in Reno, so attending the University felt like a natural decision. I knew I wanted to stay close to home, and was somewhat familiar with the campus, so it was the perfect choice for me.

How did you decide on your major?

When I started attending the University, I was a psychology major. I knew I wanted to help people and explore the field of mental health and I wasn’t aware that the field of social work could get me there. I took a Social Work 101 class in my freshman year and knew it was the right career for me.

What is your favorite college memory?

My favorite college memories include going to sporting events with my best friends. One of my favorite parts of those outings was getting a sweet treat — usually Insomnia Cookies — after the game. It will definitely be a fun tradition to look back on.

Tell us about your mentor.

I selected Lex Owen as my mentor because she introduced me to the field of disability studies. Lex has supported my educational and professional journeys every step of the way. She is an amazing advocate and intelligent researcher who does a lot of important work for underserved populations.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to pursue a master’s degree in social work. During graduate school, I will take part in an internship to gain additional experience. I hope to be ingrained in the community and help serve the people of Reno.