Editor’s note: This is part of a series of profiles for fall 2018 commencement. Read about more graduates. 

Tyrine Pangan’s family moved to the United States from the Philippines, their native country in Southeast Asia, when she was a child. She recalls hearing stories as she grew up about how education brought people out of poverty. Tyrine Jamella Pangan Download Full Image

“My parents made a lot of sacrifices to earn their college degrees and that enabled my family to have a better life,” Pangan said.

Now, Pangan is graduating this fall from Arizona State University's Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. 

The educational opportunities Pangan was provided have motivated her “to use my privilege to help others and to give back to the community,” she said.

IMPACT Awards recognize graduating students in the Fulton Schools who have contributed to the betterment of fellow students and to communities beyond the university.

Pangan’s efforts fulfilled those criteria in exceptional fashion.

Through the Fulton Schools’ GlobalResolve organization, she joined projects to help people in developing countries gain access to basic resources such as energy and clean water — work that took her to the African country of Kenya twice.

With another Fulton Schools group, SolarSPELL, Pangan traveled to the Pacific islands of Tonga and Vanuatu to help train U.S. Peace Corps volunteers to use a solar-powered learning library tool in their classrooms. 

Study-abroad programs broadened her international educational endeavors with trips to Paris, Berlin and Brussels.

As an undergraduate research assistant to Fulton Schools Associate Professor Shawn Jordan, Pangan helped to develop engineering curriculum for young students in Navajo Nation schools.

She worked at summer STEAM Machine camps where Navajo youngsters built rudimentary chain-reaction machines as a way to learn basic science, technology, engineering, art and math skills.

Though it all, Pangan says she learned that bringing technologies into underserved communities is not a surefire solution for societal challenges.

“You need to work directly with the communities and invest time in learning what their needs really are,” she said.

On ASU’s Polytechnic campus, Pangan was a Fulton Ambassador and a Barrett Honors Devil. Both groups gave campus tours and shared their university experiences with prospective ASU students and their parents.

She also was a Fulton Summer Academy camp counselor — helping to teach basic computer science concepts and robotics to students in the fourth, fifth and and sixth grades  — and a field trip guide for students in a National Transportation Institute summer camp.

All the community outreach, teaching, mentoring and research has changed Pagan’s initial plans to seek a software engineering or computer engineering job in industry after graduation.

That array of experiences “inspired a passion” for a different career direction, she says. Next year, Pangan will begin studies for a doctoral degree in engineering education.

Editor’s note: This is part of a series of profiles for fall 2018 commencement. Read about more graduates. 

Megan Hodges grew up on her family’s small-town ranch in the mountains outside of San Diego. She thrived in her rural lifestyle — growing a vegetable garden and raising cows, pigs, horses, chickens and other animals. She’s had the same six friends since kindergarten. Megan Hodges is graduating with a Bachelor's of Science in medical microbiology from the School of Life Sciences. Hodges plans on pursuing a PhD in microbiology or infectious diseases. Photo: Megan Hodges Download Full Image

But Hodges had her sights set on bigger places and different things. After saving her money and doing enough research to know that Arizona State University would be a good fit, she left home to spend the next four years in the big city.

She is the first in her family go to college. While it was difficult to leave her family behind in Jamul, California, she took a leap of faith and headed to Arizona.

“Being so far from my family was extremely difficult since we are so close, growing up in a small, tight-knit community,” Hodges said. “I forced myself out of my comfort zone and wanted to find people with similar interests. I joined the American Sign Language Club and tried to find a research lab. I immersed myself and made a little niche for myself here at ASU. Changing from a small town to a large city, by my standards, and to a large campus was quite a challenge. However, the transition was easier than I thought, due to ASU’s community feel.”

Hodges started college with a deep interest in the medical field following personal illness and the deaths of family members due to disease. That led to trying her hand at research to see whether she liked it and was surprised to find out — she was hooked. She's graduating with a Bachelor of Science in medical microbiology from the School of Life Sciences.

Question: What was your “aha” moment, when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?

Answer: I was a pre-med major since I knew I wanted to help people who were sick. However, as I was taking classes, I volunteered in a microbiology lab to see if I liked research. I found out I loved being in the lab, running experiments and discovering new things! That’s when I knew I had to be in a lab and study microbiology and infectious diseases! 

My grandfather had a brain tumor and unfortunately passed away, after not waking up from the anesthetic from surgery. My grandmother passed away from metastatic breast cancer before I was born. After seeing my grandfather suffer and seeing how his death affected my mother and myself, I wanted to save others from having to deal with similar situations.

I myself had chronic bronchitis as well as ear infections as a child and never understood why I always got sick, but I always wanted to understand it more. Since I was sick often, I was limited in what activates I could participate in. I think both of these events had a large impact on my interest in the medical research field. By being a research scientist, I can be in the forefront of ground-breaking medical discoveries that will help others. 

Q: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you, that changed your perspective?

A: I was surprised how communal ASU felt. While it’s a large university, I felt connected to the people and community through the events, special speakers and social aspects that the School of Life Science(s) had. I have met so many amazing people and have learned so much through all the events that ASU has!

I was also surprised by the amazing people I met through the American Sign Language club at ASU. I was nervous at first to approach new people in the club, however, I wanted to share my passion for sign language and deaf culture. I now have life-long friends and did not expect that to happen through a club that I was hesitant to join.

Q: Why did you choose ASU?

A: I chose ASU because I heard about the amazing research facilities that they have as well as a special department of research dedicated to microbiology and pathogens. I also visited during the undergraduate research symposium and got to see all the amazing research being done at ASU. I knew I had to come here. Plus, the beautiful campus and surrounding area of Tempe didn’t hurt either!

Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?

A: I think my principal investigator Dr. Shelley Haydel taught me perseverance and determination in the field of microbiology research. I had a little experience in a lab before transferring to ASU — I had no idea what it actually takes.

It takes a lot of determination, patience as well as passion. Typically experiments do not go as planned and you must be able to adapt and change your strategy. This is where the determination and patience come in. It takes a strong passion to continently investigate and handle all the challenges that arise during experimentation and research.

Dr. Haydel, along with the other members of the lab, exposed me to life in the lab and the perseverance needed to be a great researcher and student. She is a great role model/mentor to have! I also learned a lot from my advisor, Ivy Esquibel. She helped me learn the “ins and outs” of a large university as well as how to get into a lab.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?

A: Stick with it. I know it seems hard and that the stress will never end but I promise, if you stick with your dreams you will achieve all that you want to. As my mom always tells me, “You get out what you put in.” If you want a great career and enjoy what you do, you must put in the work first.

Q: What was your favorite spot on campus, whether for studying, meeting friends or just thinking about life?

A: I enjoyed Noble Library. I had many study groups there as well as life contemplating sessions. The front lawn was also a great place to relax and take time to myself when I needed it!

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: I plan on attending graduate school for my PhD in microbiology or infectious diseases. I hope to continue to pursue my passion for research and help those affected by infectious diseases. I hope to work in the government or private sector of research working on infectious diseases and vaccines, or biowarfare and biowarfare-preventative measures! The world of microorganisms is vast and there is so much to learn.

Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?

A: That’s a hard one. The Pacific Trash pit, and other ocean trash pits. The Pacific Ocean garbage pit it the largest accumulation if ocean plastic in the world and it is only harming the ocean and by a result harming the world.

Also, a successful vaccine for HIV made available to everyone! To end the HIV pandemic that is plaguing the world. HIV affects so many people around the world and it is a growing concern.

Q: What’s something you are most proud of during your time at ASU?

A: I am proud of my accomplishments. I am the first in my family to go to university. Prior to university, I have never lived away from my family. I was able to accomplish all my goals I set out for myself, such as getting into a research lab right away, getting my degree, increasing my GPA, and most importantly, I think I have made my family proud.

I am so grateful for the opportunities that ASU and my family have given me. I feel ready to take on the world! ASU was exactly what I needed in a university, it helped me achieve my goals and further my passions. 

Imagine being guided through your next doctor’s visit using augmented reality and artificial intelligence.

It’s not science fiction, but a reality at five Safeway grocery stores in the Phoenix metro area, including a location on the south edge of the Arizona State University campus in Tempe. ASU alumnus and AdviNOW Medical Product Director Tarek Saleh demonstrates the artificial-intelligence-enabled Akos Med Clinic at a Safeway grocery store near ASU’s Tempe campus. ASU students and alumni from the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering have been instrumental in developing cutting-edge AI technology for the Phoenix metro area medtech startup. Photo by Erika Gronek/ASU Download Full Image

ASU alumni and students make up about two-thirds of employees at AdviNOW Medical, a Scottsdale-based medtech startup specializing in the self-guided medical stations popping up around the Valley.

As patients wait to see a health care professional, an augmented reality-based platform guides them to enter their vitals and record symptoms, then generates a diagnosis and treatment plan. When patients meet with their health care provider, either in person or through video consultation, the provider can easily verify the AI-collected information and confirm the patient’s diagnosis.

Incorporating the technology into a basic health care visit allows providers to spend valuable time with patients, answering questions and discussing their treatment plan.

AdviNOW Medical has been developing this technology for about two years, with graduate student interns and recent alumni from the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering contributing their skills and knowledge about the latest AI technologies. Ten ASU alumni and interns are current employees, while eight others have completed their internships or graduated.

Preparing students to be highly sought-after talent

AdviNOW Medical Founder and Chief Executive Officer James Bates, who is also CEO of Akos Med Clinic, particularly looks for ASU graduate students to fill his company’s internships. He says they're often the types of students who have excellent fundamental skills, a good work ethic and are getting an education in the newest developments in their field.

“When I very first founded (AdviNOW Medical), I needed to go find talent,” Bates said. “You can go get interns, but if they’re not high quality, it doesn’t help you. You need people who are going to be dedicated, who are going to be able to learn quickly and have a foundation in the skillset before they even start. With ASU, we’ve been able to find a good track record of solid students who have come in and worked on revolutionary technology.”

Bates noted that ASU’s project-based approach to education is a great preparation strategy for AI technology interns and professionals.

“As you’re going through and being forced to execute on those projects, you actually learn the ability to be able to learn in a real job,” Bates said. “We found that to be very advantageous.”

In and out of the classroom, the Fulton Schools challenge students to develop solutions to real-world problems in AI, automation, medtech and many other fields.

“Our students are well-positioned to make effective contributions as interns and eventually full-time employees owing to the variety of experiences we provide,” said Kyle Squires, dean of the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. “Our academic programs and many extracurricular opportunities sharpen problem-solving skills, design thinking, teamwork, communications and the other critical needs of our industry partners.

“These many engagements that bring industry partners into contact with students to provide and mentor projects are the result of a strategic focus on hands-on training that is vital to the success of the future workforce.”

ASU electrical engineering alumnus Chaitanya Prakash Potaraju talks with AdviNOW Medical Founder and Chief Executive Officer James Bates at the grand opening of the fifth Akos Med Clinic at a Safeway grocery store near the ASU Tempe campus. Potaraju worked over the summer as an AdviNOW Medical intern, developing computer vision technology used in the Akos Med Clinic. Now, he is a senior machine learning engineer at the medtech startup working with a new class of ASU graduate student interns. Photo by Erika Gronek/ASU

Grad student interns help develop cutting-edge technology

Chaitanya Prakash Potaraju graduated with a master’s degree in electrical engineering from the Fulton Schools and now works full time as a senior computer vision software engineer at AdviNOW.

As a graduate student, Potaraju used computer vision to study symmetry in body movements under Pavan Turaga, an associate professor working jointly in the Fulton Schools and ASU’s School of Arts, Media and Engineering.

Potaraju brought those interdisciplinary skills to AdviNOW Medical’s computer vision team during the three months of his internship. He worked to develop the algorithms for the augmented reality technology that guides patients to use a medical instrument to take pictures inside their ears.

Now, with the help of a new class of ASU interns, Potaraju continues to enhance the AdviNOW Medical’s computer vision capabilities.

AdviNOW Medical’s Product Director Tarek Saleh earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science and software engineering from the Fulton Schools and a master’s degree in biomedical informatics from ASU's College of Health Solutions.

Saleh acknowledges that his education was essential in laying the groundwork to specialize in health care technology and software. He notes the value in the practical experience students gain as interns.

“I never had an internship during my degree programs, but if I had the opportunity, I think it would have added a lot to my experience,” he said.

Today, Saleh works closely with his alma mater, giving seminars to current students and helping them get jobs and internships at AdviNOW.

“The more I can help students,” Saleh said, “I’m also helping the company. It’s a two-way benefit.”

Editor’s note: This is part of a series of profiles for fall 2018 commencement. Read about more graduates. 

Yvonne Cabrera, a student from Buena Park, California, is graduating this month with a master’s degree in higher and postsecondary education from the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College. As a first-generation student, her passion for promoting education and access is the driving force in her studies. After graduation she plans to make a career out of expanding access to higher education through Access ASU. Yvonne Cabrera. Download Full Image

She shared some of her takeaways from her time at ASU.

Question: What was your “aha” moment, when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?

Answer: Being a first-generation student, the importance of continuing education has been a passion ever since I was young. I aspire to continue to influence and motivate younger generations who are in my position to continue their education and make a difference in their community.

Q: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?

A: I’ve learned the importance of networking. Being an extremely shy individual and then beginning my career at ASU, I’ve built strong relationships within my department as well as other departments to further enhance my program.

Q: Why did you choose ASU?

A: I chose ASU not because it is close to home but because there have always been opportunities to continue my career.

Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU? What was it and how has it helped you?

A: Dr. Kevin Correa used this wonderful metaphor about how we are all dealt a set of cards from a deck, and we have to be able to use these cards to our advantage no matter how challenging the cards may be. I have always kept this in mind when I am out in my field of work and constantly think of this when I am working with K-12, first-generation, low-income students across the Valley to assist in motivating these students to build a love and passion for education.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?

A: My best piece of advice for students still in school is that although you may be going through obstacles in school and in life, everything works out in the end.

Q: What was your favorite spot on campus, whether for studying, meeting friends or just thinking about life?

A: My favorite spot on campus would be the ASU Art Museum.

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: My plans after graduation are to continue to be a part of the Access ASU family and continue the mission to build the pipeline for our Arizona youth to pursue higher education.

Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?

A: Access to education for all.

Written by Bryan Pietsch, Sun Devil Storyteller

Editor’s note: This is part of a series of profiles for fall 2018 commencement. Read about more graduates.

When Aidan Schneider moved from Flagstaff to Tempe to attend Arizona State University, he knew he wanted to study both science and business. What he didn’t know is how quickly he would discover a deep passion for research and also find an entrepreneurial spirit in the lab. Aidan Schneider is graduating from ASU with a dual major in molecular biosciences and biotechnology and finance. After finding his niche in research, Schneider is looking to start a PhD program and launch a career in research. Photo: Aidan Schneider Download Full Image

Schneider, graduating with a dual major in molecular biosciences and biotechnology and finance, started working in a basic science lab at the School of Life Sciences. He initially majored in biological sciences, but after taking a course on microbes, he changed his science major and dove in headfirst to focus on working in a lab.

He enjoyed it so much, he found it difficult to focus on school work, because he wanted to spend most of his time doing research. After graduation, Schneider plans to earn his doctorate and launch a career working in — you guessed it — research!  

Question: What was your “aha” moment, when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?

Answer: I started at ASU studying business management and biological sciences with some thought of using the two together in an administrative or business leadership role. My first exposure to research was in Professor Kevin McGraw’s lab at ASU's School of Life Sciences, which studies animal coloration from an evolutionary perspective. While it was interesting, I couldn’t see myself working in basic science long-term, and craved something more applied.

I took a class from Assistant Professor Xuan Wang on using microbes as cellular factories for the production of industrial chemicals from agricultural waste. I was hooked. I joined his lab as an undergraduate researcher and changed my science major to molecular biosciences and biotechnology.

Q: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?

A: When I started at ASU, I thought research was an entirely basic, knowledge-generating effort. However, through work in Xuan’s lab and my courses in biotechnology, I learned it can be a very applied and even entrepreneurial pursuit. Our small tight-knit lab was kind of like a startup business. Although we tried to elucidate fundamental characteristics of microbes we also engineered them with hopes to disrupt petroleum-based chemical production.

Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?

A: Xuan taught me that nobody has all the answers, even to a question which seems very small from the outside. For almost a year of my undergraduate, I worked abroad with computational biology researchers at the University of Manchester and the French Agriculture Research Institute (INRA). This interdisciplinary computational approach allowed us to overcome a significant bottleneck of our laboratory research.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?

A: There’s a concept in business called the sunk cost fallacy. In order to not recognize loss, most people will continue to fight a hopeless battle. You should chase exciting dreams, and if an experience isn’t fulfilling, you should abandon it and start over somewhere else. I worked in financial modeling during my underclassman years, but I gave it up to focus fully on research. I would discourage students from re-investing into something that doesn’t fulfill them — even if it’s a conventionally good choice. To some extent, at this stage, it’s too early to hedge your career direction.

Q: What was your favorite spot on campus, whether for studying, meeting friends or just thinking about life?

A: The lab. It’s not surprising research has become my direction, given I’ve been in the lab nearly full-time for over three years.

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: I’m currently applying to PhD programs at ASU and elsewhere related to computational biology and biotechnology. In my PhD, I intend to continue researching metabolism in some respect. While waiting to hear back on applications, I’ll be working in Xuan’s lab as a part-time paid technician and perhaps doing some traveling.

Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?

A: I’d identify novel microbes which can live alongside highly toxic wastes. I would develop the molecular and computational tools to engineer these organisms to convert these toxic wastes into valuable products. 

Q: Describe some challenges you faced while earning your degree, and what you did to overcome them.

A: One of my major challenges was balancing my schoolwork and my work in the lab, which I found much more fulfilling. I resolved this imbalance by setting long-term goals (an impactful career in research), working them back to the prerequisite mid-range goals (getting into a good graduate school), and short-term goals (get good grades).    

Q: What’s something you are most proud of during your time at ASU?

A: I’m proud to have contributed to multiple upcoming publications in a variety of ways. I don’t think I ever settled into a particular role with my research and seemed to learn a new skill with each contribution. I’m proud that I was able to learn by working on something meaningful to myself and others.

Editor’s note: This is part of a series of profiles for fall 2018 commencement. Read about more graduates.

With a hometown known for a booming urban center, it is not much of a surprise that Hanan Alhashmi decided to pursue an education that could benefit its development. Originally from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Alhashmi will be graduating this December with a Master of Urban and Environmental Planning degree from Arizona State University’s School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning. Hanan Alhashmi looks forward to returning home to the United Arab Emirates, where she hopes to use her education to help her hometown. Download Full Image

“I want to be an environmental planning consultant and work with all kinds of stakeholders in the UAE to aid in the country’s process of shifting towards more sustainable development,” said Alhashmi. “I would like to specifically focus on how to secure development whilst conserving valuable resources such as groundwater.”

As urban areas continue to grow around the world, Alhashmi recognizes the need for urban planners to help ensure that cities can continue to function and accommodate their growing populations — no matter where they are in the world.

“I definitely recommend taking this program if you are interested in international development or in planning to make an impact on a more macro-scale,” she said.

Question: What was your “aha” moment, when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?

Answer: I believe that moment was when I first saw the program and learned more about it. It made sense to study urban and environmental planning after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science. With planning, I could use my background knowledge in environmental science (hydrology, pollution science and resource management) and apply it to a real-world urban setting. Moreover, growing up in a populated city my entire life made urban planning the most logical choice.

Q: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?

A: I learned more practical skills and how to work with government sectors. For example, I was able to intern at Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton’s office and I learned how to network better as well as improve my problem-solving skills. The academic world tends to be idealistic because that is what we all seek, yet being at ASU taught me how to work across both the academic world and the real world.

Q: Why did you choose ASU? 

A: I chose ASU because I knew it would have certain qualities I was looking for. It is incredibly culturally diverse, has numerous resources for students and has a variety of programs/courses, which all made it easy to find exactly what I was looking to learn.

Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?

A: Professor Joochul Kim taught me that to be successful in the planning world, one must try to be involved in some form of politics so that our influence would have a further reach. This is especially important when striving to initiate change or to implement certain policies.

Hanan Alhashmi came to ASU to earn her Master of Urban and Environmental Planning. She felt this was a great addition to her bachelor's degree in environmental sciences through the University of Arizona.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?

A: Try to make the most of the resources that are provided to you such as tutoring and writing programs at the library. Also, stay in touch with your academic advisor as they will immensely help you with finding the right path for you and can help you pick relevant coursework.

Q: What was your favorite spot on campus, whether for studying, meeting friends or just thinking about life?

A: My favorite spot on campus is the area outside Coor Hall. The concrete and glass feel of it inspires me to work on my projects. My favorite spot to dine with friends is Postino Annex on College and University.

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: I plan on working in an environmental consulting firm or Dubai’s planning department to lead the way for more sustainable development throughout the city.

Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?

A: If I could solve one problem, it would be to tackle drought and provide adequate sanitation to those in need. Access to clean water is a basic right and by overcoming this issue, we can ensure equality and eradicate many waterborne illnesses found in developing countries.

Editor’s note: This is part of a series of profiles for fall 2018 commencement. Read about more graduates.

Hailing from the tiny town of Mineola in east Texas, Casie Moreland is a first-generation college graduate. But she didn’t stop with “just” a four-year degree. Moreland also completed a master’s program in her home state and now, this fall, she is earning a PhD in English (writing, rhetorics and literacies) from Arizona State University. Graduating ASU student Casie Moreland, who is earning a PhD in English, has already secured a position as a visiting assistant professor at Western Oregon University. She began teaching there this past September. Download Full Image

Oh, and she’s coaxed her younger sister into attending college as well.

“I am so proud and excited to become an ASU alum,” Moreland said about adding the latest accomplishment to her pedigree. She said that she is grateful to the supportive staff and faculty and thinks fondly of the beautiful campus. “I am truly thankful to have had this experience.”

In her doctoral work at ASU, Moreland was supported by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences’ Graduate Fellowship for First Generation Students, the David Herzog Fonds Scholarship from the University of Graz, Austria (to attend the Graz International Summer School in Seggau in 2016), and numerous other travel grants and research fellowships.

While still a student, Moreland was also successfully placing her scholarship in top-tier publications. Most recently, with her mentor, professor of English Keith Miller, Moreland co-authored an article that appeared in the CCCC Outstanding Book Award-winning collection, “Rhetorics of Whiteness: Postracial Hauntings in Popular Culture, Social Media, and Education” (2016) co-edited by English chair Krista Ratcliffe.

Moreland defended her dissertation, “White Resistance, White Complacency: The Absent-Presence of Race in the Development of Dual Enrollment Programs” on Aug. 29. She began as a visiting assistant professor at Western Oregon University just a few days later. She’ll be coming back to the ASU campus in December for commencement festivities.

We asked Moreland a few questions about her journey to her PhD degree at ASU.

Question: What was your “aha” moment, when you realized you wanted to study in your field? 

Answer: I first realized I wanted to teach composition during my first writing course while working on my undergraduate degree. I had so many questions about why we were doing what we were doing in class. I never stopped wondering. To be honest, I loved writing but did not love that class. I decided then I wanted to teach writing to students in college in a way that allows them to develop their skills in ways that builds their confidence.

Q: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?

A: At ASU, the most surprising thing I learned was how one question could develop into years of research. The faculty at ASU really supported me throughout my process and allowed me develop my skills as a scholar and researcher. I hope to do the same for my students in the future.

Q: Why did you choose ASU?

A: I chose ASU because of the faculty and the program’s recognition in the field. I met (Keith) Miller while I was still working on my master’s degree at Texas State University. I soon found out that he worked with Shirley Rose and Paul Kei Matsuda. I had never been to Tempe and never had the chance to visit; I saw it for the first time when I was accepted and arrived to begin the PhD program. I loved the saguaros and sunsets, the campus and my peers and the faculty. I quickly found out that I had made the perfect decision.

Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?

A: Keith Miller taught me patience. He taught me that research is patient work and tedious work. Reflective of his research practices, he showed me the utmost patience while mentoring me throughout my time as a PhD student. Keith taught me, through guidance, about the type of researcher, teacher and mentor I wanted to be. I am truly honored to have had the privilege to work with him.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?

A: Be kind to yourself; progress is progress. Getting a degree is a more like a marathon rather than a sprint. Never be afraid to “ask a librarian” or visit the writing center or to get a tutor. There are so many services to help you get to where you want to go.

Q: What was your favorite spot on campus, whether for studying, meeting friends or just thinking about life?

A: My favorite spot on campus was hanging out in LL (Durham Language and Literature Building — where the writing program once was). There I could hang out with my peers to catch up and work. I would oftentimes stop by the offices of (English staff members) Demetria Baker and Sheila Luna. Not only did they provide me with endless support as a teaching assistant and PhD student, but they are both great people. We shared food and stories more times than I can count.

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: I was offered and accepted a position at Western Oregon University as visiting assistant professor. I'm teaching multiple classes, from linguistics to first-year writing and first-year writing for international students. I also recently began a book project; I am co-editing a collection titled “The Dual Enrollment Kaleidoscope: Reconfiguring Perceptions of First-Year Writing and Composition Studies” with Christine Denecker.

Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?

A: This is such a hard question to answer. While I’m not sure if $40 million would do it, I would try to help more women have access to reproductive healthcare. This money could provide women with access to services, such as prenatal care, birth control options, doctors and sexual violence support services.