Shining a spotlight on exceptional fall 2024 ASU grads

Crime shows led December graduate to a degree in forensics

A fascination with science, the details behind solving cases and crime-focused television shows guided Gracie Thompson to pursue forensic science studies at ASU.

Foster youth and the unhoused find champion in MBA grad

Brodie Butler began her academic career as a premedical student, but it wasn't long before she discovered her true passion: helping others through nonprofit leadership.

Army veteran dedicates PhD to exploring the social order of ant colonies

While Colin Lynch was enlisted as a medic in the National Guard, he also volunteered as a researcher in a social insect lab at the University of Arizona. The experience fascinated Lynch to the point where it changed his life trajectory.

ASU grad turns personal challenges into child life advocacy

Megan Larsen, who spent much of her childhood in hospitals, learned how much child life specialists make a difference in patient care. Motivated by her experiences, a personal loss and a practicum in South Africa, she is graduating with a degree in family and human development.

ASU grad finds purpose in public policy and service

When Bryson Jones took an AP government class back in high school, he found himself fascinated by the machinery of government and how it operates from a business perspective. His curiosity has led him to graduating from ASU’s W. P. Carey School of Business.

Dean’s Medalist finds freedom — and a second chance — in literature

Wade Sharp is completing his BA in English via ASU Online with a cumulative 4.26 GPA this fall and has been selected as The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean’s Medalist for the Department of English. 

Graduating student finds calling in sociology and community advocacy

Samm Hall went from a nursing student in the small Appalachian city of Chillicothe, Ohio, to graduating with a sociology degree online and pursuing a career in patient advocacy. 

Sociology grad perseveres through loss to earn degree and newfound confidence

Summer Rostad worked her way to ASU via the university's Earned Admission pathway. This month, Rostad is graduating with a sociology degree from ASU with a perfect GPA.

Sun Devil, WNBA star aims to increase access to health care

Through the ASU Online master of science in global health program, Elizabeth Williams learned how to navigate health issues while still navigating the court.

How sociology gave this ASU grad a new perspective on patient care

When Brook Schumacher started at ASU, her plan was clear: earn a biology degree and head to dental school. But this changed when a sociology elective unexpectedly became the highlight of her semester. 

Student leader shares journey in finance and campus community

Chase Mathias first realized that the medical field might not be for him during a high school biology class when he passed out while dissecting a pig. Now, Mathias is set to graduate from Barrett, The Honors College with a Bachelor of Science in finance from the W. P. Carey School of Business.

ASU grad finds her calling in advocating for people through clinical research

Rhiannon Elliott-McGaugh-Mask took a chance on a clinical research job and discovered her unexpected calling. Now she’s being recognized as Edson College’s Outstanding Graduate student for fall 2024.

Anthropology undergraduate uses studies to propel career

In December, Becky Stanton will earn a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology from ASU Online. Although Stanton now says that she could not imagine majoring in anything else, there was a time when she did not have a clear path.

Finding his voice: ASU grad takes unexpected turn into sociology

At the suggestion of a roommate, Zachary Cooper took a sociology course on a whim. What he learned ended up not just changing his academic interests, but his lifelong career goals.

Veteran fast-tracks degrees through ASU, Uber partnership

Christopher Bordas’ path to higher education was anything but conventional. Raised by a single mom, he graduated high school at 16 and went straight to work to help support his family. Now, at age 45, Bordas is graduating with his bachelor’s degree in public service and public policy.

Moeur Award winner finds calling in children's speech-language therapy

Caitlin Yakubov grew up watching her younger brother go through speech-language therapy — then, years later, she found the speech and hearing science program at ASU's College of Health Solutions, and realized she wanted to help children in the same way.

Bringing harmony to the social sciences

As a professional conductor, Ron Spigelman has worked with orchestras and ballet companies across North America. When the pandemic abruptly silenced live performances, Spigelman found himself searching for a new way to connect with people. Now he is the fall 2024 Dean’s Medalist for ASU’s T. Denny Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics.

Marine veteran wants to inspire other veterans through fitness

After serving eight years as a radio operator in the United States Marine Corps, Aaron Eckard wanted to try something different and go to college. Finding the Pat Tillman Veterans Center and ASU proved a perfect match.

First-generation grad fosters change through immigration law

After graduating with a bachelor's degree in business law, Lea Deen will combine her passion for immigration law and supporting entrepreneurship by earning her JD at the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law.

From the Air Force to ASU: First-generation student named Dean’s Medalist 

Mariah Gonzales is graduating this month with a bachelor’s degree in geographic information science from ASU’s School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning, where she will be honored as the Dean’s Medalist.

Grad, soccer star hopes to make the big leagues

A staple lineup defender on the Sun Devil women’s soccer team, Lauren Kirberg is looking to join the National Women’s Soccer League after graduating from the College of Health Solutions clinical exercise science program.

ASU Online grad finds balance with Starbucks College Achievement Plan

Lynae Carlin is living proof that if at first you don’t succeed, try again. The Arizona native explored several career paths in search of the perfect fit before finally arriving at their chosen degree: business communication.

Student earns degree while working in health education for the Navajo Nation

Growing up in the Navajo Nation, Elijah Byjoe, a student in the international public health program at the College of Health Solutions, saw the struggles of the Indigenous community to get effective sexual health education.

First-generation immigrant from Sudan discovered passion for dentistry while at ASU

Through Leena Osman's internship and volunteer work with the Refugee and Immigrant Center for Empowerment, the College of Health Solutions student developed her knowledge of the medical field.

Former Miss Navajo Nation continuing to serve community with global health degree

Although Alyson Shirley’s reign as Miss Navajo Nation concluded in 2016, she has continued to serve Native American communities while pursuing a master’s degree in global health with ASU’s School of Human Evolution and Social Change. 

Student strives to improve mental, behavioral health care while overcoming personal challenges

With more than two decades of experience as an advocate for mental health Obonganwan (Teresa) Umanah, a graduate student of the doctorate in behavioral health (management) program at the College of Health Solutions, persevered these last three years to earn her doctorate between brain surgery and the death of her mother.

First-generation college student dedicates career to improving students' experiences in STEM

When Erika Nadile was a kid, she dreamed of being the first in her family to go to college. But she wasn’t sure that dream was possible. Now, not only has she gone to college, but she’s graduating with her PhD from the biology and society program at ASU this fall.  

Justice studies graduate overcomes language barrier to complete her degree

When Maitte Rodriguez first immigrated to the U.S. from Cuba several years ago, she faced her first major obstacle: the language barrier. But she overcame that obstacle and found success at Maricopa Community College while working a full-time job. She then transferred to ASU Online, enrolling in the School of Social Transformation.

Deployment, injury couldn’t keep military member from graduation

Arizona Army National Guard member and ASU Online student Aneska Holness completed her master's degree in a global security (cybersecurity) while recovering from injuries from a drone attack.

ASU graduating student applies AI, deepfake technology in entomology research

Kacy Hatfield, a graduating MS student in media arts and sciences is Herberger Institute’s Outstanding Graduating Student for fall 2024. She has spent her academic journey exploring the complexities of AI and its applications in ethical, biological and computational spheres.

ASU Online student finds his voice through Starbucks partnership

Chazz Duran originally intended to pursue a degree in vocal performance, but when the COVID-19 pandemic forced classes to move online, his plans shifted. The California resident was inspired to pursue a degree in speech and hearing science instead.

ASU grad celebrated as School of Molecular Sciences' online Dean’s Medalist

Laura Berzinas joined the online program in biochemistry at ASU through the Starbucks and ASU partnership. This partnership provides Starbucks employees with opportunities to obtain a degree.

PepsiCo internship leads to full-time job opportunity for this grad

Joseph Espinoza, a graduating senior at ASU, is fizzing with excitement over his experience as an intern for PepsiCo, which has resulted in a full-time career in his field of study.

There's no stopping this global health undergraduate

Although traveling to Paris was an academic highlight for ASU grad Esha Kubavat, it was her research experience that defined her undergraduate career.

Health Solutions grad is just getting started

Elise Skeeters came to ASU in 2021 after going through a sports medicine program in high school. Now she is graduating with her bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, a program that helped strengthen her passion for helping people.

PhD grad designs technology to foster connection, healing for hospitalized children

With the support of ASU’s School of Arts, Media and Engineering, Yanjun Lyu has combined her academic research with hands-on projects, developing therapeutic designs and systems that promote active peer relationships among children.

Psychology student started ASU career after donating bone marrow to child with leukemia

Throughout her Sun Devil experience, Jamie Katz has engaged with multiple research projects, served as the president of the Psychology Graduate Student Association and became the manager of the Shiota Psychophysiology Laboratory for Affective Testing.

Moeur awardee seeks to turn passion into tangible human impact

During high school, Nguyen Thien Ha Do, a graduating student in the medical studies program at the College of Health Solutions, discovered her love for chemistry. Her passion for problem-solving and making a difference in the lives of others is what drove Ha Do to explore the program. 

Health Solutions graduate trains to become a better health educator

At almost 15 years old, Robyn Colao watched her mom go through treatment for breast cancer. Her mom’s oncologist made the experience more bearable by indulging her growing interest in the medical field by answering her questions.

Environmental social sciences doctoral student works to reform water governance

This fall, Arizona-born Krista Lawless added three coveted letters to her name — PhD. After successfully defending her dissertation on water management and governance, she will be awarded a doctoral degree in environmental social sciences.

ASU graduate inspired to pursue public service

Sami Al-Asady’s “aha” moment for when he realized he wanted to study public service came in the form of an inspirational message from former U.S. President Barak Obama in 2020.

Art education graduate credits 'countless teachers' for his success

Christian Lubarsky-Ford has known he wanted to be an art teacher since he was in sixth grade. This fall, he is graduating with a BFA in art education from the School of Art at the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts.

ASU Online history grad finds new career passions through study abroad opportunity

After roughly 10 years of teaching history, Jessica Barker felt an “insatiable” desire to learn more. She devoured books and podcasts, even attending classes from The Great Courses before deciding to return to school to earn her master's degree in history from ASU.

Triple major fosters family connection through degrees from ASU

The decision to continue her education at ASU was easy for Hannah Bradley, whose ties to the university run deep. Her mother graduated from ASU in 2000 with a degree in psychology. Bradley says her mom is her role model, cheerleader and best friend.

Biochemistry online grad melds empathy and education for patients

Arwa Hlayhel aspires to be the doctor she wished she had. Since childhood, Hlayhel has always wanted to work in health care but her experiences with doctors — who were rushed, vague and impersonal — drove her to be different. 

Graduating fashion stylist hopes to expand clientele to Los Angeles 

Lauryn Burr graduates this fall from ASU FIDM with a BA in fashion. In addition to her current job as an assistant to a seamstress, Burr is already getting jobs as a stylist.

ASU grad leaves committed to tackling vector-borne diseases

When Brook Jensen got accepted to the evolutionary biology program at ASU in the Center for Evolution and Medicine, she joined The Hujiben Lab to study an organism that makes most people recoil: mosquitoes. 

US Air Force veteran graduates in 2 years while working full-time

College of Integrative Sciences and Arts Dean’s Medalist Danai Franklin plans to use the organizational leadership skills he developed during his time at ASU to continue to lead and serve others.

Dean's Medalist finds new sense of empathy to pair with dual degrees

Felicity Miranda has learned a lot about the human experience from her time studying biological sciences and women and sexuality studies; knowledge she hopes to use to set up a future as an obstetrician-gynecologist.

Evolutionary biology graduate completes dissertation research she’d always dreamed of doing

Nicole Coots' field work started on a self-funded trip to La Jolla, California, where she rented a kayak to collect radiolarians in the ocean.

ASU Online student will launch a career in law enforcement

College of Integrative Sciences and Arts Outstanding Graduate Matthew Meisel plans to explore the impact that empathy can have on leadership effectiveness in the public service sector.

Lizard-loving ASU graduate seeks to understand what drives evolutionary patterns

Over the billions of years that the Earth has existed, millions of different weird and wonderful creatures have evolved. Raúl Araya-Donoso has always been fascinated with how they came to exist.

Former business leader begins 'third act' with online history degree

John Stephen "Riz" Rizley had a full and rewarding career in business when he retired in 2014, buy being a “business leader” didn’t describe who he truly was. With his most recent degree, he is creating a “third act” in a profession he has admired all his life: historian.

Returning to the classroom after more than 30 years, this outstanding student found her passion

After visits to India and an internship at a non-profit organization, Hedwig Ashok knows she can make an impact. 

Department of Physics Dean’s Medalist ends ASU journey with impressive list of achievements

ASU graduate Zachary Hendrix has received three Presidential Lifetime Service awards from current and former U.S. presidents for both national and community service. He also currently has a pending $2 million National Institutes of Health grant.

ASU grad 'braids together' passions in theater, entrepreneurship and sustainability

At the intersection of performing arts and sustainability, you’ll find Madison Davis, who is passionate about building community, igniting creativity and tearing down boundaries. 

Anthropology undergraduate dazzles faculty on her way to being named a Dean's Medalist

Jenna Mae Schultz is lauded as one of the best and brightest undergraduate students to have come through the School of Human Evolution and Social Change in over two decades. 

Grad's passion for semiconductor innovation is fueled by interdisciplinary experiences

Carson Gockley, recipient of the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering Impact Award, is graduating this fall with a BSE in electrical engineering and a minor in mathematics.

ASU leads student to Paris, and a degree in fashion business management

Karen Joy Chavez transferred to ASU because they wanted a place where they could pursue all of their passions. What they found was a new career path in a field they already loved.

Champion for change: ASU grad’s mission is to educate and empower fellow Sun Devils 

Bee O’Callaghan, a recent graduate, reflects on her experience as a transfer student and worker for ASU’s Sexual and Relationship Violence Program. 

ASU graduate sees a future in school counseling

After graduating, College of Integrative Sciences and Arts Dean’s Medalist Dillon Dixon will pursue a master’s degree at ASU so he can dedicate his career to supporting young people with mental health needs.

From chemistry class to collaborative success

Kristin Belcher's passion for science began as a young girl and deepened in high school, where her love for chemistry led her to pursue biochemistry. 

ASU grad, Arizona native embraces worldwide perspectives

Fernanda Villegas says being exposed to various lifestyles and cultures at ASU opened her eyes to how wide the world is. This fall, she is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in history and a minor in English literature.

More than a decade in the making: ASU grad found success through online degree

A musician most of his life, Nathanial Clary discovered his passion didn’t translate to academic interest and decided to pivot his degree to pursue philosophy. 

Fashion designer pursues bold career change

Danielle Ochoa studied fashion design and textiles at another college and worked as a designer in Philadelphia for a large brand, but she felt something was lacking. The solution came from an unexpected source: the Uber-ASU partnership.

Passion for aviation guides grad to set example for future female pilots

Dahlia Ropke's decision to attend Arizona State University was heavily influenced by her father — an alumnus who completed the aviation program and became a Boeing 777 captain, a position Ropke aspires to attain herself.

Student finds her calling, confidence in stage management

Emily Salcido is graduating summa cum laude from the School of Music, Dance and Theatre, and while finishing up her coursework, she has also been working on three shows. 

ASU grad to use science to get an edge on crime

Influenced by a family tragedy and a love for "Forensic Files," Giavanna Caruth found a career path that would allow her to combine her interests in science and criminal justice in forensic science.

ASU graduate triumphantly crosses the finish line

From a global pandemic to family challenges, Kayla Perry faced no shortage of obstacles in the past few years but nothing could stop her from reaching her goal to earn a PhD in biochemistry.

Department of Economics Dean’s Medalist embraces math, leading to analyst job 

At the start of his academic journey at ASU, Logan Pugliese enrolled as a mechanical engineering major. However, he found it was the mathematics side of engineering, not the science, that excited him most.

ASU Grand Challenges Scholar’s journey to becoming a NASA astronaut

Since childhood, Ritisha Das wanted to become an astronaut. When it was time to go to college, she decided to double major in mechanical engineering and mathematics in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering as a pathway to her dream.

Computer science student triumphs over tough times to graduate with top honors

Inspired by video games, Carlos Williams overcame tough challenges to become a top coder. Today, he is being hailed as an outstanding graduate at ASU's School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence, where he has earned his bachelor's degree in informatics.

LA internships inspire Poitier Film School grad to pursue his cinematic dreams

Byron Roberson can’t wait to get to work on set. It’s an adventure the Houston, Texas, native feels prepared to take on thanks to the real-world industry experience he got earning his BFA in film and media production at The Sidney Poitier New American Film School at ASU.

Veteran finds fulfillment in helping animals

College of Integrative Sciences and Arts Dean’s Medalist Logan Mullins used his GI Bill to complete his pre-veterinary degree with plans to start veterinary school next year.

Outstanding ASU graduate merges passions to build career path

Kamerin Calhoun plans to use his BSE in environmental engineering and minor in Spanish to work abroad temporarily and immerse himself in local cultures.

Promoting resilience and well-being in Ghana — and across the globe

Nutifafa Dey’s journey toward his doctoral degree began in 2019 after completing a clinical psychology program at the University of Ghana. He worked closely with children rescued from labor trafficking, providing essential social, psychological and therapeutic support. 

Grad persists despite challenging coursework, plans to pursue master's degree in biology

At first, Mackenna Berg struggled with the transition from high school to college, finding the workload and expectations much more demanding than she expected. Nevertheless, she persisted, and is now graduating with a bachelor's degree in molecular biosciences and biotechnology.

ASU Law grad earns degree while balancing duty and education

For the past year and a half, Ariel Parker has spent countless hours on the laptop at the kitchen table of her California home. But it will all pay off this fall as she earns her Master of Legal Studies from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law.

 ASU Law student shifts focus to help shape a sustainable future

Mohamed Magazuba is ready to open the doors of his career and explore the many opportunities surrounding sustainability issues. He is receiving his Master of Legal Studies degree with a specialization in sustainability law from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law.

Grad reflects on transformation inside and outside of classroom

How does Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University graduate Mansoora Sharifi describe her time at Thunderbird? “Amazing and eye-opening.”

Grad cultivates global perspective and mindset through T-bird community

For Vicente Ortiz, education has always transcended academics. It’s also about connection — across cultures, communities and industries. That is exactly the environment that Thunderbird School of Global Management at ASU provided for him to pursue a Bachelor of Global Management degree.

Educator by day, ASU Law student by night

Margaret Zahm spent her days filling the minds of high schoolers in Michigan then hopping onto her computer in the evening to complete her Master of Legal Studies. Now, she's graduating from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law.

ASU Law grad prepares to tackle world of sports with a legal lens

Kyle Goodier came ASU's Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law determined to launch his career with an NBA team after graduation. Now, as he prepares to walk across the stage to receive both his Juris Doctor and Master of Sports Law and Business, that dream is finally within reach.

Outstanding Undergraduate found love for journalism, PR at Cronkite School

When schools shut down during the pandemic, Pratham Dalal was working on his high school newspaper in Dublin, California. He had the chance to cover the local school board and inform the public about its decisions. That’s when he found a passion for media.

Cronkite School graduate balanced caregiving, school to earn 2 degrees in 3 years

After graduating last year with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication, Alicia Rodriguez is now graduating with a master's degree in digital audience strategy. It's a feat she accomplished while also being a caregiver for her grandfather at home.

International student pursues sports passion through law and business program

Growing up in Nigeria, Oluwadurotimi “Rotimi” Ogunjobi was interested in how laws impacted people’s lives. But as he got older, he realized he wanted to be more involved in another passion of his — sports. That led him to the Master of Sports Law and Business program at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law.

ASU tour guide inspires sports journalism path for Outstanding Undergraduate Student

Having a passion for journaling and writing, alongside a life surrounded by sports, the combination of the two was a perfect fit for Kendall Flynn who studied sports journalism at ASU's Cronkite School. This fall, she's an Outstanding Undergraduate Student award recipient.

Mother who lost her son to drug overdose returns to school to learn public policy

Nicole Caceres had been selling T-shirts bearing her son's artwork — but she wanted to do much more to honor his memory. The best way, she reasoned, was to go back to college, where she hadn’t been a student for more than 30 years.

Former corrections officer discovers fulfillment in data-driven crime analysis

David Scott earned an associate degree in graphic design, but discovered jobs in that field were few. After working as a corrections officer for five years, he found himself attracted to data-driven crime analysis and is now earning a online Master of Science degree. 

Veteran asked for one more chance to succeed at a job; it became his career

U.S. Air Force veteran Derek Wilson didn’t know what social work was until he found talent helping other vets find employment, services. Now, he is the fall 2024 outstanding graduate of ASU's School of Social Work.

ASU grad channels passion for planetary science into a future in geosciences

As a middle school student, Alan Bartlett was captivated by the vast diversity of moons and planets in our solar system, sparking a passion for planetary sciences. This fall, the Arizona native will graduate with from ASU's School of Earth and Space Exploration.

Together in music, together in life: Couple to graduate this December

ASU doctoral students Riley Braase and Mikaela Renee Hannon are both graduating with a Doctor of Musical Arts in performance this December. They have performed together frequently in music ensembles during their time as ASU students. And in addition to being partners in music, they are partners in life.

ASU Online grad embraces creativity, lifelong learning while pursuing dream of becoming a professor

Carol Higgins, 50, exemplifies the spirit of interdisciplinary learning and the courage to pursue creative passions at any stage of life. Her journey is a testament to resilience, curiosity and the transformative power of education.

Twin sisters, grads separately chose recreational therapy programs

As children experiencing visual impairment and a rare health condition, Candice and Crystal Sipe participated in recreational therapy to momentarily set aside their medical issues and enjoy expressing themselves. Now, they are both graduating with a Bachelor of Science in recreational therapy.

Outstanding grad seeks to use applied mathematics to create a better world

A lifelong passion for puzzles, an aptitude for numbers and an altruistic spirit are just a few of the factors that led Lucero Rodriguez Rodriguez to pursue a PhD. She is graduating from the doctoral program in in applied mathematics for the life and social sciences.

PhD chemistry grad explores materials of the future, inspires students to 'find your passion’

During her time at ASU, Rose Snyder conducted chemistry research to create new materials called MXenes, which could revolutionize batteries, electronics, water purification and radiation shielding by being lightweight, customizable and incredibly versatile.

Fueled by passions, Thunderbird at ASU grad uses entrepreneurial skills to fuel businesses, scale solutions

For Juan Camilio Quintana, a Master of Global Management student ASU's Thunderbird School of Global Management, the journey to Thunderbird from his native Bogotá, Colombia, has been one of growth, community and a deepened commitment to leadership. 

Grad uses education to become agent of change for United Nations

For Saliha Salihi, a Bachelor of Global Management graduate from Afghanistan, Thunderbird at ASU’s mission and diverse environment resonated deeply with her aspirations to make a global impact.

ASU grad turns classroom curiosity into a career teaching geoscience

Driven by her passion for geology and a desire to learn from Arizona’s world-class geology faculty and rich geological landscapes, Jisoo Kim set her sights on Arizona State University and has graduated with a PhD in geological sciences.

Dean’s Medalist’s research closes gaps in mental health, addiction treatments

Dona Ananicka's first year at ASU came at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and she began to witness the effect it was having on those surrounding her and how it exposed the gaping holes in mental health treatment. It was then that she directed her interests to the field of psychology.

Balancing the badge and the books, ASU online grad excels in forensic psychology

Linhsey Trinh, a dedicated police officer and fall 2024 graduate, bridged law enforcement and academics while excelling in ASU’s online forensic psychology graduate program. 

Global perspective fuels Thunderbird at ASU Outstanding Graduate's journey

Pearl Chang Esau has always been a global citizen. A daughter of immigrant parents from Taiwan, her diverse upbringing and experiences working in Latin America have shaped her perspective on the world and motivated her to seek a career focused on global impact.

Student triumphs over adversity, becoming first-gen graduate and Dean’s Medalist

Over the last two years, alongside working 40 hours per week at the family business, Alaleh Moslehpour has also balanced course schedules and assignments after making the decision to complete her degree through ASU Online. 

ASU grad turns interest in true-crime podcasts into passion for forensic psychology

Kymberlin Quackenbush’s inspiring journey at ASU proves that resilience, passion and hard work can turn dreams into reality. Discover how she balanced motherhood, work and school while shaping her future in criminal justice.

Outstanding Undergraduate is a trailblazer in climate action and technological innovation

Lauren Richards took inspiration from historical innovators like Nikola Tesla and Leonardo da Vinci, who embodied curiosity spirit across multiple scientific disciplines, were far ahead of their time and dared to innovate and create groundbreaking inventions.

Passion for human behavior drives first-gen student to major in psychology

Natalie Motta, an ASU graduate at just 20 years old, blends resilience, ambition and her passions for martial arts and salsa dance to inspire others and shape a brighter future.

Dean's Medalist plans to pursue research in machine learning

While attending high school, Justin Le did not consider himself a “math person" but that changed when he took an advanced calculus class. This month, Le will be honored as the Dean’s Medalist from ASU’s School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences.

Grad combines academics, public service and entrepreneurship

As a youngster, Javier Aguirre Martinez lived at the House of Refuge, next to the Arizona State University Polytechnic campus. As a young man, he was a standout student at the Poly campus. This month, the first-generation college student graduated from ASU summa cum laude.

Outstanding Graduate plants the seeds of change advancing food sustainability through public policy

Growing up in the “farm-to-fork capital” of Sacramento, California, Jacob DeFant developed an early passion for food and agriculture. This led him to pursue a bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences, where he explored how sustainability could ensure a healthy and abundant food supply for future generations.

PhD graduate leads global development efforts through innovation, community service

Ariel Aguilera Ramirez has been named the fall 2024 Outstanding Graduate of the School for the Future of Innovation in Society for his achievements in driving innovation, empowering communities and promoting sustainable development locally and globally.

Hugh Downs School grad leads with heart and excellence at ASU

When she began her college journey, Natalia Tefft had a clear vision of the career she wanted to pursue. "I’ve always loved working with people, especially kids, which led me to study family and human development."

Fulton Schools awards first data science doctoral degree

Jiajing Huang is the first graduate of the ASU School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence's new doctoral degree in data science, analytics and engineering.

Double major fulfills childhood dream of learning French

Since she was a child, Julia Knies dreamed of learning French. This semester, the Arizona native has made her dream a reality as she graduates with a Bachelor of Arts in French from ASU’s School of International Letters and Cultures.