HIGHLIGHTS

College of Sciences and Technology recognizes our outstanding graduates

The College of Sciences and Technology is proud to recognize this past year’s “Outstanding Graduates.” Faculty members from each department in the College selected one graduate to honor as the Outstanding Graduate for the 2006-2007 academic year.  Selection was based on grades, research and writing, service to the campus and community, and promise for the future.

Biology Department Outstanding Graduate Andrew Schweitzer graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. After graduation, Schweitzer plans to attend medical school.

Chemistry Department Outstanding Graduate Nick Gislason graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a minor in Physics. While at Western, Gislason received the nationally recognized Beckman Scholar Award for outstanding potential and achievements in undergraduate scientific research. He has been accepted to the graduate programs in Chemical Engineering and Winemaking at the University of California, Davis.

Physics and Astronomy Department Outstanding Graduate Leah Knapton graduated fall quarter with a Bachelor of Science in Physics; and minors in Astronomy, Geology and Mathematics. While at Western, Knapton participated in multiple astronomy research projects and helped to initiate a public observing program utilizing Western’s 12-inch Meade telescope. Knapton plans on attending graduate school to study Geophysics.

Engineering Technology Department Outstanding Graduate Kurtis Schultz graduated cum laude fall quarter with a Bachelor of Science in Plastics Engineering Technology. He was a primary team member of the award-winning composite submarine and built a device to modify a sea kayak so paraplegics could enjoy kayaking independently and safely. Schultz plans on becoming a plastics engineer in Bellingham at Conterra Inc.

Mathematics Department Outstanding Graduate Jennifer Angelosante graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Chemistry. Angelosante served as a Math Fellow and co-founded Western’s Homebrew Association. She plans on continuing at Western to receive a master’s in Mathematics.

Geology Department Outstanding Graduate Zach Guy graduated magna cum laude winter quarter with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Geology. At Western, he was a member of the nationally ranked WWU Cycling Team. Guy plans on attending graduate school to study snow science and is an avid backcountry skier.

Computer Science Department Outstanding Graduate Sarah Breggin graduated magna cum laude winter quarter with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. She maintained honors in the Computer Science Department as a Merit Scholar and also served as president of the Association for Women in Computing. Her future plans are uncertain – she may attend graduate school or go on to obtain an art degree.