What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of making the most of my four years of college. I remember hearing that the years spent at college are like no other, and looking back I am thankful for all of the involvements that challenged me to grow. I engaged in internships, research, residential life, student organizations (like Purdue LSN!), and frequently went to events around campus. I learned about different worldviews and cultures, defined my leadership style, and left feeling inspired to grow and mentor folks in the same chapter of life.

Share an example of a time you stepped out of your comfort zone or did something that surprised you.
Going into college, I was somewhat interested in pursuing undergraduate research opportunities. My last year of college, I rededicated myself to graduating with honors at Purdue. As part of my honors curriculum requirements, I chose to engage in a course-based undergraduate research opportunity. This was a challenge to balance in addition to the undergraduate research I was engaged in. I felt really accomplished when presenting my hard work with two posters at the Purdue Undergraduate Research Conference.

What’s one way you’ve been able to give back to your community?
I have made mentoring a priority for my community efforts. I did this for residents on my floor in my capacity as a resident assistant, as a mentor to emerging leader science scholars, as a chapter leader for Purdue LSN, and when teaching two undergraduate students laboratory techniques. I feel a duty to share my experience and expertise to make others’ lives easier, and I appreciate the depth this adds to my community relationships.

If you could do anything to help your community, what would it be?
Generally speaking, be a force for good. Sharing talents, being someone that can be leaned on in times of need, and educating myself daily are all focuses of mine. On a more tangible note, my family has fostered over 20 kittens and I would love to someday open my home to regularly fostering animals. Caring for animals brings out a softer side of me and helps me appreciate the small things.

What has been your favorite LSN experience?
My favorite LSN experience so far was the 2023 Lilly Scholars Launch. It was exciting to see incoming scholars from across the state connect in person. I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with current collegiate leaders and LSN staff. I left even happier as I found out I’d be joining the LSN staff at this event. I can’t wait to do great things with and for you all!

What about this work with LSN excites you?
When we join together at LSN events, we create a unique impact by bringing folks from various disciplines and lived experiences together to connect, serve, and learn together. I am most excited to admire and learn from each other through connection around the state that brings us together. Indiana has invested in us and now we get to invest in it, together.

​What’s something you hope to accomplish in the next year with LSN?
In the next year, I hope to learn to see the state through different scholars’ lenses. I’ll have the amazing opportunity to visit college campuses and corners of the state that are new to me. I hope to gain relationships with scholars, especially our 2023 scholars, and hear what stands out to them, what needs our help, and what is worth sharing from their perspectives. If you have anything you’d like me to know about, I’d love to hear from you at emily@lillyscholarsnetwork.org.

First posted 8/1/2023