2023 Featured Graduates

“Because of Willamette, I have been able to find community and build a support system with the students, professors and faculty. Attending college as a woman of color in STEM has presented its challenges, but I have grown to overcome those challenges with the help of the amazing people I've met at Willamette. They are always pushing me to do better, encouraging me to seize every opportunity, and cheering me on every step of the way.”

Kaila Kalauokaaea-Kahele

Involvement

• Science Collaborative Research Program participant 2021: “Synthesis of Novel Tetracaine Derivatives for Treatment of Retinitis Pigmentosa.”
• Georgetown University Academy for Research, Clinical and Health Equity Scholarship Fellow 2022
• Community Service-Learning lead coordinator
• Peer career intern in the Career Development Center
• Barista and supervisor at The Bistro
• Chemistry embedded tutor (general and organic chemistry)
• Ohana Jump Start leader
• MOSAICS mentor
• Chemistry Club treasurer
• University Concert Band
• Recipient of the Lola Dasch Seeger and Mervin Seeger Scholarship
• Recipient of the Social Justice Leadership Award
• Recipient of the Cornerstone of Community Award
• Recipient of the Teaching and Outreach Award
• Willamette University STEM Scholar

What’s next: I am planning to take a year off to gain more research and clinical experiences and strengthen myself as a candidate before applying to medical school.

“Because of Willamette, I have had the opportunity to pursue my academic curiosities and turn them into professional experiences. I have established lifelong relationships with my peers, faculty, and staff, gotten to take advantage of invaluable opportunities, and overall had unique experiences that I could not have explored at other institutions.”

Ted Alberon

Involvement

• Resident Advisor for Residence Life and Housing
• Leadership and Co-President of Zena Farm Club
• Project Lead on the Community Wellness Garden
• Recipient of the Royal S. Nakano Scholarship
• Residence Hall Association General Assembly Member
• Office Assistant for Student Engagement and Leadership
• Office Assistant for Spiritual and Religious Life
• Community Service Learning Service Projects Facilitator
• Legislative Intern for Congresswoman Grace Napolitano, Washington D.C.
• Field Intern for City Councilman Paul Krekorian, Los Angeles, CA
Committee Assistant for the Oregon House Housing and Homelessness Committee

What’s next: Continuing my work in the Legislative Policy and Research Office in the Oregon State Legislature for the 2023 Session.