Meet Whitman’s Newest Alums

These star scholars began their college education in one of the most challenging contexts a Whitman class has ever faced: a global pandemic. 

They forged ties online before coming to campus in person. They launched new student organizations to make campus more inclusive and helped create new curriculum to make it more sustainable. They made an impact in the Walla Walla community and around the world. And this past spring, they joined the ranks of Whitman’s alumni. 

The Class of 2024 is full of future historians, musicians, scientists, humanitarians, policymakers, doctors, authors, data scientists, lawyers, environmentalists and so much more. Each one of the more than 300 new alums has noteworthy educational, research and extracurricular achievements— and we firmly believe their best is yet to come. 

Meet a few faces from one of the most resilient and accomplished classes in Whitman history: the Class of 2024.

SAMMAMISH, WASHINGTON | ECONOMICS AND CHEMISTRY

Aurora Anderson ’24

Aurora Anderson nurtured her passion for sustainable cosmetics and discovered a fulfilling career path at Whitman.

Anderson began selling her handmade lotion and shampoo bars at Whitman’s Arts and Crafts Fair. As her time on campus went on, she began researching and developing more sustainable products. Anderson got hands-on experience doing organic chemistry research alongside Associate Professor of Chemistry Jonathan Collins. This research furthered her passion for chemistry and cosmetics.

Anderson also explored other interests on campus. She served as the Outreach Chair for the Economics Club and Student Liaison for the Chemistry and Economics departments. And she was a member of the American Chemical Society and the Alpha Phi sorority.

Anderson is headed to the University of Pennsylvania in the fall where she will pursue her master’s in Organic Chemistry and Materials.

Nominated by Denise Hazlett, Hollon Parker Professor of Economics and Business.

GABORONE, BOTSWANA | ECONOMICS

Angel Baikakedi ’24

Angel Baikakedi’s Whitman experience has been one of exploration and leadership. She came to Whitman from Botswana with a determination to push herself outside her comfort zone and explore new interests. She was a member of the Economics Club and Women of Color Voices Club—and took on diverse roles across campus as an opinion columnist for The Whitman Wire, a DJ for KWCW, an Economics tutor in the Academic Resource Center and the Senior Fund Chair for the Class of 2024. 

She was also a driving force for building connections and fostering a sense of belonging on campus as President of the Whitman African Student Association, President of the Black Student Union and Budget Manager for Global Whitties. 

Baikakedi earned multiple prestigious awards, including the Louis B. Perry Summer Research Award and the Abshire Research Award. As an American Economic Association scholar, she spent the summer of 2023 in Washington, D.C., where she took graduate-level economics courses and met renowned economists. This experience emphasized the need for minorities in the field and increased her desire to pursue policy. 

Baikakedi is excited to return to Washington, D.C., and begin her postgraduate education at George Washington University, pursuing a Master of Arts in International Economic Policy. She plans to work in research institutes that focus on policymaking regarding African development and hopes to return home to continue her career as a policy analyst.

Nominated by Denise Hazlett, Hollon Parker Professor of Economics and Business.

PORTLAND, OREGON | PSYCHOLOGY

Ruby Beard ’24

Ruby Beard embraced opportunities on and off Whitman’s campus, gaining real-world experience that shaped her career path. 

As the Psychology Department assistant, she connected with Whitman Psychology alums and worked alongside professors in retrieving over 130 scholarly research articles. Beard also discovered her passion for singing and dancing at Whitman, where she performed with the Whitman Chorale. 

Off campus, she worked with the Walla Walla community as an intern with the Community Resilience Initiative—a nonprofit organization that provides trauma-informed training and consultation to private and publicly funded businesses. She also supported elementary students as a YWCA Mariposa Leader, where she led an after-school program designed to build confidence and life skills for fifth-grade girls. 

During her junior year, Beard studied abroad in Florence, Italy, and interned for a research and support center for children with neurodevelopmental disorders. There, she helped children ages 2–10 with homework and general life skills—and collected data for research. 

Since graduation Beard has been living on Orcas Island, Washington, with her family and saving up to take part in a WorkAway cultural exchange program in New Zealand.

Nominated by Professor of Psychology Matthew Prull.

POULSBO, WASHINGTON | ENGLISH AND FRENCH AND FRANCOPHONE STUDIES

Merry Cockroft ’24

Merry Cockroft has proven to be a true master of languages. Cockroft has been a beacon of knowledge on campus, always ready to share her time with other Whitties as a fellow at the Intercultural Center, a classroom assistant in the Academic Resource Center, and a program leader for the Career and Community Engagement Center. 

A leader with a passion for promoting diversity and belonging, Cockroft spearheaded the 2022–2023 Power and Privilege Symposium, leading a team of students to put together a multiday event amplifying diverse voices. She also built community as the Resident Advisor of the French interest house, La Maison. Cockroft also played the bass in Whitman’s various music ensembles. 

Cockroft plans to pursue her doctorate in English Literature, building on the experience she gained writing two senior theses that explored themes from iconic films and novels in French and English.

Nominated by Professor of French and Francophone Studies Sarah Hurlburt.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA | RHETORIC, WRITING AND PUBLIC DISCOURSE

Sueli Gwiazdowski ’24

Sueli Gwiazdowski is well-known across campus for her leadership and dedication to inclusive excellence. Transferring in as a sophomore, she made the most of her time at Whitman, diving right into campus activities and leadership experiences, fueling her passion for changemaking.

Gwiazdowski founded the Disability and Difference Community (DISCO), a student-run committee dedicated to promoting awareness and inclusivity for individuals with diverse abilities. She also served on the college’s Accessibility Committee. Read about her advocacy work at Whitman.

She took on many leadership roles at Whitman: Delta Gamma Chapter President, Student Representative to the Board of Trustees, peer tutor at the Center for Writing and Speaking, and Hubbard Student Research Assistant for Lydia McDermott, Associate Professor of Rhetoric, Writing, and Public Discourse.

Gwiazdowski also explored her creative side as part of the Rocky Horror Picture Show and as a DJ for KWCW on her radio show, Lavender Disco.

As part of Whitman’s Debate and Forensics team, Gwiazdowski brought home many awards and achievements. Her first competitive debate sparked her interest in nuclear policy, which led to her being named the first Gaither Junior Fellow from Whitman College.

After completing a yearlong fellowship with the Carnegie Nuclear Policy Program in Washington, D.C., she plans to attend law school and focus on public policy in an effort to build a better world.

SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA | MUSIC (TROMBONE PERFORMANCE) AND ECONOMICS

Andrew Hanson ’24

Andrew Hanson is a talented performer and Whitman Blues athlete. He loved representing and competing for Whitman on the men’s varsity swim team all four years. He served as the team captain his sophomore and senior years and enjoyed training with his teammates.

A passionate musician, Hanson has had an incredible musical journey at Whitman as part of the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble and Orchestra. He found immense fulfillment in the collaborative space they provided for musical growth.

The summer before his senior year, Hanson interned with the Walla Walla Symphony. There, he gained music teaching skills and explored the business and planning side of the symphony.

Hanson now plans to pursue graduate studies in music and hopes to eventually join the Coast Guard as a helicopter rescue swimmer.

Nominated by Associate Professor of Music and Garrett Fellow Paul Luongo.

ERIE, COLORADO | BIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY, BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

Courtney Hull ’24

Courtney Hull focused on a pre-med track at Whitman. One of her favorite places was the lab. She gained invaluable experience as part of a research team that focused on organic synthesis and biocatalysts alongside Associate Professor of Chemistry Jonathan Collins.

Hull was involved in all things STEM while on campus, which fueled her passion for science and boosted her confidence in the field. In addition to being part of the Pre-Health Society, she also served as President of the American Chemical Society chapter, where she helped host events like the liquid nitrogen ice cream event, blending two of her favorite things: food and science.

Making time to share her love for science was also very important to Hull. She worked as a teaching assistant in the Organic Chemistry lab; worked as a peer tutor for Biology, Chemistry and Physics; and volunteered for Whitman’s Science Outreach program, making science accessible and fun for children.

Hull has returned to her hometown in Colorado, where she works in a public health clinic and is earning her Emergency Medical Technician license, all while applying to medical school.

Nominated by Associate Professor of Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Britney “Britt” Moss.

FORT SMITH, ARKANSAS | ART

Astrid Ketcham ’24

Known across campus as a community-oriented artist, Astrid Ketcham came to Whitman thinking they would major in Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology but quickly realized their passion for creating art. They especially enjoy working with and creating their own mixed media.

Ketcham spent the summers working and experiencing Walla Walla—stargazing in the wheat fields and trying out all the local coffee shops. A notable experience was attending a downtown music festival just blocks from campus.

As part of the Art Department at Whitman, Ketcham visited New York City with her professors and classmates to research and gain inspiration for their senior thesis. Upon returning to campus, they were given their own art studio in the Fouts Center for Visual Arts to begin working on the project. Her thesis explores food and femininity, diet culture, and feeling comfortable in your own body. Their show was named Astrid's Bakery: Pressures and Pleasures. Ketcham created a combination of all her favorite things in art form—color, texture, sculpture and painting—including more than 35 hand-crafted cakes and 12 paintings. 

After Whitman, Ketcham plans to move to Washington, D.C., and pursue medical illustration.

AUSTIN, TEXAS | COMPUTER SCIENCE

Andrew Kuhlken ’24

Andrew Kuhlken found his niche at Whitman by immersing himself in the world of computer programming. Despite having no background in the field, he grew to love computer science at Whitman and enjoyed the problem-solving processes. Originally intending to focus on Earth science, Kuhlken pivoted to major in Computer Science while minoring in Geology, blending his love for the outdoors with his newfound passion for coding. 

He took part in groundbreaking research with Associate Professor of Computer Science John Stratton. Their research explored a new general-purpose algorithm for weighted random selection. Together, they co-authored a research paper and published their findings at the Consortium for Computing Sciences in Colleges last fall. 

Kuhlken’s capstone project for his honors degree expanded on this research as he worked to improve the code to increase performance and contribute to open performance libraries. 

Kuhlken has begun his career in computer science—as a Software Engineer at MulticoreWare Inc., a leading global technology company headquartered in San Jose, California.

Nominated by Associate Professor of Computer Science John Stratton.

FIRCREST, WASHINGTON | ANTHROPOLOGY

Hanna Lynch ’24

When she first arrived on campus, Hanna Lynch anticipated majoring in Politics. After taking a few classes at Whitman, however, she was drawn toward Anthropology and carved out a unique career path as an aspiring mortician reimagining the start of the afterlife. 

Lynch hopes to bring sustainability to her work as a mortician, exploring green burials and destigmatizing conversations surrounding death and decomposition. She hopes to bring comfort to loved ones while also treating the deceased with the attention they deserve. Although she may get a few surprised reactions, being a mortician and funeral director appeals to Lynch because it allows her to help people in every stage of life. 

A Politics and Creative Writing double minor, Lynch was involved on campus as Head Copy Editor for Quarterlife, Whitman’s literary magazine, and as a co-leader for both the Catholic Community on Campus and the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship. She also worked as the Politics and Anthropology departments’ research assistant for two years. 

A star student-athlete, Lynch was captain of the women’s soccer team for two years and received the President’s Award at the Annual Athletics Banquet. This prestigious award is given to the senior athlete who has the highest cumulative grade point average and has competed in their sport all four years. 

After graduation, Lynch moved to Kirkland, Washington, where she will study Funeral Service Education at the Lake Washington Institute of Technology.

Nominated by Associate Professor of Anthropology and Environmental Studies Eunice Blavascunas.

SAN SALVADOR, EL SALVADOR | POLITICS AND PSCHOLOGY

Brandon A. Martínez Serrano ’24

Brandon A. Martínez Serrano took advantage of many opportunities to expand his education at Whitman. He was appointed as the Student Representative at the Council of Student Affairs, worked as an Off-Campus Studies and Senior Admission intern, and served as a Student Representative and Chair of the Associated Students of Whitman College Oversight Committee. 

He also created spaces for dialogue and understanding. He was a presenter at Whitman’s Freedom Songs program and the Power and Privilege Symposium—of which he also served as the Executive Director in 2024. Under his leadership, the symposium set a record high rate for attendance.

Martínez Serrano also constructed his own internships with funding from the Whitman Internship Grant. He took a deep dive into governance systems in Latin America while interning with the Unión Cultural Argentino Libanesa in Buenos Aires, Argentina, during his study abroad semester. He also interned in his home country of El Salvador for former Senator Rosa Romero at the Asamblea Legislativa.

Martínez Serrano’s deep intellectual curiosity led him to take part in multiple research projects in Whitman’s Personality Lab, the Social Cognition Lab and the Hispanic Studies Department. His research inspired his senior thesis projects and confirmed his passion for creating a positive change in Latin America.

Martínez Serrano hopes to channel his experiences and knowledge into impactful roles within think tanks, nongovernmental organizations and government institutions focused on policymaking and education reform in Latin America. He has long term goals to contribute to the Salvadoran political system as a member of the Congress or by seeking the presidency.

Nominated by Professor of Psychology Matthew Prull.

WINNETKA, ILLINOIS | ART-ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Adeshola “Shola” Mau ’24

Shola Mau was selected by the senior class as the 2024 Class Speaker at commencement. The Toronto native was well-known for her impactful leadership while on campus. 

“By being up here today, you are already showing that you can do difficult things and emerge with grace and beauty,” Mau told the Class of 2024 in her commencement speech. “COVID shook things up, and I know for a lot of us, it kind of feels like it stole something from us, but getting to see the campus slowly return to life has been amazing.” 

Mau was deeply involved in sorority and fraternity life. She was on the executive committee of Kappa Alpha Theta—serving vice presidencies for Membership, Education, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion—and she represented sororities in the Greek Allies Program. 

Beyond campus, Mau gave back to the Walla Walla community with Story Time in local schools and as a volunteer at the Blue Mountain Humane Society. This fall, Mau moved will move to New York City to pursue her work in the arts. 

Her classmates selected her to be the 2024 Class Speaker at Whitman’s commencement ceremony.

PORTLAND, OREGON | HISPANIC STUDIES AND BIOLOGY

Quinn Miller ’24

Quinn Miller left an enduring legacy of environmental stewardship at Whitman.

Collaborating with Professor of Biology Heidi Dobson and Senior Lecturer of Environmental Studies Amy Molitor, Miller played a major part in bringing a brand new course to Whitman. Taught for the first time in Spring 2024, Campus Landscape: A Living Laboratory is an innovative course where students learn about ecological systems in eastern Washington through hands-on landscape projects and outreach within campus. Miller is also a leading member of the Native Plant Restoration Coalition, a student club that works to restore landscapes and reintroduce native plants back to campus.

Miller’s learning went beyond the classroom into meaningful biological research. Funded by the prestigious Louis B. Perry Research Award in 2022 and 2023, Miller worked alongside Professor Dobson researching aquatic insects in Mill Creek and locating changes in aquatic insect fauna along the river. Miller went on to present this research at the Murdock College Science Research Conference, the Whitman Undergraduate Conference and the Entomological Society of America Pacific Branch Meeting, placing first in undergraduate talks in 2023.

Beyond academics, Miller’s creative spirit showed through leadership and involvement as a cast member in the Rocky Horror Picture Show for four years and as a leading member of the Whitman Cosmic Drag Collective.

Since graduating, Miller is taking a gap year to do more research and gain field experience before pursuing a doctorate in Entomology with plans for a career researching and teaching insect ecology.

Nominated by Spencer F. Baird Professor of Biology Heidi Dobson.

NANPMA, IDAHO | HISTORY (CULTURES AND IDEAS)

Kasey Moulton ’24

Kasey Moulton is a passionate storyteller, dedicated to sharing untold stories and making history accessible for everyone.

Moulton chose Whitman because she wanted to pursue debate. Over her four years on the Debate and Forensics Team, she placed in several national-level forensics competitions and was honored as a Pi Kappa Delta All-American.

Together with her debate partner, Jas Liu ’24, Moulton made history as Whitman’s first parliamentary debate team in a decade to reach a national final, finishing second place at the National Parliamentary Tournament of Excellence.

As Editor-in-Chief of The Whitman Wire, Moulton was especially proud to have brought a focus on breaking news and in-depth investigative work to the student-run newspaper and to have revived the magazine edition, known as The Circuit, for the first time in five years.

As a junior, Moulton served as president of Whitman Votes, the campus chapter of Every Vote Counts, boosting voter turnout and civic engagement among Whitties.

In 2023, she was awarded the Forbes-Jacobs Junior History Award. In the spring of 2024, she curated a Maxey Museum display case. Her senior honors thesis explored how Inland Northwest towns marketed themselves in the late 19th century. She wanted to emphasize that local stories are worthy of the same kind of attention as national moments.

As she embarks on the next chapter, Moulton plans to continue her journey in public history and archival work, ensuring that the stories of our past resonate with the present and inspire the future.

Nominated by Associate Professor of History Jakobina “Bina” Arch.

WALLA WALLA, WASHINGTON | HISPANIC STUDIES

Erik Muro ’24

At Whitman, Erik Muro paved his way for an innovative career in health care.

Through mentorship and guidance that he received in his medical interpreting class—offered by Whitman’s Hispanic Studies department—Muro found his calling in a career that expanded on his language skills and discovered the many needs for translators in health care.

As part of Whitman’s SOS Volunteer Club, Muro landed an impactful internship at the SOS Clinic, a local nonprofit health center. He gained valuable experience and used his language skills to provide crucial medical interpretation services for patients and providers and served the local community. He also went on to sit on the board of directors for the clinic.

“I come in and can be a friendly face … and they know that I can speak to them in their language. Seeing the comfort and relief that provides patients is really cool and rewarding,” Muro says.

Prior to Whitman, Muro was active in sports and hoped to find ways to continue to be involved in college. In his first semester at Whitman, he took an introductory volleyball course with Whitman’s Volleyball Coach Matthew Helm, which sparked a passion for the game. He eventually served as President for the co-ed volleyball and sand volleyball clubs on campus.

Muro plans to work as a medical interpreter at a local clinic or hospital, pursue a legal interpreter certification, and eventually start his own interpreting business.

Nominated by Associate Professor of Hispanic Studies Carlos Vargas-Salgado.

BIHAC, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA | MUSIC (VOICE PERFORMANCE) AND GERMAN STUDIES

Aziz Šahbazović ’24

When Aziz Šahbazović came to Whitman, right away, he found community on campus and was inspired to get involved. While interning at Whitman’s Intercultural Center, he was a driving force for creating a welcoming and inclusive campus community for everyone. He also welcomed new and prospective students as a Senior Admission Intern, sharing his love for Whitman—especially the Music program. His passion for opera led to performing on stages all over campus.

Šahbazović also helped create more spaces for artistic expression by founding the Opera Viewing Club, taking on leadership in the Cosmic Drag Collective Student Affinity Club, and serving on the Whitman Events Board for two years—helping plan amazing events for Whitties. He also interned at the Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival and the Vienna State Opera during his study abroad semester in Austria.

In the German Studies Department, Šahbazović gained valuable experience working on research and writing a 15-page essay about the influences of Wagner's “Der Ring des Nibelungen” on 19th-century German identity. 

Šahbazović continues to pursue his passion for opera while applying for graduate school in a German-speaking country.

Nominated by Associate Professor of Music and Garrett Fellow Paul Luongo.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON | GEOLOGY-ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Morgan Sharp ’24

At Whitman, Morgan Sharp found opportunities to expand upon his passion for Earth sciences, with hands-on experiences and real-world applications. 

In 2021, Sharp participated in the Semester in the West program— an immersive interdisciplinary field program focused on conserving the American West amid climate challenges. This was a formative part of his experience at Whitman, contributing to his love for environmental geology. As part of a prestigious Keck Geology Consortium project, Sharp explored fault damage zones in southwest Utah through a National Science Foundation grant. His findings were showcased at national and sectional meetings of the Geological Society of America. 

Beyond his scholarly achievements, he was part of Schwa, a campus a cappella group, since his first year. He also has impressive rock-climbing skills and worked at the climbing gym, teaching classes and setting routes. 

Sharp is using his degree and field experience working for the Forest Service at the Methow Valley Ranger District near Winthrop, Washington.

Nominated by Associate Professor of Geology and Environmental Studies Lyman Persico.

BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, WASHINGTON | MATHEMATICS

Madeleine Sherry ’24

From day one, Madeleine Sherry said yes to every new opportunity that came her way at Whitman, creating an incredible college experience with a community of friends and mentors across campus.

A star student-athlete, Sherry came to Whitman to be part of the women’s lacrosse team and served as the captain of the team her senior year.

Beyond athletics, Sherry was a Delta Gamma sorority member and was part of Whitman's Panhellenic Council and the Order of Omega—a national society that recognizes sorority and fraternity students who have demonstrated academic excellence and exemplary leadership. Sherry also gave back to her fellow Whitties as a math tutor and German language assistant. She also volunteered as a tutor for students in the Walla Walla community.

With a double minor in German Studies and Data Science, Sherry interned for a mobility company in Vienna during her study abroad semester in Austria. This experience, coupled with a data science practicum with Whitman’s Development Office, expanded her skills in statistical analysis and data interpretation. Inspired by these experiences, Sherry's senior Mathematics project explored different methods to better understand campus demographics and success rates.

Sherry is interested in continuing to learn how to better use data to understand the world around us. She is headed to Oregon State University to pursue a master’s degree in statistics and work as a teaching assistant. She is looking forward to exploring both teaching and research during her time in the program.

Nominated by Associate Professor of Mathematics Douglas Hundley.

CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA | JAPANESE, PSYCHOLOGY AND MUSIC PERFORMANCE

Irene Tsai ’24

A talented performer, Irene Tsai placed second at an international piano competition during her time at Whitman. She graced numerous events with her musical talents, including Convocation, President Bolton’s Installation Ceremony, and events at local businesses and nursing homes.

Tsai also played for Whitman’s women’s tennis team for four years, competing and volunteering to teach tennis at local elementary schools, tennis clubs and fundraisers.

She presented her Psychology thesis, which discusses how language and culture impact code switching, at the 2023–2024 Undergraduate Conference. She is thankful for every unique experience that molded her growth—personally, professionally, academically and musically—shaping her into the person she is today.

Tsai will spend the next year in Japan with the JET Cultural Exchange Program. She’ll be building connections within global communities while teaching English and music. Afterward, she plans to pursue graduate studies.

Nominated by Associate Professor of Music and Garrett Fellow Paul Luongo.

SAN CARLOS, CALIFORNIA | PHILOSOPHY AND BIOCHEMISTRY, BIOPHYSICS, AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

Shawn Vinogradsky ’24

Shawn Vinogradsky is making a difference in the world of science and medicine thanks to the education he received at Whitman. 

Working alongside Associate Professor of Chemistry Marion Götz, Vinogradsky took part in meaningful research and gained hands-on experience working to understand the drug carfilzomib in an effort to enhance its potency and reduce side effects for cancer patients. Vinogradsky and his project partner, Andrew Harter ’24, also received the 2023 Murdock Poster Prize in Organic Chemistry for their research on treatment for multiple myeloma—a blood cancer of the plasma cells. 

Beyond the lab, Vinogradsky enjoyed rock-climbing, taking advantage of Whitman’s indoor climbing gym and climbing spots in the surrounding Walla Walla area. 

Vinogradsky is now pursuing a doctorate in Pharmacological Sciences at the University of California, Irvine.

Nominated by Professor of German Studies and Philosophy Julia Ireland.

MADISON, WISCONSIN | SOCIOLOGY-ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Gabe Wasserman ’24

Gabe Wasserman was a model student-athlete for the Whitman Blues. During his time on campus, he was captain of the cross country and distance track teams. With support from Whitman’s Head Cross Country Coach Scott Shields ’91, Wasserman qualified for and represented Team USA in the Maccabiah Games, often called the Jewish Olympics.

Wasserman’s passion for running extended beyond competition. He served as the President of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, advocated for Whitman athletes and fostered a strong sense of community among them. 

He was also part of Kehillat Shalom, Whitman’s Jewish Affinity Club, and was a radio host for the weekly show “Disrupted” and “DJs in PJs” on KWCW.

Wasserman gained hands-on experience related to his major as a research assistant for Alissa Cordner, Associate Professor of Sociology and Co-Director of the PFAS Project Lab. This opportunity introduced Wasserman to the important research on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), often called “forever chemicals,” and inspired his senior thesis on PFAS found in firefighter protective equipment.

Working alongside Professor Cordner and the rest of the Whitman Sociology Department in a meaningful way inspired Wasserman’s passion for sociology.

He is moving to Chicago to be a part of a social justice organization called Avodah. He will be working for Erie Family Health Centers as a school-based health educator in the Chicago Public Schools. In the long-term, he plans to attend graduate school to delve further into sociology with the hopes of going into education.

Nominated by Associate Professor of Sociology Álvaro Santana-Acuña.