Go Big Grad May 2024

He served as the president for UNL Pre-health Club, teaching assistant for General Chemistry I and II, and student researcher for UCARE.

For Grant’s Honors senior project, he studied a 1999 Lincoln medical archeological dig that recovered medical artifacts related to the Lincoln Infirmary, one of the first medical institutions of the city.

“[The project] gave me a healthy dose of the humanities to balance out the heavy workload of biochemistry. The project also gave me appreciation for the history of medical practice - something every physician should have.”

After graduation, Grant will be attending medical school at UNMC next fall. Grant shares, “Honors has given me a more interdisciplinary mindset - a critical component of working effectively in the real world.”

She is involved with UNL Mock Trial, Families and the Law, and she served as a research assistant at the Nebraska Resource Project for Vulnerable Young Children.

Her senior project explored dependency cases involving domestic violence, which further solidified her commitment to ethical legal counsel. After graduation, Julia will be attending law school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

“The Honors program taught me to better recognize what issues exist in my community and helped me develop skills to address these issues.”

On campus, Natalie is involved in ASUN Student Government and Phi Mu Sorority, and served as the student intern for the E.N. Thompson Forum on World Issues. One of the highlights of Natalie’s time in Honors was the UHON 298H Honors seminar “Women, Leadership, & Power.”

“I had a rewarding experience serving as a teaching assistant for the same course my junior year. I deeply appreciated the trust from the instructor and students alike in my ability to make the course as valuable for them as it was for me.”

After graduation, Natalie will be attending Boston University Law School.

“I have no doubt that this dream-like opportunity would not have been possible without the invaluable support of instructors and staff of the Honors Program.”

One way Landon has been involved in Nebraska Honors was as a facilitator for CityBuild 2040, a fall break service trip sponsored by Honors in October 2022.

“It was a cool experience where I got to tour small businesses in Grand Island, Nebraska, and helped students build a cardboard city.”

As an undergrad, Landon gained hands-on experience as a legislative page at the Nebraska Legislature for two years and received Honors credit for his experience.

“I got to work with State Senators and many of my fellow political science majors. I learned a lot about state government and got to witness actual Nebraskan history unfold in real time.”

After graduation, Landon will enter UNL’s College of Law.

In addition to being a part of the Honors Community, Maddie has been involved with American Cancer Society/Relay for Life, Pre-PA Club, and undergraduate research.

“Honors provided me with a unique experience - having the opportunity to connect with my peers and professors in intellectually engaging experiences and challenging courses. These facets of the Honors program pushed me to be a better learner and thinker.”

Maddie’s senior thesis project was based on research analyzing light behaviors among various species of Drosophila (fruit flies). This project helped Maddie refine her ability to analyze data and synthesize findings, while cultivating the dedication and discipline that will serve her well during her next chapter.

After graduation, Maddie will work in the healthcare field and apply to a physician assistant (PA) school.

Ethan has found his place in the Honors Program and across campus through involvements that included ASUN Student Government, Young Democrats, and UCARE.

“The most meaningful part of my time in the Honors Program has been the community. Living in Knoll my first two years and engaging with fellow Honors Program students in seminars was a fulfilling experience,” said Ethan.

Ethan worked at the Tenant Assistance Project last summer, which propelled his passion for experiential learning. At his internship, he gained insights into housing rights in Lincoln, NE.

“This experience opened my eyes to the field of housing justice as a potential career path, something I hadn't previously considered but now find deeply compelling.”

After graduation, Ethan will be working at the Nebraska Legislature for Senator Machaela Cavanaugh and taking a gap year before attending law school.