B.A. Multiplatform Journalism  

Hadley Bodell is an exceptional student journalist whose academic excellence, leadership, and professional accomplishments have had a lasting impact on Idaho State University. A senior majoring in Multiplatform Journalism with a minor in Professional Writing and a certificate in Sports Media, Hadley is a member of the ISU Honors Program and one of the most highly accomplished journalism students faculty have encountered in more than a decade.

Hadley has played a pivotal role in revitalizing ISU student media. Beginning her first semester, she worked with both KISU-FM and The Bengal Newspaper, later becoming Editor-in-Chief in May 2024. Under her leadership, The Bengal restored regular print publication, modernized its digital presence, expanded into podcasts and email news, and grew from a team of four students to fourteen—setting new standards for quality, professionalism, and innovation. In addition to her campus leadership, Hadley is a multimedia journalist with Local News 8 and will transition into a full-time role following graduation. Recognized with numerous competitive scholarships and honors, including the Bengal Spirit Benny Award, Hadley exemplifies integrity, creativity, and service.

B.A. History

Savanna (Vanna) Haddock is an exceptional History major with a minor in Journalism whose academic excellence and scholarly engagement distinguish her among her peers. A four-year student at Idaho State University, Vanna has demonstrated a deep commitment to historical research, most notably through her work on the Sharing Stories 1977 project under Dr. Marie Stango, where she conducted original primary-source research contributing to national scholarship on the 1977 National Women’s Conference.

Vanna’s academic rigor is matched by her professionalism and leadership. She was selected to serve as the undergraduate student representative on a faculty Tenure and Promotion Committee—an uncommon role requiring careful analysis, discretion, and collaboration. Faculty praised her insight, reliability, and thoughtful contributions. As president of Phi Alpha Theta and a recipient of the Stephen & Katherine Belko Scholarship and the Dr. Ronald Hatzenbuehler Scholarship, Vanna exemplifies intellectual curiosity, integrity, and academic excellence, making her a deserving recipient of the Outstanding Student Achievement Award.

B.A. Finance

Kade Borgholthaus exemplifies the spirit of Idaho State University through his academic excellence, leadership, and genuine commitment to helping others succeed. A Finance major with a 3.92 GPA, Kade has distinguished himself as an embedded tutor, Success Center tutor, Supplemental Instruction leader, and ISU Ambassador—earning him recognition as ISU’s 2024 Student Employee of the Year. Known for his approachable demeanor and positive energy, Kade has an exceptional ability to connect with students, explain complex concepts clearly, and create welcoming learning environments where students feel confident asking questions and engaging deeply with course material.

Over multiple semesters, Kade has gone above and beyond his formal roles, frequently stepping up to lead Supplemental Instruction sessions—often on short notice—while balancing his own rigorous coursework, research, and involvement on competitive business teams. Faculty consistently praise his initiative, thoughtful preparation, and natural teaching ability, noting that he demonstrates a level of leadership and instructional skill rarely seen at the undergraduate level. Born and raised in Pocatello and a proud third-generation Bengal, Kade embodies ISU’s values of integrity, service, and excellence.

B.A. Elementary Education 

Grace Tigue is an exceptional educator whose academic excellence, professionalism, and commitment to student success exemplify Idaho State University’s mission. Graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a minor in History, Grace earned a 3.95 GPA and completed all state-required teaching certification exams. She graduated in December 2025 with endorsements in all subjects K–8 and middle school history.

Grace’s clinical preparation and classroom impact are outstanding. She completed extensive fieldwork across multiple grade levels, including service as an America Reads tutor supporting kindergarten literacy at a Title I school, before completing a twelve-week student teaching internship at Sawtooth Elementary School. Her performance was so exemplary that she was immediately hired as a first-grade teacher upon completion of her internship. Praised by supervisors for her preparedness, classroom management, and calm, compassionate approach, Grace brings creativity, warmth, and high standards to every learning environment. She is also a recipient of multiple scholarships and a dedicated student-athlete.

Honors B.S. Health Science and B.A. Health Professions

Amina Miljkovic is an exceptional scholar, leader, and public servant whose academic excellence and commitment to equitable health care distinguish her among Idaho State University’s top students. A 4.0 student, Amina is pursuing a dual degree—an Honors Bachelor of Science in Health Science (Pre-Dental) and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish for Health Professions—along with an Academic Certificate in Civic Engagement. A graduate of ISU with an Associate of Arts earned summa cum laude, she is a member of the University Honors Program and part of the small cohort pursuing the rigorous Honors Bachelor of Science pathway.

Amina’s scholarship and service are deeply connected. Her honors thesis research examines determinants of oral health care and birth outcomes among pregnant individuals in Idaho, with the goal of improving access to culturally competent care. As a Bobette Wilhelm Civic Scholar, she has volunteered more than 150 hours as a dental assistant and medical translator at the Pocatello Free Clinic. A Benjamin A. Gilman Scholar, Amina completed a Medical Spanish Immersion Program in Buenos Aires, Argentina, gaining clinical and global health experience. As President of the University Honors Program Club and an Honors Peer Mentor, she is a respected advocate for student success.

Pharm.D and M.B.A.

Duncan Andrus is a fourth-year Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Business Administration student at Idaho State University. An Idaho native, he has gained extensive hands-on experience in community, hospital, nuclear, and clinical pharmacy settings, developing skills in patient counseling, compounding, medication management, and investigational drug services. He has presented research at state and national conferences on topics including artificial intelligence in pharmacy, opioid use disorder prescribing, and pharmacy reimbursement, and he is a contributing author on a chapter and a manuscript currently under review. Duncan has also been recognized with multiple scholarships for his academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to community service.

In addition to his academic and clinical work, Duncan has demonstrated strong leadership and service. He has served on the College of Pharmacy Student Senate, including as Senate Pro-Tempore, and held leadership roles with the Professional Pharmacy Student Alliance and ASISU. He has participated in community outreach initiatives, including immunization and health screening events, and completed training as a Community Health Worker to better serve patients in rural and underserved areas. Through these experiences, Duncan has shown a dedication to improving healthcare access, mentoring peers, and supporting the pharmacy profession while positively impacting the communities he serves.

B.S. Chemistry

Lauren Jager is a senior chemistry major at Idaho State University, graduating with honors distinction and a minor in psychology. Since joining ISU, she has excelled in both academic and research pursuits, completing an extensive honors curriculum while contributing to multiple research projects. Lauren’s work focuses on sustainable materials, including the development of novel sulfur-based polymers and the study of microplastic degradation in collaboration with Idaho National Laboratory. She has presented her research at national conferences, published in peer-reviewed journals, and earned prestigious awards including the Bobette Wilhelm Memorial Scholarship and an INBRE Research Fellowship.

In addition to her research, Lauren is deeply committed to teaching, mentoring, and community engagement. She has served as a laboratory teaching assistant, embedded learning assistant, and tutor for chemistry courses, while also holding leadership roles in the ISU Chemistry Club, where she organizes outreach events for K-12 students and advocates for sustainable practices. Lauren’s combination of scientific curiosity, leadership, and dedication to advancing chemistry education has made her an outstanding contributor to both ISU and the broader scientific community.

B.S. Mechanical Engineering and M.S. Mechanical Engineering 

Mathew Shumway is a Mechanical Engineering graduate from Idaho State University, earning his Bachelor of Science in December 2025 as a Presidential Scholarship recipient. Originally from Rexburg, Idaho, and raised in Pocatello, Mathew followed in the footsteps of his father, an ISU engineering alumnus, and quickly distinguished himself through academic excellence, maintaining a 3.69 cumulative GPA with a perfect 4.0 semester. He was named to the Dean’s List multiple times, received the Mechanical Engineering Outstanding Student Award for Professionalism in Spring 2025, and became the first undergraduate accepted into ISU’s highly competitive Accelerated B.S.–M.S. Mechanical Engineering program.

Beyond the classroom, Mathew has demonstrated exceptional initiative and professional maturity. He has contributed to multiple undergraduate research projects, co-authored a research journal publication, completed an internship at Idaho National Laboratory, and currently holds a pending patent through a design and manufacturing startup he co-founded with a fellow ISU graduate. As a Mechanical Engineering Teaching Assistant and Treasurer of the MCERC student club, Mathew has shown strong leadership and dedication to service, including volunteering with Enhabit Home Health in Pocatello. His combination of technical skill, innovation, leadership, and commitment to community makes him a standout example of the Bengal spirit in action.

Honors B.S. Health Science

Andrew Christensen is a senior student in Idaho State University’s Physical Therapist Assistant program and Health Science major, graduating with honors distinction and an expected PTA license in May 2026. A native of Idaho Falls, Andrew previously worked as a wildland firefighter and earned his Emergency Medical Technician license, experiences that cultivated resilience, discipline, and leadership under pressure. At ISU, he has excelled academically, maintaining a 3.94 GPA while completing the University Honors Program and an honors research project in the Biomechanics Lab, where he investigated cervical musculature coordination and its implications for clinical practice.

Beyond his academic and research achievements, Andrew is deeply committed to service, mentorship, and community engagement. He has participated in clinical affiliations, volunteered at the Pocatello Free Clinic, and contributed to student organizations including the Pre-Health Professions Association and the PTA Club. Known for his empathy, professionalism, and collaborative spirit, Andrew approaches both patient care and research with precision and integrity. His dedication to advancing evidence-based practice, combined with his leadership and clinical skills, makes him embody the true Bengal spirit. 

M.S. Biology

Kasey Wozniak is a Master of Science student in Biology at Idaho State University, where she focuses on Biology Education and Pedagogy, studying how undergraduate students develop project ownership and scientific identity through Vertically Integrated Project (VIP) courses. Since starting her program in Fall 2023, she has earned $8,700 in research funding and presented her work at national conferences. Kasey is already first author on a peer-reviewed publication in Scholarship and Practice of Undergraduate Research, highlighting her dedication to advancing undergraduate science education.

Beyond research, Kasey has served as President and Vice President of the Biology Graduate Student Association, chaired its Outreach and Education Committee, and organized over 20 community STEM events reaching more than 2,000 participants. She has mentored high school and undergraduate students on research projects, served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, and led innovative programs connecting science with the community. Kasey’s leadership, mentorship, and commitment to inclusive education make her a standout contributor to both the university and the broader scientific community.

Ph.D. Computer Science

Rifat Ara Tasnim is a recent PhD graduate from Idaho State University’s Department of Computer Science, where she focused on human-computer interaction, serious games, and VR/AR applications for psychotherapy. Originally from Bangladesh, she earned her bachelor’s degree from Khulna University of Engineering and Technology and began her career as a software engineer before pursuing her doctoral studies in the U.S. At ISU, she conducted innovative research on digital interventions to enhance cognitive behavioral therapy, developing interactive games across platforms such as mobile devices, Meta Quest, and Apple Vision Pro. Rifat completed two competitive internships at the Idaho National Laboratory and served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant while maintaining a 3.84 GPA.

Throughout her PhD, Rifat published 11 scientific papers, received multiple Best Paper Awards, and earned top presentation honors at institutional and international conferences. She has also been deeply involved in mentoring students, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, and supporting campus organizations such as the Bangladesh Student Association and NASA Idaho Space Grant Consortium. Her research, teaching, and leadership demonstrate a rare combination of technical expertise, communication skills, and professional maturity, making her a highly deserving recipient of the Outstanding Student Achievement Award.