At the end of each semester, the University of Nevada, Reno and the Nevada Alumni Association recognize one undergraduate student from each school or college who fits the Senior Scholar program criteria. The scholars are given a framed certificate, a commemorative booklet and a Senior Scholar pin to honor their achievements. Below, you can learn more about each individual who has embodied The Wolf Pack Way with their dedication to their studies and significant accomplishments though Question and Answer interviews.
Muhammad Ahmed Shamim
College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, GPA: 4.00
Mentor: Elena Pravosudova
Why did you choose to attend the University of Nevada, Reno?
The University stood out to me for the plethora of opportunities, including research and teaching programs. Throughout my undergraduate journey, my aim was to develop leadership skills. Getting involved in teaching programs, leadership roles and research for my Senior Thesis Capstone has been a fantastic experience and has molded me into the leader I envisioned.
How did you decide on your major?
I knew biochemistry was the right major for me because it would allow me to challenge myself and provide the opportunity to do research. Research has been a great way to get involved in the science community.
What is your favorite college memory?
Teaching my first BIOL 190A discussion group. Before that, I never saw myself as a confident public speaker and I remember standing in front of my 20 students, shaking with nerves. Yet, I soon developed a love and massive passion for teaching, especially in my knowledge of medicine. I'm so proud of how much my communication and leadership skills have grown.
What are your plans after graduation?
My future vision has always been about avoiding limitations. I hope to become a practicing physician and continue to study acting and pursue performance opportunities, therefore encompassing fundamental science and medicine concepts and expertise in the Arts.
Why did you select this person as your mentor?
Dr. Pravosudova has opened many doors and enhanced my leadership growth. She has fostered my confidence and communication skills. I'm so grateful to have been chosen as a discussion leader for BIOL 190A, and a program coordinator. She has been open to my creative ideas, showing me that teaching can be fun and engaging.
Jerod Hjalmar Zboinski
Accounting, GPA 4.00
Mentor: Matthew Hayes
Why did you choose to attend the University of Nevada, Reno?
I am from the area, I liked the campus and it was an affordable option for me. With my testing scores I was able to secure a scholarship that made school reasonably priced. Additionally, my mom also graduated from the University, so there is a family connection.
How did you decide on your major?
While taking a variety of classes, I started my first accounting course and realized I understood the topic well. I then had an interview with a local professional at Eide Bailly who further cemented my interest in the profession.
What is your favorite college memory?
It's so hard to pick! As a part of Beta Alpha Psi, I attended a conference in San Diego that was a great experience being able to meet other accounting students. We also got second place in our category. I enjoyed spending time with my teammates and being able to represent the University within the accounting field.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to accumulate the 150 required credits to take the CPA test over the next two years and obtain my CPA license. I plan to work locally at an accounting firm, and stay in Sparks for the near future.
Why did you select this person as your mentor?
Professor Hayes is the advisor for Beta Alpha Psi accounting club on campus. As the Vice President, I've had plenty of opportunity to talk to him in a less formal setting and has helped me think critically about my career options after graduation. His opinion is one that I value. I also enjoyed his Accounting 402 and he is always available to answer my questions about the topic and the career field.
Boris Neftaly Carpio Guerra
College of Education and Human Development
Human Development and Family Sciences, GPA 3.96
Mentor: Jenna Dewar ’08, ’11 M.S.
Why did you choose to attend the University of Nevada, Reno?
I luckily was a part of Dean’s Future Scholars x296375 , and was on campus every summer since 6th grade. The relationships and skills I obtained allowed me to find my place here. Knowing that I had a huge support system made my decision to attend Nevada easy, and understanding that I could impact future students was important to me.
How did you decide on your major?
I have a passion for education. I wanted to understand our education system and the factors shaping student-education relationships. My support systems played a crucial role in my journey impacting my choice. HDFS also offered flexibility, ensuring I wouldn’t feel restricted if my career aspirations shifted post-graduation.
What is your favorite college memory?
Campaigning and winning the ASUN election as student body president was most memorable. My Vice President Hannah Alquiza and I ran on our Empower Nevada Initiative with the goal to empower ALL students, allowing marginalized students to have a seat at the table and get their voices heard. I achieved this and became a president who introduced new values previously unexplored within the association.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to pursue a master’s program at the University. The goal is to hold a position in higher education to support students and keep marginalized voices amplified. All the love I have experienced here has changed my future and myself, and I want every student to feel that love while they pursue their dreams.
Why did you select this person as your mentor?
Jenna Dewar has exceptional leadership and wisdom. She’s guided, supported and mentored me, enabling me to positively influence students’ lives. Under her leadership, I’ve formed meaningful connections and fostered a strong sense of belonging. I hope to empower students as she did me one day.
Lloyd Gonzales
Computer Science and Engineering, GPA: 4.00
Mentor: Gabrielle Bachand ’15, ’17 M.S.
Why did you choose to attend the University of Nevada, Reno?
The University offered me the National Merit Scholarship as a freshman, allowing me to focus on my studies without burdening my family. Combined with the fact I had lived in Reno my whole life, why not stay a little longer? In computing, where you come from doesn't matter nearly as much as what you can do.
How did you decide on your major?
I joined the NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge in high school, building a human-powered rover for simulated lunar terrain. While working on the telemetry team, collecting data about the environment, a teacher gave me an Arduino and Raspberry Pi kit, urging me to experiment. Despite my limited computing knowledge, I loved exploring programming and creating with sensors and code.
What is your favorite college memory?
I was able to take a summer internship near Washington, D.C. One night, I decided to jog around without my phone and I was lost within 10 minutes. But in exchange, I got to see the heart of the city - the idle chatter over wine, the fairy lights in cozy rooms, the couples exploring the world as they watched the nightlife fly by. I think it was at this point that it finally hit me: I was lost, I was happy and it really was all in my hands now.
What are your plans after graduation?
Straight into internships and grad school! With recent advancements in generative AI, there are a lot of exciting opportunities to make custom forensic datasets more accessible so I will study digital forensics in an accelerated master’s program.
Why did you select this person as your mentor?
I genuinely believe that ENGR 301 is why I've been successful at navigating internships and other opportunities. Gabbi took the time to get to know each of us and provide fantastic feedback on our work. I really look up to her experience and approach to teaching, and I hope to pass this on to others through my own work.
Olivia Joyce Ngo
Musical Theatre and Political Science, GPA: 4.00
Mentor: Rosie Brownlow-Calkin
Why did you choose to attend the University of Nevada, Reno?
As a first-generation student, the tuition and scholarships made my education high-quality yet affordable. I wanted to study where my peers and faculty felt accessible to me. My university experience has been incredible beyond imagination.
How did you decide on your major?
I began performing when I was five. Also, my high school teachers inspired my passion for civics, so political science became my second major. Both majors seek to better societies by uplifting the human experience. I am not only a conscious and critical thinker, but am a more confident advocate for myself and others, which is important as a woman of color in white-dominant disciplines.
What is your favorite college memory?
I interned at the Nevada State Legislature with Assemblywoman Selena Torres, under the guidance of Dr. Amber Joiner. Along with growing my policy and communication skills, I met many driven and passionate individuals. My favorite experiences were presenting AB 245 (a bill about increasing protections for survivors of sexual misconduct), at the AAPI reception in the Governor’s Mansion and the joyous karaoke session afterward.
What are your plans after graduation?
Things are still up in the air! I attended an audition and am waiting to hear back. If I stay, I plan to get a campaign job, then work during the Nevada Legislative session. I will be performing in SpongeBob the Musical. My goal is to move to either DC or New York.
Why did you select this person as your mentor?
Rosie is a no-nonsense acting professor with high expectations. She is also funny, warm, intuitive, and challenges us to exceed our potential with grace. Not only has she made me a better actor, but she also goes out of her way to be a resource for her students. Rosie made me realize I could pursue a performance career on my own terms. Her mentorship has been essential as a graduating senior.
DiDiAlice Coker
Biology, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation (CABNR), GPA 4.00
Mentor: Jenny Ouyang
Why did you choose to attend the University of Nevada, Reno?
The University has great resources and facilities. I found it to be a high-value and quality school close to home.
How did you decide on your major?
I chose to double major in Biology and Wildlife Ecology and Conservation because I've always been fascinated by life science, specifically animal behavior, and I care a lot about conservation. Double majoring has allowed me to gain knowledge and experience in a wider variety of topics while practicing both lab and field research techniques.
What is your favorite college memory?
Visiting the Bay Area in California for a herpetology class field trip. We saw amazing animal specimens at a museum and then looked for some local lizards, snakes and amphibians. This experience reminded me of the impressive biodiversity there is everywhere and how important it is to preserve it for future generations, both in museums and in the wild.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduating, I'll be enrolling in the Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology master's program working with Dr. Davide Baldan here at the University. I'm planning to fully immerse myself in the field and hone my research skills. I will be working on a project regarding how avian parental and familial dynamics are altered by anthropogenic change.
Why did you select this person as your mentor?
Dr. Jenny Ouyang is one of the best research mentors I could have asked for. She recognized my potential when I didn't yet. Additionally, she has provided me invaluable opportunities that have allowed me to build confidence in myself as a researcher and future graduate student. Dr. Ouyang is attentive and cares greatly about the success of her students, both as a professor and advisor.
Kirin Hardinger
Computer Science and Engineering BSCSE., GPA: 4.00
Mentor: Erin Keith ’12, ’15 M.S.
Why did you choose to attend the University of Nevada, Reno?
I was born in Reno, and have lived here almost my entire life, and love it. Because of that, it was very important to me that I stayed in Nevada while I pursued higher education. As well, I felt encouraged by the University and alumni: the values they stood for, the successes they brought to the community, and the vibrant network of people providing opportunities for growth and collaboration.
How did you decide on your major?
It was my admiration for my dad, who led a successful career as a computer engineer, and my love for video games that pushed me toward my major in Computer Science and Engineering. As a kid, I used to sit under my dad’s desk while he worked. Although, I didn't have much of an engineering background, I took a chance when I joined the CSE program, it was absolutely one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
What is your favorite college memory?
When I participated in the Association of Computing Machinery club's 2022 Hackathon. It was my first coding competition, so I felt very nervous and out of my element. But, I joined with a group of friends and we spent the entire night holed up in the Ansari building working on our project. By the end, I felt so fulfilled and accomplished.
What are your plans after graduation?
I've been accepted to the graduate school at the University and will be pursuing a master's degree in Computer Science and Engineering. Ultimately, I hope to pursue a career in education and this degree will be a great step towards that goal.
Why did you select this person as your mentor?
Erin is an excellent lecturer and I sincerely admire her dedication to her students. She has fostered an amazing community within the Computer Science and Engineering program, and I count myself very lucky to have experienced it firsthand. From the beginning of my undergraduate career in her introductory computer science course, to working on her staff team as a Teaching Fellow, I have always felt so supported by her.
Jaden Tan
Nursing, GPA: 4.00
Mentor: Suchawadee Yimmee
Why did you choose to attend the University of Nevada, Reno?
I heard that their nursing program was amazing at the University. It was also still in Nevada, where I grew up, so I was able to visit family consistently.
How did you decide on your major?
I love happiness. I derive immense amounts of joy from seeing other people being happy, but unfortunately, in hospitals, people are going through the worst day(s) of their lives, so happiness is inherently just not present. So, I want to do my part to help make people's lives in the hospital just a little bit happier. Although I know it is a difficult field to go into, as long as I can help a few people be happier, it will be worth it.
What is your favorite college memory?
Going to Trader Joe's for the first time, which is a little embarrassing. In December 2023, my classmates and I went out to Chili's for dinner, and afterward, we went to Trader Joe's. We did not do anything special other than buy a handful of frozen meals, but I remember it vividly. I loved that experience.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to work at Renown as a registered nurse in their progressive care or critical care unit. Then, after a year, I plan to enroll in graduate studies to become a Doctor of Nursing Practice and hopefully join academia and lecture nursing courses.
Why did you select this person as your mentor?
I selected Dr. Yimmee because of her role in guiding me during my first semester of nursing school. That semester, she pushed me and taught me the foundation of my nursing skills. Without her, I would not be anywhere near where I am in terms of ability to take care of patients. Additionally, she along with some of my other nursing professors, were instrumental in my decision to pursue academia.
Jaedyn Young
Journalism, GPA 4.00
Mentor: Alan Deutschman
Why did you choose to attend the University of Nevada, Reno?
The University had everything I was looking for — a beautiful environment, a big school not too far away from home and many opportunities to explore. Even though I entered during the year of the pandemic, I still felt welcome. My older sister, Paetyn, was studying nursing at the University and as a significant role model for me, so of course I followed her!
How did you decide on your major?
Since I was a little girl I wanted to be a writer, always my nose in a book or my pen on paper. My dad dabbled in writing, so I figured it had to be in my blood. I started as an English major and added journalism as my dual major. My mom wanted me to be the future Secretary of State so I tried out political journalism.
What is your favorite college memory?
Joining the student newspaper, The Nevada Sagebrush, was one of the best decisions I ever made. I still remember the feeling the first time I held a fresh printed newspaper with my byline on the front page. Also, studying abroad in Lüneburg, Germany through USAC was irreplaceable. Learning a language, adapting to a new culture, travelling and making friends from all over, I will always cherish.
What are your plans after graduation?
After a long nap, I hope to continue my part time work at the Reno Gazette Journal as a local government journalist. Besides that, I hope to head off to graduate school, maybe publish a book one day and will definitely try to make it back to Germany as soon as possible.
Why did you select this person as your mentor?
Although many of the Reynolds School professors have helped to support me, Alan has been one of the most supportive people in my life. He’s always open and willing to talk with me, provide me with connections and recommend me to everyone he knows. He is an incredible professor and mentor.
Liz Ann Shaw
Speech Pathology, GPA 3.99
Mentor: Pradyumn Srivastava
Why did you choose to attend the University of Nevada, Reno?
I ran track and cross country throughout high school, and always wanted to run collegiately. Running led me to look at Nevada in my senior year. The city of Reno, the surrounding mountains, being close to Lake Tahoe, the sunny weather, campus itself, the Speech Pathology department and the track team are reasons I chose to go here.
How did you decide on your major?
Although I grew up wanting to be a teacher, I was still unsure until a couple at my community church told me that their daughter was a Speech Pathologist. After that moment, everything clicked into place for me. I could be connecting with kids on a more personal level, instead of in a large group. I chose the major shortly after, and luckily, I ended up loving it.
What is your favorite college memory?
The hours I spent with my friends in the study rooms at the library. We used to study for 6-8 hours straight when preparing for our anatomy and neuroscience exams, and although the material was difficult and tiring, we always found a way to make it fun, and it was so rewarding when we would do well on the exams afterward.
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be pursuing my master's degree in Speech Pathology this upcoming fall. Afterward, I want to work in the school setting, but I could also see myself in the medical setting.
Why did you select this person as your mentor?
Dr. Prady has taught me so much throughout my time here. He is extremely passionate about the material he teaches; it is clear he cares about his students’ wellbeing and learning and their success. I am inspired by his knowledge level and passion within the career field.
William Neel
Community Health Sciences, Kinesiology, GPA: 3.99
Mentor: Dean Hinitz ’88 Ph.D.
Why did you choose to attend the University of Nevada, Reno?
I didn't come out of high school at the top of my class, but the University looked at my contributions to the community, experience and my capacity to learn and offered me the opportunity to get a degree without worrying about finances, thanks to the scholarship I was offered.
How did you decide on your major?
Volunteering at a pediatric therapy clinic in high school exposed me to the world of occupational therapy and influenced me to pivot my career path from engineering to occupational therapy. I decided to declare kinesiology because it was a straightforward path to occupational therapy school and allowed me to explore my endless curiosity about the human body and exercise.
What is your favorite college memory?
An end-of-semester talent show with all of Dr. Hinitz's TA's at Old World Coffee Bar. It was a night full of people putting on displays about what they were made to do and who they were. Inclusive of poetry, singing, dancing and comedy. I sang solo for the first time in front of anyone and was embraced by friends and strangers at the end of it.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to attend UNLV for occupational therapy school. In the future, I plan to come back to Reno to work as an OT in a mental health setting or doing hand therapy, and hope to work as an adjunct professor in any capacity at the University.
Why did you select this person as your mentor?
Dean Hinitz has infected me with the excitement and joy of life. He saw in me, as he does in all of his students, someone with the strength to bear great things and gave me the tools to handle life with the depth, intensity and texture it demands.
Taylor Flath
Social Work, GPA: 3.99
Mentor: Marina Murphy
Why did you choose to attend the University of Nevada, Reno?
Before choosing a university, I did research and found the School of Social Work gave the most holistic social work experience. I visited in my senior year of high school and fell in love with the campus and recognized the potential it had to be my home for the next four years.
How did you decide on your major?
I have always enjoyed being helpful and working with children. Within the social work field, I believe that I can make the greatest impact while doing the things that I love.
What is your favorite college memory?
Going into the performing arts building and painting on the graffiti walls with my best friend. We spent hours in there listening to music and painting. It felt like we were really allowed to be free in there and we got to create some amazing artwork together. It was a truly unique experience!
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to move to Colorado to be with my family and pursue my master’s degree in social work online. My long-term goal is to become a caseworker for children with disabilities.
Why did you select this person as your mentor?
Marina has always been kind to me and made me feel welcome in this program. In my last year, she has guided me through my internship and helped me make important decisions for my future. I am truly grateful for her guidance and patience, as I navigated these last few years of college.
