2026 Top Ten Seniors
For more than 80 years, Washington State University has recognized ten of the top seniors in each graduating class. The WSU Alumni Association selects those students who represent the highest standards in specific aspects of the college experience: academics, athletics, campus involvement, community service, and visual and performing arts.
Joan “Jo” Castaneda Gonzalez
Award Category: Academics
College of Arts and Sciences, Honors College
Biochemistry, Chemistry
WSU Pullman
Everson, Washington
Involvement
Barry M. Goldwater Scholar; Scott and Linda Carson Undergraduate Research Excellence Award; first author for journal article published in WIRES Nanomedicine & Nanobiotechnology, 2025; Research Poster Presentation Award, Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Students, 2025; student leader for Leadership in STEM through Applied Mentoring Programs (LSAMP)
Favorite WSU activity
I think the Leadership in STEM through Applied Mentoring Program is fantastic. It’s for students who are underrepresented in STEM fields. When I moved to Pullman, I didn’t know anyone. Through LSAMP, I’ve met a lot of people that I’ve stayed in touch with. The LSAMP Center also serves as the hub for a National Institute of Health-funded research program that I’m involved in. We get a lot of people through that space, and it’s always just nice to be around them.
Amelia Ramirez Vargas was one of the people I mentored. It has been really nice to mentor her and grow academically with her. We won an award at one of the regional conferences and we also won a national award. Seeing the people that you mentor have success is really wonderful.
Future plans
I will be moving to Minnesota to start my PhD in organic chemistry at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. There are two routes I’m interested in. I would love to become a research professor, where I would continue to do research and mentor students. The other interest of mine is to work at an industrial pharmaceutical company to help develop the next generation of medicines.
Eva Rickard
Award Category: Academics
College of Arts and Sciences, Honors College
Data Analytics
WSU Pullman
Billings, Montana
Involvement
First place Undergraduate Research Award at Veterinary Medicine and Molecular Biosciences Annual Showcase (2023 and 2024); undergraduate lab assistant at WSU Duttke Laboratory, studying molecular mechanisms that drive the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s and dementia; selected as one of three WSU students to be asked to give an oral presentation of their independent research to Pacific Northwest National Labs Research and Development professionals; MD Class of 2030 accepted to three Top 50 programs; WSU Alumni Association Leadership Award (2024 and 2025); WSU Undergraduate Research Award (2024 and 2025); Carson Research Scholar Fellow (2025); Glenn Terrell Presidential Scholarship recipient (2022-2025); 2025 WSU Goldwater Award recipient; co-author on Nature Protocols article; ABRCMS 2024 Molecular Biology Poster Award; Wilderness First Responder; Pullman Regional Hospital volunteer coordinator
Favorite WSU activity
I’m really proud of my first poster presentation. I had only been working in the lab for six weeks, and I was still really gaining confidence both in the material and in myself. I was taking my first 100-level biology course that semester when my principal investigator, Dr. Duttke said, “Let’s do a poster.” It’s kind of scary but he said, well, if you think you can do it, I want you to do it and I’ll help you. I said okay, so I put together this poster and I presented it. And then I ended up winning and I think it was just such a big boost for my confidence.
Future plans
I’m accepted into medical school and trying to keep my mind open about the specialty. I would probably say anesthesia or some application of family medicine. I don’t know if I would continue the research with Alzheimer’s, but I definitely see myself doing other sorts of research. I’m very passionate about women’s health, so I could see myself doing some sort of research in medical school.
Ben Borgida
Award Category: Athletics
College of Arts and Sciences, Honors College
Biology
WSU Pullman
Shoreline, Washington
Involvement
WSU men’s golf team player, 30 tournaments, fifth individually at the Canadian Collegiate Tournament in Toronto, and two team tournament victories; vice president and co-founder, Athletes in STEM; Pac-12 representative, WSU athletic department; vice president and president, Student Athlete Advisory Committee; NCAA Student-Athlete leadership convention; Special Olympics basketball coach; Student Athlete of the Month 2025; WSU Honor Roll 2022-2025; WCC All Academic selection; WSU Athletics Student of the Year, Teammate of the Year, 2024-2025; Butch’s Bash, engaging local youth with student-athletes
Favorite WSU experience
Being involved as the vice president of Student Athlete Advisory Committee last year, then president this year, has opened my eyes to how the athletic department works and the environment between different teams and coaches and staff. That’s been a very rewarding experience to plan events and to work on stuff behind the scenes and see that come to fruition.
One of my good friends, Samantha Krew [Top Ten Senior 2025], and I founded the Athletes in STEM club. That was great being able to foster a community of people who often feels alone, working on Friday and Saturday nights in the library with practice and minimal days off.
I’ve spent a lot of time practicing with my teammates at the golf facility and there are countless memories of really good things. And there are also tough times that have happened where you just feel like you can rely on the people who support you the most.
Future plans
I have a fifth year of eligibility because I redshirted my freshman year, so I’ll be back at WSU playing on the golf team. I’ll take some classes, not working necessarily towards a degree, but hope to spend some time volunteering or working in a hospital or dental office. After that, I’ll decide if I want to apply to dental school or medical school or pursue some other route.
Emily Lundgren
Award Category: Athletics
College of Arts and Sciences
Digital Technology and Culture
WSU Pullman
Chula Vista, California
Involvement
Women’s swimming; four-time qualifier for NCAA swimming championship; All-American in the 200-yard breast stroke (2024, 2025, 2026); All-American in the 100-yard breast stroke (2026); Academic All American 2025; WSU record holder for 100-yard butterfly stroke, 100-yard breast stroke, 200-yard breast stroke, 200-yard individual medley; 2025 Mountain West Swimmer of the Year; 2024 US Olympic Trials qualifier; represented Team USA at the 2023 World University Games; interned four years with WSU Athletics creative video department
Favorite WSU activity
Athletics and swimming was such a huge part of my time here. Training, competing, and traveling with my teammates helped me find a sense of belonging at WSU. Representing WSU on a national level was so much fun.
Anytime we traveled, we got a bunch of “Go Cougs!” One of my favorite trips was the Pac-12 championships in Seattle my sophomore year. A bunch of Coug fans came out to watch us swim. On the way home, as the flight attendants were doing their checks, they said, “A huge shoutout to the WSU swim team.” Everyone on the flight erupted with a “Go Cougs!” I still think about that. It was pretty crazy and super sweet.
Future plans
I’m planning to get an MBA, and then I have two possible paths. I could continue swimming professionally to qualify for the 2028 Olympic trials. The 2028 Summer Olympics are being held in Los Angeles. Or I could begin my creative video career. I would be looking for internships or jobs within college athletic departments or professional sports.
I want to be a big advocate for women in sports. I also want to bring more visibility to swimming. It’s a sport that gets lots of attention every four years at the Olympics, but there’s so much intense, fast swimming happening in between. I want to help connect sports fans with the world of competitive swimming.
Bhargav Iyer
Award Category: Campus Involvement
College of Arts and Sciences
Biology
WSU Pullman
Puyallup, Washington
Involvement
ASWSU director of legislative affairs; representative for the World Federation of United Nations Associations Model UN in Geneva, Switzerland; WHO Diplomat Award; USSA Distinguished Leader Award; WSU Distinguished Leader Award; Cougar lobbying; Pre-Dental Club president; undergraduate research assistant in the Guo Group collaborating with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratories for the vitrification of waste from molten salt reactors; Undergraduate Research Fellowship; Canadian Light Source visiting scholar; published in the American Chemical Society
Favorite WSU activity
That’s an easy one – Apple Cup 2024. We beat the purple guys 24-19. I wasn’t able to be there, but I watched it on TV, and I could hear all the shouts and the screams in Pullman.
Future plans
A lot of what I want to do is in the health care space. I’m hoping to find something that merges my work in policy and my academic background in biology. I’m taking a gap year, but I do plan to get professional credentials in dentistry, so four years of dental school.
Mauro Ramirez
Award: Campus Involvement
College of Arts and Sciences
Biology/Pre-med
WSU Pullman
Wenatchee, Washington
Involvement
Executive Director of Health and Safety for the ASWSU; uncertified senator for ASWSU; executive vice president of the WSU Multicultural Greek Council; president and vice president of La Hermandad de OeMeTe Aztec-Based Brotherhood; Cougar Health Services executive director search committee member; WSU Compliance and Civil Rights Committee member; College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) mentor; Mayo Clinic of Medicine and Science Undergraduate Scholar Program Scholar; director of registration for the Asian Pacific American Student Coalition’s S.H.A.P.I.N.G student-led conference; Día de Los Muertos coordinator for Movimiento Estudiantil Chicanx de Aztlan; team leader and director of team leaders for the C.A.S.H.E. student-led conference; Día de la Familia coordinator for Movimiento Estudiantil Chicanx de Aztlan; Hearts in Motion 10-day medical mission trip volunteer in Guatemala; President’s Honor Roll Spring 2024; 2024 Multicultural Greek Council President of the Year; 2025 Washington Apple Education Foundation Scholarship recipient; 2025 Herbert L. Eastlick Scholarship recipient; 2025 Gabriel Cardenas Scholarship recipient; 2025 La Alianza de WSU Scholarship; 2025 study abroad in Spain.
Favorite WSU experiences
I am the vice president of the first and only Aztec-based brotherhood in the Pacific Northwest, Hermandad de OeMeTe, and last year I was president. Last year, the day we had our annual dance, Brownstyle, and alumni banquet was one of the most memorable events I experienced at WSU. I got to give a speech and spend time with my loved ones and help send off our seniors. It was really special to me to see my friends who were graduating and hear them talk about their experiences. It was a really bittersweet moment. It’s almost like I saw myself in their shoes. Here I am one year later, preparing for Brownstyle dance and alumni banquet and my own senior send-off. A lot of work goes into the event. We work toward it the entire year. To see it come to light is the most rewarding feeling.
Future plans
My plan after graduation is to take a two-year gap before starting med school. In the meantime, I’ll be seeking jobs as a phlebotomist and will stay here in Moscow, Idaho. I plan to take the MCAT in September, then apply to med school the next cycle. I want to stay at WSU for med school. I’m interested in becoming an orthopedic surgeon or a family physician. I’m looking to stay in state, especially in under-served communities. I always knew I wanted to go into medicine. I feel like my years at WSU have helped me to understand what it’s like to give back and work for something bigger than yourself. The 10-day Hearts in Motion medical mission trip I took to Guatemala through WSU really opened my eyes and cemented my plans.
Aunjelique Andersen
Award Category: Community Service
Murrow College of Communication
Media Innovation
WSU Global
Fallbrook, California
Involvement
WSU Global Campus Student Ambassador; ASWSU Global Student Senate; Cougs & Cubs; Creative Writing club; Cougar Wellbeing Collective; First Gen Club; Cougar Leadership Program; Coug Day at the Capitol
Favorite WSU activity
Coug Day at the Capitol. It was scary because none of our team had done it before and we didn’t know what to expect. But it ended up working out. The fun part for me was doing the research on the senators so I could tailor our message to them or their legislative assistant. It was fun because it was quick, we had to think fast and collaborate.
Future plans
I have a business, I do video and photography, but I also want to get into the media field towards film. My goal is doing video episodes, finding positive stories and highlighting what is going well in the community. I also want to volunteer for nonprofits that are smaller, that might need visibility to get funding.
Audrey Elliot
Award Category: Community Service
College of Arts and Sciences
Rhetoric and Professional Writing
WSU Pullman
Involvement
WSU Country Swing Club; Latah Alliance on Mental Illness; Backcountry Hunters and Anglers WSU Chapter; Colfax Senior Center; Phoenix Conservancy; Palouse Habitat for Humanity; Palouse Discovery Science Center; Community Action Center; WSU Stormwater Services; STAGE Theatre
Favorite WSU activity
Probably WSU country swing nights. I’m president of that club, we’ve got over 2,000 members and usually have 150 to 200 attendees every Friday. I have a lot of fun going there, getting to instruct these amazing individuals in country swing. It’s the largest club on campus.
Future plans
I’m definitely going to take a minute after I graduate and travel a bit and see the world. I want to work in environmental justice and sustainability. So I want to get a better look at what I want to protect. Understanding the world around me will make me a powerful advocate.
Kendal Clifton
Award category: Visual/Performing Arts
College of Arts and Sciences
Music Education, Instrumental, Choral, and General Music
WSU Pullman
Puyallup, Washington
Involvement
President and vice president, National Association for Music Education, WSU Collegiate Chapter; vice president, Allegro of WSU School of Music; president, Percussion at WSU; Music Special Scholarship, 2023; Performing Arts Scholarship, 2024; Harold Wheeler Memorial Scholarship, 2025; WSU University Singers, Chamber Singers, Concert Choir; principal of percussion in WSU Symphonic Wind Ensemble; Senior Recital, October 2024; WSU Symphony Orchestra and Percussion Ensemble; Washington Idaho Symphony Orchestra substitute, 2023; co-Music Director at Concordia Lutheran Church; counselor for the Cougar Summer Music Camp; School of Music’s Music Major for a Day
Favorite WSU experience
One of the parents’ weekends, my parents were here for a football game, and they both went to WSU as well, and so did my brother. So that was nostalgic—a very iconic Coug moment. It’s hard to beat that.
Probably my favorite experience so far was last semester. I had my senior recital. So, I played percussion instruments—the marimba, the timpani, the xylophone, and a multi-percussion setup. And I got to play in front of my friends and family, who traveled across the state to come here, and in front of my professors, who have supported me. And it was a super emotional experience. I finished my last piece of music, and people were applauding, and I was very proud of myself. I had been working really hard with the help of my professor, so that was the biggest musical thing I’ve done—because usually I’m in the bigger groups, and the parts I’m playing are important, but it was kind of a “me” moment, and I was just soaking it all in.
Future plans
My ultimate dream is to be a high school band or choir teacher. I would love to have a really strong music program at whatever school I end up at. More short term, I’m just so excited to enter the teaching field. I cannot wait to teach. I’ve been doing some of my student teaching, and that will be what I do in the fall. I knew I wanted to be a music teacher, so it’s been a long time coming. That’s just what I know I’m meant to do.
Hai Xing Lewis
Award Category: Visual/Performing Arts
College of Arts and Sciences
Art History, Exhibition Studies
WSU Pullman
Bend, Oregon
Involvement
Visitor ambassador and gallery assistant at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art; collaborative artist research with Professor Michael Holloman; lead curator for two art exhibitions within the art department; Ellen Warren Roberts Endowed Scholarship
Favorite WSU experience
My freshman year I was able to take a gallery procedures course, and I got to assist with installing an upcoming exhibit at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art. It was a good taste of what I wanted to do potentially. I’ve been working with the museum on and off whenever I’ve been able to these past few years, and I’ve loved being able to experience art both in the classroom and in the real world while also learning the behind-the-scenes of gallery work.
I also got to immerse myself in the art of Florence, Italy, for my study abroad in spring 2025. I did a lot of traveling with friends and solo, but the artwork was a key thing. Some days I would have my lecture in a church looking at an actual fresco on the wall, and we’d also have classes in the museums. They have so many museums! It was amazing getting to see a lot of famous artworks in person, like Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Michelangelo’s David.
Future plans
Since I’ll have achieved my bachelor’s degree in just three years, I plan on taking a year to gain work experience and to travel before pursuing my master’s degree in curatorial studies starting fall 2027. I think my next step would be finding curatorial work. My ultimate goal is to become a collections manager at an art museum, working more with the art, more of that behind-the-scenes work.