Meet the 2023-24 NSF OPIRC Mentors

“Embrace challenges and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Your curiosity and persistence will drive your success in STEM.”

Kat Hurlbutt

My Pathway

KCGIP Master’s Track: Polymer Science
Internship Host: Los Alamos National Lab in Los Alamos, NM

“If it feels hard, you are on the right path! You aren’t meant to breeze through your degree, you will learn the best in environments that challenges you and it will get easier with experience.”

Kelsie Neumann

My Pathway

KCGIP Master’s Track: Molecular Sensors and Biotechnology
Internship Host: Thermo Fisher Scientific in Eugene, OR

“Achieving a STEM degree (and in many ways STEM itself) is a marathon, not a sprint. If you are anything like me, there will be many times where it feels really discouraging, overwhelming, or impossible. But science is a process, and if you trust the process and trust yourself, you will achieve your goals. Ask for help, from peers and professors and everyone in between. Ask all of the smart questions and then give yourself permission to ask all the dumb questions as well because I guarantee that you aren’t the only person wondering about them. And finally, be kind to yourself. There is no one way to be a STEM student, just like there is no one set way to be a scientist or mathematician. Your way of learning and contributing is valid and powerful, and as long as you don’t give up, it will lead you to where you want to be.”

Emma Speight

My Pathway

KCGIP Master’s Track: Photovoltaics and Semiconductors
Internship Host: Analog Devices in Beaverton, OR 

“Take interesting classes, you never know where your passions may lie. Remember college is a marathon, be sure to take care of yourself and set long term goals. Always go to office hours and try to get to know your professors. You will be grateful for those relationships later and develop a deeper understanding of the materials. If you have an opportunity to do research, take it. The more hands-on experience you have the better.”

Farris Tedder

My Pathway

KCGIP Master’s Track: Bioinformatics and Genomics
Internship Host: Stowers Institute in Kansas City, MO

“You are doing great already, no need to put more pressure on yourself.”

Temi Titus Adewunmi

My Pathway

KCGIP Master’s Track: Bioinformatics and Genomics
Internship Host: Allen Institute for Immunology in Seattle, WA

“Don’t let yourself be discouraged by difficult coursework. Almost all students will experience a struggle at some point in their academic pursuits. In those times, don’t be afraid to reach out to other students and instructors. They want you succeed!”

Ian VanGordon

My Pathway

KCGIP Master’s Track: Bioinformatics and Genomics
Internship Host: Oregon Health &  Science University in Portland, OR

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Whether it’s academic help, career guidance, or emotional support, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. Colleges offer a wealth of resources, from tutoring services to career counseling. Use them to your advantage.”

Nisha Wilson

My Pathway

KCGIP Master’s Track: Optical Materials and Devices
Internship Host: MKS Instruments in Hillsboro, OR