Dean's Scholars
Nathan Butler, Department of Mathematics & Statistics
A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Nathan Butler earned a Mathematics & Statistics Composite bachelor’s degree with a 4.0 GPA. An A-Pin Award recipient, Nathan was a Math & Stats tutor in the Aggie Math Learning Center, while also serving as a recitation leader for Math 0995 and Stat 1040. The undergrad researcher worked on a project with faculty mentor Brennan Bean, which involved modeling Bear Lake water elevation using machine-learning algorithms. Nathan plans to pursue graduate studies and earn a master’s degree in statistics.
Nicole Cook, Department of Mathematics & Statistics
After earning an associate degree in 2000, Nicole Cook turned her focus to her marriage and her five children who followed, which became her priority and delight. While she never regretted that decision, Nicole promised herself she would someday continue her education. Residing in Roosevelt, Utah, she took advantage of the many opportunities offered by Utah State in the Uintah Basin. Small class sizes, numerous research opportunities, close associations with faculty and lasting friendships helped Nicole thrive and achieve her educational goals. Influenced by inspiring teachers, Nicole is now excited to begin teaching science in her local schools, and to do everything she can to change lives for the better. Going back to school in her 40s wasn’t easy, she says, but in doing so, Nicole has accomplished one of her greatest desires. She hopes to inspire her children and future students to take advantage of every opportunity, no matter where they are in life, and to never stop learning.
Spencer Fairbanks, Department of Biology
Tooele, Utah native Spencer Fairbanks reports many twists and turns in his college career. With an interest in biotechnology, he underwent a few successive changes in plans before selecting USU’s Industrial Hygiene program with the Public Health major. Spencer has pursued two summer internships in the health and safety field: One in the insurance industry, and one at a manufacturing plant in Arizona. He received the Thomas M. Farley Award in Chemistry, one of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry’s top undergraduate awards, in Spring 2022. Spencer is also a 2023 recipient of the American Industrial Hygiene Foundation’s Kyle B. Dotson Scholarship. Following graduation, Spencer plans to work in industrial hygiene for a few years, and to apply to medical school.
Louis Falck, Department of Mathematics & Statistics
USU Presidential Scholarship recipient Louis Falck pursued a Mathematics major with an Actuarial Science emphasis, along with minors in Economics and Quantitative Finance. Currently an actuarial intern with SelectHealth, Louis will join the organization as an Actuarial Analyst following graduation. He is studying for my third actuarial exam, while pursuing his love of golf and baking in his spare time.
Lindsay Hand, Department of Mathematics & Statistics
A transfer student from Cincinnati, Ohio, Lindsay Hand is a Mathematics Education Major in USU's Department of Mathematics and Statistics. The daughter of two educators, Lindsay is excited to finally have the opportunity to inspire a love and understanding of mathematics as a high school teacher. While studying at Utah State, she received the Outstanding Mathematics Education Undergraduate Award in the spring of 2023. She also developed a love of country swing dancing, joining the USU Country Swing Club. After graduation, Lindsay plans to move back east to be near family and to pursue a master's degree in education.
Kaleb Keller, Department of Biology
Rigby, Idaho native Kaleb Keller graduates from Utah State with a bachelor’s degree in Human Biology, with minors in Chemistry and French. At USU, Kaleb has served as a tutor in French, biology and chemistry, and as a Teaching Assistant in microbiology. He has pursued neurobiology research in the Freeman Lab, studying the effects of coyote pairmate loss on oxytocin receptor binding in the brain’s hippocampus. For the past three years, Kaleb has been employed as an ophthalmic technician at Northern Utah Eye Center, where he says “he loves taking care of people’s eyes.” Kaleb is also a musician, proficient on flute, trombone, piano, saxophone and clarinet; performing with the USU Low Brass Choir and Symphonic Band. He and his wife, Rachel, enjoy skiing, fishing and hiking. Kaleb plans to pursue a career as a physician assistant.
Josh McClung, Department of Computer Science
A native of Seattle, Washington, Joshua McClung began his journey in software development as an intern at SAS in 2021, and has since progressed to the role of an Associate Software Developer. With a bachelor's degree in computer science and a minor in Spanish, he's cultivated a diverse skill set that extends beyond programming languages. Josh’s passion for innovation and problem-solving led him to clinch first place in the general category of HackUSU 2023, where he collaborated with peers to tackle complex challenges head-on. Looking ahead, Josh is eager to explore opportunities for professional growth. His ultimate goal is to leverage his skills and experiences to make meaningful contributions to the ever-evolving landscape of technology.
David Mendenhall, Department of Computer Science
David Mendenhall, a Computer Science Major and Math minor, continually seeks ways to use his talents to assist others in his community. As a math tutor at the Aggie Math Learning Center, he has helped students understand challenging concepts from some of the denser math courses. He was awarded the "Outstanding Tutor" award from the department of Mathematics and Statistics in 2023 for his efforts. David also employs his software engineering talents to assist in his local community. He hopes to continue to develop these skills and work for software companies committed to efforts to benefit society.
Kollin Murphy, Department of Computer Science
Kollin Murphy recently graduated with a major in Computer Science and a minor in Music Studies. Currently employed as a software engineer at Space Dynamics Laboratory, Kollin’s expertise and commitment to innovation have contributed significantly to the success of his projects and team. At HackUSU 2023, Kollin’s recreation of a popular tower defense game was awarded with first place in the game development category. Beyond his professional and academic achievements, he enjoys reading Brandon Sanderson novels, running, and developing mobile apps in his spare time.
Additional Dean's Scholars will be added to this page when photos and information are received:
Tucker Hathaway, Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Alex Smith, Department of Mathematics and Statistics