College of Science Student Council

The college’s Science Council is a group of dedicated student volunteers, who strive to provide enriching activities and opportunities for all Aggie science students. Led by the college’s student-elected USU Student Association senator, the council plans the college’s annual “Science Week” featuring campus-wide activities, as well as events throughout the year.

The council organizes networking events to encourage current students to meet with college alumni, along with academic-enriching workshops to improve study skills and social events aimed at integrating new students into college life. In addition, the council conducts service events, including the annual “Stuff-a-Bus” food drive benefiting USU’s Student Nutrition Access Center and the Cache Community Food Pantry.

Apply to serve on the Science Council during the 2024-25 academic year at this link.

 

Jaxton Winder, Senator

Jaxton Winder

Major: Computer Science, M.S. student

During the past two years, I’ve served as the council’s Vice President of Student Advocacy, advocating for student interests, encouraging student political engagement and involvement in research, service, peer mentorship and other activities. As senator, I wish to continue to focus on advocacy, as well as accessibility and intersectionality, fostering an atmosphere where all students feel included.

Jaxton's Advice to USU Students:

"My advice to students is to get involved with others in your area of interest, whether it be research, student employments, service, peer mentorship, or fun events that bring together College of Science students."
 

Joe Halling, Science Council President

Joe Halling

Major: Biochemistry

Minors: Biology, Psychology, German

I grew up in Cache Valley, and both my parents teach at USU. My dad is in the Department Head of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and my mom is an instructor, also in the College of Engineering. On top of that, all my siblings have gone to USU. So, growing up, I was basically indoctrinated (in a good way) to love USU. All of that, plus the scholarships I was able to get, made it any easy decision for me. I love photography, skiing, eating, movies, traveling and hanging out with my friends. I am majoring in biochemistry, because I love the sciences and it is a very useful major to get into future professional schools. I am a Teaching Assistant for the Human Dissection course, as well as Human Anatomy. I am also a College of Science Ambassador, and the Lab Manager/Research Assistant for Dr. Yu Huang’s Biomedical Tissue Engineering Lab. In addition, I serve as a Science Unwrapped floor manager, helping to coordinate set-up of volunteer learning activities for the program’s public STEM outreach events.

Joe's Advice to USU Students:

“Get involved and enjoy hanging out with friends. However, don’t waste your first year. Make sure you stay on top of your grades and do well. It’s harder to dig yourself out of a hole created in your first year. Enjoy every moment. #gwaggies.”

Sara Prettyman, Executive Assistant to the Science Council

Sara Prettyman

Major: Applied Mathematics, Computational Mathematics, Statistics

Minors: American Sign Language

I chose to come to USU due to the proximity of my family, a competitive scholarship and to be closer to the mountains. I love seeing and applying math in almost everything I do, and one day, I hope to do analytics for a global organization, such as the United Nations. Outside of classes, I like to skateboard, paint, play Cloud Quest, and spend time with friends.

Sara's Advice to USU Students:

“Your peers, advisors and ambassadors are here to help you! Picking classes and trying to figure out extracurriculars can be very overwhelming starting off, but there are so many other students who have been through the same thing, and would love to help you. All you’ve got to do is ask!”

Dillon Johnson

Dillon Johnson

Major: Computer Science

I decided to attend USU because my parents went here, and I visited Logan many times growing up. I’m from Omaha, Nebraska, and I chose to major in computer science after serving my LDS mission in San Francisco, California. I love running, listening to music and learning languages. I hope to combine my love for languages with developing software. My dream is to work remotely, while traveling the world.

Dillon's Advice to USU Students:

“Keep first things first, and keep the end-goal in mind. Then, most problems will become a non-issue.”

Brandon Hammond

Brandon Hammond

Major: Biochemistry

Minors: Mathematics

I came into college knowing I loved science and math, and then slowly discovered a passion for chemistry and biology. So, I started studying biochemistry. My current goal is to join the medical field as a physician assistant, but I am also considering pursuing graduate studies in biochemistry. I love learning new things, and constantly strive to challenge myself. I have worked as an undergraduate lab assistant, and I am now working as an Undergraduate Teaching Fellow in organic chemistry. I am also vice president for the Jump Rope Club, and I am looking forward to an amazing school year.

Brandon's Advice to USU Students:

“My main recommendation is to find time to have fun. Find something you like doing and do it. If you can find friends to do it with you, it makes it even better!”

Daxton Kennington

Daxton Keeington

Major: Chemistry and French

My decision to attend USU was based on the beauty of Cache Valley, and all the amazing students who go to this school. I began studying business; however, I found my love for science in a chemistry class and I have never looked back. My goal is to become a physician and to help those in our community. I love reading, riding my bike, watching movies and spending time with loved ones.

Daxton's Advice to USU Students:

"Find research opportunities to pair in-class learning with hands-on learning!"

Evan Anderson

Evan Anderson

Major: Computer Science

I was born and raised in Pocatello, Idaho, and was drawn to Logan by both its beautiful landscape and USU’s Computer Science program. During my three years at USU, I’ve worked on the Get Away Special (GAS) Team to complete the GASPACS cube satellite, which flew successfully in space, and I have been an assistant in USU’s Crop Physiology Laboratory. In my free time, I love playing the saxophone and video games. I also volunteer as a game administrator for USU Esports Club.

Diana's Advice to USU Students:

"Don’t let undergraduate research intimidate you! There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in research. Discover what you are passionate about, and surround yourself with those who share your passion"

Myriam Whiting 

Myriam Whiting

Major: Biochemistry

I decided to attend USU, because my dad went to school here! I chose biochemistry as my major, because I really enjoyed by chemistry classes in high school and it sounds like an exciting time. My goal is to graduate (I know it sounds easy, but it’s getting harder every year), and to work in whatever job I end up at. I love singing and dancing, and playing Zelda games when I’m not studying or working. I’m only a sophomore, so I’m excited to see what comes next!

Diana's Advice to USU Students:

“It is definitely hard to find balance and make everything work for your benefit. But scheduling time to yourself, and ensuring you have time for everything else, is the way to go. Remember, a full-time student may have to study and work on homework for 40 hours a week (including time in class)!”