Bennion Center Alternative Break: Hunger & Food at Tilth Alliance Farm in Seattle
One of Annabelle’s most fulfilling roles has been serving as a College of Science Ambassador. “As someone who didn’t get an in-person orientation, seeing students build those relationships, beginning on day one of their college experience, has been incredibly meaningful,” she reflects. College of Science Ambassadors, like Annabelle, play a vital role in welcoming prospective students and their families to campus, guiding first-year students toward success, and organizing events that help students thrive throughout their undergraduate science journey.
Beyond her ambassadorial duties, Annabelle’s academic experiences have also shaped her growth. When asked to pick her favorite biology class, she did not hesitate. She shared that Mycology (BIOL5425) with Professor Bryn Dentinger began as a casual interest in mushrooms but quickly transformed into an immersive experience, complete with foraging trips and hands-on research. “Honestly, this class had absolutely nothing to do with what I want to do with my career, but I loved the opportunity to just learn about something. It’s rare to just learn for the sake of learning while studying at a university, and I really appreciated that opportunity,” she shares.
A desire for new learning experiences soon extended into research. Initially uncertain about pursuing an undergraduate research opportunity, Annabelle was inspired to apply when the Olivera/McIntosh lab posted an opening on the Biology Instagram (@uofubiology). Two years later, she is on the verge of publishing an honors thesis on protein folding, focusing on two peptides derived from cone snail venom that are being evaluated for their potential therapeutic applications. Her unwavering commitment to community, combined with her passion for data, attention to detail, and applying science to solve complex problems, will continue to guide her as she pursues a Master’s in Community-Oriented Public Health at the University of Washington this fall.
Knute Rockne
A senior honors student from West Jordan, Utah, Annabelle is majoring in biology with an emphasis in anatomy and physiology, alongside minors in disability studies and chemistry. A bonus fun fact about her is that her great-great grandpa was football legend Knute Rockne (ESPN #3 college coach of all time). Unbeknownst to many, Knute Rockne, who was the coach at Notre Dame, had a degree in chemistry. “I like to think he was helping me out during my hardest OChem exams!” Annabelle jokes, but she's quite serious when she gives advice to other students: “You belong in STEM! I was intimidated at first, thinking everyone else just ‘got it.’ But a passion for science matters more than grades. If you love it, you belong here."