Student & Alumni Spotlight

Naiya Sims
Biology & Chemistry Major, Business Minor
WKU Student

Naiya has a double major in Biology and Chemistry with a minor in Business. She chose these because they would all coincide together in order for her to own a private practice or work in ER or general surgery. 

Naiya has been involved in helping Dr. Philips and Dr. Johnson in their research of amphibians and analyzing sequencing genomes of spider beetles. 

Naiya is president of Global Brigades and is active in the Horticulture club, Chess club, Bridge club, Wildlife and Conservation club, as well as Tri-Beta and Habitat for Humanity. 

Elise Demers
Bachelor of Science in Biology
Class of 2022

"During my time as an undergraduate, I majored in Biology with a minor in neuroscience.  I spent my time volunteering at New Beginnings Therapeutic Riding, coaching for the Bowling Green Special Olympics Swim Team, working as a teaching assistant and biology ambassador within the biology department, and participating in greek life as a member of Chi Omega.

Through these experiences as well as working as a physical therapy technician at KORT physcial therapy, I decided to pursue occupational therapy as a career. Helping others learn the skills they need to be capable of doing what they love is what I have found a passion for. My younger brother, who has a rare developmental disorder called Cornelia De Lange syndrome, has been my inspiration for my studies and I hope to play a part in improving the quality of life for those with disabilities in the future."

Elise graduated in spring 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Neuroscience. In fall of 2022, she began the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at Washington University School of Medicine in Saint Louis. 

Sarah Stasel
Bachelor of Science in Biology
Class of 2021

Sarah is currently pursuing her PhD at the University of Kentucky. Sarah states, "I am certain the experiences I acquired have prepared me for the next step of my career." 

Elvin Irihamye
Rhodes Scholar 2022
Gatton Academy Graduate

WKU Biology alumnus Elvin Irihamye was chosen as a 2022 Rhodes Scholar.  Elvin graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience, and is pursuing a Master of Science in Applied Digital Health Leadership at Oxford University before going on to medical school. Elvin started his academic career as a part of the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science at Western Kentucky University, where he performed research in the neurobiology lab of Dr. Michael Smith.  His research examined potential therapeutics for auditory-related chemotherapy side effects, which led to three scientific papers of which he is a co-author (see references below).  Elvin also supports many social causes.  For example, he was vital to the development of two non-profit organizations: Create Circles, which provides unique programming for elderly adults through volunteers, and the Eckford Mentorship Program that he co-founded, which provides Black professional mentors to Black undergraduate students to strengthen the pipeline of diverse talent into industry, academia, and public service. 

Monroe, J.D., Moolani, S.A., Irihamye, E.N., Lett, K.E., Hebert, M.D., Gibert, Y., Smith, M.E. 2021. Cisplatin and phenanthriplatin modulate long-noncoding RNA expression in A549 and IMR90 cells revealing regulation of microRNAs, Wnt/β-catenin and TGF-β signaling. Scientific Reports 11: 10408.

Monroe, J.D., Moolani, S.A., Irihamye, E.N., Speed, J.S., Gibert, Y., Smith, M.E. 2020.  RNA-Seq analysis of cisplatin and the monofunctional platinum (II) complex, phenanthriplatin, in A549 non-small cell lung cancer and IMR90 lung fibroblast cell lines. Cells 9:2637.

Monroe, J.D., Moolani, S.A., Irihamye, E.N., Johnston, A.M., Smith, M.E. 2020.  Effects of L-serine against cisplatin-mediated reactive oxygen species generation in zebrafish vestibular tissue culture and HEI-OC1 auditory hybridoma cells. Neurotoxicity Research.

Cameron Patterson

My name is Cameron Patterson. I am a current junior here on the hill and have recently been accepted into Campbellsville University’s brand new Doctorate of Chiropractic program. Through hundreds of hours of being both a patient and an observer, I knew that I wanted to create a career in physical rehabilitation. As I continued to explore career options that I would not only enjoy but also could create a positive impact on my home town, Campbellsville University unveiled their newest program being the Doctorate of Chiropractic program. I took a visit to their brand new campus in Harrodsburg, Kentucky. When I arrived and throughout my tour I felt that this was my calling and a perfect fit for me.

With great collaboration between WKU and CU, I have been able to academically prepare myself for my future in chiropractics. The last few weeks, and my last semester here on the hill have been nothing short of amazing and have me full of excitement for this next step in my life. I would like to thank all of my support system for guiding me through this process: my family, friends, the Western Kentucky University community, and most importantly God for giving me this amazing opportunity.