SFHC Welcomes its 25th Cohort of Scholars
On August 18, 2023, University President Dr. Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, Provost Dr. Xuanning Fu, and SFHC Director Dr. Saeed Attar welcomed a new cohort of 50 President’s Honors Scholars to Fresno State and the Smittcamp Family Honors College. This marks the 25th cohort of scholars admitted to the Honors College, kicking off a year of 25th anniversary celebrations.
Fresno State News: SMITTCAMP FAMILY HONORS COLLEGE CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY
Get to Know the 25th Cohort of Scholars
Anica Aninon attended University High School in Fresno, CA. She is a pre-health major who plans to be a part of the nursing program. Anica was a part of her school’s Symphony Orchestra, Interact Club, and Social Advocates Club. Outside of school, she loves working out in the early mornings and travels out of the country whenever she can. Anica currently works for an esthetician to experience the beautification side of medicine and interns at a local physical therapy clinic. She is not sure what career to pursue yet, but she definitely intends to pursue it in the medical field.
Armaan Batth is a Sanger High School graduate from Sanger, CA. He has spent almost half of his life (including the past four years) playing football, and he has competed in martial arts for the past eleven years. At Fresno State, Armaan plans on majoring in biology and later attending medical school in hopes of becoming a pediatrician. He also wishes to coach a sports team in the future.
Hannah Blackmon is a graduate of El Diamante High School in Visalia, CA. She is majoring in biochemistry and seeks to become a primary care physician. Throughout high school, Hannah was a member of the STRONG Academy for sports medicine, engaging in numerous medical and community service events. She began tutoring math students her freshman year and later became an AVID tutor at La Joya Middle School during her senior year. Additionally, Hannah was involved in Key Club, CSF, and Mock Trial. She played in El Diamante's advanced orchestra, where she served as the treasurer during her senior year. During her free time, she enjoys creating family trees for her loved ones. Hannah also loves reading, writing, staying active, and spending time with friends and family.
Clare Castillo graduated from Clovis East High School in Clovis, CA. Outside of school, she has a vast to-be-read list and enjoys hitting up the tennis courts with her family and friends. She will major in nursing and work in the medical field for a few years, then hopefully go to medical school. She plans to pursue a career as a pediatric oncologist and aspires to leave the world a better place than when she came into it.
Ella Cline is a graduate of Clovis East High School in Clovis, CA. She will be majoring in agricultural education with the goal of becoming a high school agriculture teacher. During her time in high school, Ella was a dedicated member of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) club, where she served as the chapter reporter, worked on the school farm, raised market lambs for the Big Fresno Fair, and competed in various FFA competitions. On top of this, Ella was active in clubs such as California Scholarship Federation and the Gold Mining Club.
Jadynn Davis is a 2023 graduate of Fowler High School in Fowler, CA. She is pursuing a mathematics major at Fresno State and intends to teach high school students someday. Jadynn’s biggest career goal is to have her own classroom, providing a comforting environment for her students. She aims to leave a positive impact on society one student at a time, not only helping them understand the curriculum, but helping them understand real life circumstances.
In high school, Jadynn was a volleyball player, softball player, cheerleader, FCA leader, three year student body president, Punjabi club member, hiking club member, creative writing club member, and much more! In her free time, Jadynn loves to paint, crochet, cook, read, bike, and so on. Some of her most impressive achievements include receiving her high school’s “Redcat Character Award” five times, becoming Adobe certified, being named as an All American Cheerleader three times, receiving the 2021/2022 FHS Academic Excellence Award in Pre-Calculus, and being selected as a representative of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.
Cristina Dillsaver is a graduate from Buhach Colony High School in Atwater, CA. While in high school, Cristina was heavily involved in band, FFA, Ag. Leadership, Girls Who Code, Drama Club, Interact Club, as well as Culinary Club. Outside of school, Cristina has danced at Merced Academy of Dance for ten years and has been a teacher’s assistant there for three years. She also is involved in the McSwain 4-H Club, where she competes in public speaking competitions. In her free time, she enjoys baking and even has a small baking business where she bakes for friends and family! At Fresno State, Cristina will be majoring in civil engineering with a minor in agricultural business.
Isabelle Estes was born in Texas but moved to Fresno, CA when she was very young. At Fresno State, she will be majoring in construction management with minors in math and business. Isabelle played basketball and soccer in high school and enjoys any type of athletic activity. A few of her hobbies include working out, reading, CADD, volunteering, and hanging out with friends.
Amy Gong attended University High School, Fresno at Fresno State. She plans to major in biology with hopes of becoming a physical therapist. In her free time, she likes to study foreign languages, dabble in random crafts, volunteer with Martin Park, and crack really dry jokes. She also enjoys coaching and playing tennis. In high school, Amy was an active member of the music community and had opportunities to perform with Community, Honor, and All-State Choirs and Bands. She was also heavily involved in the Neurodiversity Club and Rotary Interact Club. On campus, you’ll probably see her with other Air Force ROTC cadets or playing ultimate frisbee!
Natalie Gonzales graduated from San Joaquin Memorial High School in Fresno, California. Throughout high school, Natalie played on both the beach and indoor varsity volleyball teams at her school and participated in various clubs on campus. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys going on road trips with her friends, reading, thrifting, photography and volunteering within her community. At Fresno State, Natalie plans on earning her degree in biology with the intent of becoming an optometrist.
Alisa Gonzalez graduated from Hallmark Academy, located in Sanger, CA. Throughout her high school career, she was a four-year varsity athlete on the cheer team and captain for three years, served two years on the California National Guard Teen Council, and held a position in the ASB office all four years. She also placed at state for Academic Decathlon, played in the jazz band and orchestra, and was part of numerous clubs. Alisa was the first student to graduate from a community college while simultaneously attending Hallmark Academy. She plans to major in biochemistry to further her career goal of becoming an orthodontist. Alisa likes to travel, learn about different cultures, and watch Netflix whenever she is not busy.
Alondra Gonzalez attended Riverdale High School in Riverdale, CA. She was involved in various community and school organizations such as the Medical Outreach Club, Heath Youth Corps, Leo’s Club, CSF, Cancer Awareness, FFA, Drama, Link Crew, volleyball, soccer, softball, Upward Bound, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Student Council. She was also a participant in the LLS Student Visionaries Campaign. Alondra enjoys listening to music and taking pictures for her monthly instagram dumps. Starting this fall, she will be majoring in mechanical engineering.
Yashdeep Grewal is a Kerman High School graduate from Kerman, CA. At her high school, she served as the president of the Concert Choir, activity coordinator of the Crime Scene Investigation Club, Yearbook editor-in-chief, and as team manager for the Varsity Boys Basketball Team. Outside the classroom, Yashdeep has volunteered for the local library and was a cabin leader for a local elementary school's camp. She enjoys reading, watching movies, driving around, shopping (a lot), hanging out with friends/family, and sleeping (also a lot). Yashdeep plans to major in biology and will follow the pre-med route to become a pediatrician.
Hayden Guzman is a Central High School graduate from Fresno, CA. Outside of school, Hayden enjoys hanging out with friends, reading, listening to music, and venturing into nature. Hayden took their first psychology class in their junior year and found their passion for psychology. As a student with a family background of drug/alcohol addiction and mental health problems, Hayden hopes to become a therapist to help those struggling to cope or understand addiction and mental health. At Fresno State, Hayden plans to get their bachelor’s in psychology and possibly add a sociology minor.
Yuna Ha is a Buchanan High School graduate from Clovis, CA. At Fresno State, she plans to major in health sciences with the healthcare administration option. She knew she wanted to learn more about administration in the healthcare field after seeing a family member be affected by cancer. During high school, Yuna was involved with the Chamber Orchestra, Key Club, and Korean Club. In her free time, she enjoys practicing her calligraphy skills, volunteering at her church, and seeking adventures. She is excited to be a part of this family and can’t wait to dive deeper into her passions.
Mary Hadjirul is from University High School, located in Fresno, CA. She is majoring in pre-health to pursue a degree in nursing. In high school, she was a board member for the Filipino club and UHS Dear Asian Youth. Mary played piano, joined Certificate of Merit, and won trophies in speech and debate. She also sang in show choir and the women’s acapella group, and she became a soprano section leader and co-assistant director in chamber choir. In addition, she participated in the CCDA Regional and All-State honor choirs, and even became the senior class Publicity Chair! Mary loves R&B music, and enjoys spending time at the gym.
Nina Hoobyar is a Turlock High School graduate from Turlock, CA who loves to shop, drink boba, play tennis, and play piano. She was a Girl Scout from kindergarten through her senior year of high school, which taught her many values. Earning the Girl Scout Gold Award taught her the importance of giving back to the community. Nina also loves listening to music and writing some of her own. She will be majoring in American Sign Language (ASL) and Interpreting, and she hopes to become an ASL teacher or interpreter. Nina looks forward to meeting new people at Fresno State!
Angie Johnson is from University High School at Fresno State. She is currently planning to major in English literature with the goal of becoming a high school English teacher. In high school, she was active in several clubs including the creative writing club, the Gender and Sexuality Alliance club, the Neurodiversity club, and of course, the Dungeons and Dragons club. During her junior year, she was published in Fresno State's young writer's publication, Spectrum, and received the President's Award. Angie enjoys reading and writing fiction (especially fantasy), drawing (both video and board games), learning different languages, and sharing scrumptious macaroni and cheese meals with her cats.
Srishti Kamboj attended Central High School in Fresno, CA. During high school, she was involved in various clubs like Interact, HOSA, CSF, NHS, and Hmong Club. She was also the co-founder and the president of the Multicultural Club. In addition, as a Central High’s Health Youth Corp Team member, she researched the adverse effects of COVID-19 on teens’ mental health her junior year.
Outside of school time, Srishti likes to volunteer in the community. At Fresno State, she will be majoring in biology intending to pursue her career in the medical field.
Khushleen Khakh graduated from University High School (UHS) in Fresno, CA, and plans to major in biochemistry and go to medical school. Currently, Khushi volunteers at Clovis Community Hospital. She loves to play violin, run, draw, read, and ride her bike. She also loves to cook (especially pasta and Indian food) and was president of Cooking Club at UHS. In addition, Khushi was involved in Science Olympiad, Speech & Debate, and played violin in the symphony orchestra. She wants to keep pursuing violin as a hobby and also get involved in other activities on campus. Because she did cross country at UHS, Khushi is excited to be a part of cross country and track at Fresno State.
Hamzah Kiran, a recent graduate from Buchanan High School in Clovis, CA, joins the Smittcamp Family Honors College on the pre-med track. He is the founder of ConfideTheBrand and PrestigeProducts and has served in community organizations like LegislativeLift, MCA, and WHIA. In his free time, Hamzah enjoys playing lots of basketball. He also enjoys traveling frequently to capture nice shots. Hamzah is committed to advocating for healthcare equality and enjoys engaging with his community and expanding his entrepreneurial interests. He's excited to continue his journey in medicine and advocacy at Fresno State.
Rawan Kiran attended Clovis North High School in Fresno, CA. She will major in history and minor in Middle East studies at Fresno State with plans to pursue law school. Rawan’s extracurriculars include volunteering at religious community organizations and teaching. Her hobbies include gaming, spending time with family and friends, and going to the movies whenever she gets the chance.
Samantha Lane attended Buchanan and Clovis East High Schools in Clovis, CA. Samantha was a proud member of the National Honors Society, a lifetime member of CSF, and was heavily involved with the Future Farmers of America, where she showed market goats for four years. She was also involved with a local non-profit organization, helping the less fortunate and veterans to fish. Samantha’s major is animal science - pre veterinary option, and she hopes to become a large animal veterinarian. She enjoys the outdoors, reading, and organization (although her room may suggest otherwise).
Mandi Luellen, a dynamic spirit from Benicia, CA, is a recent graduate of Benicia High School. Born under Hawaiian skies and having called multiple states home, she brings a unique blend of experiences to our community. Majoring in biology, Mandi aspires to attend medical school after her undergraduate studies. She's a former tennis team captain and Duke TIP Grand Recognition award recipient. When she's not immersed in her studies or on the tennis court, you'll find her crocheting, playing video games, and trying new foods.
Zachary Macklin is a Turlock High School graduate from Turlock, CA. He was a captain for the varsity football team, ASB Treasurer, and a member of several community outreach programs including Kitchens for Change and Letters to Santa. Zach is an avid sports fan, game player, and traveler. At Fresno State, Zach intends to major in civil engineering and pursue minors in construction management and land surveying as the foundation for the pursuit of graduate level civil engineering studies. Ultimately, he plans on becoming a civil engineer in the private sector.
Alexander Madrigal attended Clovis East High School in Clovis, CA. At Clovis East, he played the violin in orchestra and programmed in the Robotics Club. As co-lead and mentor of the programming department, Alexander taught members programming principles with robotics applications. In college, he intends to continue mentoring for the club. He enjoys watching anime with his siblings and learning how to play the piano. Alexander plans on getting an M.D. in computer science and pursuing a career in software development.
Nathaniel Madrigal attended Clovis East High School in Clovis, CA. Outside of school, Nathaniel enjoys drawing and watching anime. Since middle school, he has been playing the violin in orchestra and participated in the Robotics Club. As the programming department’s co-lead and mentor, Nathaniel learned to teach newbie members programming fundamentals and a critical thinking mindset. Going forward, he plans to motivate other aspiring children in schools into the fields of STEM and computer science. Nathaniel intends to get his M.D. in computer science and is pursuing a career in software development.
Jazper Malone is an incoming freshman from El Diamante High School, located in Visalia, CA. As a senior, Jazper was a state finalist for track and field for the 300 meter hurdles. He’s been in track for nine years and plans to continue here at Fresno State. As a first generation student, he will be majoring in computer science and hopes to add business as another major. In his free time, Jazper loves to be outdoors with his friends or inside jamming out to music while crocheting. Jazper plans to jump start his software skills at Fresno State in hopes of landing a position at a large corporation like Microsoft or Verizon.
Jordan Mazmanian graduated from San Joaquin Memorial High School in Fresno, CA. She plans to major in business administration and pursue a career in finance. During high school, Jordan was a member of the Cheer Supersquad, Campus Ministry Team, Ambassador program, Class Council, and various clubs. In her free time, Jordan enjoys playing the piano. Jordan’s most honorable achievement was receiving the Female Christian Character award at high school graduation. Jordan has been volunteering in the Fresno community for most of her life and recognizes the importance of giving back. Jordan’s Armenian roots have compelled her to volunteer in the local Armenian community and will motivate her to get involved in the Armenian Students Organization on campus.
Elizabeth Melendez is an incoming freshman from Fresno High School in Fresno, CA. She plans to major in environmental science in hopes of doing research in local ecology. During high school, Elizabeth was team captain in varsity water polo and swim. She served as Vice President of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and was a part of the Class of 2023 club her senior year. She also attended the Center for Advanced Research and Technology for their labs in environmental science and biotechnology. Outside of school, Elizabeth works as a lifeguard and swim instructor for the local community pools and for her coach's club. She really enjoys being outdoors, trying new food, and going on road trips.
Dayra Michel attended Hanford High School in Hanford, CA. At Hanford High, she was the president of the Salad Bowl Multicultural Club, the vice president of the Art Club, an active member of the California Scholarship Federation, and an active leader completing over 200 hours of community service. Outside of school, Dayra enjoys painting, reading, camping, and helping in various church activities. Through her participation in Science Olympiad, she was inspired to use her creativity to help provide low-cost homes for those in need. Now, she is majoring in architecture with the intent of obtaining her master’s degree and minoring in construction management.
Nancy Miranda-Espino is a graduate of Parlier High School in Parlier, CA. At Parlier High, she was Associated Student Body President and graduated as valedictorian. She also founded a book club to promote life-long reading in high school students. Outside of school, she likes going to the gym, playing volleyball, swimming, hiking, and trying new restaurants.
Nancy is majoring in business and intends to pursue a career in accounting. She hopes to be self-employed so she can manage her own hours.
Angel Montes-Caballero is a valedictorian graduate of Dinuba High School in Dinuba, CA. He received various academic achievements throughout high school, and he was honored to speak and represent the class of 2023 on his graduation night. Throughout high school, Angel participated in varsity track and varsity basketball, making a deep run in the playoffs his senior year. He entered high school at the medical academy, exposing him to the world of medicine through internships, projects, competitions, and community service. Angel has a pure and kind heart, and he is always willing to help out others. He enjoys playing basketball, video games, and hanging out with new friends in his free time. Angel will be majoring in biology to pursue a career as an orthodontist to support the same community that has put countless hours into his success.
Rylan Montgomery is an El Diamante High School graduate from Visalia, CA. Rylan was the valedictorian of his class and received multiple awards including CSF Sealbearer, various scholar athlete awards, East Yosemite League MVP in water polo, and even a State FFA Degree. Outside of school, Rylan enjoys hiking, traveling, playing golf, and family time. He spent his summers working as a swim coach for a local recreation swim team in Visalia. At Fresno State, he plans on getting a degree in computer science and pursuing a career in the programming field.
Sabrina Olmedo is a graduate of Buchanan High School in Clovis, CA. As a high school student, Sabrina was involved in various activities from participating in student leadership within Filipino Club and Robotics to being an employee at Kumon of Clovis. She currently plans to major in chemistry with the goal of eventually going to medical school and becoming a doctor—hematology being her field of choice. In her spare time, Sabrina likes to hyper-fixate on whatever manga series she happened to pick up that week and to create digital art, hoping to someday get paid for her work.
Brianna Perez-Munoz graduated from Golden West High School in Visalia, CA. Throughout high school, she was a CSF Lifetime Member as well as a member of National Honor Society. She served as the president of her school’s marching band and advanced band. Brianna also enjoys taking action within the community. She is on The Source’s Youth Board, which works to create a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ youth. At Fresno State, Brianna plans on majoring in civil engineering to further her passion in mathematics and design.
Alexandria Perkins is an incoming freshman from Fowler High School in Fowler, CA. She competed on Fowler High’s varsity softball, volleyball, and basketball teams throughout high school. Growing up in Fowler, Alexandria developed a passion for getting involved throughout her community and school. She volunteered as a coach for her community’s Little Redcats Basketball Camp and helped to fundraise money for the Fowler Lions Club as a Fowler Fall Festival Queen Candidate.
Alexandria has a passion for S.T.E.M education and enjoyed taking classes such as kinesiology, health, anatomy, and athletic training in high school. She plans to major in kinesiology at Fresno State in hopes of becoming a physical therapist at Valley Children’s Hospital!
Mellica Piri attended University High School in Fresno, CA. She loves to cook, spend time outdoors, drink coffee, read, and go to the gym. Throughout high school, she was President of Multiple Sclerosis Club, Vice President of Pre-Med Club and Active Minds Club, and part of her school’s speech and debate team. Mellica will be majoring in biology at Fresno State in hopes of pursuing a career as an endocrinologist or family physician.
Roman Ramos is an incoming freshman from Reedley High School in Reedley, CA. At Reedley High, Roman was the president of the Sports Medicine Club and competed on the Sport Medicine Competition Team. He was also the team captain for varsity swim and water polo. Not only was he active in his school but also in his community. He served two terms as a Youth Representative on the Reedley Community Services Commission and supported community events by volunteering his time at the Reedley Chamber of Commerce. At Fresno State, he will be majoring in forensic behavioral science and plans to pursue a career in law enforcement.
Sophia Rubalcaba graduated from Fowler High School in Fowler, CA. She is planning to pursue a major in philosophy (pre-law option) and later intends to continue her education by going to law school. She hopes to have a career as an immigration lawyer. She was greatly influenced by her grandparents, who immigrated from the Philippines and Mexico.
Throughout high school, Sophia was a member of the varsity swim team and earned medals at League Championships and valley swim meets. In addition to being deeply rooted in the Fowler community and being involved in local events, Sophia coached the Fowler Sea Dragons Swim Team, teaching kids how to swim and represent their community.
More recently, Sophia was crowned Fowler Fall Festival Co-Queen, through which she was able to fundraise money for her community. Overall, she is super excited for the next chapter of her life and attending Fresno State as a Smitty!
Khaldoon Sarwar is a Monache High School graduate from Porterville, CA. He was a part of the California Scholarship Federation and the AVID Program. Khaldoon was a class valedictorian, AP Scholar with Honor, and a three year varsity basketball athlete. He enjoys spending time with his family and engaging in various activities with his friends such as working out, playing basketball, playing pickleball, hiking, and spending time outdoors. At Fresno State, Khaldoon will major in Biology following the pre-dental track in hopes of attending dental school. He plans to open his very own dental practice one day.
Emma Schofield attended Central High School in Fresno, CA. She played softball for twelve years and ended her career by winning the Division 1 Valley Championship with her high school team. Also at Central High, she was ASB President and a member of clubs like CSF and Interact, allowing her to serve her community. She enjoys serving at her church on Sunday mornings and absolutely loves Disney. Emma is majoring in liberal studies to become an elementary school teacher that supports and inspires our youth.
Sommer Sekhon is from Fresno, CA and graduated from Clovis North High School. During her high school career, Sommer participated on her school’s student council as Vice President as well as the CUSD student council at the district level. She served as President of the American Sign Language Club for five years and worked with Jakara Movement through her high school’s Sikh Honors and Service Society. Sommer has also played tennis from a young age and was able to help win four league championships throughout high school. She hopes to continue following these passions during her time at Fresno State.
Outside of school, Sommer enjoys knitting, hanging out with her friends, and spending all her money on Starbucks. She will be majoring in biology in hopes of becoming a physician in the future. She can’t wait to be a Smitty! Go dogs!
Akalpreet Kaur Sidhu graduated from Clovis East High School and is an incoming freshman at Fresno State. In her free time, Akalpreet enjoys watching movies, reading, and being outdoors. She loves spending time with her family and has a hobby of cooking. In college, Akalpreet hopes to make a difference in her community by volunteering at local hospitals and possibly tutoring her fellow students. She is planning to pursue a degree in biochemistry to eventually attend medical school with aspirations to become a gynecologist..
Claudio Silva attended Sierra Pacific High School in Hanford, CA. At Sierra Pacific, he was involved in several clubs including CSF, Future Medical Professionals Club, Yearbook, Portuguese Club, and ASB. He held various leadership positions and recently became a CSF lifetime member. Throughout high school, he swam on the Varsity Swim team, which helped push him to become a more well-rounded individual. Outside of school, Claudio stayed involved in the community through volunteer work. His favorite was the California Food Bank, which helps feed those in need.
Claudio is super outgoing and loves spending time with family and friends. Some of his favorite activities are binge-watching his favorite shows and trying new foods with his dad. Claudio will be majoring in nursing and hopes to one day become an RN just like his parents. Later, he plans to obtain his master's in nursing to become a surgical RNFA. Claudio hopes to be able to care for his patients with care and expertise like his parents, who inspire him each and every day.
Elaina Stone is a Corcoran High School graduate from Hanford, CA. She loves to read, cheer, dance, drink coffee, and listen to music. Elaina participated in track and field for two years, where she learned the value of being on a team. In addition, she loves watching true crime and watching mysteries unfold in criminal investigations, coinciding with her major in criminology and her plans of becoming a criminal lawyer. Elaina is excited to be a part of the Smittcamp family and make new friends.
James Swanson attended Thomas Downey High School in Modesto, CA. He was the Vice President of his school’s chapter of the California Scholarship Federation and was voted Most Valuable Participant of his Mock Trial team two years in a row. Though James is naturally shy and doesn’t dance, he orchestrated a successful campaign to be named Prom King. He is majoring in History in order to become a high school history teacher. He enjoys playing video games, learning obscure bits of information, and aspires to one day be able to open a soda can without asking for help.
Chrystal Vath is a graduate of Clovis East High School in Fresno, CA. She formerly held officer positions in Key Club, Wallflower Club, and Red Cross Youth Club, while also being a Principal's Medallion and CSF Lifetime recipient. Alongside studies at Clovis East, she completed Biomedicine and Biotechnology courses at the Center for Advanced Research and Technology. In her free time, she enjoys watching the sunset, hiking, and spending time with friends. As an incoming freshman, Chrystal is majoring in pre-health in order to pursue a career in nursing.
Marcus Wenrick attended Design Science Middle College High School in Fresno, CA and was dual enrolled at Fresno City College. He is majoring in mass communication and journalism (multiplatform/broadcast journalism option) with the possibility of adding a stats minor. He intends to graduate from Fresno State and look for a job in the sports industry as a commentator or analyst. Currently, Marcus is interning with Fresno State's esports as a caster and intends to work with the sports department as well. In his free time, Marcus enjoys sports, anime, and video games.
Nicholas Wise lives in Fresno, CA, and attended Bullard High School, where he played four years of Varsity tennis and was the president of five on-campus clubs. Outside of school, Nicholas enjoys playing the violin, cooking, being outdoors, and playing pickleball. He is a certified pickleball instructor and events coordinator at a local racquet club and works part-time for the US Department of Agriculture. At Fresno State, he is majoring in mechanical engineering with a focus on agriculture. Nicholas aspires to become an agricultural engineer working to improve the sustainability and efficiency of the food production industry.