Summer 2024 Fellows
Welcome to our 2024 Peak Summer Research Fellows! Watch this space for more information about their projects!View all past Fellows
Peak Fellows
Mentor: Michael Twohig
Hailey is a senior in the psychology program at USU and loves being a research assistant at the ACT lab on campus. She is interested in the nature of different psychological conditions and is passionate about conducting research that can be used to inform treatment. She plans on continuing her research by eventually pursuing a Ph.D. in psychology.
Mentor: T.C. Shen
Max Haehnel is entering his senior year as a physics student. His research interests include waveguides and optical devices, photonics, and strategic culture. In a broad scope Max also loves distance running, soccer, wood working, and exploring the meaning of words with his siblings and friends.
Mentor: Matthew Young
Seth Porter is entering his senior year majoring in economics and mathematics. He has previously conducted research in algebraic topology, economic history, and combinatorial graph theory. This summer he plans to conduct research in a subfield of topology known as knot theory. When not busy with school or research, Seth loves to spend time outdoors, lift weights, and play chess. Upon graduation in 2025 Seth plans to pursue a PhD in economics with the goal of becoming a professor.
Mentors: Carol Dehler
Michelle Norman is a senior geology major who can usually be found outside perched on a precarious outcrop somewhere remote. They have been conducting paleoclimatology research since their first semester, analyzing ancient carbon cycle fluctuations as preserved in 500 million-year-old limestones outside Delta, Utah. They hike, rock climb, watercolor, and read in whatever spare time they can find.
Mentor: Brennan Bean
Mentor: Ryan Jackson
Brendon will be a senior who is studying Biochemistry. He loves learning about how proteins function and about the huge diversity of proteins that exist. In his free time, he enjoys watching F1 races and learning about obscure cars. Upon graduation he plans to get a PhD in biochemistry and use his knowledge to help develop treatments that improve people's quality of life.
Mentor: Ryan Jackson
Mentor: Sydney O’Shay
Mentor: Elizabeth Vargis
Sophia is a Biological Engineering student researching an incurable eye disease called age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Her research involves creating an in vitro model of the area of the eye affected by AMD. When she isn’t busy in the lab, Sophia enjoys rock climbing and camping.
Mentor: Nicole Allen
Rosalie participated in the fellowship in the summer of 2023 and has been lucky enough to receive the PEAK Fellowship again for the summer of 2024. She has decided to apply again so she can make greater growth towards her research career. She loves everything involved with research and PEAK has been a great way for her to get her foot in the door before she graduates and goes out into the field. She is excited to expand her knowledge and see where this opportunity takes her.
Mentor: Jared Ragland