Celebrating our 2025 graduates

Congratulations to the graduating class of 2025!

Commencement happens May 10. As we mark the end of the academic year, it's an opportune time to highlight graduating students from each of our departments in CEHSP.

Headshot of Emma Fielder

What has been your most meaningful experience at UMD?

I went on the Women's Health and Policy study abroad trip to Amsterdam and Prague. This experience was incredible. I met a lot of great people and learned a lot. It meant a lot to me to travel abroad and learn about topics that interested me!

What was memorable about your college experience?

All of the people I have met—friends, faculty, community members—I have built a lot of connections on and off campus that have made this an incredible experience.

What are your plans after graduation? 

Moving back towards home and working at a full-time job (yet to be determined what)!

What are your ultimate life or career goals? 

Eventually, I want to get a master's degree, and I want to get involved in policy someday, or to work within a system to help a lot of people by improving their health!

Grace Reed smiling and holding up a grey and white cat

What has been your most meaningful experience at UMD?

One of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had at UMD was getting involved in a UROP, where I was able to explore my interest in audiology through a research project. It helped me dive deeper into the subject and solidified my passion for the field. As part of the project, I even got the chance to travel to Pittsburgh to present my work at a poster session, which was such an exciting (and slightly nerve-wracking) experience. It definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone, but I grew both academically and personally.

What was memorable about your college experience? 

The nature here has truly been one of the best parts of my college experience. Duluth is such a beautiful place with so much to offer, and I feel really lucky to have spent these years in such a scenic area. I’m especially going to miss the lake. It has such a powerful & beautiful presence. 

What are your plans after graduation?

I will be attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison to pursue a Doctorate of Audiology. 

What are your ultimate life or career goals?

Right now, I’m especially interested in the implantable device side of audiology, but I’m also open to exploring different areas as I move through grad school and see what truly clicks for me. Outside of my career goals, I’ve always dreamed of someday settling down on a farm. I love animals and being out in the countryside—it just feels like the perfect, quiet kind of life I’d want for myself in the future.

Kaylee Wingness smiling with a forest behind her

What has been your most meaningful experience at UMD?

My most meaningful experience at UMD was being able to learn alongside my peers in a cohort model. It was truly great getting to become good friends with my classmates. We were able to support each other and get great insight from each other in our classes. The classes were very discussion-based and reflective, which is super important as future educators. 

What was memorable about your college experience?

My college experience was very memorable because I got to get involved in lots of clubs and activities. It has been fun going to events put on by EMAE, Helping Hives, RSOP, and Bulldog Yoga. I also had the opportunity to be in the UMD athletic band's marching band for 3 years, which was a lot of fun. 

What are your plans after graduation? 

After I graduate, I plan to first spend the summer with my family and go camping as much as possible. Then, I am hopeful to find a teaching job in the fall. I am currently going through the job search process, which my professors have been very supportive and encouraging of.

What are your ultimate life or career goals? 

My career goal is to become a math teacher. I love working with students and seeing their curiosity about the world grow every single day!

Ellie von Duke posing in front of greenery and a large body of water

What has been your most meaningful experience at UMD?

I have found a lot of joy at UMD, but my most meaningful experience has been working in the H2L Lab with the LaCailles and with a handful of my peers. Getting the chance to work with so many incredible people and researchers in a very encouraging environment has facilitated a lot of personal growth in my time at UMD. Having spent the last year and a half with this lab, I wish I had gotten involved with research earlier in my academic career! 

What was memorable about your college experience? 

Overall, the most memorable part of my college experience has been all of the people that I’ve met. I have made a lot of really great friends and I’ve been able to connect with my peers, professors, and other faculty in meaningful ways. It is obvious how much the people with UMD care about one another and I’ve received a lot of support from the people I’ve come across. 

What are your plans after graduation?

I am going to be staying in Duluth after graduating and I hope to start working within a human services profession. I don’t have something specific lined up, but I really enjoy working directly with people, problem solving—and I’d like to lean into research more as well! I’ll also be spending lots of time hiking and at the lake! 

What are your ultimate life or career goals?

I want to help people with the work that I do! I have some experience in settings in which I have supported people throughout rehabilitation and aimed to improve their well-being, and this is something I can see myself doing more of either directly or indirectly! I enjoy working in collaborative and community settings, promoting mental health and wellness through programs, interventions, and research. Regardless of what I end up doing with my career, I know I will have a lifetime of learning! 
 
Bria Olson in her graduation gown and stoll in front of the duluth lift bridge

What has been your most meaningful experience at UMD?

It has been very meaningful to integrate into the Duluth community and apply my skills throughout an internship experience. Additionally, receiving support from the social work program and faculty has allowed me to be successful in my studies.  

What was memorable about your college experience? 

My time in Duluth has been memorable because I have created lifelong friendships and memories, as well as discovered both personal and professional passions, such as running and hiking. 

What are your plans after graduation?

I will be continuing my education in a Master of Social Work program starting this summer. 

What are your ultimate life or career goals?

My goal is to practice as a therapist and help individuals understand and cope with mental health. In my free time, I hope to travel!