09/01/2026
When Esha Ahmed joined the Honors College as a first-year student in 2023, she was looking for an educational experience that would connect her interests in science, medicine, ethics and community service. Now graduating with degrees in biohealth sciences and bioresource research and minors in medical humanities, chemistry, toxicology and biotechnology, she reflects on how her Honors College experience helped shape both her academic interests and future career goals.
"I have felt encouraged to think more critically and connect my interests in science, medicine, ethics and community service rather than treating them as completely separate areas," Esha says.
Throughout her time at Oregon State, Esha stayed active in a variety of leadership and service roles, including serving as the social justice chair for the Honors College Student Association, a community relations representative through the Ettihad Cultural Center, a medical scribe at Salem Health Emergency Department, and an academic learning assistant in a residence hall on campus. Through those experiences, she helped create welcoming spaces for students from a range of backgrounds and perspectives.
Research was another pillar of Esha's undergraduate experience. Esha pursued those interests through her Honors College and BRR thesis project, titled Elucidating the Impact of Metabolic Factors on the Neuroendocrine Control of Reproduction: Responses of Immortalized Kisspeptin Neurons to Hormonal and Metabolic Signals, which she defended in spring 2026.
Working in the laboratory of Dr. Patrick Chappell in the Department of Biomedical Sciences within the Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Esha conducted cell culture experiments, hormone treatments and gene expression analysis.
This fall, Esha plans to continue working in clinical research while preparing for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and applying to medical school. She hopes to pursue a career in pediatric or emergency medicine.
For current and future Honors College students, Esha offers simple advice: "become comfortable asking questions, seeking support and growing in uncertainty," she says.
Read the full story: beav.es/YYq
