Each year the College of Arts and Sciences nominates a group of our graduating seniors to the university’s Top 10 Scholars program. These students represent some of the best work in our college. They are working on cutting-edge science, creating expressive works of art and finding ways to give back to our community.
Only a handful of these exceptional students will be chosen by the university as Top 10 Scholars. While we wait for their announcement later this semester, we want to highlight these accomplished students and wish them the best after graduation.
Nominees for the College of Arts and Sciences:
- Sara Alsaifi
- Corinna Bartolotto
- Maddie Cardenas
- Melanie Figueroa Zavala
- Angel Gutierrez
- Danilla Kowalczuk
- Ryan Matthias
- Ella Merrigan
- Madison Miller
- Deztiny Montero
- Alanis Ziegler
Maddie Cardenas
What is your hometown?
My hometown is Brentwood, California, but my family lives here in Boise now!
Three words that describe you: Stubborn, determined and innovative.
What is your major and why did you choose it?
My major is Biology with a cellular, molecular, and biomedical emphasis. I chose to major in biology because I have always had a fascination with how the world around us works and the interactions that are constantly occurring in the background in order to keep us alive and healthy.
Tell us about a class or faculty member who made a difference in your time at Boise State.
A faculty member who made a difference during my time at Boise State was Chris Pajak. I was his lab assistant for an organic chemistry lab section and we still work together in the Chemistry Instructional Center on campus. I learned a lot from him, and not just about chemistry. He gave me advice and support while I was applying to medical schools last spring/summer and even gave me some feedback on my application materials. Chris was a great help in my success with my medical school applications and continues to support me with both my personal and
academic endeavours. He is an amazing instructor and very supportive of his students! Thank you so much Chris!
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to attend medical school starting this fall and figure out what medical specialty will be the best fit for me! It’s important to me that I will be able to be a resource to the rural underserved communities in need of healthcare.
Share a piece of advice you would give to a current or future Boise State College of Arts and Science student.
A piece of advice that I would give to a current or future Boise State COAS student would be to learn what resources you have around you and take advantage of them as much as you possibly can. Many students are not aware of the different programs and opportunities that are available to them at Boise State that are specifically there to help you in a variety of different ways.
Danilla Kowalczuk
What is your hometown?
I was born and raised in Idaho. Nampa was my first home but I have lived in other rural parts of Idaho like southern and eastern Idaho. I eventually made my way back to the Treasure Valley, becoming a Boise local before attending Boise State University.
Three words that describe you: Community-oriented, resourceful, and passionate.
What is your major and why did you choose it?
Initially, I began as a mathematics major as I was passionate about theoretical math in high school. Now, I will be graduating with a bachelor of science in sociology this spring. My introduction to sociology was through electives that immediately made me realize that this discipline may be more suited for my personal goals. Through conversations with professors about my career aspirations, I started to imagine the research I could endeavor and community work regarding race and class. I began to appreciate this discipline and the amazing department quickly became my new home. I was fast to seize the multitude of opportunities that came from various faculty who fostered my newfound devotion in sociological research.
Tell us about a class or faculty member who made a difference in your time at Boise State.
One of the most transformative experiences throughout my entire undergraduate journey has been the Intermountain Social Research Lab (IMSRL). Here I received rigorous qualitative research training from professors Arthur Scarritt, Michael Krieter, and Jeff Cates. My ability to construct novel ideas, write, and execute projects all exponentially grew to an extent sometimes still unfathomable to me. As an excellent bonus, I became very close to my cohorts within the lab demonstrating a community with vested interests in one another’s successes. I am nearly coming to a close to my second year in the lab where I have served as a mentor too. It has been an amazing exposure to see where a research question can go especially when I have the opportunity to present at conferences including my regional association’s annual meetings.
What are your plans after graduation?
As a McNair scholar, I have been preparing tirelessly to pursue graduate studies upon graduation. My final year consisted of applying to numerous competitive PhD programs across the nation. I am excited to say I have a fully-funded offer to the Sociology PhD program at the State University of New York at Binghamton with a teaching assistantship to start in Fall 2025. I am awaiting other news and weighing in many factors before making my decision.
Share a piece of advice you would give to a current or future Boise State College of Arts and Sciences student.
I personally feel indebted to the resources and faculty of my department, TRIO programs, and the McNair Scholars Program. I showed up to each of these spaces entrusting them with my goals, struggles, and rough blueprints towards my aspirations. In return, my self esteem was built upon the shoulders of amazing staff who have been in my place before and advised many others like me. I sent emails, many of which I needed strength to click the send button, and set up conversations, many of which I needed humility to listen to tough criticism. Strong relationships and relying on support are necessary because no one individual makes it alone.
Deztiny Montero
What is your hometown?
Twin Falls, ID
Three words that describe you: Driven, compassionate, and adventurous.
What is your major and how did you choose it?
I majored in Mathematics with an Emphasis in Secondary Education. I chose this path because I have always been drawn to problem-solving and patterns, but what truly solidified my decision was the moment I stepped into a classroom—not as a student, but as a teacher. I still remember sitting cross-legged on the carpet of an elementary school classroom, surrounded by kids hanging onto every word of their story time. In that moment, I wasn’t just observing—I was part of their world, seeing learning through their eyes. That was the moment it all clicked—math education wasn’t just a path I was exploring; it was the field where I was meant to be.
Tell us about a class or faculty member who made a difference in your time at Boise State.
One faculty member who made a significant impact on my time at Boise State is Joe Champion. He has been more than just a professor—he has been a teacher, mentor, and advisor who has guided me through every step of my academic journey. He made sure I stayed on track to graduate, offered thoughtful class recommendations, and provided invaluable advice about graduate school. He also helped shape my professional experiences, connecting me with my research job, where he now serves as my boss, and recruiting me to the Recruitment and Retention Committee, where we worked to support math students and hosted the Math Invitational. Now, as I work on my senior project, he continues to support me as my advisor. His encouragement and guidance have shaped not only my academic path but also my confidence in pursuing a career in math education.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I will be stepping into my role as a math teacher in the West Ada School District, where I have signed my letter of intent for the 2025-2026 school year. I also plan to pursue graduate studies to deepen my knowledge and refine my approach to education. I want to continue growing, learning, and finding new ways to make math meaningful.
Share a piece of advice you would give to a current or future Boise State College of Arts and Sciences student.
Take advantage of every opportunity to get involved, whether it’s tutoring, research, student organizations, or attending events. Some of my best learning experiences came from stepping outside of my comfort zone. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help—professors and peers want to see you succeed, and seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.