Unique, ambitious, passionate

No two students in the Rinker-Ross School of Health Sciences are the same. Our students bring various background experiences, an array of interests and a mixture of career goals to each of our classes. The one common thread? A passion for healthcare and science settings.

Fall 2025 - Spring 2026

February 2026

Hometown: Anderson, IN
Major and Year: Forensic science, chemistry and biology
Plans: Work in a crime laboratory dealing with biological material or drug analysis
Fun Fact: I enjoy creating photorealistic artwork.
Extracurriculars: Former Cold Case Unit investigator, corrections officer, lab assistant and being a mom
Advice: Look for the beauty and happiness in everything, especially yourself.

akilah guthrie

Hometown: St. Clairsville, OH
Major and Year: Exercise science
Plans: Obtain my Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Trine University.
Fun Fact: I won a Junior Hockey National Championship and have presented research at the NSCA national conference; currently undergoing peer-review.
Extracurriculars: Volunteer coach for the ACHA D2 and D3 ice hockey teams.
Advice: Motivation is fleeting; Discipline lays the foundation for success.

alex minger

Hometown: Maple Grove, MN
Major and Year: Biology and environmental science
Plans: I plan to attend law school and pursue a career in environmental policy.
Fun Fact: Over the summer, I got to catch iguanas as part of a wildlife conservation project.
Extracurriculars: Women's ice hockey, women's lacrosse, president of Mud Club and Morgan's Message
Advice: Say yes to new experiences, even if they feel intimidating at first. Failure is part of learning, and believing in yourself makes all the difference.

claire schmaltz

January 2026

Hometown: Carmel, IN
Major and Year: Biology and environmental science
Plans: I plan to go into marine biology and work in coastal ecosystem research and conservation.
Fun Fact: Brando Sando fan
Extracurriculars: Women's lacrosse, Mud Club, disc golf, one piece
Advice: Be decisive about your academics, your future and your happiness. Don't hesitate to find joy in your life.

eva bellotti

Hometown: Kendallville, IN
Major and Year: Chemistry, senior
Plans: Pursue a PharmD degree to become a clinical pharmacist
Fun Fact: I've worn glasses since I was six months old.
Extracurriculars: Cross country, track and field and CCH
Advice: Find your routine, stay consistent, laugh often

drew sillaway

November/December 2025

Hometown: South Lyon, MI
Major and Year: Forensic science, chemistry, biology and chemistry, junior
Plans: I want to be a seized drug analyst.
Fun Fact: I studied abroad in Germany for the Spring 2025 semester.
Extracurriculars: CCH, TUFFS, ACS, Study Abroad Club
Advice: Grades don't define you; do the best you can!

ella penndorf

Hometown: Adrian, MI
Major and Year: Applied health science, senior
Plans: Accepted to Palmer College of Chiropractic
Fun Fact: I've been weight lifting for almost 10 years.
Extracurriculars: President of HSA, anatomy tutor and putting my degree to use in the gym
Advice: Success is the progressive realization of a worthy ideal. Use your education to do something in this world that matters.

nicholas stuart

Hometown: Huntington, IN
Major and Year: Biology, junior
Plans: Plan to attend PA school
Fun Fact: I am a triplet with two sisters, who are also in the medical field!
Extracurriculars: I am involved in Sigma Phi Epsilon and the PA Club.
Advice: Never give up, trust God's timing, for every step forward is already part of His plan!

andrew szelis

October 2025

Hometown: Northwood, OH
Major and Year: Biology pre-PA, senior
Plans: Attend Trine's physician program next fall.
Fun Fact: My favorite place to vacation is the Outer Banks in North Carolina.
Extracurriculars: Tri-Beta Biological Honor Society, Pre-Physician Assistant Club of Trine, Health Science Association
Advice: Time flies, so work hard, make time for the things you enjoy and don't forget to be kind to yourself.

abby loving

Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Major and Year: I'm a junior and majoring in exercise science.
Plans: I'm exploring different career paths within the field, including physical therapy, as I continue to research how I can use my degree to help people improve their health and overall well-being.
Fun Fact: I can juggle.
Extracurriculars: I play on Trine's NCAA Women's Hockey Team.
Advice: Don't wait until later to do hard things.

sydney streb

September 2025

Hometown: Napoleon, OH
Major and Year: Biology, senior (3+2.5 PA program)
Plans: Attend physician assistant school to obtain my MPAS and eventually work in pediatrics
Fun Fact: I am the middle kid of nine kids.
Extracurriculars: Women's cross country, women's track and field, Health Science Association, Pre-Physician Assistant Club of Trine, Morgan's Message, tour guide and Admission's Ambassador
Advice: Undergraduate years will fly by, so make the most of every moment. Take time to relax and enjoy the experience, prioritize building friendships with your peers and form meaningful connections with your professors.

sophia altman

Hometown: San Diego, CA
Major and Year: Biology, senior
Plans: After graduation, I want to immerse myself in the field of wildlife conservation, either as an animal care specialist at an animal sanctuary or field biologist. I am incredibly passionate about helping animals in any way I can and preserving the natural environment. Down the road, my goal is to run my own animal sanctuary!
Fun Fact: This summer, I was an intern at an exotic animal sanctuary called Lions Tigers & Bears!
Extracurriculars: Women's soccer team, SAAC, Art Club and Pickleball Club
Advice: Get experience early! Whether that's an internship or volunteering, having real, hands-on experience sets you apart when applying to internships or jobs in the future.

taylor currier

Hometown: Mooresville, IN
Major and Year: Senior exercise science major with minors in nutrition science, health coaching and sports psychology
Plans: Attend physical therapy school next fall.
Fun Fact: I enjoy spending the little bit of free time I have on watching films/tv or reading novels of my hobbies: DC, Marvel and Star Wars.
Extracurriculars: President of HSA, anatomy tutor and putting my degree to use in the gym
Advice: When I was in high school, my uncle provided me with a quote from Theodore Roosevelt called, "The Man in the Arena." It is the same quote he lives his life by to this day as a successful business owner and practicing dentist. I try my best to live by that same quote. I believe it is a quote we should all look at and compare ourself and our life. Not just our academics, but every part of our life. Read that quote, look into yourself and, if need be, build from it. You will notice that things will change for the better.

hunter overholser

August 2025

Hometown: Castle Rock, CO
Major and Year: Biology/PA 4+2.5
Plans: I'm committed to Trine's physician assistant program, and after completing it, I hope to become a PA specializing in women's health, particularly in obstetrics and gynecology.
Fun Fact: I'm a certified scuba diver!
Extracurriculars: I'm a member of Trine's softball team, and we recently won a national championship (woohoo!).
Advice: It's easy to get caught up in academics, but don't forget to enjoy your time in college. Try new things, take breaks when you need them and build meaningful relationships with your professors and classmates. They can make a big difference in your experience and your future.

alexis rodriguez

Hometown: Walkerton, IN
Major and Year: Chemistry 2027
Plans: This coming summer, I'm hoping to get an internship at a distillery or brewery, as that would be my dream job after I graduate.
Fun Fact: I love to kayak fish.
Extracurriculars: Brother of Delta Chi fraternity and part of its executive board
Advice: Go to the Greek food events during the week! They offer a great space to meet new friends and provide a nice break from studies, so you don't get burned out.

rowdy smith

Fall 2024 - Spring 2025

Hometown: Middleville, MI
Major and Year: Exercise science, senior
Minor: Biomechanical engineering
Plans: I have committed to Eastern Michigan University's Orthotics and Prosthetics Graduate Program for the next two years. After graduate school, I plan to complete an 18-24-month residency to become a certified orthotics and prosthetics clinician.
Fun Fact: I'm learning to play the banjo!
Advice: I'm really passionate about the career I'm pursuing. This passion has helped me maintain motivation to work hard through the last 3.5 years and will motivate me to work hard through the next two years of graduate school. You can do anything if you want it!

ellie essenberg

Hometown: Decatur, IN
Major and Year: Exercise science, senior
Plans: I will be attending Manchester University's DPT program this summer to continue my studies and work towards becoming a physical therapist. Upon finishing my graduate studies, I hope to work with athletes or specialize in cardiac rehabilitation.
Fun Fact: I coached high school basketball for two years.
Extracurriculars: I am a member of NSLS.
Advice: Don't be afraid to fail. Failure is an opportunity to learn about yourself and is a key part of any journey in both life and academics. Learn from your failures and use them as opportunities to grow.

kade fuelling

Hometown: Noblesville, IN
Major and Year: Biology, graduating junior
Plans: I plan to pursue a Master's in aquatic ecology and limnology at Auburn University, followed by a research career or doctoral studies in the field.
Fun Fact: I have six younger siblings, three dogs and three cats, who I love to death!
Extracurriculars: Women's lacrosse, Morgan's Message, Sewing Club, SPEAK
Advice: It's going to be way easier to be successful if you're pursuing a field you really love.

Hometown: Hartford, MI
Major and Year: Biology, senior
Plans: I will be attending an ABSN program next fall to continue my studies and work toward becoming a nurse practitioner.
Fun Fact: I own a bakery back home called Sweet Tooth, specializing in cupcakes for all sorts of events, from weddings to graduations.
Advice: Enjoy it! It's okay to mess up, fail or struggle. Embrace the challenges!

alexis snodgrass