Whitworth University Chemistry Department

Alumni Achievements

Jordan Sand, '06

Majors: Biochemistry and Spanish

Career Path: Earned an M.D. in 2011 from the University of Washington School of Medicine (awarded a highly competitive 2008-09 Sarnoff Cardiovascular Research Foundation Fellowship to conduct cardiovascular research in Boston for a year). Currently an otolaryngology (head and neck surgery) resident at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

Notable Note: In 2006, Sand received a $300,000 Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Graduate Scholarship. The award provides $50,000 per year for up to six years of graduate study.

Why Whitworth? "I knew from the beginning that I would be able to make close and lasting relationships with Whitworth's personable faculty and staff. Whitworth's strong Christian tradition was also a very enticing factor; at Whitworth, I would be encouraged by friends and faculty to integrate my faith into my learning. The student atmosphere was spectacular, and I really enjoyed the beautiful campus. Whitworth's competitive financial aid package was also a deciding factor in my choice."

Whitworth Activities: Chief emergency medical technician for the Whitworth Health Center, volunteer at Deaconess Hospital, mentor with Mentors and Students Together. Taught life skills to Cuban refugees through World Relief. During the summers of Sand's sophomore and junior years, he took part in competitive research programs at the University of Idaho and the University of North Texas. Recipient of the 2006 Outstanding Senior Chemistry Major Award and the Whitworth Alumni Ideals Award.

Quote: "Whitworth's high standard of education prepared me for the rigors of the medical school curriculum. Whitworth's education of the mind and heart encouraged me to take into account both the physical and the spiritual aspects of medical treatment."

Career Goals: Practice neurosurgery in an urban location, conduct research, teach at a medical school, and work in the area of health policy.

Here's what some other recent Whitworth graduates are doing with their chemistry degrees:

Jared Onley, '11, is attending medical school at the University of Kentucky, on an Army HPSP scholarship.

Christopher Fenton, '10, works for Signature Genomics Laboratory, in Spokane.

Elizabeth Helen Pempe, '07, is pursuing a doctorate in medicinal chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She was previously an AIDS-relief worker in Uganda through Student Partnership Worldwide.

John Hauck, '09, received a full scholarship and is pursuing a graduate degree in physical chemistry at the University of Notre Dame.

Lacie (Hearst) Zimmerman, '05, is a white-tiger keeper/trainer for Siegfried and Roy at the Mirage Hotel, in Las Vegas.

Kristin Santroch, '10, is enrolled in dental school at the University of Pennsylvania, on an Air Force HPSP scholarship.

Adriane Lunday, '11, is enrolled in the pharmacy doctoral program at the University of Colorado.

Elizabeth (Smelser) Fox, '04, is the lead water and public-buildings staff member on the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Evan Worden, '10, is enrolled in a molecular cellular biology graduate program at U.C. Berkeley with a paid fellowship.

Jacob McCallum, '11, is enrolled in a master's in nuclear engineering program at Idaho State University.