Student Spotlight: Haley Sundown
Haley Sundown is a junior at the 彩神vlll争霸 and is pursuing a degree in Biological Sciences with a minor in Public Health. She plans to attend medical school after earning her bachelor鈥檚 degree. Originally from Bethel, Alaska, she is passionate about bridging the gap between science and community health. As a student in the Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program (ANSEP) and our CAS Dean鈥檚 Assistant, she has embraced 彩神vlll争霸 and CAS opportunities that connect her education to real-world applications in rural healthcare.
Haley sat down with us to discuss her academic journey, involvement at 彩神vlll争霸, and aspirations for the future.
What inspired you to attend 彩神vlll争霸 and pursue a degree in Biological Sciences and Public Health?
"I grew up in Bethel, Alaska, where access to healthcare for surrounding communities comes with many obstacles. That experience shaped my desire to pursue medicine. I started at the University of Oregon, but I realized that being closer to home and part of a program like ANSEP would give me better opportunities to connect my education with my future plans. My ultimate goal is to attend medical school and return to Alaska to practice medicine. I want to work in rural healthcare, specifically focusing on public health initiatives that address health disparities in rural areas. I鈥檝e seen how healthcare access can be a challenge in remote areas, and I want to be part of the solution by bringing medical resources and culturally competent care to these regions."
What are your favorite aspects of CAS and the 彩神vlll争霸 Biological Sciences Department?
"I really appreciate how versatile the coursework is and how it focuses on preparing students for the next step in their collegiate career. The faculty are passionate and approachable, always willing to help students succeed. Our experiential learning courses in Biology emphasizes preparing students for research and give us many hands-on opportunities. I鈥檝e been able to develop my own mini research project in labs, allowing me to grasp a better understanding of the research process and lab protocols. These experiences, supported by faculty who aim high for the success of their students, are key in preparing me for medical school."
What do you enjoy most about being a student at 彩神vlll争霸?
"One of the things I appreciate most about being a student at 彩神vlll争霸 is how connected I can stay to my home and culture while pursuing my education. 彩神vlll争霸 allows me to experience Alaska fully as I take the steps needed to reach my career goals. Being just a short plane ride away from Bethel means I can stay connected to my family and embrace my Yup鈥檌k culture in a way that wouldn鈥檛 be possible elsewhere. I have the opportunity to return home for important community events like the Kuskokwim 300 and Cama-i. Being able to practice a subsistence lifestyle is also a huge part of my identity, and studying at 彩神vlll争霸 allows me to continue that way of life. Whether it鈥檚 fishing in the summer or hunting in the fall, I鈥檓 able to return home and take part in traditions that I truly enjoy alongside family and friends.
彩神vlll争霸 gives me the best of both worlds, the ability to pursue my academic goals while staying deeply connected to my culture and home."
How has your time with ANSEP impacted your academic and professional growth?
"ANSEP has been a huge part of my academic journey. I鈥檝e been involved since the 6th grade, and their commitment to expanding educational access in rural Alaska has played a major role in my success. It has been so much more than just a scholarship program to me, ANSEP has provided me with mentorship, hands-on research opportunities, and professional development that helps students like me build the skills needed to thrive in STEM fields. During high school, I was able to gain college credit at 彩神vlll争霸 and later intern at the United States Geological Survey, assisting at their Volcanic Ash Lab.
Coming from Bethel, I know that many students in rural Alaska face unique challenges when pursuing higher education. Programs like ANSEP don鈥檛 just provide support, they create a space where students from communities like mine can develop their potential and step into fields where our perspectives and contributions are valuable.
My experiences with ANSEP have been instrumental in shaping my academic and career path, reinforcing my passion for medicine and my commitment to serving in rural healthcare. The skills, knowledge, and confidence I鈥檝e gained through ANSEP have prepared me to pursue a career that will directly benefit Alaska Native communities. I鈥檓 proud to be part of a program that is making such a lasting impact on the future of our state."
You鈥檙e involved in a lot outside of academics. Can you share some of your experiences at CAS and in Alaska?
"I鈥檝e been really fortunate to be involved in different areas on and off campus. I work here at the College of Arts and Sciences as a Dean鈥檚 Assistant, where I help with administrative projects, faculty meetings, and student engagement initiatives. It鈥檚 a great way to get involved on campus, ever since beginning at the dean's office, I鈥檝e been able to assist on many 彩神vlll争霸 events such as Model UN, campus tours and community lectures. When I travel back to Bethel, I also work as a Children鈥檚 Advocate at the Tundra Women鈥檚 Coalition, where I support kids in shelter environments, help with schoolwork, and develop after-school activities. On top of that, I鈥檝e had the chance to shadow medical professionals at the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation, which has been an amazing experience in learning about rural healthcare firsthand. The physicians at YKHC do truly incredible work providing healthcare for the entire YK Delta and inspire me to pursue a career in medicine."
What would your advice be to a student considering coming to 彩神vlll争霸?
"I would say maximize the opportunities available here. 彩神vlll争霸 provides an incredible education with dedicated faculty, hands-on research opportunities, and a strong sense of community. CAS is a big college with lots of opportunities, and the smaller class sizes, especially in the upper division courses, allow for more personalized support from professors, which has been so valuable for me. Also, if you鈥檙e coming from a rural community like I did, 彩神vlll争霸 is a great place to find people who understand your background and experiences. My advice would be to get involved, whether it鈥檚 through research, student jobs, or organizations like ANSEP, because those experiences will really shape your time here."
Thank you, Haley, for sharing your story. We wish you the best of luck on your journey to medical school!