2012 Hugh Egan Scholar

Alana Koehler is an Exercise Science major and Coaching minor with an eclectic list of extracurricular interests. For the past two years, Alana has been the Fundraising Chair of Up 'Tl Dawn, a student-led organization that raises funds and awareness for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. She also serves as the Co-President of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Student Coach of the IC Men’s Swimming and Diving Team, and is a member of the Senior Class Gift Committee. As the Administrative Assistant to the Director of the Honors Program, as well as through her role on the Honors Student Advisory Board, Alana has played an integral part in the development of the program. For Alana, enhancing Honors co-curricular programming is a way for her to give back to a program that has provided her with so many amazing opportunities. As she explains, "being involved in Honors has truly enriched my college experience. I have gotten to travel internationally, present my research at prestigious conferences, meet fascinating and brilliant students from all corners of campus, as well as develop personal connections with the exceptional Honors faculty.” Alana is currently pursuing a career in biomedical research with a special interest in pediatric autism spectrum disorders. After working as a researcher at Strong Children’s Research Hospital in Rochester for the summer, Alana intends to apply to MD/PhD programs for the 2013-2014 academic year.