Sophia Pellitteri
Sophia Pellitteri is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in apparel merchandising, with an expected graduation date of spring 2027. A native of Richmond Beach, Washington, and a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, Pellitteri has earned a place on the President’s Honor Roll every semester she’s been at WSU. She is currently studying abroad in Florence, Italy, and has participated in several recent study tours through the Department of Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Textiles (AMDT), including a visit to Cotton Inc. and a trip to China. After graduation, Pellitteri hopes to find a job or internship in buying/personal shopping.
Owen Geis-Poage
Owen Geis-Poage grew up in the Pacific Northwest and abroad. He is double majoring in apparel design and merchandising and received the Rising Stars Scholarship from the National Retail Federation (NRF). He was part of a group of AMDT students who won a first-place outstanding achievement award for their brand concept poster project, sponsored by Cotton Inc. Geis-Poage helps with student recruitment and retention in his current roles as a CAHNRS ambassador and as a WSU ambassador to the NRF. Last fall, he participated in an industry study tour of a variety of fashion and retail brands, including Amazon, Nordstrom, and Starbucks. Over winter break, Geis-Poage attended the NRF Foundation Student Program and NRF Retail’s Big Show in New York City. After graduating in spring 2028, he plans to pursue a master’s degree in apparel, merchandising, design, and textiles.
Daniel Arinez
Daniel Arinez is majoring in economic sciences with a concentration in policy and law. Originally from La Paz, Bolivia, he is the recipient of several scholarships and the winner of multiple People’s Choice Awards for his research projects. Arinez is involved in the WSU Economics Club as its CAHNRS senator. In this role, he helped schedule club events that connect students to faculty as well as graduate school and research opportunities. After graduation in May 2026, Arinez will attend the American Economic Association Summer Training Program hosted by American University, then pursue graduate studies in Washington, DC. His eventual goal is to work in the public sector.
Rosemarie Faisao
Rosemarie Faisao grew up in Saipan and is studying organic and sustainable agriculture at WSU. She has received several scholarships and made the President’s Honor Roll in fall and spring 2025. Faisao is a Team Mentoring Program mentor for CAHNRS students, a CAHNRS ambassador, and vice president of the MANRRS WSU chapter. She attended the MANRRS National Conference and completed the USDA Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates (REEU) Summer 2025 Program, where she conducted plant biology research at the University of Georgia and presented her work at a REEU-hosted plant science symposium. After completing her degree in spring 2027, Faisao plans to pursue an opportunity with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and gain hands-on experience in soil science.
Natalie Camerino
Originally from Elk Grove, California, Natalie Camerino is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in food science and a minor in entrepreneurship. She earned a place on the President’s Honor Roll for six semesters and is the recipient of multiple scholarships, including the WSU Creamery Scholarship and the Cashup Davis Merit Scholarship. Camerino is involved in the Filipino American Student Association and has served as president of the Food Science Club, the Women’s Club Volleyball Team, and the Food Science Product Development Club. She has conducted undergraduate research in Professor Girish Ganjyal’s food processing lab, helping with experiments to create a complete protein using lentils and barley. She is also the co-author of a scientific journal article on value-added pancakes. Camerino studied abroad in Italy and New Zealand and has interned at Seattle-based Hellenika Cultured Creamery and Merry Cellars in Pullman. After graduating in May 2026, she plans to work at Merry Cellars for another year before pursuing a career in product or research development.
Holly Waters
Holly Waters is a food science major who made the President’s Honor Roll in fall 2025. Originally from Seattle, she has received the WSU Regents Scholarship, WSU Top Scholars Scholarship, and the WSU Creamery and Food Science Scholarship. Waters is a member of the Food Product Development Team, the Food Science Club, and the WSU Equestrian Team. She works in Professor Carolyn Ross’ Sensory Science Center as a student technical/research assistant through the Top Scholars/Ignite Undergraduate Research Program. Waters plans to study abroad at South Korea’s Sungkyunkwan University during the 2026–2027 academic year. After graduating in 2029, she will explore future career paths in sensory science and product development; she hopes to help create food that is safer, more sustainable, and more nutritious.
Cesar Lara
Cesar Lara is double majoring in apparel design and merchandising. Originally from Marysville, Washington, he has earned a spot on the President’s Honor Roll for multiple semesters. In 2024, he completed an AMDT internship that involved creating a thesis about sustainable foam. Lara is involved in intramural soccer and serves as vice president and social media coordinator for the WSU Fashion Club. In March 2024, he visited the headquarters of Nike and Columbia Sportswear as part of an AMDT study tour. In December 2025, he studied abroad in China. After graduating in May 2026, Lara hopes to find employment in the fashion industry while continuing to sew and create content. He will also help his mom with her clothing brand.