Each week, we showcase one of our CAHNRS Ambassadors, a student leadership organization that encourages students to pursue higher education and serves as a liaison between the college and the greater community. This week, we’re featuring Jillian Nordness, a senior from Kirkland, Wash.
What are you studying?
I’m majoring in Food Science–Fermentation Science.
Favorite Show/Movie:
Bob’s Burgers
Favorite Cougar Tradition:
I started going to Cougar football games in high school with my older sister, who was a WSU student at the time. Watching the Cougs play in Martin Stadium and being a part of such a dedicated and excited student section inspired my love of Cougar football at a very young age. That love has only grown since moving to Pullman and becoming a Coug myself. Even after I graduate and become an alumnus, I will definitely make it back to Pullman for football season!
Favorite CAHNRS Commodity:
Hands down, one of the best products made within CAHNRS is Ferdinand’s Ice Cream, especially the Huckleberry Ripple. As a food science major, I love to support Ferdinand’s. It’s a student-made product that has employed many of my friends. It’s an incredible way to not only support the people that I study with, but to also enjoy a delicious treat as well!
Why be a CAHNRS Coug?
One of the many reasons I chose CAHNRS is because of the endless opportunities the college provides to its students. Personally, I have been able to do a paid undergraduate research internship, act as a student ambassador for the School of Food Science, and be a representative on the CAHNRS Student Senate. All these activities have helped to shape me as both a student and as a person. Being a CAHNRS Coug means always looking for new opportunities to grow and develop as a student and take on new challenges that will encourage improvement!
Best Student Experience:
This past summer, I completed a 10-week internship with Ecolab as an Account Manager Intern. It was an incredibly valuable experience with tons of hands-on experience in the food industry. I had a lot of fun learning, travelling, applying my knowledge of food science, and building relationships with many different people in the industry! This was a great opportunity to get an inside look into a possible future career that I wouldn’t have had without CAHNRS.
CAHNRS Taught Me:
CAHNRS has provided me with many opportunities to grow and develop my leadership skills, something that will benefit me greatly upon graduating this Spring. Being a part of the Ambassador team and being a CAHNRS Senate Representative for the Food Science club has allowed me to take on more responsibility within my college and major and to share my knowledge and passion with others. Being a leader isn’t just about knowing the answers and telling people what to do, it’s about sharing knowledge with others in order to guide and inspire them.