Q&A with IUPUI’s Most Outstanding Student

Rebekah Addison | Undergraduate | Biology Each year, the IUPUI Alumni Council is proud to honor 100 outstanding juniors and seniors on the IUPUI campus. From these 100, the Council recognizes the campus’s Top 10 students, as well as IUPUI’s Most Outstanding Student—the epitome of Jaguar excellence.

2023 Most Outstanding Student

Rebekah Addison
Senior
B.S. in Biology

Why did you choose the IUPUI School of Science?

I chose the IUPUI School of Science because of my passion for biology, and because I appreciated the numerous research opportunities the school offers its students.

What have you enjoyed most about life as a science student in Indianapolis?

The things I’ve enjoyed most about being a science student here is interacting with other science students, studying with friends in fun places, and getting to participate in several research labs.

What does it mean to you to be named IUPUI's Most Outstanding Student?

To me, being named IUPUI’s Most Outstanding Student means that I am capable of achieving big goals, even though I came from a very small farming community.

What type of work/research/activities are you involved in?

I have been involved in several labs over the years, but I currently work as a pathology intern with Dr. George Sandusky in the IU School of Medicine. I am the secretary for Honors Adventure Club and Women4Change Indiana at IUPUI, and I also work as an academic mentor for Biology K101 with the Bepko Learning Center. For the past two years I’ve been a volunteer horse walker at Amazing Grace Equine Therapy in Camby, IN as well.

What do you hope to pursue after you graduate?

After graduating, I hope to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.

Advice to incoming freshman?

My advice to incoming freshman is to get involved as much as and as early as possible. You don’t have to do everything but getting involved will help you feel more connected to the campus and help you learn new life skills. Definitely take advantage of the opportunities IUPUI has to offer.