STEM Alumni of the Month

Learning is a natural process best achieved by observing your surroundings. When desired character traits are sought after, it is natural to look towards other people as role models.

That’s why the LRHS science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) club highlights a Lind-Ritzville Stem Alumni each month. They hope to show students first-hand what a career in STEM could look like and the curiosity and dedication that accompany success in STEM.

Currently, they are seeking out alumni and would appreciate suggestions.

Each month, a new alumnus from Lind or Ritzville schools who is pursuing a career in a STEM field is selected. Their biography is posted on the STEM club’s bulletin board in the hallway of LRHS. Often times the former student is contacted in order for the members of STEM club and other students to gain a better insight into what inspired them towards their career path.

Jason Aldrich, STEM club advisor, said, “We’re looking for a group of professionals that want to act as resources for kids who are interested in [their] particular fields. I think we have a plethora of alumni out there that work in STEM fields.”

Many alumni have been given the monthly spotlight already. Dr. Joshua Johnstone, a 1999 graduate of RHS was the first to be selected. He received his undergraduate degrees in psychology and neuroscience at Washington State University before continuing on to earn a PhD in neuroscience at University of Miami. His journey through STEM is inspiration to many students.

Dr. Johnstone said, “I viewed neuroscience (and still do) as a puzzle, one that could be solved given the appropriate understanding of the pieces and the appropriate imagination to fit those pieces together.”

Currently Dr. Johnstone is in Florida working in research. Johnstone is working at “a start-up pharmaceutical company looking to develop natural compounds for the treatment of neurological disorders…To be involved in the development of a therapy with the opportunity to significantly improve the quality of life of someone stricken with seizures, ALS, Parkinson’s Disease, chronic pain, etc. is very rewarding.”

Another STEM Alumnus of the Month was Dr. Caroline Lynch. A 1997 graduate of RHS, she earned a BA in Spanish Language and Literature at Whitman College. She then went to medical school at the University of Washington where she began to pursue obstetrics and gynecology.

Dr. Lynch said, “Currently, I am completing a fellowship program in Hopsice and Palliative Medicine at Duke University School of Medicine… What can I say? Medicine is a great field. The possibilities are endless in what you can do with your career, whether it is lab based, people focused, developing or improving medical technology, modeling and managing population health, the business of medicine, or advocacy for the underserved, there is something for everyone.”

She reflects back on her experience at RHS: “I feel lucky to have been supported by amazing teachers… [They] indulged my creativity and curiosity.”

The STEM Alumni of the Month is a helpful part of career development at LRHS. Aldrich says, “It’s nice to see that someone from the same school that they attend succeed in STEM… The Alumni of the Month provides the student with a person who will mentor, or answer questions, or job shadow.

The STEM club is looking for new alumni to highlight; for community members with suggestions of a former student or if you would like to volunteer yourself, contact Jason Aldrich at [email protected].