My name is Brynn Wooten. I grew up in Westminster, Colorado, and moved to Hays in 2019 to attend FHSU. I graduated magna cum laude in May 2023, earning bachelor of science degrees in geosciences (geology) and biology, as well as certificates in museum studies and zoology. I’ve always been interested in fossils and the history of life on Earth, so I spent my time at FHSU/Sternberg Museum preparing for graduate studies in Paleontology.
What do you now do for a living? How did you end up choosing this career path?
In Fall 2023, I will begin working on a Ph.D. in Paleontology at Vanderbilt University. The National Science Foundation awarded me a Graduate Research Fellowship to support my graduate work and prepare me for a research career as a professor or a museum curator.
Why did you choose to attend FHSU?
FHSU was the perfect fit for me. Its excellent geology and biology programs allowed me to take graduate-level courses in paleontology, taxonomy/systematics, and museum studies (coursework rarely available to undergrads at other colleges). It also allowed me to work at the Sternberg Museum. The Honors College was also critical in my decision to attend FHSU. The idea of being in the Honors College and living in the honors dorm, where I could interact with other like-minded scholars, was very appealing to me. I applied for the Honors College Tier and Werth STM scholarships, and the Honors College rewarded my preparation and achievements with sizable scholarships. The FHSU “contiguous state” tuition rate plus the Honors College scholarships made attending an out-of-state college possible for me.
What are your favorite memories from your time as a student?
I have so many great memories from FHSU that it’s challenging to narrow them down. Volunteering and interning at the Sternberg, attending almost every football and basketball game, attending every music event on campus, participating in multiple choirs for four years, and time spent with the friends I made in the Honors College are some of the stand-outs.
What advice do you have for current or prospective FHSU students?
My advice for current and prospective FHSU students would be to build relationships with your professors. You will make so many invaluable connections with them, which will serve you well throughout your education and career. Also, take every opportunity to further your education by applying for internships and scholarships. Remember, though, that you must make time for the things that make you happy. Even if you’re an extremely busy and dedicated student, saving enough time for yourself, your friends and family, and the things you enjoy doing is extremely important.
Tell us about someone at FHSU who has left a lasting impression:
Dr. Laura Wilson is part of the reason I attended FHSU, and she has been one of my greatest mentors throughout my education and scientific journey. Having a mentor who is a woman in STEM has also been very influential and beneficial to me.
In what ways are you proud to be a Tiger?
I am proud to be a Tiger in every way possible. Since FHSU has given so much to me, I tried to return the favor by volunteering, promoting programs and departments, and speaking at recruitment and donor events. When speaking at these events, I always say that FHSU will give you a higher quality education, with more personal attention from your professors, than you would at the “flagship” state universities – and a fraction of the price. I am also proud to have been involved in the music department all four years I attended FHSU, as many universities only allow music majors or minors to participate in their programs. I love this school and will always promote Fort Hays State University wherever I am. I will proudly be a Tiger for the rest of my life.