Student Spotlight

Major: Political Science
Hometown: New Jersey
Planned Graduation: April 2029
Instagram: @avagrey007

I’m Ava Dowling, a Political Science major from New Jersey, about 30 minutes away from New York City. I plan on attending law school after I graduate from BYU. A few summers ago, I attended a Law and Advocacy program at Yale, which sparked my passion for law! I am the oldest child in my family and have two younger siblings. I did competitive dance for 14 years, and my mom and aunts performed on Broadway, so my whole family is involved in dance. I’m currently working as a student advisor for the Honors Program, so if you see me around the Maeser Building, come say hi! See Ava's photo reel and learn more on Instagram. (opens in a new tab)

Name: Parker Smith
Major: Latin American Studies
Minors: Spanish, Aerospace Studies
Planned Graduation: April 2028
Hometown: Orem, Utah

Hi! I’m Parker, and I’m born and raised in Orem, Utah. I’m studying Latin American Studies with minors in Spanish and Aerospace Studies, and I’ve been lucky enough to visit several countries in Latin America. Outside of class, I love endurance events like ultra marathons and triathlons, so I spend a lot of my free time training. When I’m not running, you’ll usually find me journaling or reading. I’m also a big podcast listener, especially true crime and history, and I love learning about the people and stories behind the past! See Parker's photo reel and learn more on Instagram. (opens in a new tab)

Name: Haley Eddy
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Santa Clarita, California
Planned Graduation: Winter 2029
Instagram: @hayley_anna11

Hi! My name is Haley Eddy. I’m a Psychology major and a sophomore here at BYU. I’m from Southern California in a town called Santa Clarita. I have an amazing family- my parents have been incredible examples to me and have influenced a lot of what I value in life. I served a mission in the Philippines, and a piece of my heart will always be there! I love watching BYU football, playing flag football on an intramural team, getting to connect with people, and being outdoors. See Hayley's photo reel and learn more on (opens in a new tab) Instagram. (opens in a new tab)

Name: Timothy Grigg
Current Major: Mathematics
Current Minor: Philosophy
Hometown: Zillah, Washington
Graduation Date: April 2028
Instagram: @qui.gon.tim

Briefly tell us about yourself and your passions: I'm from Oregon, grew up in Washington, and was born in Texas. I am the younger of two brothers with four younger sisters. I play the organ and piano, love reading Brandon Sanderson, and lead an RPG campaign with his Cosmere RPG system. I'm a Mathematics major and I hope to become a professor (hopefully at BYU) eventually and do more math research. Click here to learn more about Timothy.

Name: Davey Gibson
Major: Journalism
Hometown: Wichita, Kansas
Graduation: April 2027

I am the oldest of seven, and love hanging out with my siblings. I play electric guitar, and absolutely love concerts and playing live music. I am planning on going to law school after my undergrad, and am especially interested in media law and legal questions surrounding freedom of speech.

Name: Grant Kingston
Major: Ancient Near Eastern Studies - Hebrew Bible
Hometown: West Jordan, Utah
Graduation Date: 2031

I am a freshman at BYU, I plan to go to on a mission between 2026-2028 and intend to continue my major in the Hebrew Bible when I return. I play cello and bass guitar, rock climbing, do archery and macro-photography, and love to write. Click here for more information on Grant. (opens in a new tab)

Major: American Studies
Minors: Business and Philosophy
Hometown: Too many to name just one!
Graduation: April 2028

I'm Collin Powell and I'm an aspiring lawyer. I'm an American studies major minoring in business and philosophy. I grew up all over the world from Rome to the Philippines and love cooking from all different cultures! I love to read, especially niche fiction books that begin by making the reader wonder where the book is going to go... those that are a "bit weird." Click here for more information. (opens in a new tab)

Major: Marketing
Hometown: Stillwater, OK
Graduation: 2027
Instagram: @elizabeth.johnson123

I’m a marketing student, a member of the Honors Student Leadership Council, and the BYU K-pop Club President! I love learning new skills and picking up various hobbies. I am also a cellist in the BYU Symphony Orchestra. If I ever have free time, there’s a 95% chance I’m sleeping like a rock! To learn more about Elizabeth, click here. (opens in a new tab)

Current Major: Art History & Curatorial Studies
Current Minor: French
Hometown: Sandy, UT
Graduation Date: August 2026
Instagram: @ngwells21

I'm a fourth-year student in the Honors program and have really enjoyed my time here. I'm studying medieval art and religion, and I think BYU gives a unique perspective in this particular field. Other than doing homework, I love to spend time in the kitchen baking and cooking, and I am an avid fan of international music and films.

Major: Biology
Minor: Spanish
Graduation: 2028

My name is Eden Tippets and I am a sophomore at BYU! I am currently studying Biology as a Pre-dental student. I served a mission in the Missouri Independence Mission speaking Spanish. I am super excited to be apart of the Honors program and all of the amazing experiences it offers. I am super passionate about learning new things and love new experiences. See more information on Eden's Instagram reel here.  (opens in a new tab)

Major: Photo & Lens-Based Design
Graduation: 2030

"Hi! My name is Eva Briem. I recently served in the Portugal Lisbon mission and am hoping to major in photo and lens-based design. I love photography, baking, mountain biking, and skiing. My favorite thing about the Honors Program is that it allows you to incorporate all different fields and thinking into your education and life." See more information on Eva's reel on Instagram. (opens in a new tab)

Name: Alyssa Cragun
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Mapleton, Utah
Graduation: 2030
Instagram: @alyssa_cragun

My name is Alyssa Cragun, and I am so excited to be a part of the Honors Program here at BYU!! I love to do just about anything, especially if it is with family friends. Some of my most favorite activities include singing, swing dancing, weight lifting, hiking, and skiing. I am always down for an adventure! I chose to be a psychology major because I love people and want to help and lift them with love and increased knowledge. I love being outside and believe that the beauty of the earth is a miraculous expression of God's love for His children. Click here for more information on Alyssa. (opens in a new tab)

Name: Elsa Christensen
Major: Undecided
Graduation: 2029
Hometown: Sandy, Utah

I am an open major who loves music, dance, reading, travel, psychology and doodling. I’m so excited to be in the Honors program for the unexpected connections classes and to meet awesome people with a lot of scattered interests! It’s so nice to be exposed to a variety of expertise! In my free time I love to be in nature with my family or go on any impulsive side quest. Right now, I’m working on my pre-reqs. for majors in the business school. See Elsa's Instagram reel .

Sally Otterstrom
Major: Neuroscience
Graduation: 2028
Hometown: Provo, UT

Hey I’m Sally and I love to roller skate, play many sports, and go boating! I love being with family and friends and being outside. I served a mission in Milan Italy and love speaking Italian and Spanish. I love learning about the brain and I am grateful for everything I’ve discovered in my unexpected connections courses in the Honors Program. .

Asia Wade
Major: Mathematics
Minors: Philosophy, Logic, Spanish
Graduation: December 2028

My name is Asia and I’m a sophomore studying mathematics. I grew up in Maryland, North Carolina, and Utah, and just got home from a mission in Georgia. I love reading, writing, math, logic, debating, board games, any form of being outside, and anything that makes me think. I love the honors program because it does exactly that - it makes me think outside the box and more deeply. Click here to see Asia's Instagram Reel. (opens in a new tab)

Name: Matthew Milnes
Major: Pre-Special Education: Mild/Moderate
Graduation: April 2029
Hometown: Hanford, California

My name is Matt, and I am a first-year student here at BYU! I am a Special Education pre-major, and love working with individuals who have special needs. I am in the Honors program to refine the education I receive and make it practical to real world scenarios. I served a service mission in the California Fresno Mission. In my spare time I enjoy tinkering with anything electronic or mechanical, like dirt bikes, trucks, and Amateur Radio! I also play the guitar and have played live gigs with a rock band back in California! .

Meili Irene Hollingshaus
Major: Editing and Publishing
Graduation: April 2028
Hometown: Gaithersburg, MD

I love storytelling and media of all kinds, including film, literature, theatre, and video games. I also love listening to music and playing the piano and guitar. My dream is to live in Europe, work at a publishing house, and be surrounded by art and culture. I love being in the Honors program because I get to take super interesting interdisciplinary classes! In my free time, you can catch me at home with good food and a good book.

Grant Fletcher
Major: Spanish
Minor: Pre-Med
Graduation: 2028
Hometown: Gaithersburg, MD

Hello! My name is Russell Grant Fletcher Jr, some people call me Grant, and I am a pre-med student, a Spanish major, and I dance with BYU’s International Folk Dance Ensemble. I grew up in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and American Fork, Utah, and and I am the eighth of ten children. I joined the Honors Program because I wanted to be more than just my major — to think critically, make connections across disciplines, and stay passionate about learning in every field. I want to bring this passion into medicine, hopefully enriching my little slice of the world. See Grant's Instagram reel here. (opens in a new tab)