Zoe Peterson
Name: Zoe Peterson
Current Major(s): Genetics, Genomics, & Biotechnology
Graduation: April 2026
Instagram: @zoecpeterson
Briefly tell us about yourself and your passions
My name is Zoe and I've been studying in the Honors Program since 2022! I'm a junior Pre-Optometry student currently getting ready to begin my thesis this coming fall in disease prevention related nutrition research. I finished up my Great Question Essay this past fall and loved getting to explore my curiosities and interests in an academic setting as I focused on answering why we have tradition. I am currently working as the Lead Student Instructor for Honors 120 and love getting to introduce new students to how amazing the Honors Program is and building community with new Honors students as we discuss interdisciplinary thinking. I am applying to doctorate of optometry programs this coming summer to become an eye doctor. I love to travel, spend time at the beach, play the flute and piano, cook and bake new recipes, and find new music in my free time!
What sparked your interest in your major? As a twin and an IVF baby, the genetics unit in my AP Biology class immediately piqued my interest! When I started college, I was studying biological engineering at Utah State University with the goal of eventually attending medical school and learning more about gene editing technology through my major. I quickly learned my freshman year that USU was not the school for me nor was engineering! I transferred to BYU the following fall and was super excited to find that we have a great Genetics, Genomics, and Biotechnology major where I could pursue my curiosities. I'm excited to find ways to implement my genetics knowledge and interests while working as an eye doctor.
What’s one item on your bucket list? Travel to Yorkshire England with my grandma! She grew up in England and didn't move to the states until she was 21. I would love to go back with her to learn more about her childhood and life!
What’s the best-kept secret at BYU? Why? You can get a free MAX account using your BYU account! If you sign up with provider, use Xfinity, and choose student option to sign up with BYU, you can use your BYU account information to sign in for a free account (with ads)!
What are three things that can always be found in your pantry/refrigerator? Mini Persian cucumbers, chocolate protein powder, and Just Bare chicken nuggets!
What are people often surprised to learn about you? I'm a twin! I have a twin brother also in the Honors Program named McCord.
What has been the most significant plot twist in your life? For all my life I've been studying to attend medical school to hopefully become a Neonatologist. However, this February, just a few weeks ago, I decided with some medical shadowing, advisor meetings (BYU has the best advisors), temple attendance, and prayer that optometry may be the best career path for me. That's been a pretty massive plot twist going on in my life right now as I switch up summer plans and application preparation!
Why did you decide to join the Honors Program? My dad attended BYU and was a part of the Honors Program. When I was getting ready to register for my first semester, he told me how much he loved his interdisciplinary connection classes - that they helped him explore lots of his passions and interests in a smaller classroom setting. I knew right away that I wanted to be able to take classes like that, where I could explore my curiosities and important topics in discussion based classrooms.
What has been your favorite Honors experience? My favorite experience has been working as a student instructor with Honors 120! I have loved getting to build connections with my students every semester and our team of instructors, and I really enjoy helping students discuss their disciplines and interests as we think and write about interdisciplinary thinking. The role has helped me get more involved with the Honors program and practice being a leader as I work on my LDE!
What is your next step in Honors? Currently, I'm finishing up my LDE. This coming fall, I'll submit my thesis proposal on research I am working on with Dr. LeCheminant of the Nutrition Department!