Sixteen nursing students from Clark College’s 149^th nursing cohort gathered with their loved ones on March 19 in the Gaiser Student Center to celebrate their achievement at the traditional pinning ceremony. These students earned their Associate of Arts in Nursing DTA/MRP during winter term, a significant milestone in their journey to becoming healthcare professionals.

During the ceremony, Professor Nicholas Luisi presented the Clinical Excellence Award to one outstanding student. Before announcing the recipient, he told the graduates: “I am so proud of each of you. It’s been an honor to watch you grow in confidence.” He then announced that Kimberly Hoover was this year’s award recipient.

Faculty speaker Professor Halina Brandt-Zawadzki offered the new nurses advice including:

• You are never alone. Health care is teamwork.
• Ask questions. Stay curious.
• Prioritize self-care.
• You’ve been a support system for each other. As you enter your nursing career, find your support system.
• Success is relative. Celebrate it.
• Listen to your patients. Don’t forget that sometimes they are very scared.
• Remember your “WHY” – Remember why you worked so hard to become a nurse.

Class speakers Kristie Castle and Kim Hoover addressed their fellow students: “We are running on coffee, adrenaline, and sheer willpower. If we can handle nursing school, we can handle anything.”

Next, it was time for the pinning ceremony. In turn, each new nurse stood to be pinned by a special supporter who encouraged them over the finish line: spouses, partners, parents, siblings, children, and nursing professors crossed the stage to present a Clark College nursing pin to each new nurse.

After the new nurses had been pinned, they stood in unison and recited the nursing pledge — to uphold certain ethics and standards within their chosen profession.

The core principles of the nursing pledge are:

• Dedication to service: Nurses pledge to dedicate themselves to the nursing profession and to provide compassionate, skilled care to their patients.
•  Ethical conduct: The pledge emphasizes adhering to the code of ethics of the nursing profession and maintaining the confidentiality of their patients.
• Professional integrity: Nurses are committed to maintaining and elevating the standards of the profession.
• Patient-centered care: The pledge emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the health and wellbeing of their patients.
• Collaboration and teamwork: Nurses pledge to collaborate will all members of the healthcare team.

Nursing graduates have already applied for licensure in the state in which they want to work. They have one final step to earn an “RN” after their name. They must pass a rigorous exam, the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX-RN. It is a nationwide examination for the licensing of nurses in the U.S., Canada, and Australia. 

Four nursing graduates on the stage have already taken the exam and passed.

Many of these nursing graduates shared their plans to continue their education and earn their Bachelor of Science degree in nursing, or BSN at Washington State University Vancouver, Oregon Health & Science University, or Boise State University.

Several already have secured nursing jobs at a variety of Vancouver and Portland hospitals.

After the ceremony, nurses, their families, and supporters headed for the reception to celebrate with their loved ones. Although they have earned their degree Winter term, many students will participate in Clark College Commencement ceremony this year on June 18.

Congratulations to Clark’s 149^th Nursing cohort

Maria Arellano was pinned by her parents.
Plans: work in Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center in the intensive care unit.

Danielle Carter was pinned by her son.
Plans: pursue her BSN at Washington State University Vancouver.

Kristie Castle was pinned by her husband and daughter.
Plans: work at PeaceHealth Southwest Washington Medical Center.

Joshua Dowdy was pinned by his girlfriend, Jennifer.
Plans: pursue continuing education in wound care.

Kaylee Elizabeth was pinned by her mother.
Plans: work in labor and delivery or a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Sarah Gish was pinned by her husband and her sister-in-law, a nurse in Tennessee.
Plans: pursue her BSN at Boise State University.

Kim Hoover was pinned by her husband and her oldest daughter.
Plans: work at Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center’s residency program; will complete her BSN at WSU Vancouver.

Saharah Knittle was pinned by her husband.
Plans: work at Oregon Health & Sciences University.

Nukolai Kolobovnikov was pinned by Professor Halina Brandt-Zawadzki.
Plans: work in the ER at Legacy Good Samaritan in Portland.

Kayla Lindsey was pinned by her father.
Plans: pursue her BSN at OHSU and work as a critical care nurse in an ICU.

Desiree MacPherson was pinned by her daughter.
Plans: pursue her BSN at Boise State University.

Jenn McMillan was pinned by her daughter.
Plans: pursue her BSN at WSU Vancouver.

Bridgett Moody was pinned by her husband.
Plans: pursue her BSN at WSU Vancouver.

Josie Olson was pinned by her parents and her sister.
Plans: pursue her BSN at Boise State University.

Jamie Perez was pinned by her husband as her three young children looked on.
Plans: pursue her BSN in the fall and work in labor and delivery.

James Vanover was pinned by his mother, Julie.
Plans: work on the PeaceHealth Southwest Washington Medical Center surgical floor.

Nursing Pledge

In full knowledge and understanding, I dedicate myself to the profession of nursing. I promise to provide compassionate care with all of the skill and understanding I possess, without regard to race, creed, color, politics, or social status. I will spare no effort to preserve quality of life, alleviate suffering, and promote health.

I will respect at all times the dignity and beliefs of those within my care. I hold in confidence all personal information entrusted to me, and refraining from any action, which may endanger life or death. I will endeavor to keep my professional knowledge and skill at the highest level, and work in collaboration with all members of the healthcare team. I will do my utmost to honor the International Code of Ethics applied to nursing and uphold the integrity of the nurse.

Learn more about Clark College’s nursing program here.

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish

The anticipation was sky-high in the Clark College STEM Building on March 11. Engineering students gathered near the drop tower in the three-story foyer and waited.

“Doors closing,” announced a student with a clipboard. The countdown began: “5, 4, 3, 2, 1!”

All eyes turned upward.

Then—whoosh! A robotic lunar rover plummeted from three stories above. Gasps filled the air as its parachute deployed, sending the rover gliding gently toward the ground.

Now for the real test: Would it land in one piece? Could it navigate the terrain, scoop up moon rocks (a.k.a. plastic balls), and cross the finish line—all on its own power?

Every term, engineering professors Tina Barsotti and Carol Hsu pose a real-world problem to their students and instruct them to design and build an object that solves the problem. Teams of students work together. At the end of each term, teams present their prototype to their peers, explaining their process and materials used. Finally, teams test their designs.

The Project Artemis Challenge

Engineering students were given this challenge during winter term:

Design an autonomous device that can withstand a three-story drop, collect as many gumballs as possible, and move to a designated end zone within the time limit.

Designed with NASA’s Project Artemis in mind, the purpose of this device is to collect geological samples from the moon’s surface.

To simulate landing on the moon, student engineers dropped their rovers from the STEM Building’s three-story drop tower. Most teams designed a parachute to slow the fall. If the vehicle survived the drop, its mission was to pick up as many gumballs as possible (simulating moon rocks) and cross the finish line—without human intervention.

Professor Carol Hsu said, “This project is particularly challenging as it requires withstanding a drop before completing a task. However, students consistently rise to the challenge and gain invaluable experience.” She added, “One of my students shared, ‘My daughter became interested in learning more about robotics after watching the competition!’”

During the winter engineering challenge, some teams’ projects succeeded and made it across the finishing line with “lunar rocks.” But a larger number didn’t survive the three-story drop. One of those teams, Isaac Newton’s Dog Diamond, gathered the pieces of their broken lunar rover and carried them back to a table to assess the damage.

One group reported: “We learned that the trial-and-error process does, in fact, involve error. These experiences taught us the importance of adaptability and persistence in problem-solving. If we were to do this project again, we’d spend more time on testing and making prototypes to improve the design.”

Designing within Engineering Parameters

Each team was required to design and build their vehicle to adhere to strict parameters.

Design specifications:

• Size: Must fit within a 35 cm x 35 cm x 35 cm box
• Weight: Must weigh less than 2.0 kg
• Power source: Must be self-contained in the device
• Mobility: Must be fully autonomous
• Design: Must be students’ own design, outside of motor components
• Cost: Must cost less than $100

Materials: Student engineers used a variety of materials including 3D printed filament, balsa wood, CDs, modeling clay, threaded metal rods, and various kinds of wheels and axles. Designs also incorporated electronics or a motor and power box within the body of the robot, and a parachute to reduce the descent speed.

Teams: Engineering students comprised 18 teams including The Argonauts, Imperfectly Designed, Robo Legs, Robo Rangers, Sisters in Science, Innovation Nation, Safety Hazards, Blue Moon, and Isaac Newton’s Dog Diamond.

Throughout the morning, all 18 teams presented their designs and then climbed the stairs to test their projects in the drop tower. After testing their autonomous vehicle, students examined what worked, what didn’t, and how they would improve it.

One group reflected: “Looking back on this project, we learned that we are all very early in our engineering careers and there is still a lot to learn. Designing and building a fully autonomous vehicle is difficult and an intricate process. Also, Open AI is a very useful tool…that can be used to create code for the purpose we need. If we were to do this project over again, we would have learned about our team members’ knowledge and backgrounds before assembling the team so we could create a team with more diverse skills and experience.”

Another group reported: “We utilized our engineering knowledge and available tools to optimize our machine’s efficiency. As we deepen our understanding of engineering coding, we recognize that programming could significantly improve our design.”

Early Pi Day Celebration

After all the tests were completed, the students celebrated Pi Day early—with free pizza followed by apple and cherry pies baked by students in Clark’s McClaskey Culinary Institute.

Professor Tina Barsotti said, “True engineering talent emerges from embracing failure, learning from it, and using it to build something stronger, smarter, and more resilient. We must celebrate our failures as they are our connection to innovation.”

Previous engineering competition stories

• Fall 2024
• Spring 2024
• Winter 2024

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish and Carly Rae Zent

By Malina Siharath, PTK Director of Public Relations

Congratulations to the 23 Clark College honors students who became members of Alpha Sigma Phi, the college’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) during this winter term. PTK celebrated these new members at the 2025 Winter Induction Ceremony on March 4.

The official honor society for two-year colleges, PTK recognizes the academic achievement of college students and provides opportunities for its members to grow as scholars and leaders. Clark’s first PTK induction ceremony was in 1991.

Students are invited to join PTK when enrolled in at least 12 credits per term and achieve a minimum 3.25 grade point average.

“Phi Theta Kappa is all about recognition,” said Darci Feider, PTK advisor. “During our induction ceremony, we recognize people for being scholars, for their achievements, and for being a part of our community.”

Additionally, Feider spoke on the importance of storytelling and connecting with the Honors In Action project that Phi Theta Kappa submitted in December 2024. Presented by Vice President of Service Jude Georgeades-Tambara, the Honors in Action project is a PTK program that combines academic research and service to address issues within students’ communities. The project’s 2024-2025 theme, The Power of Storytelling, was encapsulated in the induction.

2024-25 PTK Officers

The 2024-25 PTK officers are Mary Chavez, Vice President of Scholarship; Lindsey Quiroz, Vice President of Fellowship; Jude Georgeades-Tambara, Vice President of Service, and Malina Siharath, Director of Public Relations.

Officer Applications Open

Officer applications are now open for the 2025-2026 school year. Benefits include professional development, public speaking skills, networking, training, and travel opportunities.

All-Washington Academic Team

PTK scholars representing Clark College will join PTK scholars from all the state’s 34 community and technical colleges to be recognized at the 2025 All-Washington Academic Team ceremony on April 24 at South Puget Sound Community College in Lacey.

The All-Washington Academic Team program recognizes and honors the state’s finest higher education students attending two-year colleges. The program has become the showcase for Washington’s community and technical colleges because it honors the academic high achievers, the individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to success in their classrooms and in their communities. This recognition demonstrates the state’s commitment to scholarship and community service on the part of those attending the state’s public community and technical colleges. Learn more here.

About Phi Theta Kappa

Q: What is Phi Theta (PTK)?

A: Phi Theta Kappa is the international official Honors Society for two-year colleges.

Q: How does PTK benefit students?

A: Phi Theta Kappa recognizes the academic achievement of college students. It provides opportunities for its members to achieve academic and career success through scholarships and leadership training.

Q: Where are PTK chapters?

A: PTK has a presence at almost 1,300 community college campuses in 11 nations.

Q: What is the history of PTK?

A: PTK was established in 1918. Later, the American Association of Community Colleges recognized Phi Theta Kappa as the official honor society for two-year colleges in 1929.

Q: How many students have been inducted into PTK?

A: More than 3.5 million students have been inducted into PTK.

Q: How many active PTK members are there?

A: There are about 250,000 active PTK members in the nation’s community colleges.

PTK at Clark College

Clark College has recognized Phi Theta Kappa as an official honor society since 1991. PTK doesn’t just recognize students’ academic success. It also provides them opportunities to develop professional and leadership skills, earn scholarships, explore career paths — and make their worlds a lot bigger.
Clark College’s Alpha Sigma Phi Chapter
Contact: ptk@clark.edu

Learn more about PTK

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society main page

Photo: Clark College/Susan Parrish

Mia Beightol earned NWAC Runner of the Year after finishing first in her 3K run at the Fall 2024 Women’s Cross-Country Championships. She finished the run with a time of 18:18:4, winning by over 14 seconds.

Beightol’s win helped catapult the entire Penguins women’s cross-country team to second place at the championships overall. She was also the Southern Regional Champion with a time of 18:35.6.

She was recognized with a championship ring at the Clark Board of Trustees’ meeting on February 26. Clark President Dr. Karin Edwards presented her the ring as an audience full of supporters and her parents watched over Zoom.

While Beightol herself was humble, the women’s cross-country coach Owen Frasier—who also received the 2024 NWAC Southern Region Men’s Coach of the Year—made sure the trustees understood what an accomplishment this was.

With emotion in his voice, he shared with the trustees that Beightol was not only an excellent athlete but academically accomplished, with a 3.7 GPA. He also shared that his own daughter looks up to Beightol for being a great, kind person.

This is the second year in a row that Clark College won the honor of NWAC Runner of the Year, the 2023 honoree was Sydnee Boothby.

Congratulations, Mia Beightol!

About NWAC

The Northwest Athletic Conference is the parent organization for thirty-six (36) community colleges located in Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia, Canada. It is the mission of the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) to foster athletic participation in an environment that supports equitable opportunities for student-athletes consistent with the educational objectives of member colleges. (From NWAC’s website)

Photos: Clark College/Carly Rae Zent

Chishayla Kimmons’ educational journey has been anything but ordinary—but that’s exactly what makes it so inspiring. As the president of Clark College’s Black Student Union and a soon-to-be graduate in business and marketing, Kimmons took center stage at the Winter Students of Color Luncheon on February 6 to share her story of perseverance, purpose, and resilience. From navigating multiple colleges to finding her home at Clark, she embodies the power of determination and the impact of community.

The free event is presented each term by Clark’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Multicultural Student Affairs. The purpose of the student luncheons is to allow students and employees to hear inspiring stories, connect with faculty, meet new friends, consider different career paths, and identify community resources and potential mentors.

President of the college’s Black Student Union, Kimmons’ educational journey hasn’t been linear and has never been traditional. She started at Portland Community College and then attended Arizona State University. Next, she enrolled at Aveda Institute and currently is a student at Clark College. Her goal has always been to focus and finish what she started, even if she couldn’t finish where she initially started. She says her motto will always be to never give up while inspiring others.

Dr. Edwards wrote in her weekly email to faculty and staff: “I had the pleasure of attending the Students of Color Luncheon, where Chishayla Kimmons, who will graduate in June with degrees in business and marketing, shared her journey. After enrolling in several colleges, Chishayla found her place here at Clark. She expressed her appreciation for all the college has provided her.”

Q & A with Chishayla Kimmons

Q: How has your career path changed since you attended your first college classes at Portland Community College?

CK: Since attending my first college classes at Portland Community College, my focus has always been business. Now, I am heavily focused on business and marketing.

Q: Along your journey, did you experience an obstacle that made you change your course—and it turned out to be a better option for you?

CK: Having a child changed that course for me. Prior, I allowed life and outside factors to get in the way and to shift my focus, which resulted in me dropping out of college the first time. Having a child brought that initial hunger back. Now I am enrolled at Clark College, which in turn was a better overall option for me.

Q: What have you learned along your educational journey that you’d like to pass on as advice to Clark College students who are unsure of their career path?

CK: Something that I have learned is to try all the things! You don’t have to fit in a box. If you want to be an astronaut, be one. If you want to be an astronaut and a chef, be that! You may find that along your journey, you want to switch courses and that is okay too! Keep trying until you find that career that best suits you and who you are today!

Q: What other encouragement do you offer to students?

CK:

• Remember: It is never too late!
• Never, ever give up!
• Focus and finish!
• You got this!

Scholarships Awarded

Two Clark students were awarded scholarships during the Students of Color Luncheon:

• Mercy Kariuki, a student enrolled in the Pre-Nursing DTA program, was awarded the Constance Baker Motley Scholarship.
• Navjot Hundal, a student enrolled in the Dental Hygienist program, was awarded a DREAMers Scholarship.

The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) offers these and other scholarships in partnership with the Foundation and the community. Apply at the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion by emailing Rosalba Pitkin at rpitkin@clark.edu or calling 360-992-2672.

SAVE THE DATE: Next DEI luncheon

• March 6 at noon: Students with Disability Luncheon in PUB 161

Connect with the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI):

• In-person: Diversity Center, Gaiser Hall 214
• Phone: 360-992-2292
• Email: diversity@clark.edu
• Website: www.clark.edu/cc/diversity

• How do Clark students who are enrolled in technology or engineering programs learn about the multitude of career paths available to them?
• Who can offer them real-world insights about what it’s like working as a civil engineer in the private sector versus the public sector?
• Where can students find out about paid summer internships in their field?

The answer to these questions is simple: Career Connect!

Career Connect events are open to Clark students, alumni, and community members. They provide opportunities to make connections and learn about internships, jobs, careers, and academic pathways. Clark staff, faculty, and local employers were in one place to support students. Opportunities are also regularly posted on Penguin Jobs, Clark’s online job and internship board.

Career Connect networking events provide an opportunity for Clark students in specific programs to connect with employers. At the Career Connect on February 4 in Cannell Library, students pursuing engineering and technology career paths had opportunities to meet with industry professionals and explore their career options.

Connecting with employers

At the Multnomah County table, students were waiting to speak to the two representatives. Cole Whitehurst, who coordinates Multnomah County’s College to County Mentorship Program, had good news for Clark students. The program is hiring about 50 summer interns in a variety of county departments. The internships pay $24 per hour.

Whitehurst handed students a flyer with a QR code that linked to the internship webpage and encouraged them to apply. Applications will open March 14 and will close at 9 a.m. on April 15 deadline. It requires a resume and cover letter.

At the Wallis Engineering table, an Engineer and a Recruiter spoke with a Clark engineering student who had many questions. What kinds of projects do civil engineers work on? What does the day-to-day work look like?

Similar conversations happened throughout the space as students and industry professionals talked about the opportunities in their professions.

Connecting with resources

“If students would like assistance creating a resume and cover letter for any opportunity, the team at Career Services is ready to help,” said Alex Kison, Workforce and Student Engagement Navigator of Career Services.

In addition to exploring career pathways, students connected with the Career Services team, the Academic Advising department, and Student Success Coaches, learning more about the resources available in the Clark College community.

The following employers participated in the Career Connect on February 4:

• Clark Public Utilities
• C-Tran
• edgefi
• Multnomah County, Oregon
• Wallis Engineering

About Career Connect

Career Connect Events are open to Clark students, alumni, and community members and provide opportunities to make connections and learn about internships, jobs, careers and academic pathways. Clark staff, faculty and local employers will all be in one place to support students.

Next Career Connect

Who: Clark students enrolled or interested in biological, social, and physical sciences or STEM. All students and community members are welcome!

When: Tuesday, February 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: STEM Building Room 156

What to expect: Local employers and industry professionals will be at these events to speak with you about what it’s like to be in their profession and engage with you in career conversations. If you are currently looking for a job or internship related to STEM fields, you are encouraged to bring your resume to share with local employers. 

Learn more: https://www.clark.edu/enroll/careers/events/

Make connections on campus

• Advising Services: advising@clark.edu or (360) 992-2345 or GHL 108
• Career Services: careerservices@clark.edu or (360) 992-2902 or GHL 108
• Student Success Coaches: Schedule a session here

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish

The NERD Girls and GEEKs, an ASCC student program, hosted an “experiment social” on Tuesday, January 28 in the STEM Building Collaboratorium, inviting the Clark STEM community to come together to hang out and explore by doing hands-on science experiments. The student-led club is directed by professors Tina Barsotti and Carol Hsu.

At the social, attendees created stress balls, made wildflower seed paper, and “elephant toothpaste,” (using dish soap to trap oxygen gas bubbles and create a foam that looks like toothpaste). Some projects were more successful than others, but the students kept trying and approached the experiments in different ways to achieve better results.

Professor Barsotti said, “The best part of the social experiment was how it brought students together for hands-on experimentation—proving that failure is just part of the journey in science and engineering. One student thought they had made a mistake when making their stress ball, but upon completion, they realized it was exactly what they intended.”

According to its mission statement, the student program “strives to provide opportunities for diverse learners to achieve their educational goals by promoting social connectedness through peer support, volunteering, professional interaction, and mentoring. By providing these opportunities, the program encourages students to continue their path in the STEM fields.”

This mission can be summarized by one student’s answer to the question: “What do you like about the club?” The student smiled, pointed at her friend, and said, “Well, I met her.”

Clark NERD Girls and GEEKs hosts events throughout the year. Last December, they hosted the Second Annual Free Holiday Market that gives students and their families an opportunity to shop for holiday gifts for their families and themselves—for free. Read more about that here.

Learn more

NERD Girls posts about upcoming events on its Instagram. You can also reach out to Tina Barsotti and Carol Hsu for more information.

Photos: Clark College/Carly Rae Zent

Our MESA scholars had a busy fall term attending conferences, transfer fairs, internship info sessions, and workshops. Below is a list of MESA activities during fall term and upcoming opportunities in 2025.

October 30: November 2: National Diversity in STEM Conference in Phoenix, AZ

Four Clark College MESA students attended the nation’s largest multidisciplinary and multicultural STEM diversity event. It was presented by the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science. Students were immersed in cutting-edge research, professional development, keynote sessions, and the Academic & Career Expo. The experience equipped them with valuable skills, scholarship information, and networking opportunities.

November 14: STEM Research & Transfer Fair, Seattle

MESA Scholars visited North Seattle College for the STEM Research & Transfer Fair, connecting with the University of Washington’s resources on research pathways, research experiences for undergraduates, funding opportunities, and transfer support for Clark students who plan to transfer to UW.

November 19: WSU Vancouver Workshop

MESA hosted an Admissions and Financial Aid workshop with WSU Vancouver counselors. The sessions covered transfer admissions, scholarships, and financial aid, with one-on-one assistance with WSU Vancouver counselors.

November 20: Introduction to Success Coaching

In partnership with Clark College’s Student Success Coaching program, we offered a session to connect MESA scholars with the college’s Success Coaches who offer personalized guidance to help them navigate coursework, college life, and long-term academic planning.

November 26: MESA Giving Event in Clark’s MESA Center, STEM Building

A gathering with games, food, and crafts for MESA scholars to build community, relax, celebrate their progress, and prepare for their finals.

December 3: Summer Health Professions Education Program Webinar

MESA hosted a webinar in collaboration with the Summer Health Professions Education Program for students to learn about its summer internships and application process. This transformative summer experience offers students opportunities to explore careers in medicine, dentistry, nursing, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, and public health.

December 5: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) Community College Internships Info Session (virtual)

MESA hosted a virtual info session with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory in Richland, Washington about its Community College Internships. MESA Scholars learned about paid internships for Summer 2025, key application dates, and the application process.

December 12: Transfer Student Preview Day at University of Washington, Seattle

MESA scholars attended University of Washington’s Transfer Student Preview Day, designed for prospective transfer students to explore programs, services, and connect with academic departments. The UW College of Engineering hosted a lunch and info session just for MESA engineering students! It was attended by students from Clark, Columbia Basin, Edmonds, Everett, Highline, and Green River community colleges.

December 13: Internship & Scholarship Application Work Session, Clark MESA Center

MESA Scholars are invited to join their MESA peers for a focused session to work on their applications for internships and scholarships. With deadlines fast approaching for many of these opportunities, it is the perfect time to get started before heading out for winter break. Food, coffee, and snacks were provided to keep students energized as they work.

January 9, 2025: ISB Summer Internships Info Session

In partnership with the Institute for Systems Biology, MESA will host a virtual info session for students to learn about ISB’s summer internships and why it’s important for students to engage and participate in these experiences. ISB offers various internships for students interested in biology, chemistry, computer science, information science, applied mathematics, and engineering. ISB is an internationally renowned nonprofit institute in Seattle, which is dedicated to studying and applying systems biology to unravel biological complexity.

January 14: Health Sciences Career Panel

In partnership with The Mentoring Project, we are excited to host a virtual health sciences career panel that offers MESA Scholars an opportunity to explore diverse health sciences careers. Students will gain valuable insights from experienced professionals and will ask the professionals questions during a Q&A session.

January 25, 2025: Silicon Forest Tech Summit, Hillsboro, Oregon

MESA plans to take several students to the Silicon Forest Tech Summit. The summit brings together the entire tech ecosystem, uniting emerging tech startups, established corporations, innovative technologists, and educational institutions. Students will have the opportunity to explore emerging tech, gain insights into advanced manufacturing, discover exciting career opportunities in the tech industry, and network with other students and professionals.

January 28 & February 19: WSU Vancouver Office Hours for MESA Scholars, MESA Center

We’ve partnered with WSU Vancouver and their admissions department to host office hours for MESA Scholars. WSU Vancouver’s Admissions Counselor, Laura Arellano-Karki, will be available to meet with students and support them through the transfer admissions process, including completing their admission application.

February 4: Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center Visit, Seattle

MESA will be taking students to the Fred Hutch Cancer Center to explore cutting-edge research, discover exciting internship opportunities, and learn about careers in cancer research and health sciences, participate in hands-on lab activity and tour lab facilities. Fred Hutch is renowned for its groundbreaking work in cancer treatment and its impact on both cancer and infectious diseases worldwide. As an independent organization, Fred Hutch also serves as the cancer program for University of Washington Medicine.

February 21: Portland State University Campus Visit, Portland, OR

MESA Scholars will visit PSU to explore their transfer options, learn about PSU academic programs, admissions, transfer process, financial aid, and to tour the campus.

March 5-9, 2015: Annual National Society of Black Engineers Convention, Chicago, Ill.

The NSBE Convention will gather students and professionals to promote Black excellence in engineering. The NSBE mission is to increase the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community. Clark’s MESA program plans to take several scholars to participate in this impactful event.

March 14, 2025: iFLY STEM Field Trip and Indoor Sky Diving, Portland, OR

We will be participating in a fun indoor skydiving experience at iFLY Portland! iFLY offers STEM visits including learning about the engineering and physics behind their state-of-the-art wind tunnel. Students will participate in an immersive, hands-on lab activity before experiencing the thrill of indoor skydiving.

MESA Q & A

Q: What is MESA?

A: MESA (Math, Engineering, Science Achievement) is a national program designed to increase the number of historically underrepresented populations to succeed in STEM fields. This includes African American, Native American, Latino/Hispanic, and Pacific Islander/Hawaiian and women community college students who transfer to universities and earn STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) bachelor’s degrees. 

Q: When did Clark College begin its MESA program?

A: Clark College began its MESA program during the 2018-19 academic year.

Q: How many Clark College students participate in MESA?

A: Clark’s program can serve up to 100 students. It currently serves more than 60 students.

Q: Where is the MESA Center at Clark College?

A: Clark College has a dedicated MESA Center in the STEM building for studying and creating community, as well as opportunities for mentorship, assistance with books and fees, conference participation, campus visits, and more.

Learn more about MESA

• Website: Learn more here
• Email: rlaraalvarado@clark.edu
• Phone: 360-992-2225
• Book an appointment with MESA Director Román Lara here.

Student Beheshta Eqbali, a member of Clark’s Phi Theta Kappa honors society, has been named a PTK Visual Arts Award recipient for her painting Afghan Girl. Her work will be published in the 30th edition of Nota Bene, Phi Theta Kappa’s honors anthology, and she will receive a $500 scholarship. The anthology will be printed in 2025.

Eqbali is a student leader in the Activities Programming Board. Her painting is being displayed in the ASCC Student Life offices in PUB 160.

PTK Advisor Darci Feider said, “Beheshta is a valued member of Clark’s PTK chapter. We are so proud of her for receiving the PTK Visual Arts Award for her beautiful painting, Afghan Girl. We’re excited that her work will be published in Nota Bene, and we can’t wait to see her honored in the Parade of Scholars at the PTK Catalyst convention in April. It’s wonderful to see her talent recognized on such a big stage. Our chapter is thrilled to support her and to celebrate this incredible achievement!”

About PTK

Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society for two-year colleges. PTK recognizes the academic achievement of college students and provides opportunities for its members to grow as scholars and leaders. Clark’s PTK chapter is Alpha Sigma Phi. Students are invited to join PTK when enrolled in at least 12 credits per term and achieve a minimum 3.25 grade point average.

Learn more about Clark’s PTK chapter here.

Q & A with Artist Beheshta Eqbali

Q: How long have you been painting?

BE: Art has been part of my life since I was a kid, but it became something much stronger in my teenage years and continues to be a powerful part of my life today. At first, painting was just a way to express myself without words. English is still new to me. Over time, though, it became something deeper, almost like therapy. It’s where I feel myself most, a space where I can share my thoughts and emotions without saying a word.

Q: What inspired you to paint Afghan Woman? Was there a specific person or event that inspired you?

BE: This painting is inspired by the courage and resilience of Afghan women, especially those who have faced unimaginable hardships yet carry strength in their eyes. It’s also deeply personal for me a way of staying connected to my culture and honoring the people who have shaped me. When I paint, I feel like I’m preserving a piece of my identity, even as I grow and adapt in a new world.

Q: What is the significance of your painting?

BE: For me, Afghan Girl is more than just a painting; it’s a reminder of where I come from and the heritage I carry with me. I see it as a silent storyteller, one that speaks of beauty, struggle, and quiet pride women into Afghan life. Through her expression, I hope others can feel the same depth of love and resilience that I see in my own people.

Q: What field are you studying at Clark?

BE: I’m studying web development because I love creating and problem solving, but painting remains close to my heart. My studies keep me grounded in technology, but painting keeps me balanced. It is where I can explore my creativity. It’s my place to be vulnerable and tell stories that go beyond the digital world and into something more personal. It’s a space where I can connect with my roots and share a part of myself that goes beyond the pixels on a screen.

Learn more

• See Beheshta Eqbali’s painting in the ASCC Student Life offices, PUB 160.
• Read more about PTK’s honors anthology, Nota Bene here
• Read last year’s 29^th edition of Nota Bene here

The Comic Club of Clark College hosted the highly anticipated release party for the sixth edition of The Iceberg annual comic anthology on December 5 in PUB 161. This year’s Iceberg marks the largest and most impressive volume to date, featuring comic stories by about 44 creators. Some creators had submitted multiple works, making this edition a truly collaborative and expansive showcase of talent from students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

The party kicked off with speeches from English professor Tobias Peterson and art professor Grant Hottle. Together, the pair makes a dynamic duo, co-advising The Iceberg. Peterson and Hottle thanked all the creators and members of the Comic Club for their dedication and hard work.

Comic Industry Guests

Then they introduced the four industry comic professionals who joined the event to offer invaluable feedback to the student creators. The industry guests included:

• Jeff Parker, artist and writer
• Matt Fraction, artist and writer
• Diana Schultz, translator and retired editor at Dark Horse Comics
• Steve Lieber, artist

During the first hour of the VIP session, these industry professionals gave valuable feedback, offering advice and critique to the contributing creators whose work was published in The Iceberg. By 2:00 p.m. another 20 attendees had joined the event. The industry professionals generously stayed beyond the scheduled end time, offering critique, advice, and encouragement until about 5 p.m., two hours past the event’s expected close.

Producing The Iceberg

The release of The Iceberg offers Clark College students a rare opportunity to have their comic work published and reviewed by established professionals. The publishing process follows the academic calendar. We will open for submissions in the winter term. We make decisions and print the book in spring. And then in the fall, we celebrate the book release.

Peterson shared that people in academics still think of comics as kids’ stuff. The reality is that these books are a hybrid form of storytelling that produces beautiful and complex stories that examine what it means to be human.

Professor Peterson said, “I love The Iceberg because it provides a showcase for students’ creativity and passion. The release event is a yearly celebration of why we, as educators, got into this business to begin with!”

Speaking about the importance of the release party, Professor Hottle said, “It is a chance for students to showcase their comics. Thanks to the generous support of ASCC, we can have students published and have industry professionals give direct feedback.”

This year’s edition is also special for its perseverance. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, The Iceberg continued to be published, with many students sharing their work and receiving feedback via platforms like Discord.

Being a Contributor

Students Majic and Amelia had their work featured in The Iceberg for the first time. Both said they found the feedback from the professionals to be incredibly beneficial.

Majic, a fine arts major with aspirations in comics, said the anthology offers students a platform to refine their craft. “The Iceberg gives you a taste of what to do in the industry,” Majic noted. “Submitting comics allows you to have industrial professionals critique my work. There were things I was doing that I received help on correcting to make my comic better.”

It’s rewarding for students to see their work in print and enjoyed physically by other people. It also helps us create more work for our portfolios and makes for a great item to leave behind at a job interview.

Contributor Amelia Newbie, Clark College alumni who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in digital technology and culture at WSU Vancouver, said, “Reading, enjoying, and sharing our comics helps us get our work out into the world!”

To find your free copy of the sixth edition of The Iceberg, look for the blue stands around campus to pick your copy up today.

Learn More

• For more information on The Iceberg and future events, stay tuned to Clark College’s Fine Arts department.
• Comic Club meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of every month from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.
• Follow us on Instagram: @Clark.Iceberg
• Submit your comics for the 2025 Iceberg through May 5, 2025 via Submittable.

Photos submitted by Stephanie Wagner and Bryce Van Patten.