Kiara Y. González

After doing some research on L&C, I knew that this was the place for me.

Kiara González BA '27

Pronouns

she/her

Degree and Class Year

BA ’27

Hometown

Moca, Puerto Rico

Major

Biology

Minor

Philosophy

Extracurriculars

Biology Research Lab Assistant, Art Club Vice President, Associated Student Body (ASB) Senator, Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS), Pre-Health Professions Club (PHPC), Philosophy Club, and Gente Latina Unida (GLU)

What three words would you use to describe L&C?

Welcoming, Engaging, Exciting

What’s your favorite class? Why?

My favorite classes have been Math 115 with Assistant Professor Sweta Suryanarayan and Calc 1 with Associate Professor Paul T. Allen. I struggle with math, and if you had asked me before these classes how I felt about math, I would have very likely said, “I don’t like it. Sweta and Paul made the classes feel worthwhile. They met with me during their office hours every week for the entire semester and took the time to walk me through every concept that I was struggling to grasp. They helped me overcome my struggles and celebrated my improvements. Sweta and Paul made their classes feel welcoming instead of intimidating. Why are Math 115 and Calc 1 my favorite classes? Because of the professors.

What do you like or find most interesting about your major?

Something that I find interesting about my major in biology is its interdisciplinary nature. Biology integrates concepts from various disciplines to investigate life’s complex mechanisms. In addition, biology offers endless opportunities for research and discovery. This major has practical applications in various fields through which I can apply the principles and techniques learned to address real-world challenges.

What do you like or find most interesting about your minor?

What I find interesting about philosophy is learning about perspectives and new ways of thinking, as well as how to construct good and convincing arguments. However, even more interesting than that is that philosophy promotes the desire to learn new things and develop intellectual curiosity. My Bio 110 isntructor Lindy Gewin once said that the greatest scientists are the ones who ask the most questions, and in the philosophy classes I have taken so far, we’ve learned just that: the importance of asking questions.

How would you describe sustainability at L&C?

L&C fosters a campus community where students, faculty, and staff work together to create a more environmentally sustainable future by incorporating sustainability into its institutional values and daily operations. As part of the community at L&C, I feel admiration and hope, knowing that the institution is actively working toward reducing its impact on the planet and fostering a culture of sustainability.

What’s your involvement with any sustainability initiatives on campus? What’s the best part of your experience?

Some ways I’ve been involved with sustainability at L&C by attending campus events or workshops or volunteering for related projects. The best part of my experience has been the sense of community and purpose that I feel while working with like-minded peers to make a positive impact on campus and beyond.

What should incoming students know about sustainability at L&C?

Incoming students at Lewis & Clark College should know that sustainability is deeply integrated into campus life and academic programs. Incoming students can expect opportunities to engage with sustainability initiatives all throughout campus. L&C values sustainability in its daily operations and encourages students to research and promote sustainable practices by offering them resources and support.

How does sustainability prepare students for life after L&C?

Sustainability prepares students for life after L&C by fostering a deep understanding of environmental, social, and economic issues through coursework, hands-on experiences, and community engagement. These experiences help students develop a sense of responsibility towards creating a more sustainable world and prepares them for careers in various fields where sustainability is increasingly valued. Additionally, students learn to lead a more sustainable lifestyle, making them more environmentally conscious and fierce contributors to our society as they transition into the workforce and become active citizens.

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

I first learned about Lewis & Clark through the Posse Foundation Scholarship. After doing some research about the college I learned that, out of the rest of my college options, L&C had the best research opportunities. I did research while I was in high school and absolutely loved the experience. This is why, when I learned about the research being done by faculty and that I as an undergrad could be a part of it … L&C was the clear choice.

Tell us about your support systems and social outlets on campus: people, activities, clubs, res halls, etc.

My biggest support systems on campus are the ten amazing people who came with me from Puerto Rico to L&C as part of the Posse scholarship, as well as the rest of the Posse Scholars here on campus who have treated us like family and welcomed us with open arms. In addition to them, there’s my work at Professor Greg Hermann’s worm lab, where I get to unwind after a long week of classes.

What advice do you have for incoming students?

Go to your professor’s office hours! This is something that I’ve heard seniors, juniors, sophomores, and freshmen talk about. Talk to your professors about any questions or concerns that you have about the course materials; they will always do their best to help you. Learn to make use of all the resources that L&C has to offer and don’t be afraid to get involved; it’s never too late.

How did your financial aid package influence your decision to attend Lewis & Clark?

The Posse Foundation scholarship played a big role in my decision to attend Lewis & Clark College. I learned about L&C during the interview process for the scholarship and after doing some research on L&C, I knew that this was the place for me.

Who is your mentor on campus? Why?

My mentor on campus is Professor Joel Martinez. Since the beginning of my fall 2023 semester, Joel has provided invaluable guidance and support, particularly in navigating the challenges faced during my first year of college. His assistance has been instrumental in helping me adapt to college life away from home.

What’s one of the best spots on campus?

One of the best spots on campus is Greg Hermann’s Worm Lab.

Have you been involved with one of our symposia, as an organizer or participant? What was the experience like? How did the event complement your academic experience?

Most recently I was a volunteer at the 2024 Gender Studies Symposium. Last semester I was a volunteer at the 2023 Ray Warren Symposium on Race and Ethnic Studies, and it was my first time being so engaged with the students at L&C. I got to meet other volunteers and establish connections with the students who helped coordinate the symposium. This event helped complete my academic experience by giving me the opportunity to hear speakers talk about their experiences. What stuck with me the most was hearing the way the keynote speaker Ingrid LaFleur spoke and explained all her points regarding Afrofuturism in such detail and vivid imagery that it kept us all engaged.

How has Lewis & Clark changed you?

I used to think that big institutions were the best choice for gaining a college education but while at L&C I’ve been able to experience what a liberal arts education is like. At L&C I have the opportunity to explore most of my interests without having to leave campus, get mentors in my disciplines of interest, gain work and volunteer experience both in and outside of campus, and participate in student run activities or organizations. Lewis & Clark has changed my way of thinking about the liberal arts education as well as the wide range of opportunities I have access to in a small campus environment.

How are you involved in the arts at L&C?

In addition to being the vice president of the Art Club, one of my art pieces was displayed in Watzek Library at the L&C Hispanic Heritage Month Art Exhibition in collaboration with the Gente Latina Unida club (GLU). I also had two of my pictures featuring the school’s Pep band published in The Mossy Log newspaper.

Biology Philosophy