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The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is pleased to announce that Brenda Goh has been selected as the Spring 2021 LAS student marshal.

Brenda is from Singapore and is graduating with honors with a degree in political science, second major in psychology and a minor in health promotion.

During her time at Iowa State, Brenda discovered a passion for community work. She has been involved as a certified peer educator for Iowa State Student Wellness, international student ambassador for the Office of Admissions, and as a student program assistant for College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

In addition to her extensive leadership experience, Brenda also excels in undergraduate research. She is a recipient of the LAS Dean’s High Impact Award for Undergraduate Research and has completed her capstone project in the Iowa State University Honors Program.

Brenda’s passion for community work has led her to pursue a master’s degree in public health with a concentration in social and behavioral sciences at the University of Washington. She aspires to be a community health coordinator to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors, improve population health outcomes and to address health disparities in the healthcare system.

As the LAS student marshal, Brenda will be the first student in the college to walk across the graduation stage at the LAS “Bachelor’s Cyclone Graduation Celebration” on Saturday, May 8, and receive her degree. This honor is given to a graduating LAS student that is nominated by LAS faculty and staff and selected by Dean Beate Schmittmann. This selection is based on a minimum 3.50 or higher GPA in addition to the student’s accomplishments, achievements and involvement at Iowa State University.

Before she embarks on her next adventure, Brenda reflected on her experiences in LAS.

What is your favorite LAS memory?
“My favorite LAS memory is LAS Week or the events that we host, specifically, LAS International events. I really enjoyed meeting and bonding with my peers, the faculty and the staff in our college. I always looked forward to our food events and coming together as a community to have a meal or to engage in activities together.”

What have you accomplished during your time in LAS that you are most proud of?
“I am proudest of being a recipient of the LAS Dean’s High Impact Award for Undergraduate Research. I have been working with my faculty project advisor, Dr. Zarling, on my honors capstone project for close to two years, and I am excited to be able to finally share my research through this award.”

What are your future plans or goals?
“After graduation, I will be pursuing my master’s degree in public health with a concentration in Social and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Washington. I aspire to be a community health coordinator to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors, improve population health outcomes and to address health disparities in the healthcare system.”

How did LAS prepare you for your life after graduation?
“LAS played a big role in my decision to advance my career as a public health professional. Working with my then advisor and now supervisor to build LAS International allowed me to discover my passion for community work. LAS Career Services supported me through the graduate school application and career exploration process, while the learning communities in LAS encouraged me to grow as a leader.

What advice do you have for a future LAS student?
“My advice is to take advantage of the opportunities that are presented to you during your time in LAS. Take a leap of faith and challenge yourself through the process. Each opportunity no matter big or small, has the potential to lead to something greater or unexpected. The connections you form and the lessons that you take away from these experiences are invaluable, so I would encourage you to push your boundaries and to create an adventure that is uniquely yours.”

All are welcome to celebrate spring and summer 2021 graduates during the LAS Bachelor’s Cyclone Graduation Celebration at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 8. The event live stream can be found on the Iowa State University graduation website, graduation.iastate.edu.