2016-2017 Executive Board Members

Laurie-Law

Laurie Law

Administrative Director

Laurie Smith Law joined the staff of the University Honors Program as the Administrative Director in 2007. She served on the Board of Directors for the National Collegiate Honors Council from 2011 through 2014, and is co-chair of the organization’s Professional Development Committee. Her primary responsibilities is to work in conjunction with the Honors staff and student board to provide members of the Honors Program with an enriched academic experience.

Jessy Stika

Jessy Stika

Graduate Advisor

Hi, my name is Jessy Stika. I am a graduate assistant with the Honors Program and advise the Honors Student Board. Currently, I am a first year in the Student Affairs, M.Ed. program. I attended Central College (Pella, IA), earning my B.A. in Cultural Anthropology and English with a Spanish minor and was a member of the women’s basketball team. My hobbies include being outside, rollerblading, reading and writing, and spending time with family and friends. I am excited to be a part of HSB!

Eric Schneiders

Eric Schneiders

President

My name is Eric Schnieders. I am a senior in Biochemistry with hopes of attending medical school. This year I am HSB’s president but have been involved in the organization as Harwood house chair and events committee co-chair in years prior. Some of my hobbies include playing piano, reading about Alexander Hamilton, and listening to NPR music. You can find me in Jischke most days studying hard or messing with the office staff upstairs. The good looking gal in the photo is my sister Emily.

Connor Born

Connor Born

Vice President

I am a sophomore in Aerospace engineering and the Honors Student Board Vice President.  I was previously the Starbuck house representative and am excited to continue my experience with the honors in this new position.  My passion lies in space and space exploration. I love taking pictures of the night sky and enjoy board and card games like Euchre and Axis and Allies.

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Kourtney Kostecki

Secretary & Treasurer

Hello! I’m Kourtney Kostecki, a senior double-majoring in Chemical Engineering and Genetics. I am the Secretary and Treasurer for Honors Student Board this year, and I’m very excited to start my third and final year on the Board. I really enjoy being a peer mentor, reading and/or watching Netflix in my spare time, and going on “adventures” with my dog.

Brady Nahkala

Brady Nahkala

Events Committee Co-Chair

Hello! My name is Brady Nahkala and I am a sophomore studying Biological Systems Engineering with a minor in Sustainability. I am one of the Events Committee Co-Chairs for HSB; we help plan, organize, and facilitate all of the fantastic academic, social, and intramural events that HSB hosts. I am involved with the ISU Symphony Orchestra, Engineers without Borders, and am an FHP Section L1 Co-Leader. I also love to read, run, and play board games whenever time allows. My goal is to help encourage community building within the Honors Program because I am constantly amazed by the level of talent, dedication, and integrity of the people I find within it.

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Christopher (CJ) Konopka

Events Committee Co-Chair

Hello my name is Christopher (CJ) Konopka and I’m a junior software engineering major with a business minor. I come from Naperville, IL which is a suburb of Chicago. This year I am one of the Events Committee Co-chairs. I’ve been a part of honors events committee since my fall semester. Outside of HSB I’m also an honors ambassador. I consider myself a pretty big movie and TV junkie but I also love playing ISU intramurals with my friends. I’m looking forward to having a great year helping bring fun and varied events to our Honors community!

Ellen Meis

Ellen Meis

Upper-Division Outreach Committee Co-Chair

Hi! My name is Ellen Meis and I am a sophomore in Biology (AGLS) from Le Mars, IA. As Upper-Division Outreach Chair, my goal is to provide opportunities for upper-division students to stay involved with Honors and give back to the Honors community. I play alto sax in the ISU Symphonic Band and participate in a variety of intramurals with my floor. In my free time, I enjoy exploring the outdoors, traveling to new places, and catching up on reading.

Jackie Blaum

Jackie Blaum

Outreach Committee Co-Chair

Jackie is a sophomore majoring in physics and computer science and minoring in astronomy and math. She loves playing the clarinet in the ISU Wind Ensemble, dancing in Dana’s ballet class, and riding her horses at home. As FHP Outreach chair, she can’t wait to help freshmen get involved with Honors this year!

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Charlie Labuzzetta

Philanthropy Committee Co-Chair

I am Charlie Labuzzetta, one of the Philanthropy Co-Chairs for HSB. At the end of this year, I plan to graduate with a degree in Mathematics. I attended many HSB events when I lived on Lorch-Russell as a freshman and sophomore, and have many great memories from my time there. In my free time, I enjoy playing piano, biking, and reading in my hammock on campus.

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Allie Lenselink

Philanthropy Committee Co-Chair

Allie (philanthropic counterpart of Charlie) is a senior in Genetics this year.  When she’s not studying and/or watching late night TV, she’s probably “studying” at music hall, as she is also (maybe too) involved in the music program here.  After graduation, she will be heading out to Africa as a Health Extension Volunteer with the Peace Corps!

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Ben Holmes

Webmaster

I’m Ben Holmes, a Junior in Software Engineering with a minor in Spanish here at Iowa State. I really enjoy music, and designing web applications, or personal websites. I plan to graduate in the Spring of 2018, after which I hope to take some time for myself, to travel the world. I think ultimate frisbee is an awesome sport, and I love summertime.

Gabi Mitchell

Gabi Mitchell

Cessna House Representative

I’m Gabi Mitchell and I’m a Sophomore currently pursuing a major in Linguistics with minors in Political Science and French. A little about me: I’m from Omaha, NE, I love to travel, and I collect seashells! I serve as the Cessna House Representative for the Honors Student Board—so my main job is to connect students living in Larch Cessna with HSB. I’m excited to help and be apart of the Honors community!

Laura Snyder

Laura Snyder

Anders House Representative

My name is Laura Snyder, and I’m a freshman in Chemical Engineering here at Iowa State. This year I am the Anders house representative and am extremely excited to get involved with Honors Student Board. In my free time, I love to run, play piano, and hang out with the other members of my house.