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Despite being in just his second year on campus, Aidan Forget is already a junior and has immersed himself in research in his field of study: sport, exercise, and performance psychology. The Wheeling, W.Va., native joined research projects as a freshman and is now looking to lead his own study on resilience in NCAA golfers. He's taken an active role in the Sport and Exercise Psychology Club in an effort to be at the top of his field as he pursues a career consulting, research, and teaching.

Kristine Ramsay-Seaner is advancing resources for rural middle school counselors through the USDA-funded Launch Fellowship. The initiative introduces counselors to careers in food and agricultural sciences while providing mentorship, peer support, and hands-on learning opportunities. Ramsay-Seaner sees her role as bridging professional gaps for practitioners in high-need schools, ensuring they have the tools, connections, and encouragement to better serve students. WVU’s support and leadership are featured in a recent video showcasing the program, and Ramsay-Seaner is now helping recruit the next cohort of fellows for 2026.

Lauren Fitzgerald, a senior from Fanwood, N.J., grew up surrounded by sports through her father’s career and her brother’s interest in the field. That exposure sparked her own passion for sport management, which she has since built on through hands-on experiences at WVU. From her experience with the New Jersey Jackals to her internship with WVU Athletics in Operations and Facilities, she has turned her family’s influence into a foundation for her own career path.

When Jade Stark arrived at West Virginia University, she initially planned to study nursing. But after taking her first Health and Well-Being classes, she found a better fit in patient care. The Manassas, Va., native built hands-on experience as an MRI Tech Assistant at Ruby Memorial Hospital, where she overcame her nerves, mastered skills like administering IVs, and discovered how rewarding it is to help patients heal. Stark says her time in the program and at WVU has given her a clear path forward in healthcare and a strong sense of community in the College of Applied Human Sciences.

A conversation with a West Virginia University alumnus helped John Mizerak realize he didn’t have to leave sports behind after high school. The Mechanicsburg, Pa., native came to Morgantown to become a Mountaineer and major in sport management. Over three years with WVU Athletics Marketing, he worked his way up to a student assistant role, helping shape game-day experiences across multiple sports. After graduation, he will pursue his MBA at Western Kentucky University and serve as the marketing graduate assistant for women’s soccer and softball.

Hope Wright, an elementary education major from Franklin Park, Pa., was inspired by a teacher at an early age and knew she wanted to be a similar role model to others. At West Virginia University, she balanced her academics with her love of music as a member of "The Pride of West Virginia." Wright’s hands-on experience in area schools helped her grow into the kind of teacher she once looked up to and strengthened her goal of returning to teach in her hometown.

Chloe Hardesty, an Elementary Education major from Marlinton, W.Va., inspired by her family's deep roots in education, embraced her passion for teaching early in life. During her time at WVU she found a community with her cohort and gained more than 900 hours of classroom experience that helped her develop her teaching style. On the verge of graduation, she will soon begin her career as a classroom teacher while also pursuing a master’s degree in education with a focus on mathematics.

Darius Redman came to WVU unsure of his path, but found his purpose through mentorship, field experience, and meaningful community connections. From student placements to coaching at Suncrest Middle School, he discovered the power of presence and positivity in education. A first-generation college graduate, Redman plans to take his Mountaineer skills and pride south to teach and coach cross country and track and field.

Hayden Apel, a Health and Well-Being major from Hilliard, Ohio, embraced his time at WVU by combining academic growth with athletic achievement. Through his academic studies and practical experience at Advantage Health and Wellness, Apel discovered the importance of a holistic approach to health. His time as a Division I student-athlete as a diver for the Mountaineers shaped his resilience and commitment in all aspects of his life. Apel will continue his Mountaineer journey by pursuing a Doctorate of Physical Therapy at WVU.

Jadyn Collins, a Sport Management major from Weirton, W.Va., found her place at WVU by turning a love for sports into hands-on experience with the Mountaineer baseball team. Through three years of real-world involvement and mentorship from coaches, Collins built the foundation for a future in scouting and player evaluation. After graduation, she will head to Cape Cod to scout for the Oakland A’s and continue the momentum she created as a proud Mountaineer.