Hanna Wright

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

I honestly had a gut feeling about it that only solidified further upon visiting campus. I knew I wanted a smaller school that felt like a true community and a home away from home, and I got that and more at L&C. I visited during the school year, and seeing all the students lounging in the sun between classes, chatting with friends, and the forested campus was wonderful. After speaking with a few professors and seeing how passionate they were about their jobs and students, I knew I’d be more than just a number. Collaborative, yet challenging academics was important to me too, and I appreciated the intelligent student body without the competitive culture. The student body is so cool, creative, and down to earth.

What have you been doing since graduation?

After graduation I started working as a research assistant at OHSU in the Prenatal Environment and Child Development (PEACH) and HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) labs. HBCD is the largest long-term neurodevelopment study in the U.S., and I largely work with infant and neonatal EEG and MRI data collection. From placenta collection to clinical mental health work, the job keeps me on my toes! Outside of work, I’ve been continuing to explore the PNW and getting outdoors any chance I can.

How did Lewis & Clark prepare you for your job?

From an academic perspective, I was lucky to get involved in research in my first year through the Early Research Program for first-generation students. This was my first step into the world of research, and led to my involvement in the Watson lab all four years of college. I was also a Rogers Summer Science Fellow for two summers which allowed me to explore every step of the research process. I am so grateful for the opportunity to discover both what I liked and disliked about research, and it was awesome to have the experience going into my job. Outside of this, I’d say that L&C creates a truly multidisciplinary and well-rounded student. I felt well prepared and connected to take on my job and balance my passions after I graduated.

What would you say is the most important thing you learned at Lewis & Clark?

I think the most important thing I learned at L&C was balance. There are so many opportunities all around in every way and form, and learning to strike a balance between academics, social activities, exploring, and well-being can be a challenge! Don’t be afraid to try different things and see what sticks. When you find your groove, everything will fall into place. Nothing is better than taking some space from the stress of work and school and being in some beautiful PNW nature!

How do you stay connected to Lewis & Clark as an alum?

Many of my dearest friends are people I met at Lewis & Clark. The community I was (and still am!) surrounded by was unmatched and spanned far beyond my own class year. I still remain in touch with a few professors as well. Living in the Portland area still, I visit campus every now and then and always love reminiscing on all the experiences and lore with my friends. I also keep in the loop via social media and work with current students. I am so grateful every day for the friendships and connections I have from college.

Where did you find your community on campus?

All over the place honestly. My NST was one of the most formative experiences and first point of connection. Nothing really bonds people quite like a week backcountry kayaking for your first week of school! Some of my best friends came from that trip and remained through the years. I worked in the admissions office for four years and met a ton of super cool people through that as well as working with the NSO team! I was always most at home with the admissions crew (love my tour guides and fellows). I spent a lot of time at the circle tables in the library (the social section) which was a nice community for friends and mutuals to bond over assignments and yerba mates.

If you studied overseas while at Lewis & Clark, how did you choose your program? What did your overseas study add to your L&C experience?

I studied abroad in Dublin! As a psychology major I wanted something somewhat connected with my major, and this checked off the boxes. Going abroad was one of the best decisions I made in college. I went during my last semester (I was nervous about that! But don’t shy away from it), so it ended up being a wonderful way to tie up my time as an undergrad. I met so many new people, connected with those on my program, traveled all over Europe, and experienced a new academic and social culture. Our immediate program was all L&C students, which provided a bit of home despite being across the globe. Take the jump and go abroad! You won’t regret it.

Psychology Neuroscience