Each issue of the Messenger, we provide a profile for one NNU faculty member, one staff member, one undergraduate student and one graduate student. Meet Tucker, our undergraduate student profile for Winter 2023.
MAJOR: I’m double-majoring in Mathematics & Secondary Math Education
ACTIVITIES/CLUBS: Intramurals, Johnson Sports Center Staff
FUTURE PLANS: I plan on obtaining a master’s degree in Natural Resources (Fire Ecology & Management) from the University of Idaho and then begin my career at the National Interagency Fire Research Center in Boise, ID, or the USFS Fire Lab in Missoula, MT. After that, I want to teach math to high school students. At some point, I would also love to be a youth pastor or worship pastor.
GRAD YEAR: 2024
HOMETOWN: Oroville, California
FUN FACT ABOUT YOU: I have caught a duck with my bare hands.
FAVORITE THING ABOUT NNU: Everyone says it, but it’s true. The community here at NNU is unmatched. I’ve made the closest friendships I’ve ever had, and have been involved in the best spiritual community I’ve ever experienced. There is no better place to pursue the heart of Jesus than here at NNU.
PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT AT NNU: In February of 2022, Computer Science Professor Dr. Hamilton informed me about a summer internship at the NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, that would focus on wildfire prevention and mitigation. As someone who has been affected by wildfire and wildfire evacuations, I was intrigued. I applied and was accepted into the program. I became a project manager along with one of my colleagues, and our team developed a novel communications technology for firefighters in extremely rural areas while fighting wildfire. We are publishing one paper internally to NASA, and are in the process of making the project officially “public” so NASA and firefighter organizations can continue the development of our technology. NASA now considers our project a new technology, so we will know within the next few months if NASA will pursue a patent. The approval is good news because this means our project will be able to help real people, even if NASA does not pursue a patent. All this would not have been possible if God did not both shut and open doors for me. The Lord truly blessed my socks off. He is faithful, even when we do not see Him working behind the scenes.
ADVICE YOU’D OFFER TO FUTURE STUDENTS: Ask yourself what you are looking for when applying to college. Are you wanting to not spend a lot of money? Are you wanting a quality education? What experiences do you want to have? How do you want to grow relationally and spiritually while at college? I may be biased, but NNU is the best option!!!!
WHY YOU CHOSE CHRISTIAN HIGHER EDUCATION: I had no idea just how much I was going to grow in my walk with the Lord while here at NNU. I have discovered why I believe what I believe, and am so much more passionate about my faith than before coming to NNU. Not to mention, the quality of education is excellent, and I am feeling excited and prepared to step out into the world and use what God has given me to make a difference.
