Homecoming Court 2023

Javier is a senior in the College of Engineering, majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Business. He is a first-generation bilingual student, the youngest of three, and both of his siblings are proud alumni of Oregon State's computer science program.

Javier is passionate about empowering students and breaking down education barriers. As part of the Catalyst Scholars Program, he collaborates with College of Engineering leadership and engages with donors to highlight scholarship achievements that support low-income students.

During his freshman year in the STEM Leaders Program, Javier conducted research to develop a specialized computer science curriculum, now taught at Linus Pauling Middle School in Corvallis. In his sophomore year, he served as a Teaching Assistant for the first-year Engineering+ series. Additionally, he is the former Family Relations Chair and current Scholarship Chair for his fraternity, Phi Kappa Psi.

In his free time, Javier enjoys participating in the intramural soccer league at OSU and is an active member of the Ballroom Dance Club. Javier is also passionate about technology and spent the summer of 2023 as a software engineer intern at Atlassian in Manhattan, New York. Post-graduation, Javier is set to return to Atlassian full-time in July 2024.

Carly Thorkildson is a senior Honors College of Engineering student, majoring in Chemical Engineering, with a minor in Chemistry. Carly is the president for the Sigma Delta Omega Sorority, which is a sorority unique to Oregon State University that brings members together via a love of STEM and STEM education and works to raise money for the local STEM Academy. Carly is also the president of the Engineering Student Council for the College of Engineering which works to assist the college and engineering-based clubs. This has presented them with the opportunity to assist by being a student on the CoE Mental Health Advisory Board and help the school with mental health efforts moving forward.

In addition, Carly is also a third year returning Academic Learning Assistant in the residence halls where they work to help both new and returning students find academic opportunities and resources on campus. Carly is also a member and ambassador for the Honors College where she is completing her thesis looking into diversity and inclusion in affinity organizations within the College of Engineering and how to continue to raise retention among historically underrepresented minorities in STEM.

Carly has found great success in making the most out of the opportunities OSU has whether that be in her school or in the residence halls. By being engaged in several leadership positions across campus she tries to leave OSU better than she found it and make sure that all individuals have a community they can turn to if they need it

Anusha Vasudevan is a senior in the College of Science and Honors College, majoring in BioHealth Sciences with minors in Chemistry and Public Health, as well as a Medical Humanities Certificate.

Anusha is currently the Secretary of Sigma Delta Omega, a science interest-based sorority, and has previously served as the organization's Public Relations Chair. She is also the Email and Sponsorship Lead for OSU's Indian Students Association and has been involved in the PERIOD chapter at OSU since her freshman year, as a general member, Vice President of Programming, and then President. Additionally, she works as a research assistant in the Ho Lab within the Linus Pauling Institute.

Anusha is deeply passionate about serving the community and volunteering with various organizations. As a clinic coordinator at Community Outreach, Inc., she supports clinic operations so that patients receive the healthcare they need in a timely and efficient manner. Through her sorority, Anusha has volunteered as a mentor for OSU’s AWSEM club as well as Discovering the Scientist Within, through which she engaged with local middle and high school students on hands-on science activities, which allowed her to share her experiences and to positively impact and encourage young girls interested in STEM fields. During her time as an officer for OSU's PERIOD chapter, Anusha organized several hygiene product drives around campus and around town, as well as tabling events outside of stores in Corvallis, informing community members about the issue of menstrual inequity and how they could take action. She helped increase awareness and along with other club members, collected thousands of menstrual products to donate to local charities and shelters.

Kate Walsh is a senior College of Liberal Arts student, majoring in Political Science with a focus in Law and Politics with a minor in Sociology. Kate is originally from Plano, TX and is a second generation OSU student.

Kate is currently serving as the Vice President of Recruitment for the Panhellenic Council, is a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority, and is the Chapter President for the Order of Omega Greek Honor Society, and a member of the Pre-Law Society. Kate is passionate about building community and creating an inclusive, welcoming and supportive environment everywhere she goes.

Kate is also a Senior Career Assistant in OSU’s Career Development Center and has valued the past three years learning how to support student success after graduation through career exploration and overall career development.

Kate was recently awarded the Scholar of the Year award for the Panhellenic Council at the 2023 Greek Awards and has had opportunities to work with the transition committee for OSU President Dr. Jayathi Murthy this past year, and was recently awarded the Waldo-Cummings Student Award.