Iszavier Moe ’24 first stepped onto Augsburg’s campus in 11th grade when he was part of the college prep program, Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID). “I remember being on campus with all my friends and loved how small it was,” he recalled. Although it was the close community that drew him to Augsburg, Iszavier didn’t find his place until his sophomore year. “My first year was during COVID. I had a dorm to myself and all my classes were online. In my second year, Augsburg started to relax some of its restrictions. I had classes with people and started to build a community with others who were on the same track as me, and that’s when I knew I loved being at Augsburg.”

Iszavier is pursuing a biology degree with a minor in psychology and hopes to earn his Ph.D. someday. “One of my favorite classes has been developmental biology, it’s this perfect mix of molecular biology and genetics,” he shared. When Iszavier first had the chance to take part in summer research through the Undergraduate Research and Graduate Opportunity (URGO) program, he initially hoped to pursue a career in genetic counseling, but it wasn’t long before he realized his passion for research. “Being able to conceptually think about genetics is something that I would only get to do if I went the research route, thanks to URGO I’ve been exposed to different areas and can see all the possibilities of what I can do with my biology degree.”

Summer research enables students to explore topics in-depth and discover their interests, build professional relationships with faculty mentors, and prepare them for future success. Stipends are given to students conducting these research projects so they can focus on their work. Funding these opportunities alleviates the financial stress of finding outside work. 

During Augsburg’s Great Returns campaign, over $1,000,000 has supported student research. One of those benefactors was Terry Lindstrom ’73, who funded the research Iszavier completed. “When I looked into who Terry was, I realized he was a big deal at Augsburg!” Iszavier said. “Terry made it a point to sit down with all the researchers he funded. It was nice getting to meet someone who cared about applied research and also shared his failures with us. It helped me overcome the obstacles I faced during my project.”

Research funding and opportunities like the Summer Bridge Promise Grant, and Honors Regent Scholarship have impacted Iszavier’s experience at Augsburg. “I’m so fortunate to receive a full ride for my education,” he shared. “I wouldn’t have the opportunity to go to school if I didn’t have this grant. My parents didn’t go to college, but they worked hard so I could focus on my studies and not have to have a job in high school. Because of these opportunities, I’m able to break this generational barrier.” 

One aspect of Augsburg Iszavier wanted to stress was the student-professor relationship “The relationship that I have with the faculty here, is unmatched like anywhere else. I’m so fortunate that my professors not only know me by my first name, but also know who I am. Augsburg is a small school with big opportunities for development for our future.” One of those opportunities for Iszavier will be conducting research over the summer at John Hopkins University, an institution where Chemistry Nobel Laureate Peter Agre ’70 works and campaign chair, Dr. Paul Mueller ’84 graduated from. 

Learn more about the Great Returns campaign.