Kira Nelson
Graduation year: 2025
High school: Rockridge High School
Hometown: Milan, Ill.
Majors: Biology, neuroscience, pre-medicine
Minor: Chemistry
Activities: Varsity volleyball, varsity track & field, Delta Chi Theta sorority
Internship: Texas Medical Center
Post-grad plans: Attend medical school
Why Augustana?
Augustana allowed me to explore all of my interests without having to hold back in anything. I was able to compete in an extremely competitive conference through both of my sports while advancing my educational development through experiences that wouldn’t be possible at any other undergraduate school.
The relationships I’ve made along the way have helped push me to become the best student, athlete and person that I can be, which I know will apply to my future as a doctor.
Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?
Definitely not! Coming in as a freshman, I was unsure where I would be in terms of a career or where my interests would guide me. Along the way, I was able to use the resources at Augustana to help narrow down what I loved to do and where I wanted to go. Through the immense opportunities at Augie, I became a world traveler, an Alzheimer’s researcher and a patient care employee, all in four years!
Who helped you get to where you are now?
The faculty in the science and psychology departments helped grow my fascination of the human body and really took my academic success as their number one priority.
CORE also helped every step along the way in my professional development — such as helping me develop my résumé for a summer career, apply for an internship and practice for interviews for medical schools.
I have also developed a personal cheer squad at Augustana that supported me through all of my ups and downs. Without my family, coaches, teammates, sorority and friends, I don't believe I could have accomplished as much as I did.
Peak experience?
My favorite experience has been the amount of traveling I have done through both sports and my study abroad experience. I have had the opportunity to compete against other volleyball teams in Costa Rica, race at the training center for the Olympics in Athens, and explore the birthplace of anatomy and human dissection all across Italy.
What surprised you?
I was surprised at the amount of opportunities Augustana offers. Being a double STEM major and dual-sport collegiate athlete, I didn’t think I’d have time for anything. But Augustana provided the opportunity to explore my interests further and do it all!
What will you miss the most?
The community. Augie students are extremely welcoming and make the campus feel like a home away from home. I’ll miss the connections that I’ve made with friends, coaches and faculty along the way.
Advice for the Class of 2029?
Do it all. Augustana provides a ton of opportunities in all areas of interest, with people along the way who are willing to help you find these experiences. Take advantage of every chance you get because you never know where it will lead you!
"Kira has always been an amazing student-athlete. She has participated in two sports for all four of her years at Augie while majoring in pre-med. She has excelled on the court, track and in the classroom! Kira has been a leader at Augustana and will go on to be a leader in her field. She has experienced multiple study-abroad opportunities as well as an internship at Texas Medical Center. Kira has really made the most of her time here at Augie. I'm excited to see her take the next step in her bright future!"