Alumni Quotes

Dr. Morgan Jibowu is from the graduating KAMS class of 2016

"KAMS taught me resiliency. It helped me graduate with my masters degree at 21 and taught me to handle challenges and obstacles by solving problems independently. My advice to KAMS students is to network I find it to be one of the top skills that led me to success, and it is something you can begin developing in this program."

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Jorja Elliott (Pratt, KS) KAMS Class of 2019, FHSU Class of 2021, Texas A&M University Biology Ph.D. Program

“KAMS offered me invaluable early exposure to research and career diversity, which became a pivotal point in my academic journey, providing me with the perfect platform to build a robust skillset that showcased my motivation for success in graduate school. Access to upper-level coursework allowed me to complete degree requirements efficiently and devote ample time to research endeavors. This not only enriched my knowledge but also equipped me with practical hands-on skills in field and lab settings, setting me apart from other perspective graduate school applicants. One of the standout features of KAMS is the dedicated support from their staff, who work closely with students, ensuring they are consistently challenged in both coursework and research, prepping them for any career path they pursue. Thanks to the early college experience I gained at KAMS, my trajectory through graduate school has been accelerated, setting the stage for ongoing success.”

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Hazel Frans is from the graduating KAMS class of 2024.

Paige Holopirek is from the graduating KAMS class of 2022.

"I conducted research with Professor Eric Deneault in the FHSU Applied Technology Department that focused on making advancements in seizure-detection technology. This program has been the opportunity to have a smooth transistion between high school and college. To future early college students, don't be afraid of what is to come. You will grow not just in your academics, but you will be able to grow as a person. If you ever have fear, just breathe and know that it will be okay in the end!"

Lyly Le is from the graduating KAMS class of 2022.

"The research expereiences and challenges of KAMS gave me the confidence to know that I would be successful for the rest of my undergraduate career. I researched stimulators of interferon genes (STING) protein with Dr. Masakatsu Watanabe and classmate, Haley Pfeifer. We presented this research at multiple conferences, including the American Chemical Society Midwest Conference and SACAD. We placed third in Empirical Posters at SACAD among other undergraduate students before graduating high school! I believe my experiences and accomplishments at KAMS were highly influential when applying for scholarships. I received a Full-Ride Scholarship to finish my undergraduate degree at FHSU!"

Letian "Tony" Tang is from the graduating AMS class of 2022.

Leo Harzman: KAMS 2021; Fort Hays State University 2023; Eastern Michigan University, Clinical Psychology Masters Program Class of 2025

I had several research experiences during my time at KAMS that were all fun and rewarding! My favorite project by far was the research I did with Dr. Jeanne Sumrall, in which we wrote and proposed a method of teaching cave mapping using the video game Minecraft. Our paper is currently under review to be published in an academic journal. It was super engaging trying to figure out how to translate real-life information to the mechanics of Minecraft. This research also taught me valuable literature review skills that allowed me to go on to conduct research in my undergraduate program immediately post-KAMS. The knowledge and experiences I gained in KAMS allowed me to finish my bachelor's degree at FHSU with a full ride in just two years!

Addison Mininger (Hesston, KS) KAMS class of 2021, FHSU class of 2023

"KAMS afforded my opportunities, both for my career and academics, that my small high school could not. Not only does KAMS provide their graduates with competitive application material, but also connects them with other talented students and faculty to push them further toward success. I attribute my successes to the KAMS program, staff, and classmates who guided and inspired me."

Angie Acred (Leavenworth, KS), KAMS Class of 2021

“I had the opportunity to work with the FHSU Applied Technology Department to create a speech-activated mechanical glove to help improve the hand mobility for an Applied Tech professor’s wife who lost these skills after suffering from a massive stroke. Very few students at my age have the chance to experience research at this level. I feel I’ve developed great research skills and have learned how important it is to communicate and collaborate when working with a team. This research has exposed me to new fields of study and made me a very well-rounded student. I’m hoping to pursue a career in the medical field, so it’s encouraging to imagine how something we created could be used to help patients around the world."

Ginger Mueller (Greenleaf, KS), KAMS Class of 2021

“I began my research project during my first year in KAMS. I am working with Dr. Whitney Whitaker from the FHSU Psychology department and we are studying the measures of efficacy of Ashtanga yoga at reducing seizure frequency in people who have tried epilepsy medication and found no relief. Since I want to be a neurologist or psychiatrist, it is incredible that I could find research that relates to both fields. This research is extra special to me because I was diagnosed with Complex Partial Seizure Disorder when I was young. I have since grown out of it, but I am so grateful to get to participate in research that may potentially help people who are like me. Conducting this research as an early college student will certainly make me competitive when applying to medical school and help me in my future career!”

Micayla Gutierrez (Wichita, KS), KAMS Class of 2020

“I was fortunate to get to participate in three different research opportunities while in KAMS. I worked with Dr. James Balthazor from the FHSU Chemistry department both my junior and senior years testing double strand RNA on HeLA cancer cells with the hopes of mass killing cancer cells. Most students would have to attend a R1 research institution to participate in this caliber of research. I also traveled to both Barbados and Ireland to conduct research in biology and anthropology. My advice to any future KAMS student is to use the opportunities presented to you as an early college student and network with the brilliant professors at FHSU!”

Sawyer Smith (McPherson, KS), KAMS Class of 2020

“Over my two years in KAMS, I was able to develop my leadership and communication skills in more ways than I could have at a traditional high school. I served as president of the Early & Honors College Executive Council, 4^th-floor wing representative for Custer Hall Council, and was involved in the KAMS Ambassador program. I’m certain that campus involvement played a large role when my applications were being considered at prospective colleges and when I was considered for scholarships. I now feel prepared to interact with all sorts of people in a university environment. My advice to prospective students is to make sure you’re involved in things that you’re passionate about!”

Eugene Chon is from the graduating AMS class of 2020.

Sheena Zeng (Hays, KS) KAMS Class of 2020, University of Michigan – Ann Arbor Class of 2023, University of Kansas Mathematics Ph.D. Program

"As a KAMS student, I gained valuable experience in doing research, writing academic papers, and living independently. My background at KAMS prepared me for my future academic endeavors. My favorite part of KAMS was how supportive and accommodating the staff and professors were of my extracurricular activities, which let me continue to pursue my passions while furthering my academic career. The biggest benefit of KAMS was that I was able to transfer most of my FHSU credits to my next college, allowing me to graduate in two years and save money."

Brady Stephenson (Little River, KS), KAMS Class of 2019, FHSU Class of 2021

“I came into KAMS not really knowing what interests I had. KAMS helped me discover these interests and gave me the opportunities to pursue them in an academic and social environment. The rigorous curriculum helped me build study habits and time management skills that are imperative for a successful college experience. The connections I made and the opportunities that were presented in KAMS cannot be found in a traditional high school setting. My tenure in the program was focused on making my future as bright as possible. Members of the KAMS staff still reach out to me, even as an alum, and look for ways to support me in my search for professional opportunities. The people at KAMS and FHSU have helped instill a mindset focused on succeeding by consistently providing encouragement. I can’t thank the program enough for introducing me to the people it did and for helping get me to where I am today. Take the jump, step out of your comfort zone, and think long-term; KAMS is worth it!”

Haoyang Hu is from the graduating AMS class of 2019.

Emily Thornton is from the graduating KAMS class of 2018

"One of the most amazing things about KAMS is the unique culture it provides. The students in the program challenge and support each other acadeumically, while the university provides many social aspects to keep us all well-rounded. Before attending KAMS, I had a lingering feeling that I could be challenged in more ways than my sending high school could provide. Without a doubt, KAMS was the best solution and the program has proven to suit my academic and social needs."

Brennan Wald is from the graduating KAMS class of 2018

"This program has allowed me to get a head start on my college career. I get to learn how to study for college, without technically being in college yet. The Academy has given me a great start on life, in general. I have succeeded in more ways than I ever thought I would, and much of that is to the credit of the great professors on campus, the program's staff, and the friends I have made along the way; along with some diligent studying and hard work in the classroom."

Jinseo "Jason" Park is from the graduating AMS class of 2018

"AMS was the optimal place for me both academically and career wise. Having access to a wide spectrum of courses, I was able to dig deeper into computer science and math while taking various humanities courses which are usually not offered in high school. The AMS staff letting us know about activities, research, and competitions was also very helpful."

Runfan Yang is from the graduating AMS class of 2018.

"My favorite thing about the academy are the friendships I have made on campus. Everyone here has been so nice, understanding, and very supportive of me and my goals. I have also enjoyed the benefit of having control over my environment. I get to decide my own schedule, which helps me stay energetic and curious about classes and activities. I have even had the opportunity to travel to South Korea, England, and the Bahamas. Being an Academy student has proven to be the best two years of my life, so far!"

Dr. Jacob Lutgen is from the graduating KAMS class of 2017.

 "My journey over the last several years would have looked entirely different had I decided to stay at a traditional high school. In KAMS, I was able to start prerequiesite classes earlier, begin research, contribute to various organizations around campus, and meet classsmates taht had similar aspirations as me. This all had a very large impact on my ability to reach my goal of getting into medical school."

Marisa is from the graduating KAMS class of 2017.

"I would definitely recommend the KAMS program. It gave me so many opportunities that I did not have access to in high school. It gives students a unique experience of being able to live and learn with like-minded peers who share a passion for knowledge. The curriculum is heavy with math and sciences, but also has some room to explore classes that interest you. The faculty and staff are committed to the success of the students and go out of their way to help in any way they can. The KAMS program is a challenging but very rewarding opportunity that I highly recommend."

Luke is from the graduating KAMS class of 2017

"Coming to Hays to attend KAMS, I have been able to further myself not only academically, but also as a person. While getting a jump start on my higher education has been a great opportunity, being in KAMS has also allowed me to discover who I am outside the classroom in a way that is not possible at the high school level. Being able to make close friendships with my peers, as well as the faculty, has been an experience that has impacted my life for the better in a unique way."

Norelia is from the graduating KAMS class of 2017.

"My career goal is to become a medical doctor. Biomedical research has a significant positive impact on medical school acceptance. During the summer leading up to, and throughout my senior year, I received a K-INBRE Research Scholarship to work with Dr. Kobayashi on a project to find the mRNA gene expression for dyslipidemia in channel catfish. The research opportunity wouldn't have been possible without KAMS. Ultimately, the KAMS experience will help me to achieve my goal of opening a primary healthcare clinic in an underserved rural area."

Evan is from the graduating KAMS class of 2015.

"I decided to attend KAMS because it was the best opportunity for me to excel in a challenging curriculum. At my high school I didn;t have the option to take advanced math classes. During my KAMS experience I was able to take math classes that are not typically offered in high school. If I had the chance to go back I would apply every time."

Brad is from the graduating KAMS class of 2014.

"The Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science has given me the opportunity to reach my full potential. Without questions, this program provides the foundation for success and allows students to flourish. Over the past two years, I have developed lifelong friendships and discovered medicine was the right path for me."

Elizabeth Lewis (Lawrence, KS), KAMS Class of 2014, NYU School of Law Class of 2020

“While at KAMS, I learned effective study techniques, how to balance multiple responsibilities at once, and how to build a support system for when things are difficult. I even had the opportunity to explore, much earlier than most of my peers, different academic areas I was interested in, from physics to psychology to creative writing. My time at KAMS gave me the flexibility during my undergraduate years to really invest in the coursework I was passionate about and the ability to be able to plan for graduate school and beyond.”

"The best part of KAMS, to me, was the remarkable sense of community. We all knew how to look out for one another and that made being far away from home so much easier. I would wholeheartedly recommend KAMS to anyone who wants to excel in their education, who knows they want to invest in a higher education path, and is willing to be responsible and put in the work to succeed. This program will advance your higher education goals, regardless of the field you end up in, and has so much to offer beyond its lessons in the classroom.”

Nyasha is from the graduating KAMS class of 2012.

"I would recommend the KAMS program for many reasons. It's a great program for a passionate and hard working student. The opportunities one gains from the KAMS program are endless. Students that attend the KAMS program expereience tremendous growth in their time here, both as a student and person."

Libby is from the graduating KAMS class of 2014.

"I decided to attend KAMS because my parents and I had constantly been looking for a challenging education for me, and we were unable to find it anywhere in the regular classroom. As we planned out my high school classes and my gifted IEP, we saw that I definitely wasn't going to be challenged at least until college. When I heard about KAMS, it seemed like the perfect opportunity for me to get that educational challenge. I was also really attracted to the idea of being around a lot of really intelligent, really motivated people."

Elliot is from the graduating KAMS class of 2014.

"My experience was fantastic. The initial transition was tough, certainly. However, succeeding at challenging coursework was extremely satisfying. I had to invest large portions of my time to studies to do well, but I was also able to spend time with friends and get involved on-campus. My fellow KAMS-ters became some some of my closest friends, and we helped one another, both in and out of the classroom. If I could do it again, I would choose KAMS every time."

Quentin is from the graduating KAMS class of 2013.

"I decided to attend KAMS for a plethora of different reasons. I was obviously aware that attending KAMS was the necessary choice in order to give my academic career the little nudge it needed to stand out from my competition. The people and opportunities surrounding me at my high school just weren't the type of people and activities I realized I wanted to be around or associated with. Passing up this once in a lifetime chance to come to KAMS was not even considered. Plus, how cool would it be to say you got to go to college two years early?!"

Katie is from the graduating KAMS class of 2013.

"I decided to come to KAMS because it would give me the academic rigor I was struggling to obtain at my high school. It also provided me a research opportunity not available to me at my high school. My overall experiene with the KAMS program has been the greatest of my life. The family I have gained here, both with my KAMS classmates and the KAMS staff is the best, most supportive environment I have ever been able to be a part of."

Seth Gooding is from the graduating KAMS class of 2011.

"Overall, KAMS was a very benificial learning experience that allowed me to further my knowledge and sicipline in many ways. I have great ambition and motivation to achieve my personal goals in my career and I feel like KAMS has prepared me to attain those goals. No matter how high your test scores are or how high you are ranked in your class, KAMS is a humbling experience and it gave me a sense of worth no test can measure."

Soobum is from the graduating KAMS class of 2011.

"KAMS was a huge turning point in my life. Of course it was tough for me, but I was excited because the curriculum involved classes with labs. This is where I learned to make the connection between textbooks and the real world. The two years I spent in the KAMS program was unforgettable and a fascinating experience. I would definitely recommend the KAMS program to other students. It is an amazing opportunity to study in a true learning environment."