EPHS Senior Wins Outstanding Young Women in Chemistry Award

EPHS Senior Anya Zhdan has received the Outstanding Young Women in Chemistry Award, given by Iota Sigma Pi: National Honor Society for Women in Chemistry.

She was nominated for the award by her Chemistry teacher, Emily Schoenbeck. 

“Anya truly stood out as an exceptional student,” Schoenbeck said. “She academically excels in all of her science courses, and her strong understanding of complex concepts, paired with her dedication to learning, made her stand out to me.”

Iota Sigma Pi seeks to promote interest in chemistry among female students and support them in their careers through the recognition of accomplishments. Zhdan will be recognized in The Iotan, the national publication of the Society. Only one student is awarded per school each year. 

Zhdan was very surprised when Schoenbeck told her she had received the honor. She plans to attend the University of Iowa to study nursing in the fall, and such an award will boost her scholarship and internship opportunities. She has loved science from a young age and looks forward to studying it further. 

“I've always wanted to do something in the medical field, and I chose nursing because I feel like it has a diverse career field,” she said. 

After nursing school, Anya hopes to become an anesthesiologist CRNA. Outside of academics, she is also involved in cheerleading, soccer, and Snowball. This well-rounded commitment was one of the factors Schoenbeck recognized in her application for Zhdan. 

“I am extremely proud of Anya for this achievement,” Schoenbeck said. “This is well deserved!”