Philosophy – Outstanding Senior 2020

Amber SkogenAmber Skogen.

Chehalis, Washington

Degrees/Majors/Minors:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
  • Bachelor of Arts in English – Literary Studies

Clubs, Organizations, Leadership, and Service

  • Philosophy Club – secretary
  • Phi Beta Kappa
  • Pi Sigma Alpha
  • Race and Pedagogy National Conference – speaker
  • Crimson Code Hackathon – Sponsorship Organizer

Internships and Employment

  • Philosophy – teaching assistant, 2018-19
  • Academic Success & Career Center – tutor
  • Walmart – production assistant

Awards and Recognition

  • 2020 College of Arts and Sciences Outstanding Senior for Philosophy

Faculty Comments

“Comparing Amber to other undergraduate students feels a little like comparing apples and oranges. She is working with Dr. Noll on a project that seeks to combine insights from American pragmatism with ecofeminist ideals to develop a just and effective environmental ethic. She is also a member of the Goldsby–Nolls Philosophy lab, where her contributions have been insightful and frequent.

“As a teaching assistant, she has not only mastered the material but learned how to help students better understand a subject matter that many find counterintuitive. She is consistently able to help students who are stressed and struggling and to keep a good sense of humor. She quickly identifies errors in problem sets and is a ‘machine’ with respect to logic.” –Dr. Michael Goldsby

Personal Statement

I would like to thank both the philosophy and English departments for challenging and inspiring me. I am honored to be the Department of Philosophy’s Outstanding Student of the year. I have found a lot of support here, encouraging me to follow my dreams and to follow happiness. I cherish the memories I have made here at WSU, the people I have met, and what I have learned.

Honored Faculty and Mentors

  • Michael Goldsby, associate professor, School of Politics, Philosophy, and Public Affairs
  • Samantha Noll, assistant professor, School of Politics, Philosophy, and Public Affairs
  • Christine Dickens, philosophy graduate student, School of Politics, Philosophy, and Public Affairs

Future Plans

Amber and her husband, Josiah—Outstanding Senior in Philosophy in 2018—will move to Bloomington, Indiana, so he can attend graduate school. She plans to work a few years before pursuing a master’s degree and/or a teaching career.