Data Analytics – Outstanding Senior 2022

Honor graduation status

• Summa cum laude

Clubs, Organizations, Leadership, Service

• WSU Swim Team

Internships and Employment

• Business Analyst, Philadelphia Financial
• Peer Academic Counselor
• Private Swim Instructor

Awards and Recognition

• Member of the record-breaking 400 free style relay team at PAC-12 Championships in 2020
• Cougar Award, for hard work, dedication and teamwork
• All-Academic Team 2018, 2019

Honored Faculty and Mentors

• Dr. SakiraArslan Ay, School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
• Jill Shafer, Academic Advisor
• Savannah Horning. Athletic Trainer

Faculty Comments

“The DA program at WSU is not an easy program. Payton went through this very rigorous program and is finishing the degree on time with a GPA of 3.97. As the average time to graduation for this degree is about 11 semesters, this is a great achievement.” –Dr. Nairanjana Dasgupta

“I have found Payton to be an exceptionally focused, determined, and socially minded student.” –Jill Shafer, Advisor

“Payton was part of WSU’s Swim Team until 2021, juggling a heavy swim training schedule along with her academic work. Ms. Bokowy would notify me about any classes or assignments affected by her athletics schedule, catch up on the missed materials, and managed to do exceptionally well on make-up assignments, which I thought was commendable.” –Dr. Abhishek Kaul, Mathematics & Statistics

“Payton seems mature beyond her age, a model student for anyone attempting to juggle work, academics, and serious extra-curricular activities. I’m certain that any company will be fortunate to have her as an employee, and I think the sky is the limit for Payton. It’s hard to imagine how one could be more qualified to be named the 2022 Data Analytics Outstanding Senior.” –Dr. Charles L. Munson, Finance & Management Science

Personal Statement

“I came to Washington State to fulfill my dream of swimming at the PAC-12 level and to further my education. Looking back at the past four years, I can say I have achieved that and so much more. I could not have accomplished what I have in the past four years without the support of my parents, family, friends, and WSU staff members. I have had the honor to meet so many inspiring professors, encouraging advisors, and supportive friends and classmates during my time here at WSU, and I will forever be grateful for them. Thank you to everyone who has believed in me along the way and pushed me to reach my potential. Go Cougs!”

Future Plans

Payton will begin a new position in June as a business analyst with Amazon.