Five Students Discover Their Passions on the Hilltop with Support from Peers and Professors
Creatives, helpers and athletes alike gather on the hilltop to hone their crafts and discover career paths that allow them to thrive.
While some students found St. Edward's right in their backyard, and others traveled far from home to begin their careers, each Hilltopper shares a passion for making a difference in their communities. From interning in local art spaces to researching yeast strands in the lab and witnessing firsthand how Austin's mental health professionals serve the city, here are five Hilltoppers who are making strides in their fields.
School of Health Sciences
Johanna Zamora '28
Johanna Zamora transferred to St. Edward’s in 2025 after earning her Associate of Arts and Sciences and Pre-Nursing Studies degree at Santa Monica College. Like any first-year student, one of her biggest fears was not belonging on campus after moving to a new state.
Now, less than a year later, Zamora has served as the Transfer Student Association Community & Events Coordinator and is now the Vice President of the organization and a member of Monarchs on the Hilltop.
“I chose St. Edward’s University because, as a first-generation student, faith has been a key part of my personal and academic life,” Zamora said. “St. Edward’s mission goals align with the impact I want to make as a future health care professional.”
Zamora is continuing her education as a Pre-Nursing major in the School of Health Sciences. She’s found support through her success coach, Hannah Fields, as she navigates college as a transfer student. Fields provides her with advice and resources to help her reach her goals.
In the next 5 years, Zamora sees herself as a Registered Nurse working with Doctors Without Borders and pursuing her MSN.
“Being a transfer student who moved 1,300 miles away from home, not feeling a sense of belonging was one of my biggest fears,” Zamora said. “Now, I wouldn’t have it any other way!”
The Bill Munday School of Business
Shunji Watanabe '26
Shunji Watanabe started his college career at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University in his hometown of Tokyo, Japan, where he studied International Relations and Affairs.
William Nichols, professor and chair of the Department of Political Science and Global Studies at St. Edward’s University, is also the academic coordinator of the dual-degree program between St. Edward’s and Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University. Professor Nicols is the professor who connected Watanabe to the hilltop.
“Professor Nichols brought me to SEU through the exchange program from Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University,” Watanabe said. “Without his support, I would not have had the opportunity to come to SEU. His kindness and guidance opened many doors for me and greatly shaped my experience here.”
Watanabe began his soccer career at the club level during his freshman year. By 2024, he joined the NCAA Division II Men’s Soccer team, where he was selected to the Lone Star Conference Second Team in 2024. After receiving his BA in International Relations and Affairs, Watanabe decided to stay on the hilltop to pursue his Master of Science in Accounting Analytics to prepare for the CPA exam, and continues to play for the Hilltoppers
Through every conversation with friends, old and new, on campus, Watanabe knew St. Edward’s was meant for him.
“Even when I meet new people, I often see them again within a week, and their positive energy makes me feel comfortable and connected to the community,” Watanabe said. “I also appreciate being surrounded by students who are passionate about pursuing their own goals. Even though we all have different dreams, their dedication motivates me to stay focused on mine as well.”
In five years, Watanabe sees himself as a CPA and as an expert in the use of AI within accounting and auditing. He hopes to bring digital transformation to the accounting profession while ensuring that AI is used responsibly and effectively to improve audit quality. Watanabe also hopes to help other St. Edward’s accounting students and encourages them to reach out via LinkedIn.
School of Arts and Humanities
Roony Puga '27
Roony Puga (they/them) chose St. Edward’s for its Visual Studies Department, which supports their graphic design major and animation minor. The small, tight-knit community made the transition to college much less intimidating for Puga.
Puga expresses appreciation for the VISU department on the hilltop, specifically for its efforts to engage students. Mentors like Associate Professor of Graphic Design Tuan Phan and Visiting Assistant Design Professor Daniel Lievens have supported Puga’s design endeavors, helping them pursue their dreams.
“Professor Phan’s Social Design class gave me many opportunities to learn and succeed,” Puga said. “And I feel more confident in my artistic abilities than ever!”
Now, as a rising senior, Puga is gaining experiential learning outside of the classroom. This is their second semester interning with DORF, a local artist-run contemporary art space, this time as a Gallery Summer Fellow. As a fellow, Puga preps events and talks with the three artists during their Fishbowl Residency, where the gallery turns into a live studio for people to watch them create.
Puga hopes to be working with non-profits and publishing comic books in the next five years.
School of Natural Sciences
Victoria Hoyt '28
Although Victoria Hoyt never saw herself at a small school, she was inspired by the university’s research opportunities, dedicated faculty, and prime location. Today, she trains as a student-athlete for St. Edward's University Cross Country & Track and Field Teams, while earning her Bachelor of Science in Biology (pre-med) with a Certificate in Spanish for the Health and Helping Professions.
Hoyt knew she belonged at St. Edward’s after her first cross-country race when she noticed the support she received in and out of the classroom from her team, coaches, peers and professors.
“So many faculty and staff members have played a role in my growth at St. Edward's,” Hoyt said, “but a few that stand out are my research advisor, Dr. (Claire) Edwards, EDS Scholar mentor Dr. Steffenson, and coaches Chase Rathke and Dan O'Dwyer, who have all given me unwavering support every step of the way.”
This summer, Hoyt is returning to Dr. Edwards’ microbiology lab to use CRISPR/Cas9 technology to modify the Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain to improve bioethanol production genetically. Hoyt also volunteers as a medical translator at Lirios Pediatrics, a free pediatric health care clinic for uninsured children.
In the next five years, Hoyt sees herself in a Texas medical school, expressing her passion for research in a clinical setting, serving underserved communities and completing her first marathon.
School of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Lily Grant '26
As Lily Grant considered universities, she knew that she wanted to be more than a number in a large crowd and to form relationships with her professors. St. Edward’s University offered her just that.
The hilltop has also been a place for Grant to reintroduce American Sign Language as a modern language to students. Grant started college with four years of ASL under her belt. By teaming up with a fellow social work student, Elon Parker, they were able to start The American Sign Language Student Association. Throughout multiple meetings with administrators and with support from faculty and students, Grant helped create more than a student organization. Thanks to their efforts, ASL is now accepted as a modern language requirement.
Grant is making a difference beyond the hilltop, too. In Spring 2026, she served as a social work intern at Integral Care, the Travis County Local Mental Health Authority and Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authority. Here, she accompanied team members visiting clients at homes, schools and jails.
Grant is preparing to intern at Chapa Middle School in Hays ISD in Fall 2026, where she will intern as a school counselor, learning to properly support students through social work practices.
Grant receives support from each of her social work professors, but most notably from Associate Professor of Social Work Natalie Beck Aguilera and from Professor of Professional Studies, Kris Sloan.
“Dr. Beck has given me the opportunity and support to grow as a social work student,” Grant said. “She's not just my mentor but also a role model. Dr. Sloan has been nothing but supportive of my ideas and goals, cheering me on all the way.”
With a minor in Education Studies, Grant hopes to complete her master's in Social Work and work in a school within the next five years.
