Two Physiology Students to be Recognized at Commencement

The University of Arizona will recognize seven graduating seniors during Commencement for their extraordinary accomplishments in and out of the classroom.

The university's 161st Commencement ceremony will be held at Arizona Stadium on May 16 at 7:30 p.m. A full schedule and more information about this year's ceremony are available on the Commencement website.

Nominated by faculty and peers, this year's student award winners were selected based on their determination, notable achievements and positive contributions to their families and communities.

Robert Logan Nugent Award

The Robert Logan Nugent Award goes to students who display a record of accomplishments that exemplifies the high ideals of Robert Logan Nugent, a former U of A executive vice president.

Siena Sevillano Shedd is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in physiology and medical sciences with a minor in biochemistry.

Shedd, the eldest of three and firstborn to two U of A graduates, grew up across the United States and in Vinhedo, Brazil. Her family now lives in Pleasanton, California.

During her four years at the university, Shedd has been a leader in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology. After serving as a preceptor for two semesters, Shedd became a teacher's assistant, leading reviews, mentoring students and managing instructional resources.

Shedd's leadership extends to her time in Women in Medicine and Science, an organization that advocates for women's advancement in science fields. As a local outreach committee member, she led teams of students in engaging with their community. Those efforts led to the club's selection for the Associated Students of the University of Arizona Outstanding Community Engagement Award.

Shedd has dedicated herself to a lifetime of service in medicine. As an athletic training technician in McKale Memorial Center, she's worked with athletic trainers across multiple sports to gain hands-on experience in sports medicine. When she's not cheering them on at games, Shedd supports U of A athletes by assisting with rehabilitation treatment to help them reach their performance goals.

Shedd has also helped bridge communication gaps in health care settings. As a medical interpreter at Clinica Amistad and clinics within the Commitment to Underserved People program, she has helped uninsured Spanish-speaking patients get access to care.

Shedd is committed to serving vulnerable populations. At Banner Health, she supported pediatric patients and their families, and at Sister José Women's Center, she created a welcoming space for women experiencing homelessness. Her dedication extends internationally through the MexZona Medical Services nonprofit, where she helps deliver free medical care to underserved communities in Mexico.

After graduation, Shedd plans to pursue a medical degree so she can continue advocating for accessible health care and patient-centered care as a physician.

Merrill P. Freeman Medal

The Merrill P. Freeman Medal is named in honor of Merrill Freeman, who served the U of A as a regent and chancellor. Qualifications for the award include outstanding character.

Katie Nguyen is graduating with dual degrees in physiology and medical sciences from the College of Medicine – Tucson and molecular and cellular biology from the College of Science, with minors in personal and family financial planning and biochemistry. A first-generation college student from Chandler, Arizona, she is passionate about mentorship, inclusion and health care, dedicating her undergraduate career to fostering supportive spaces for students and underserved communities.  

Nguyen's involvement with Asian Pacific American Student Affairs helped her embrace her cultural identity. She began as an intern for the Vietnamese Student Association and Golden Lotus, a Vietnamese cultural dance group, eventually stepping into leadership roles.  

Nguyen supports students as a teaching assistant for Introductory Biology under assistant professors of practice Nicole Leitner and Susan Hester. She also serves as an APASA peer mentor at the Thrive Center, helping first-year students navigate university life, mental health challenges and identity exploration.  

Beyond campus, Nguyen has worked as a nursing assistant and caregiver. Committed to health care accessibility, she volunteers with initiatives supporting unhoused individuals, serving as a community health specialist at Z Mansion Clinic.  

Nguyen's greatest inspiration comes from working with children with special health care needs, particularly through adaptive recreation and as lead child supervisor at Saguaro City Music Theatre.  

Nguyen's dedication has earned recognition through the Betty B. Chastain Educational Foundation Scholarship and the Asian American Faculty, Staff and Alumni Association Tuition Scholarship.  

After graduation, Nguyen will continue working with Saguaro City Music Theatre and mentoring students at the U of A. She aspires to become a pediatric physician and one day, a medical dean shaping the future of medical education.