ASU alumni: Where are they now?


Sparky at the Homecoming Parade

From artists to cybersecurity experts to recycling ambassadors, Arizona State University produces graduates skilled in a wide variety of fields.

Leading up to Homecoming on Nov. 14, we'll be sharing a few stories each week of what ASU alumni are doing to make the world a better, more interesting place.

portrait of woman standing behind picture frame
ASU alumna expands Arizona's artistic frame

Xanthia Walker recommends those interested in pursuing a career in the arts “kindly roll their eyes” at naysayers. She wants aspiring artists to continue to pursue their goals and is living proof that there are "a million ways to make a life in the arts."

Tom Leveen
 YA author on online bullying, writing for teens

Tom Leveen stumbled upon the young adult genre quite by accident, but it has been good to him. His eighth novel, "Hellworld," will be out in 2017, but it was the subject of his book "Random" that has led the author to speak out on the dangers of online bullying.

woman speaking into microphone in front of group
 Eco awakening: Alumna leads sustainability efforts in the Big Apple

ASU alumna Jessica Schreiber may have gotten a late start on recycling — she never heard of it until college — but you wouldn't know that by her profession today: overseeing recycling programs for the biggest city in the country.

Edward Vasko
 Lifelong love of tech leads ASU alum to cybersecurity

Technology is in Edward Vasko’s blood. His family had long worked in the industry, and by the time he was a toddler he was taking apart telephones. After he graduated from ASU’s New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences in 1995, that hardwired interest led him to co-found cybersecurity company Terra Verde.

Woman standing on sidewalk
 The final frontier is only the beginning for ASU alum

ASU School of Earth and Space Exploration alum Pye Pye Zaw — who is now a space systems engineer at Bigelow Aerospace in Las Vegas — had the pleasure of working on projects with NASA while still an undergrad, thanks to the ASU/NASA Space Grant.

Woman holding a snake
 The Species Steward: ASU alumna monitors human impact on Arizona wildlife

Christina Akins fell in love with "herps" after one encounter with a snake. Years later she's studying snakes, frogs and other reptiles in the Arizona wildlife to assess how humans are affecting their way of life.

Nadia Sablin
 ASU alum views photography through the lens of change

Nadia Salbin tells small, personal stories with her camera, but the New Yorker says photography has long been a medium for viewing and understanding change.

Woman in a glamour shot
 Alumna followed the signs on path to success

Margaret Dunn learned to balance success with sustainability through her time in ASU's W. P. Carey School of Business and the School of Sustainability.

Woman wearing a scarf
 Luck has nothing to do with alumna's success

Lucky Sharma learned how to maintain a career in sustainability during her time at ASU.

Richard Sher of Sher Plastics shows a designer from J. Crew button designs in his showroom
 Finding success: Four alumni’s journeys up the corporate ladder

Four remarkable College of Liberal Arts and Sciences alumni will return to campus for Homecoming to share their stories of success and transformative innovations.

Martin Quezada
 Education, democratic process fuel ASU alum's political passion

Arizona State Sen. Martin Quezada says his time at ASU provided this politician a perspective for change, and for understanding how to help his community.

Virginia Counts
 Engineering success for women in science

Virginia Counts helps shepherd the development of some the latest medical technology, but she's just as interested in ensuring women see career paths in science.

Woman holding a sign
 A passion for history is her guide

ASU alumna, veteran Zsuzsa Szabo aims to excite her students about the rewards of understanding the past.

More Sun Devil community

 

Palo Verde Blooms

ASU student, Navy vet pursues greener future in sustainability

As Arizona State University holds its annual Salute to Service celebration, honoring individuals who serve the nation and their communities, Shana Harly stands out for her commitment to both her…

Judy Robles

No limits to a mother’s love, a wrestler’s determination

Judy Robles was washing dishes in the kitchen of her California home and keeping an eye on her young son, who was playing in the park that backed up to the house.She looked down for a second, maybe…

Man playing a piano.

A symphony of service: Iraq War vet and ASU alum finds healing through music

At the age of 30 and only one credit away from obtaining his bachelor’s degree in piano performance, Jason Phillips could no longer stifle the feeling that he was stuck. He was teaching at a…