Rieke Weekie

Rieke Weekie 2026: “Meant to Live”

A week-long advising, vocation, and undergraduate research celebration hosted by the PLU College of Natural Sciences, the Wild Hope Center, and Student Leadership.

October 26th – 30th, 2026  |  Rieke Science Center, PLU Campus

(RSVP for Oct. 30th Lunch Required by Oct 13, 2026)


Week at a Glance

Tuesday, Oct 27

Career & Vocation Workshop

11:30 AM – 12:15 PM • Rieke Classroom (Rieke 103B)

“Haunted by Your Future? How to Use LinkedIn”: Learn to articulate your STEM story and network effectively. Hosted by PLU Alumni & Student Connections Career Services Team.

Note: Free coffee and fresh cookies will be served.

Thursday, Oct 29

Frieke Rieke Sneekie Peekie

11:30 AM – 12:15 PM • Rieke Science Center

  • Ostenson Museum Spooky Specimen Display
  • Vocation Whiteboard Activities & Enrieké Scavenger Hunt
  • Tour of New Lab Spaces

Friday, Oct 30 • Main Event

Frieke Friday & Undergraduate Research Conference

1:00 PM – 4:30 PM • Rieke Lobby & Rooms 103A/B

Trick-or-T-Rieke: Enjoy free candy, prizes, and interactive activities with campus clubs during Friday’s main event!

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Free Lunch & Networking (RSVP Required for lunch)
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM: Research Conference Block 1: Student Oral Research Presentations
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM: Alumni Meet & Greet + Poster Sessions + Club Activities + Prizes + Games + Free Professional Headshots
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM: Research Conference Block 2: Student Oral  Presentations + Desserts & Prizes

Featured Alumni Pathways

Connect with visiting PLU alumni across diverse STEM fields and career paths:

  • Geologist: Washington Department of Ecology
  • Environmental Specialist: Maine Department of Environmental Protection
  • Molecular Engineering PhD Candidate: University of Washington
  • Genetic Counselor: Seattle Children’s Hospital
  • Chief Analytics Officer: Pacific Lutheran University
  • EMT Professional: Northwest Ambulatory Services
  • Paralegal Specialist: Connelly Law Offices

Student Leadership Team

Click on a student leader below to view their profile, career goals, and community impact.

Paige Oziah • Data Science Major ’29
View Profile ›

Class of 2029 • Greeley, Colorado

Campus Involvement: Campus Ministry Student Staff, TA for Computer Science, Data Club

Career Goals: I hope to become a high school teacher or work for a nonprofit. My goal is to make a difference within my community, whether that be in the classroom or serving in another way.

Community & Science Connection: I want to inspire other women to pursue STEM and encourage everyone to chase their dreams. I want people to know that they can do hard things and that they should do what they are passionate about!

Sophia Pancoast • Biology & Biochemistry Major ’27
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Class of 2027 • Loveland, Colorado

Campus Involvement: Chemistry Club

Career Goals: I’m currently looking at PhD or MD programs with a focus on biomedical research. What gets me most excited is the cutting-edge research happening in oncology, immunology, and therapeutics!

Community & Science Connection: I’ve always loved how biology and chemistry explain the world around us. My experience at PLU helped me connect those dots and showed me how to turn curiosity into solutions—whether through research that advances treatments or personal, patient-centered care.

Kiana (Ki) Neir • Mathematics Education ’27
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Class of = 2027 • Yelm, WA

Campus Involvement: Track and Field Captain, Member of Dance Concert Ensemble, Barista

Career Goals: I hope to get my master’s in education after graduation and then become a high school mathematics teacher.

Community & Science Connection: I want to give back to the K-12 students who were in my shoes and help them believe that math is for everyone, using their experience in my classroom to guide their future career.

Caden Metje • Applied Physics & Math Major ’27
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Class of 2027 • Auburn, WA

Campus Involvement: FORGE Club

Career Goals: I hope to transition into public policy and work as a Policy Analyst down in Olympia.

Community & Science Connection: I want to use the modeling and analytical skills built in my programs to analyze policies and legislation from a technical perspective, making a positive impact on legislative decision-making.

Isaac Larson • Applied Physics Major ’27
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Class of Spring 2027 • Tacoma, WA

Campus Involvement: Gamer’s Guild, FORGE Club

Career Goals: Pursuing analytical and technical pathways across STEM and economics after graduation.

Community & Science Connection: Applying physics, mathematical modeling, and economic principles to address complex problems and contribute meaningfully to the community.

Mascot Tradition

Find Enrieké Scavenger Hunt

Enrieké the crocheted slug escapes Room 158 on Thursday & Friday! Track them down, solve the science trivia attached, and return to Rieke 158 to claim a custom 3D-printed slug prize.

Fall 2026 PLU College of Natural Sciences Undergraduate Research Conference

Support the Natural Sciences Summer Undergraduate Research Program (NSSURP) and all participating PLU student researchers by attending!

Join Us for Friday Free Lunch

Connect with faculty, visiting alumni, and student peers in Rieke Lobby before Friday’s undergraduate research conference sessions (Oct 30, 1:00–3:00 PM).


Submit Friday Lunch RSVP (Due Oct 13)

Questions? Contact Mallory Durkin (durkin@plu.edu)