Colorado State University

XANDER KELLER   

Learning Community Director

I didn’t have a linear path to this career. I started with a major in international affairs as an undergraduate at Northern Arizona University. After having a perspective-shifting experience in Kenya, I decided I wanted to have a more tangible way to make a difference- through the lens of science and medicine. When I returned to the US, I started working in a cancer genetics lab as an undergrad and quickly learned that the health inequities I witnessed in Kenya also exist in the US. While completing I master’s in molecular biology, I found a passion for teaching science as a National Science Foundation Graduate Fellow in K-12 Education. Working on the Navajo and Hopi reservations teaching middle school, my awareness of inequities grew beyond access to healthcare and I became passionate about access to education, and to revamping how our educational systems are structured. I started working in higher education while living in Hidalgo, Mexico, where I was a Fulbright Scholar at the Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Hidalgo. In April 2015, I started in my role with the College of Natural Sciences where I am grateful to be able to continue learning about myself and other perspectives every day.

Contact: a.keller@colostate.edu

LINDSEY YOUNG   (She, Her, Hers)

Learning Community Assistant Director

Lindsey graduated from Colorado State University with a double major in Biology and Psychology. She has been working with Amplify, previously the College of Natural Sciences Learning Community, for five years, and has an uncanny ability to help people feel purposeful and valued, identifying and leveraging peoples’ strengths and creating experiences where they can shine. If you don’t find her whispering to the gaggle of plants in her office or chatting about science with a collection of students, she might be out in nature, most likely with people who have never been to the mountains before. She is passionate about learning and growing, and can brighten any room she enters with her authenticity and openness. 

Contact: lindsey.young@colostate.edu

JANIA SAVAGE   (She, Her, Hers)

Graduate Student Intern

Yes, my last name is Savage, like 21. I go by either Jania or Savage- I answer equally fast to both. I am currently in my second year of graduate school getting my master’s in social work. In addition to working with Amplify, I also work with the University Honors Program as the Community Engagement Specialist. I love creating spaces where students feel safe to exist without any expectations. I recently moved to Colorado from Florida, almost a year ago. I am still learning the area, so we can get lost together. I have an unhealthy attachment to my books. I am addicted to buying books. Buying books makes me so happy and it is my favorite thing to do-seriously. I love conversation. I love bringing people together and creating lasting relationships through community and food. Yes, I cook, I am from the South.

Contact: Jania.Savage@colostate.edu

KAECI MADRID   (she/her/hers)

Lead Amplify Peer Academic Leader (PAL)

Born and raised in Colorado, I am a senior majoring in general psychology with a minor in ecological restoration. I have a special kind of love for the natural world and enjoy hikes, adventures, traveling, and just being enveloped by nature. I also am completely and utterly obsessed with the sky, especially sunsets! Some of my other favorite things to do are to lift weights in the gym, play sports, and anything artsy. I am hoping to go into field research after I graduate and spend as much time as I can outdoors. I look forward to meeting so many new people and creating lasting friendships. Please reach out, I would love to chat and get to know you 🙂

DAVID KILLIAN   (he/him/his)

Amplify Communications Peer Academic Leader (PAL)

Hi, I’m David! I am the communications peer academic leader or PAL for Amplify. I am a third-year journalism and media communications major here at CSU. I hope to do some form of science communication after I complete my undergrad experience here. I love animals, photography, being active, and everything outdoors. I look forward to meeting everyone throughout the year.

RAZAN MOHAMED   (she/her/hers)

Amplify Peer Academic Leader (PAL)

Hi, I’m Razan! I am one of the Peer Academic Leaders for the Amplify Program at CSU. I am a sophomore majoring in Animal Science. I hope to do veterinary research after I complete my undergraduate experience at CSU. I love animals, drawing, painting, yoga, and crocheting. I am looking forward to this upcoming school year and meeting everyone.