Colorado State University

Al 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 Programs Coordinator

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

Cole Ballard   (he/him/his)

Lead Amplify Peer Academic Leader (PAL)

I am Cole, I am the Lead PAL for the Amplify program here at CSU. I am a senior majoring in biology. Hoping to go into agriculture research and sustainable agriculture. I love plants, animals, painting, drawing, photography, and hiking. I’m a tea person now so if you want tea you can swing by the PAL office and chat with me. I’m excited to meet everyone throughout this academic school year!!

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.