Student Speakers
Aaron Kelly Anderson, Ph.D.
The Graduate Student’s Story Arc
Almost from the time he could hold a crayon, Aaron Kelly Anderson has been fascinated by the art and science of story. After studying creative writing for his Bachelor’s degree and English literature for his Master’s, both of them here at UNM, a graduate advisor alerted Aaron to the existence of the Organization, Information & Learning Sciences program. By the time he began at OILS in Fall 2013, Aaron was already entrenched in how omnipresent storytelling is in various fields: psychology, design, statistics, visual art, and even natural sciences like physics and astronomy. Throughout his doctoral studies in OILS, Aaron has specialized in storytelling as a learning dynamic, especially in terms of how it drives humanity.
Aaron has worked as a graduate student instructor in OILS and English and as a student employee at Accessibility Resource Center for several years. He has also served as the Vice President for the OILS Student Alliance over the past academic year. Most of all, he is incredibly grateful for the immense support and guidance he has received from family, friends, educators, and colleagues throughout his life—all of whom cheered him forward to this spot.
Christopher Larrañaga
Stand Out
Christopher (Chris) has nearly two decades of educating and advising adults in various fields and degrees. Finding his niche in working with students came about unexpectedly when he was offered a position in the College of Education as a Senior Academic Advisor. He found that he loved watching students grow, learning skills to complete their degrees efficiently and effectively, all while applying new knowledge to their personal lives. In 2015, Chris found the perfect job in the Organization, Information and Learning Sciences (OILS) program and has made it his home. In the fall of 2015 he took an OILS course to learn more about the program he manages, and then in 2017 he took the plunge and applied for his Master’s Degree. Chris fell in love with all the OILS program has to offer (especially in conducting research), so much that he applied to the OILS Doctoral program, got accepted and will be starting on his next journey towards his PhD in Fall 2021. Chris, who is originally from Santa Fe, has worked for the University while receiving his Master’s and is very grateful to UNM, the OILS faculty, his family, friends, and fellow peers during his academic career for all their support and encouragement. Chris feels his wife, Kim’s, spirit has been by his side during this whole time and can’t thank her enough for all her love and support. He also, has three loving and dedicated pups, Katie, Gracie and Dylan.
Kaylin Sanchez, B.S.