Each year the College of Health Sciences puts its best students forward for the Boise State University Top Ten Scholar award. The university then selects 10 finalists for the year. It’s stiff competition, but we wanted to introduce you to a few of our college’s nominees for the award.
Hattie Wokersien, May 2025 kinesiology graduate, served as co-president of Boise State’s Kinesiology Club and helped launch the Exercise is Medicine initiative on campus during her senior year. Read on to learn how her experiences as a leader, volunteer and future health professional shaped her passion for physical therapy.
Q: Why did you choose your major? Was there a personal experience that led you to your choice?
A: I chose Boise State’s kinesiology program because it offered a clear pathway toward physical therapy school while also providing hands-on experiences in studying human movement. As a former competitive gymnast, I was constantly in and out of doctor and physical therapy offices with injuries. Those experiences inspired me to pursue a career in the rehabilitation field.
Boise State’s kinesiology program and rehabilitation science emphasis gave me both the knowledge and opportunities to strengthen my skills, making it the perfect fit for my future career as a physical therapist.
Q: What are your plans after graduation? What will your future career be and why?
A: After graduation, I plan to attend Idaho State University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program. As a former athlete, I want to help others recover and regain confidence after injury. I am especially drawn to working with athletes and also see myself exploring pediatric settings to support children’s physical development.
No matter where I end up practicing, my goal is to be a light for patients by combining my knowledge and experiences to help them improve their well-being.
Q: What’s been your most meaningful experience while at Boise State?
A: My most meaningful experience has been my involvement in the Kinesiology Club. Serving as co-president allowed me to bridge connections between students and faculty, create professional opportunities and build lasting memories. This leadership role also gave me a more personal connection to my education and a greater sense of belonging in the Boise State community.
One highlight was traveling to the American College of Sports Medicine conference, where I gained exposure to innovative research and top leaders in the field while competing in a student knowledge quiz bowl. I also worked with faculty to implement ACSM’s Exercise is Medicine® initiative at Boise State, which supports campus health by promoting physical activity. Being part of this initiative has been especially exciting, and I look forward to seeing its future impact on the community.
Q: Why is service or community impact important to you? What’s been your favorite experience so far?
A: Service is important to me because it not only benefits the community but also strengthens my connection to it. One of my favorite service experiences has been volunteering for Fit and Fall Proof, a program designed to reduce fall risk for older adults in Idaho.
As an exercise class leader, I built meaningful relationships with local seniors while using my knowledge of human movement to improve their health and prevent deconditioning. Being part of this program was fulfilling because I saw firsthand how small actions can create lasting improvements in people’s lives.