Carnegie Mellon University

Ethan Sterkeson

Class of 2026
B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Statistics
Hometown: Rockford, Illinois


Ethan’s interest in community engagement comes from the same place as his interest in pursuing psychology – a desire to help others and make a difference in people’s lives. He wants to make an impact in areas that people close to him have struggled with. This is what motivates his desire to get involved in areas like addiction, mental health, and prison reform. He believes change and engagement should be rooted in empathy, understanding, and challenging assumptions without judgment. Something he appreciates about the Fellowship is the opportunity to listen to others’ perspectives and learn outside of a strictly academic setting.