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Emma Lowell, who received her bachelor's degree in human development and family science (HDFS) in the child life option, represented the College of Human Sciences as the Graduation Marshal for the Summer 2025 commencement exercises on Aug. 9.

Learn more about her Auburn journey and what inspired her to study the child life option and her plans for the future below.

What made you decide on this degree?

“Throughout my childhood I had bad asthma, and because of this was able to meet many child life specialists and saw firsthand how impactful they were on my hospital stays. I have always been passionate about health care and have always loved kids so choosing to study human development and family science with an option in child life was perfect. I love getting to support patients and families throughout their hospitalization and am so honored to support them through some of their toughest moments.  I’m from Texas and never thought I would go to school out of state, but after hearing about the program and seeing Auburn’s campus it really felt like the Lord was calling me here, and I am so thankful.”

College of Human Sciences Summer 2025 Graduation Marshal Emma Lowell

What did you find most appealing about the HDFS program in the College of Human Sciences?

“Ever since I toured Auburn, I have always felt supported by HDFS faculty and knew that there was always someone in my corner. I also loved how involved and hands-on I could get within this school. I am so thankful for the opportunity to be hands on and apply all that I had learned in class to real world scenarios — like service learning, study abroad or volunteering at the Early Learning Center on campus. I have really valued the opportunity to see myself grow in these areas as I continued to learn more. Some of my favorite college memories include time spent with children from Project Uplift and the Early Learning Center (ELC) as well as getting to apply all I had learned in Ecuador over spring break.” 

What are your plans following graduation?

“I am currently finishing a child life internship at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. In the fall, I will come back to Auburn to pursue a master’s degree in child life and will also be working at the Early Learning Center. I am so thankful and excited to see what God has in store for this year.” 

For more information on the Department of Human Development & Family Science, click below.

HDFS