Noah Hamilton: A Journey of Passion and Leadership at IU Indianapolis

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Noah Hamilton’s headshot
Noah Hamilton, graduate student at IU Indianapolis.

Graduate student Noah Hamilton found one of his greatest passions during his time at IU Indianapolis. Currently pursuing his master's in bioinformatics at the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering; Noah’s academic journey at IU Indianapolis began in 2020 when he joined the Honors College as a Bepko Scholar.

Hamilton explored various fields of study during his first year at IU Indianapolis, finally deciding to major in biology. After graduating in May of 2024, he enrolled in IU Indianapolis’ master’s program in bioinformatics, which allowed him to merge his undergraduate knowledge with his passion for computers and data analysis. Nonetheless, the familiarity Noah had with the school and program was not the only incentive he had when deciding to choose IU Indianapolis as the perfect place to do his graduate studies. During his undergraduate years at IU Indianapolis, Noah participated in a volunteer research project with Dr. Eller and the Indianapolis Zoo, an experience that has greatly impacted his future professional desires.

“I did some volunteer research with Dr. Eller from the biology department, where I had the opportunity to work with the Indianapolis Zoo performing animal identification on the chimpanzees from their exhibit with the purpose of tracking and analyzing each chimpanzee’s traits and behaviors around the enclosure. I then morphed that into my master's thesis, which is something I only had the opportunity to continue doing by pursuing my master's at IU Indianapolis,” Hamilton explained.

Noah Hamilton in the Honors College Graduation.

During his undergraduate years, Noah was heavily involved in campus activities, serving as an H200 peer mentor, Honors College peer mentor, and PLT recitation leader, among other roles. His inspiration and drive to help other students succeed was influenced by his own experience as a freshman.

“I think that most of my involvements on campus came from feeling somewhat isolated when I started college during the pandemic. My older sister, who was also in the Honors College at the time, helped me adjust to college life and showed me the ropes of how everything worked,” Noah stated. “I remember being super nervous, and she helped me overcome that. I know some people don't have that kind of support system, so I thought to myself - how can I make people's transition to college less intimidating?”

Noah has been a role model student in and outside the classroom. Both his academic performance and involvement in serving the community and making IU Indianapolis a better place for students have granted him several prestigious recognitions. He was named the most outstanding freshman and sophomore in the biology department, which reassured him in his decision to major in biology despite his initial uncertainties. He was also awarded the Top 100 Student Recognition, as well as being selected for the Chancellor’s Scholar Award from both the Honors College and the School of Science.

Noah Hamilton with Dr. Sheeler.

I distinctly remember when Doctor Sheeler emailed me about being selected for the Chancellor’s Scholar Award from the Honors College. I think in terms of involvement - which is something that I think students, like myself included, struggle with feeling like they are not involved enough - felt very eye-opening and reassuring.

- Noah Hamilton