ATSU’s Mesa, Arizona, campus provides opportunities for student collaboration
Posted: January 8, 2026
A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS) Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies student Natalie Beyfuss, PA, ’27, is originally from Indianapolis, and has a bachelor of arts degree in global health, with a minor in integrative health, from Barrett, the Honors College at Arizona State University.
At ATSU-ASHS, Beyfuss is a student ambassador and member of the Garden Club and Project RISE (Reaching In Student Excellency).
Why did you choose ATSU-ASHS?
“I chose ATSU-ASHS because I resonated with the mission and vision of learning in a hands-on fashion, and serving the underserved in mind, body, and spirit.”
What do you enjoy about being an ATSU student?
“So far, I’ve enjoyed seeing the various types of students on campus. I’m often at the library, where the white boards are filled with anatomy diagrams, biological mechanisms and pathways, and words I have yet to understand. Coming to campus every day and seeing students from other programs interact gives me imagination for a future as a PA, where I am collaborating with physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, dentists, speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and more. After only a few short months here, I already feel part of a community that I look forward to watching evolve.”
What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU helping prepare you for your career?
“My goal over the next two years is to grow my professional personality, challenging myself to be intentional in my interactions, jumping at skills opportunities, and doing things that scare me. ATSU-ASHS has been guiding me on this path through the didactic curriculum. I have been fed with difficult realizations that have shifted my perspective of medicine towards a vision that I look forward to learning to embody, and actually embodying as a professional. The challenging content, guest lectures, skills and lab days combined are setting me up for confidence in a field I am still learning to navigate.”
Why did you choose to join different student organizations?
“I have enjoyed the connections I’ve made through clubs in my past and wanted to take advantage of the clubs on campus while I am here. During my undergraduate studies, I was a part of a garden project that helped plant native seeds back into the desert grounds. I wanted to bring this experience to the ATSU campus and have found enjoyment in the garden here on campus.
“Project RISE is an organization where American Indian and Alaska Native students are provided mentorship and support in becoming graduate health professional students. My experience in my undergrad with Indigenous professors and students inspired me to join this organization, as I believe it’s important to empower and uplift Indigenous communities.”
Why did you become a student ambassador, and what do you enjoy about serving in this role?
“While I liked what I saw about the school on paper, it was my experiences with the student ambassadors that solidified ATSU-ASHS as my top choice for PA school. The ambassadors spoke highly of all the faculty, staff, resources and support provided to the students. I understood that PA school was going to be very academically rigorous and emotionally challenging. After speaking with the student ambassadors, I knew ATSU would give me the opportunities to evolve into a well-rounded PA.”
What are some of your interests, hobbies, or achievements outside of ATSU?
“Outside of school I enjoy rock climbing, biking, cooking meals with friends, and finding new ways to be creative.”