Q&A with Harsika Dillibabu
Why did you choose to attend the University of Mississippi?
When I was deciding where to go to college, I was looking for a place that offered strong academics but also a supportive and engaging community. UM stood out to me because of the opportunities within the College of Liberal Arts to explore different fields while still receiving a focused education in my major. I also really valued the smaller class sizes and the ability to build relationships with professors.
When I was deciding where to go to college, I was looking for a place that offered strong academics but also a supportive and engaging community. UM stood out to me because of the opportunities within the College of Liberal Arts to explore different fields while still receiving a focused education in my major. I also really valued the smaller class sizes and the ability to build relationships with professors.
What would you tell a high school student about your major? What is most important for them to know if they are interested in pursuing that field of study?
I would tell a high school student that chemistry is a challenging but incredibly rewarding field. It requires strong problem-solving skills and persistence, but it also gives you a deeper understanding of how the world works at a molecular level. One of the most important things to know is that it’s okay if concepts don’t click immediately. Chemistry is something you build over time through practice and curiosity.
I would tell a high school student that chemistry is a challenging but incredibly rewarding field. It requires strong problem-solving skills and persistence, but it also gives you a deeper understanding of how the world works at a molecular level. One of the most important things to know is that it’s okay if concepts don’t click immediately. Chemistry is something you build over time through practice and curiosity.
Why is your department a special place?
My department is special because of the strong sense of support and accessibility from both faculty and peers. The professors are not only knowledgeable but also genuinely invested in student success, whether that’s through office hours, research opportunities, or mentorship. There’s also a collaborative atmosphere among students. We work together, study together, and support each other through challenging courses. That combination of academic rigor and community makes the department a really encouraging place to learn and grow.
My department is special because of the strong sense of support and accessibility from both faculty and peers. The professors are not only knowledgeable but also genuinely invested in student success, whether that’s through office hours, research opportunities, or mentorship. There’s also a collaborative atmosphere among students. We work together, study together, and support each other through challenging courses. That combination of academic rigor and community makes the department a really encouraging place to learn and grow.
What professor or class has had the most impact on you?
One of the most impactful experiences I’ve had has been taking Physical Chemistry, especially Physical Chemistry II, which I’m currently in and really enjoying. Physical Chemistry I was definitely a challenge for me at first, especially because of the professor’s style of question writing. Each problem felt like putting together pieces of a puzzle, and it pushed me to think in ways I wasn’t used to. Over time, though, I’ve seen a huge improvement in my problem-solving and test-taking abilities.
Dr. Fortenberry’s teaching style for the course has made a big difference in that growth. He’s incredibly knowledgeable, but what stands out most is how much he genuinely enjoys both the material and teaching it. His enthusiasm is honestly infectious, and it makes the class engaging and fun, even when the content is difficult. One of my favorite things is how animated his lectures are, like when he literally jumps up onto desks to explain concepts like the Boltzmann equation. That energy makes a tough subject feel exciting, and it’s made me appreciate physical chemistry in a way I didn’t expect.
One of the most impactful experiences I’ve had has been taking Physical Chemistry, especially Physical Chemistry II, which I’m currently in and really enjoying. Physical Chemistry I was definitely a challenge for me at first, especially because of the professor’s style of question writing. Each problem felt like putting together pieces of a puzzle, and it pushed me to think in ways I wasn’t used to. Over time, though, I’ve seen a huge improvement in my problem-solving and test-taking abilities.
Dr. Fortenberry’s teaching style for the course has made a big difference in that growth. He’s incredibly knowledgeable, but what stands out most is how much he genuinely enjoys both the material and teaching it. His enthusiasm is honestly infectious, and it makes the class engaging and fun, even when the content is difficult. One of my favorite things is how animated his lectures are, like when he literally jumps up onto desks to explain concepts like the Boltzmann equation. That energy makes a tough subject feel exciting, and it’s made me appreciate physical chemistry in a way I didn’t expect.
What do you hope to do after graduation? What are your career goals/plans?
After graduation, I plan to attend medical school. My background in chemistry, along with my minors in biology and mathematics, has given me a strong foundation in understanding both the scientific and analytical aspects of medicine. I’m interested in pursuing a career where I can combine that knowledge with patient care and make a meaningful impact on people’s lives.
After graduation, I plan to attend medical school. My background in chemistry, along with my minors in biology and mathematics, has given me a strong foundation in understanding both the scientific and analytical aspects of medicine. I’m interested in pursuing a career where I can combine that knowledge with patient care and make a meaningful impact on people’s lives.
What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you’d tell your past self (about the general college experience)?
One thing I wish I knew as an incoming freshman is how important it is to be involved in things outside of academics. It’s easy to focus entirely on classes, especially in a rigorous major, but having activities, organizations, or communities outside of schoolwork is really important for preventing burnout and maintaining balance.
I would also tell my past self to build relationships with professors early on. They can be some of your biggest allies when you’re navigating challenging courses. It’s easy to forget, but professors are people too. They have their own interests and perspectives outside of the classroom, and getting to know them can make a huge difference in your experience. Those connections can provide support, mentorship, and opportunities you might not expect.
One thing I wish I knew as an incoming freshman is how important it is to be involved in things outside of academics. It’s easy to focus entirely on classes, especially in a rigorous major, but having activities, organizations, or communities outside of schoolwork is really important for preventing burnout and maintaining balance.
I would also tell my past self to build relationships with professors early on. They can be some of your biggest allies when you’re navigating challenging courses. It’s easy to forget, but professors are people too. They have their own interests and perspectives outside of the classroom, and getting to know them can make a huge difference in your experience. Those connections can provide support, mentorship, and opportunities you might not expect.
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