Get to Know Laney Etheridge
Why did you choose to attend UM?
I took a variety of factors into consideration when choosing where to complete my undergraduate degree. One of the main reasons I chose the University of Mississippi involves the atmosphere that the campus and the student body provide. I love that it feels like a small-town oasis as well as a place that holds many opportunities to get out of my comfort zone!
When and how did you choose your major?
I have always had a love for science. Even when a lot of other parts of my life made little sense, biology and chemistry did. I chose a B.A. in Biochemistry because it offers the best of both worlds–I get to do a little of everything! I chose this degree path because of the various career paths that it offers. I could use this to get into medical school, which is the main goal at the moment. If I change my mind, I could also go into research and work in a lab! It’s a multifaceted degree, and I knew that the chemistry department had an encouraging work environment.
What are your 3 favorite things about your major at UM?
1. The leadership of the chemistry department does a very good job of informing students of any research and scholarship opportunities. They want the students to excel!
2. I get to perform interesting experiments and gain storytelling material for when things go wrong.
3. I found some pretty great people that help encourage and push me to succeed through my major and department!
Can you tell me about a professor or a class you’ve taken that has had the most impact on you?
I would have to say that my freshman year in general chemistry with Dr. Ritchie had a very significant impact on me. It was one of my first in-person science classes after the Covid-19 pandemic, and Dr. Ritchie managed to help me find my love for chemistry again. He created a positive work environment and always had the time to talk!
What do you hope to do after you graduate?
After graduation, I hope to attend medical school! My interests right now lean more towards cardiology, but I’m open to exploring more opportunities as I learn more about the field of medicine.
What is your go-to meal in Oxford?
What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman?
I wish that I knew how important it was to get out of your comfort zone early! A place like the University of Mississippi has so much to offer someone. It is a shame to miss out on any of those opportunities due to fear of the unknown. There are a multitude of resources available to help every student succeed, and it’s never too late to take advantage of them!
Need to Know More?
Ask a question by using the form below.