Why did you choose to attend UM?
I chose to attend UM because of the academic and research opportunities available to me as a Biochemistry major. UM makes it easy for undergraduates to join a research lab because they know how important research is for both an individual’s career path and the academic community. The professors are kind and welcoming, which allows students to form personal connections with them and see them as mentors inside and outside the classroom. In addition to this, there are automatic scholarships for your SAT/ACT score and special programs scholarships thant can help make college affordable.
I chose to attend UM because of the academic and research opportunities available to me as a Biochemistry major. UM makes it easy for undergraduates to join a research lab because they know how important research is for both an individual’s career path and the academic community. The professors are kind and welcoming, which allows students to form personal connections with them and see them as mentors inside and outside the classroom. In addition to this, there are automatic scholarships for your SAT/ACT score and special programs scholarships thant can help make college affordable.
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 chose to be a Biochemistry major because I was fascinated by both biology and chemistry, and am a pre-med student. The classes that are required for medical school, in addition to those recommended for the MCAT, are almost all part of the B.A. Biochemistry degree path. This means that once you complete your gen-ed classes, the material you learn in your major-specific classes applies to your future career if you are on a pre-health track. It is important to know that this degree path can be rigorous and challenging at times, but it will better prepare you for whatever you choose to do after your undergraduate studies.
I chose to be a Biochemistry major because I was fascinated by both biology and chemistry, and am a pre-med student. The classes that are required for medical school, in addition to those recommended for the MCAT, are almost all part of the B.A. Biochemistry degree path. This means that once you complete your gen-ed classes, the material you learn in your major-specific classes applies to your future career if you are on a pre-health track. It is important to know that this degree path can be rigorous and challenging at times, but it will better prepare you for whatever you choose to do after your undergraduate studies.
Why is your department a special place?
The Chemistry department has been a special place for me since before I was a student here. My older brother, Nick, was a chemistry major here at UM and is currently a graduate student pursuing his PhD. This means that I had the blessing of meeting professors as soon as I arrived and have been welcomed into the department like family. This connection to the department was further solidified when I joined a research lab and spent the summer working in it. Since then, Coulter Hall has felt like a second home to me.
The Chemistry department has been a special place for me since before I was a student here. My older brother, Nick, was a chemistry major here at UM and is currently a graduate student pursuing his PhD. This means that I had the blessing of meeting professors as soon as I arrived and have been welcomed into the department like family. This connection to the department was further solidified when I joined a research lab and spent the summer working in it. Since then, Coulter Hall has felt like a second home to me.
What class or professor has had the most impact on you?
When I was a senior in high school, I met with Dr. Ritchie in the Chemistry Department to talk about what the department has to offer and what a Biochemistry degree would look like. In that meeting, he introduced me to pursuing an MD/PhD after graduation since I wanted to be a physician, but was also interested in research. This was the first time I heard about this dual degree plan, and I have been set on pursuing it ever since. I then took Dr. Ritchie’s general chemistry classes in my freshman year and loved them. He is one of the best professors at the University and makes chemistry fun and easy to understand.
When I was a senior in high school, I met with Dr. Ritchie in the Chemistry Department to talk about what the department has to offer and what a Biochemistry degree would look like. In that meeting, he introduced me to pursuing an MD/PhD after graduation since I wanted to be a physician, but was also interested in research. This was the first time I heard about this dual degree plan, and I have been set on pursuing it ever since. I then took Dr. Ritchie’s general chemistry classes in my freshman year and loved them. He is one of the best professors at the University and makes chemistry fun and easy to understand.
What do you hope to do after graduation? What are your career goals/plans?
After graduation, I hope to attend medical school on the MD/PhD track to become a physician-scientist. Ultimately, I want to be a clinical geneticist in a pediatric hospital who treats and researches rare genetic diseases.
After graduation, I hope to attend medical school on the MD/PhD track to become a physician-scientist. Ultimately, I want to be a clinical geneticist in a pediatric hospital who treats and researches rare genetic diseases.
What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you'd tell your past self (about the general college experience)?
The transition into adulthood and being in college is challenging. If I could go back, I would tell myself that it is ok to take the time to get used to being a college student on a difficult track and what that entails. You do not have to join every club on the first day and pack your schedule. While it is a great idea to get involved on campus, be careful of causing yourself to burnout.
The transition into adulthood and being in college is challenging. If I could go back, I would tell myself that it is ok to take the time to get used to being a college student on a difficult track and what that entails. You do not have to join every club on the first day and pack your schedule. While it is a great idea to get involved on campus, be careful of causing yourself to burnout.
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