Q&A with Lisa Seid
Why did you choose to attend the University of Mississippi?
I attended so many Ole Miss summer camps as a high schooler, everything from learning Mandarin to researching cannabis and mice. Through them, I made connections with other prospective students and incredibly knowledgeable faculty. That’s how I knew Ole Miss attracted ambitious learners. I ultimately chose to attend because of the research opportunities, the Honors College, the financial aid, and the beautiful campus. Whether I had to hunker down for a hard week or relax with my friends, I knew Ole Miss had the resources and people to make that possible.
I attended so many Ole Miss summer camps as a high schooler, everything from learning Mandarin to researching cannabis and mice. Through them, I made connections with other prospective students and incredibly knowledgeable faculty. That’s how I knew Ole Miss attracted ambitious learners. I ultimately chose to attend because of the research opportunities, the Honors College, the financial aid, and the beautiful campus. Whether I had to hunker down for a hard week or relax with my friends, I knew Ole Miss had the resources and people to make that possible.
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 wanted to have fun hands-on learning experiences, and I knew Chemistry could provide that. The work is rewarding: physical color, heat, or electric changes indicate a job well done. STEM also has one of the strongest support systems. The most important thing is to use your resources, lean on the people around you, and, most importantly, believe in yourself.
I wanted to have fun hands-on learning experiences, and I knew Chemistry could provide that. The work is rewarding: physical color, heat, or electric changes indicate a job well done. STEM also has one of the strongest support systems. The most important thing is to use your resources, lean on the people around you, and, most importantly, believe in yourself.
Why is your department a special place?
The Department of Chemistry is an extremely passionate, welcoming community. There’s so much to learn from others, even within our own department, because Chemistry, Forensic Chemistry, and Biochemistry are all extremely diverse, interesting topics falling under one umbrella term. I didn’t have many classes in Coulter at first, but the student-led SMACS organization helped tie together my whole experience with the Chemistry department through guest speakers, movie nights, and holiday-themed parties.
The Department of Chemistry is an extremely passionate, welcoming community. There’s so much to learn from others, even within our own department, because Chemistry, Forensic Chemistry, and Biochemistry are all extremely diverse, interesting topics falling under one umbrella term. I didn’t have many classes in Coulter at first, but the student-led SMACS organization helped tie together my whole experience with the Chemistry department through guest speakers, movie nights, and holiday-themed parties.
What professor or class has had the most impact on you?
As a heavily STEM-focused person, it was a breath of fresh air to take SPCH105 with Mrs. Barefoot. She is incredible at providing feedback on speech and communication, and her bubbliness is infectious. I was able to turn unfamiliar faces into friends by stepping outside of my STEM-bubble comfort zone. For me, it was a fun hybrid class because I got to collaborate and give speeches on things I was interested in, such as learning a new language, taco trucks, and chemistry!
As a heavily STEM-focused person, it was a breath of fresh air to take SPCH105 with Mrs. Barefoot. She is incredible at providing feedback on speech and communication, and her bubbliness is infectious. I was able to turn unfamiliar faces into friends by stepping outside of my STEM-bubble comfort zone. For me, it was a fun hybrid class because I got to collaborate and give speeches on things I was interested in, such as learning a new language, taco trucks, and chemistry!
What do you hope to do after graduation? What are your career goals/plans?
I have always had my heart set on obtaining an MD, but recently, lab research has grabbed my attention. Therefore, I am seriously considering an MD/PhD dual degree.
I have always had my heart set on obtaining an MD, but recently, lab research has grabbed my attention. Therefore, I am seriously considering an MD/PhD dual degree.
What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you’d tell your past self (about the general college experience)?
Step out of your comfort zone by talking to people and taking different classes. College is a huge learning experience, so take advantage of it. Foster the creativity and motivation that drove you to come here. Become a lifelong learner by emphasizing the process rather than the results. Tolerate mistakes with people by your side.
Step out of your comfort zone by talking to people and taking different classes. College is a huge learning experience, so take advantage of it. Foster the creativity and motivation that drove you to come here. Become a lifelong learner by emphasizing the process rather than the results. Tolerate mistakes with people by your side.
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