Why did you choose to attend UM?
I chose to attend UM because of the beautiful campus and endless academic opportunities. The first day I toured, everything about UM “clicked for me” – the Grove, the beautiful brick buildings, the friendly faces, and, importantly, the rigorous Honors College program and undergraduate research. I knew that by choosing UM, I would be living somewhere that felt like home and would challenge me to grow as a learner.
I chose to attend UM because of the beautiful campus and endless academic opportunities. The first day I toured, everything about UM “clicked for me” – the Grove, the beautiful brick buildings, the friendly faces, and, importantly, the rigorous Honors College program and undergraduate research. I knew that by choosing UM, I would be living somewhere that felt like home and would challenge me to grow as a learner.
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 my major is challenging but fulfilling. Classes like genetics and organic chemistry require a lot of hard work, but they teach you foundational concepts that you will use in the future, whether in research or in the medical field. My biggest advice to incoming biology students is to get involved early in research. I would recommend attending the undergraduate research event that the biology department typically hosts once per semester or once per year. Even if none of the labs seem like the right fit for you, they are always fascinating to learn about, and the event is a great way to get connected with faculty and other biology majors. That is how I ended up in my current research lab position!
I would tell a high school student that my major is challenging but fulfilling. Classes like genetics and organic chemistry require a lot of hard work, but they teach you foundational concepts that you will use in the future, whether in research or in the medical field. My biggest advice to incoming biology students is to get involved early in research. I would recommend attending the undergraduate research event that the biology department typically hosts once per semester or once per year. Even if none of the labs seem like the right fit for you, they are always fascinating to learn about, and the event is a great way to get connected with faculty and other biology majors. That is how I ended up in my current research lab position!
Why is your department a special place?
The biology department is a special place because it supports students seeking research opportunities. For example, during the undergraduate research event that usually happens once per year or once per semester, professors present their research and invite students to reach out if they are interested in participating. It is nice to be able to meet professors in person and know which ones are actively seeking undergraduates.
The biology department is a special place because it supports students seeking research opportunities. For example, during the undergraduate research event that usually happens once per year or once per semester, professors present their research and invite students to reach out if they are interested in participating. It is nice to be able to meet professors in person and know which ones are actively seeking undergraduates.
What class or professor has had the most impact on you?
The class that had the most impact on me was Francophone Short Fiction, which I took with Dr. O’Sullivan during the fall semester of my sophomore year. That class taught me so much about French history, philosophy, and eras of literature. Reading challenging texts, analyzing them, and discussing them with advanced French students improved my ability to comprehend and articulate complex ideas in another language. I hope to apply these skills as I study abroad in France this summer and complete my French minor!
The class that had the most impact on me was Francophone Short Fiction, which I took with Dr. O’Sullivan during the fall semester of my sophomore year. That class taught me so much about French history, philosophy, and eras of literature. Reading challenging texts, analyzing them, and discussing them with advanced French students improved my ability to comprehend and articulate complex ideas in another language. I hope to apply these skills as I study abroad in France this summer and complete my French minor!
What do you hope to do after graduation? What are your career goals/plans?
After graduation, I plan to pursue biology research in a laboratory setting. I want to use the knowledge and skills that I have learned as an undergraduate (and will continue to develop) in the biology industry to help other people and solve problems.
After graduation, I plan to pursue biology research in a laboratory setting. I want to use the knowledge and skills that I have learned as an undergraduate (and will continue to develop) in the biology industry to help other people and solve problems.
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 was the importance of taking care of myself physically. While it can be challenging to implement healthy sleep, eating, and exercise habits when everything in your life is changing, making small choices to take care of your body and mind can help your freshman year run smoothly!
One thing I wish I knew as an incoming freshman was the importance of taking care of myself physically. While it can be challenging to implement healthy sleep, eating, and exercise habits when everything in your life is changing, making small choices to take care of your body and mind can help your freshman year run smoothly!
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