Biology Student Ambassadors

 

Savannah is a senior biology major and chemistry minor from Hattiesburg who aspires attending medical school to become an emergency room physician. Currently, Savannah works as an undergraduate research assistant in Qiu Lab in the University of Mississippi Biology Department. She serves as the current secretary for both MAPS and the First Generation Student Network. Savannah is a member of several on campus organizations including: MAPS, AMSA, BSU, & IMAGE. In her spare time, she enjoys baking and creating art.

When and why did you choose your major(s)/minors?
I decided on a biology major around middle school. Learning about the different components of the human body intrigued me; this contributed to my decision to pursue medicine. Knowing what biological elements help humans to survive as a species is an interest that has held fast through high school and into college.

What are your career goals?
Since a young age, I have wanted to pursue medicine but it was not until recent years that I decided on emergency medicine. Not only am I attracted to the fast-paced environment, but the variety of cases that may enter the emergency department. Ultimately, I aspire to become an emergency room physician.

Is there a professor who has been particularly helpful to you?
Without a doubt, Professor Ashleen Williams has been one of the most helpful instructors I have had so far. As a first-gen college student she has been an invaluable resource for advice in both my studies and life.

What has been a particularly meaningful way you have engaged in a community—either on or off-campus?
In November 2020, I had the opportunity to help pack Thanksgiving meals for those in need at the Oxford Community Market. As someone who has experienced financial hardships for nearly my entire life, being able to help those who are in similar situations gave me a sense of fulfillment.

What do you like to do outside of school (hobbies, interests)?
Since I’m also an artist, when I’m not working on assignments, I usually can be found sketching, painting with oil paints, or writing poetry. I’m also a fan of mysteries and the paranormal so when I’m not doing art, I’m reading up on things of that nature.

What are you binge watching/reading right now?
Currently, I am watching This Is Us and New Amsterdam. I love dramas, especially medical dramas!

What are some dream travel destinations (and why)?
Puerto Rico and Japan for separate reasons. Before COVID, I was booked to take a trip to Japan in the summer of 2020 but this had to be cancelled. This devastated me as Japan was somewhere I have always wanted to visit due to its beautiful culture and gorgeous scenery. As for Puerto Rico, the reasoning behind my desire to go there is similar but slightly different. My grandfather who has traveled countless places over the years always told me the one place he wished he could go back to would be Puerto Rico. This is a trip I hope to be able to take with him one day.

Abby is majoring in Biology and double minoring in Chemistry and Disaster Sciences. She is a member of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, and Alpha Delta Pi sorority. She is also an Ole Miss Ambassador, and a Health Professions Advising Office Ambassador. When she’s not on campus, she works as a Gymnastics Coach for the Oxford Park Commission.

Why did you choose to attend UM?
I actually drew UM out of a hat. I had narrowed down my choices but was having so much trouble deciding so I put three in a hat and drew out UM. I have fallen in love with the beautiful campus and the incredible people here so I am so happy with my unconventional way of getting to this incredible school!

When and why did you choose your major(s)/minors?
I have known for a really long time that I wanted to go into the medical field and probably go to medical school. I’ve also always really loved science and biology has been my favorite area of study so it just made sense to major in biology.

What are your career goals?
I plan to attend medical school after graduation to hopefully become a physician and specialize in something pediatric!

What will be your legacy at UM?
When I leave UM I want to know that I had a positive impact on those around me! I want to be involved in the community on and off campus and I want to benefit the community that takes in such a large amount of students every year and leave it better than I found it!

What has been a particularly meaningful way you have engaged in a community – either on or off-campus?
Through my sorority Alpha Delta Pi, I have had the opportunity to fundraise for Ronald McDonald House Charities and will hopefully get the opportunity to volunteer directly for their organization! I love being able to help the families in need through RMHC and it’s really meaningful to me that it relates to work I want to do in the future!

What do you like to do outside of school (hobbies, interests)?
Currently I have really been into painting and making fun jewelry, and reading, and cooking!

What are you binge watching/reading/listening to?
My current playlist consists of girly throwbacks and I have been loving it!

After Arma’Rosa earned an Associate of Arts degree in Pre-Medical Sciences, she came to The University of Mississippi to major in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Neuroscience. She hopes to later get her masters in Molecular Biology and ultimately attend medical school at UM. Currently, Arma’Rosa is working under Ph.D. candidate Belinda Bagwandeen to study how protein supplementation affects growth rate and other factors in zebra finches. She has worked as an office assistant for the sociology and anthropology department, as well as for the associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts. Arma’Rosa is a member of the Knitting Club, the Robotics Club, the Beekeeper Club, and the Black Student Union, and also is a member of Tri Beta and Gamma Beta Phi Honor Societies.

Why did you choose to attend UM?
I wanted to attend the University of Mississippi because as a youth, I participated in a lot of the outreach programs that the institution offered! I loved the sense of family you get when you walk on campus. The professors seemed to really care for each individual student’s academic success. It also helped that the campus has a ton of eating options!

When and why did you choose your major(s)/minors?
I chose my major because I love life! Biology is literally the study of life! I enjoy labs and doing science experiments as a high school student! My mom used to buy me Biology and Chemistry project kits for my Birthday and Christmas!  I gained the love of medicine from watching my mother take care of my elderly bedridden grandmother.

What are your career goals?
I hope that my last degree is a MD/PhD. With that degree I hope to practice medicine as a physician scientist at a research hospital.

What will be your legacy at UM?
I hope that when I graduate that I have impacted the lives of the youth, fellow peers and professors that I came into contact with during my time as an undergraduate. Whether it was from me tutoring, mentoring, internships, or jobs. I want to leave them.

Is there a professor who has been particularly helpful to you?
Yes!!! Dr. Day Dr.Day Dr.Dayyyy!!!! She has been the best professor ever in the Biology department! She goes above and beyond when it comes to her teaching her undergrad students! She treats her undergraduate students and graduate students as equals!

What do you like to do outside of school (hobbies, interests)?
I love going to the gym, cooking and playing with my dogs! Nothings better than coming home from classes to play with your excited dog!

What is your favorite place to eat in Oxford?
I love insomnia cookies! They are open until 3am and they accept ole miss express, so when you’re studying late or want something sweet to eat, I always go there! For real food, I love Rice and Spice!! I recommend the yellow chicken curry, 3 spice level, with the thai fried rice.

What are some dream travel destinations (and why)?
I want for my mother and I to travel the world like Anthony Bourdain in search of the best cuisine; like he did on his show Parts Unknown:Anthony Bourdain.

Kaitlyn Skeen is a Biology major from Hernando, Mississippi, minoring in Chemistry and French. She is also applying for the Society and Health minor. Skeen is the Vice President and Treasurer for the University of Mississippi Chapter for the College Diabetes Network, and a member of the UM Women’s Council for Philanthropy and the Tri Beta Biological Sciences Honor Society. Skeen eventually hopes to enter the field of Virology and pursue a career in vaccine production.

Why did you choose to attend UM?
As a resident of Mississippi, I found the University of Mississippi to be the best place for me for several reasons. Throughout my college search, I looked at a lot of different schools, but the University of Mississippi ultimately won my heart; not only is the campus absolutely gorgeous, but the community is one of the most welcoming places I have visited, and the opportunities UM gives its students are top of the line.

When and why did you choose your major(s)/minors?
Since before I enrolled at UM, I knew I wanted to be a Biology major, as I am fascinated by the way our world works. I chose to apply to the Society and Health minor as a way to prepare myself for a career in Public Health.

What are your career goals?
I hope to obtain an MD/PhD degree and practice medicine as an Immunologist specializing in autoimmunity, as well as pursue research in the fields of Immunology and Epidemiology.

Is there a professor who has been particularly helpful to you?
Doctor Gray in the Biology Department has helped me tremendously; he not only helped my find a love of viruses, but he has also given me the opportunity to become a researcher and pursue my scientific journey.

What has been a particularly meaningful way you have engaged in a community – either on or off-campus?
Camp BOLD with the Arc of Northwest Mississippi has given me irreplaceable memories and friendships over the past few years, while also educating myself and others in my community about the lives of special needs children and adults, and showing people that things like Autism can’t divide us.

What do you like to do outside of school (hobbies, interests)?
In my free time I enjoy reading, weightlifting, cooking and hiking.

What are you binge watching/reading/listening to?
I currently have all of Taylor Swift’s and The Band Camino’s music on repeat, and I am reading Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens.

Madison is pursuing a B.S. in Biological Science and double minoring in Chemistry and Psychology. She is an Undergraduate Researcher in the UM Exercise and Memory Lab: Directed Forgetting. On campus, she is a member of the American Medical Student Society, and a Student Member of the American Chemical Society. She also tutors students in calculus, biology, chemistry, biomaterials, physics, and psychology. 

Why did you choose to attend UM?
Ole Miss was the school where I felt the most supported academically and professionally. I felt there were many different outlets of support that would allow me to become the best version of myself. Looking back to that decision almost five years ago, I would not change a thing. Choosing to attend Ole Miss has been the best decision for not only my academic and professional development but for my self-growth as well.

When and why did you choose your major(s)/minor(s)?
I chose my major before going into my freshman year, as a B.S. in Biological Science would get me where I need to be academically for medical school. I officially declared my minors at the beginning of my junior year because I felt as though adding that coursework rounded out my academic profile

What would you tell a high school student about your major? What is most important for them to know if they’re interested in pursuing that field of study?
I would want a high school student to know that there is an enormous variety of biology classes that many students find their niche in. It is important to take a number of different biology courses because you may find your future calling.

Why is your department a special place?
The biology department is the most special place on campus because of the familiarity with the staff and other students. It might not be the smallest department but you are guaranteed to be remembered and recognized everywhere you go.

What has been one of your most memorable or enjoyable moments at UM?
My most memorable moment at UM was attending my first Grove tailgate in my sophomore year with my parents. It was an experience like no other and the community atmosphere that football season brings to Oxford makes it always feel like one giant family.

What do you hope to do after you graduate? What are your career goals/ plans for postgraduation?
I plan on attending medical school and studying to become a neurosurgeon.

Apart from school, how do you spend your time in Oxford? What are your hobbies, favorite places to go, etc.?
I enjoy going to the gym, hanging out with my roommates, taking my dogs to the park.

What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you’d tell your past self (about the general college experience)?
To never take experience and opportunities for granted. All of those events are beneficial to you personally, academically, and professionally, and will help make you who you are meant to be.

Madison is majoring in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. She works as both a teaching assistant and an undergraduate research assistant with the UM Biology Department. She is also a member of the Clinical Experience Network, so she spends her free time volunteering at the Oxford Urgent Care.

Why did you choose to attend UM?
Learning more about Ole Miss, I loved how well-rounded this campus was. I saw how much this university valued rigorous academia as well as extracurriculars. There are so many great programs, clubs, and opportunities Ole Miss embodies for its students.

When and how did you choose your major?
I chose my major around my senior year in high school. I wanted to study something that I could enjoy and fully immerse myself in with more opportunities, such as research and internships. Four years of college is going to be rough, so make the best of it!

Can you tell me about a professor or a class you’ve taken that has had the most impact on you?
Dr. Qiu is truly an outstanding professor. He wants his students to succeed in every aspect and will stop the lecture if anyone has questions. Dr. Qiu is one of the only professors, that I know of, that will go out of his way to teach his students. If you need something to be explained in a very clear and concise way, Dr. Qiu can do it. He is my role model in the Biology Department.

What do you hope to do after you graduate? What are your career goals/ plans for postgraduation?
I am in high hopes of either pursuing a Master’s degree or PhD in Biology/Public Health.

What is your go-to meal in Oxford?
My absolute favorite is the Spider Roll from Toyo!

What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you’d tell your past self (about the general college experience)?
Be active, get more involved, and learn from others.

Nicole is pursuing a B.A. in Biology and double minoring in Chemistry and Society & Health. She is a member of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, the American Medical Students Association, and the American Medical Women’s Association. On campus, she volunteers at Grove Grocery, and she is President of the Red Cross Club. 

Why did you choose to attend UM?
Coming from a family of LSU alums, it was hard! But I loved how cozy and close the campus felt. After coming to admitted student day and other orientation events, I could really feel the sense of community the students here have. You truly aren’t just a number here, from the professors who really care to the tight knit student organizations. I was also blown away by the amount of campus resources geared at student success, which was a huge factor.

When and how did you choose your major(s)/minor(s)?
I’ve always known that I wanted to go into the medical field and have always been a STEM girl, so Biology with a Chemistry minor was an easy choice. I chose to also minor in Society & Health because one of the deans of the liberal arts college talked about it during my admitted student day, and it encompasses a lot of things that interest me!

What would you tell a high school student about your major? What is most important for them to know if they’re interested in pursuing that field of study?
It’s challenging, I won’t lie. Especially doing the pre-med track. However, I can’t stress this enough- the professors here really care about your success. There are so many resources to take advantage of, from office hours to SI sessions to free tutoring. If you want to succeed and you put in the effort, they will get you there. I’d say one of the most important things to remember is to stay on top of it–a lot of the concepts you learn about build on each other.

Can you tell me about a professor or a class you’ve taken that has had the most impact on you?
This may sound silly, but the class that had the biggest impact on me was the one that I had to retake. It was a super hard (to me anyway) chemistry class, and I did not pass my first semester. This made me stop, evaluate what I was doing and why I wanted to do it, and dig my heels in to work even harder the next semester. It goes with the saying “nothing worth having comes easy”, and having to do that really just enhanced my determination and made me work twice as hard towards the end goal.

What do you hope to do after you graduate? What are your career goals/ plans for postgraduation?
I am currently planning to take 1-2 gap years to move somewhere fun and either do a masters program or work in a clinical setting, and then attend medical school. My end goal and dream career is to become a surgeon!

What is your go-to meal in Oxford?
Sushi from Kabuki!

What are some dream travel destinations?
My top 3 bucket list places are: -Greece & Croatia -Norway -Australia.

What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you’d tell your past self (about the general college experience)?
I wish I knew that a few “bad” grades are OKAY. I was valedictorian in high school, so making anything less than an A was detrimental to me when I got here. So I just wish that I realized sooner that everything works out, and that it is okay to not be completely perfect. College is all about growth and figuring out what works for you.