Biology Student Ambassadors

Savannah is a biology major and chemistry minor from Hattiesburg, Mississippi who hopes to eventually study medicine at Meharry Medical College. Currently, Savannah participates in a Toxicology Mentoring Skills Development Training Program and appears on the Dean’s Honor Roll. She is an Ace Scholarship Recipient and works as an external publicist for the UM IMAGE program (Increasing Minority Access to Graduate Education). Savannah is a member of the University of Mississippi American Medical Women’s Association, the Black Student Union and the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, and enjoys volunteering at the Oxford Community Market in her spare time.

Kaitlyn Skeen is a Biology major from Hernando, Mississippi, who also minors in Chemistry and French. 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 found my love of the French language and culture while completing my language requirements, and I decided to take on a Chemistry minor once I found my interest in vaccines.

What are your career goals?
I hope to enter the field of Virology and pursue a career in vaccine production 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, and cooking.

What are you binge watching/reading/listening to?
I am currently reading The Coming Plague by Laurie Garrett and listening to all of Taylor Swift’s music!

Anna Robertson is a biology and biochemistry double major with a minor in society and health, and was recently accepted into the Early Decision Program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. On campus, Anna is a member of the American Medical Women’s Association, Sally McDonnel Barksdale Honors College, Alpha Phi Sorority, HandBand: American Sign Language Organization, and the Pre-Med Peer Mentoring Organization. She is also part of Dr. Tschumper’s computational chemistry research group and volunteers at Grove Grocery.

Why did you choose to attend UM?
When I visited Ole Miss, everyone was so kind and welcoming; it made me feel like I was home. And the beautiful campus was the icing on the cake.

When and why did you choose your major(s)/minor(s)?
I’ve always wanted to become a doctor, so I chose to major in Biochemistry and Biology when I enrolled. I chose to apply for the Society and Health minor junior year because it allowed me to expand my understanding of the intrapersonal aspects of health.

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?
Biochemistry and Biology are tough majors, but they are so much fun and the material is so interesting. To succeed in these majors, make sure you are studying a little along for all your tests, cramming the night before doesn’t work.

Is there a professor who has been particularly helpful to you?
Immunology with Dr. Doctor is the most interesting class I’ve ever taken. Learning about microscopic things that are happening in your body is so fascinating.

What has been one of your most memorable or enjoyable moments at UM?
My most memorable moment at Ole miss is definitely seeing the grove on game day for the first time. I remember being shocked seeing all the tents and people packed into the grove. My jaw dropped when I saw a chandelier in a tent.

What do you hope to do after you graduate? What are your career goals/ plans for postgraduation?
I hope to attend medical school after graduation and become a physician.

Apart from school, how do you spend your time in Oxford? What are your hobbies, favorite places to go, etc.?
I love walking the trails in South Campus Rail Trail. It feels so nice to get some fresh air and be surrounded by nature.

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 would tell my freshman self that everyone feels overwhelmed, it’s not just you, so don’t let that stop you from reaching out to people and making friends.