Biology Student Ambassadors
Savannah White
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.
Why did you choose to attend UM?
In addition to the scholarships offered, the University of Mississippi has one of the best biology programs in the state. As a bio premed major Ole Miss was one of my top choices for undergrad. Since my hometown of Hattiesburg is a college town, many students from there choose to go to the University of Southern Mississippi; I was one of the outliers. While I love my hometown, I wanted to expand my horizons which made the decision to attend the University of Mississippi a top choice on my college list.
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 before 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 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 Sartin

An honors student, Abby is earning the BA in Biological Science. She is also working with the Health Professions Advising Office on her plans for medical school.
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 want to work as a doctor of radiology and I want to specialize in pediatrics!
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!
Arma'Rosa Wilks-Mohead

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

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
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.