Did you visit campus before choosing UE?

When I visited campus, the first thing I noticed was the campus size. All the buildings were close, making me feel like the students, regardless of their major, were connected. I saw the connectedness when I walked through campus. Students waved at my family and me during our tour. The environment at UE was different than any other university I visited, and it was one I had to be a part of! 

What activities or organizations have you been involved with at UE? How have these impacted your college career? 

On campus, I am a part of numerous activities and organizations, but one of the biggest has been my involvement in Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI). Being six hours away from my family, challenging times at college can be intensified. But having an organization of people who feel like a home has kept me here at UE. FIJI has pushed me to be the best version of myself and to overcome hurdles I deemed impossible.  

How has your program shaped and prepared you for a future career? 

The Biology Department at UE has, hands down, been the most impactful proponent of my academic career at UE. Each faculty member in the department cares deeply about their students’ ability to grow and pushes their students to achieve greatness. The faculty members have been willing to go out of their way to find resources and opportunities to aid my success, such as referring me to alumni in the career field I desire to be in. 

One of the most influential things the Biology Department did for me was create opportunities to conduct undergraduate research. Unlike large institutions, I could take part in research over the summer after my first year. My research at UE sparked an interest in continuing research, which I did the following summer at the University of Alabama- Birmingham (UAB) with a UE Biology alumnus. The research at UAB was with highly renowned scientists and has helped increase my ability to achieve my dreams and get into an MD/PhD program. 

How has UE been affordable for you? 

UE has been affordable because of the extensive scholarship opportunities and financial aid. The scholarships that UE offered me as an incoming freshman made the price of UE cheaper than public institutions in my home state. 

Why do you recommend UE? 

 I recommend UE because you do not just receive a degree after four years here. Students are pushed to grow personally and academically throughout their time at UE. Everyone has a place at UE, and the faculty, staff, and students ensure you know your significance.