Chemistry Student Ambassador

Abigail is pursuing a B.S. in Chemistry with an emphasis in Biochemistry and minoring in Math, and Society & Health. She is a member of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College. She works for the Chemistry Department as a General Chemistry Teaching Assistant and participates in The Tanner Lab as an Undergraduate Researcher. She is vice-president of the Student Members of the American Chemical Society, and volunteers with the Red Cross.

Why did you choose to attend UM?
As a 2020 graduate, I knew I needed to be somewhere that felt like home in order to ride out the pandemic. Luckily, I had had the chance to tour UM’s campus and felt instantly comfortable.

When and how did you choose your major(s)/minor(s)?
I’ve always loved science but wasn’t quite sure which particular field best fit my academic interests. I had the opportunity to meet with a few professors who pointed me towards chemistry, and I’ve loved it ever since!

Can you tell me about a professor or a class you’ve taken that has had the most impact on you?
Dr. Fortenberry’s Physical Chemistry II class was one of the hardest classes I’ve ever taken at this university (physics and I don’t mesh very well). However, he was always there for office hours and willing to answer the same question a million different ways without ever getting annoyed. The patience and dedication of the chemistry faculty cannot be overstated.

What has been one of your most memorable or enjoyable moments at UM?
My most memorable experience was my first time presenting my own research. I had the awesome opportunity to stay over the summer for our Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) the summer after my freshman year. I worked in a research lab all summer and got to present my research at a virtual site visit and I was able to travel to Nebraska to present at Women in the Physical Sciences (WoPHYS) fall semester sophomore year.

What do you hope to do after you graduate?
I am taking a growth year and then applying to medical school! I hope to work in emergency medicine.

What is your go-to meal in Oxford?
Southern Coop’s citrus chipotle wings.

What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you’d tell your past self (about the general college experience)?
Everything is going to be fine. Be kind to yourself around midterms and finals and never turn down a trip to Yaya’s (frozen yogurt can and will fix everything).