Biochemistry Student Ambassador

Sarah is majoring in Biochemistry and minoring in Biology. She is a member of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, Smile Makers Club, UM Pre-Dental Society, Women in Dentistry, and the Student Members of the American Chemical Society. She was recognized with the 2022-2023 Outstanding Organic Chemistry Student Award. In her free time, she volunteers to help with children’s activities at First Baptist Oxford.

Why did you choose to attend UM?
I chose to attend UM because it offered me a chance to branch out of my comfort zone in an environment that kept the small town feel that I am used to. UM is also the best option financially and for preparing me for my future career. I want to be a dentist!

When and how did you choose your major(s)/minor(s)?
I have changed my major several times since freshman year, but I ultimately decided on Biochemistry because of the support and encouragement from the faculty in this department.

Why is your department a special place?
The faculty and my classmates within my department are what makes the department of Chemistry and Biochemistry a special place. It is the department where I found it the easiest to build good relationships with faculty members. The students in my classes are very close knit, especially when I moved into more advanced courses. They are always available to study with me and they will always be a friendly face both on and off campus.

Can you tell me about a professor or a class you’ve taken that has had the most impact on you?
Organic Chemistry with Dr. Gerald Rowland was the class that had the most impact on me. I made some of my closest friendships with the people that I studied with in this class. This was the first class where I found myself getting excited to study with others before a test. Dr. Rowland has been one of my favorite professors since my freshman year and he really helped me to succeed in this class. This is the class in which I was the most proud of my final grade!

What do you hope to do after you graduate? What are your career goals/ plans for postgraduation?
I am currently on the pre-dental track and I hope to attend dental school at either UMMC or UTHSC! Becoming a pediatric dentist is my ultimate career goal.

Apart from school, how do you spend your time in Oxford? What are your hobbies, favorite places to go, etc.?
I love to go shopping at TJMAXX and Marshalls on Jackson Avenue with my friends! I also enjoy going on walks at Lamar Park and the South Campus Rec Trails and working out at South Campus Rec. Some of my other hobbies include painting, music, and reading.

What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you’d tell your past self (about the general college experience)?
College is the best way to get out of your comfort zone. I came from a small high school, so the friends that I had before college were the same people that I met in sixth grade. After coming to Ole Miss, I got to make friends with so many different people from all over the country! Try new things and don’t be afraid of something just because you think that it will be hard. The hard things end up being the most rewarding!