Biology Major
What made you choose Heidelberg and when did it start to feel like home?
I chose Heidelberg because of the small campus feel and the opportunity to build real relationships with professors while still being challenged academically, especially with opportunities such as working in the Animal Lab and taking classes like Cadaver Prosection. It started to feel like home once I got involved in the anatomy lab and found my place with people who shared my interests and pushed me to grow.
What moment at Heidelberg made you feel most proud to be a Student Prince?
Presenting my research at the American Chemical Society conference made me feel incredibly proud. Knowing that the work I started at Heidelberg could reach that level and represent the school on a larger stage meant a lot to me.
What’s a class, club, or activity you joined on a whim and ended up loving?
I didn’t expect to get as involved in the anatomy lab as I did, but it quickly became one of the most meaningful parts of my college experience. Teaching, leading, and helping others learn through hands-on work made me appreciate it even more.
What’s your best “only at Heidelberg” story?
One of my most “only at Heidelberg” experiences was having the opportunity to serve as the animal lab coordinator, where I worked closely with both faculty and students on a daily basis. Being trusted to help manage the lab, support others’ learning, and collaborate directly with professors is something that wouldn’t happen at a larger university. It really showed me how unique Heidelberg is in giving students meaningful leadership roles and real responsibility.
What relationship or friendship here has meant the most to you and why?
The friendships I made through cadaver prosection have meant the most to me. Spending late nights studying together and working through challenging material created strong bonds that go beyond the classroom. Those shared experiences brought us closer and made the hard work genuinely enjoyable, which is something I’ll always value.
What opportunity outside the classroom shaped you the most?
The opportunity to conduct independent research in the animal lab shaped me the most. I was able to work on a project I had been involved with for several years, focused on developing electrospun nitric oxide patches using nitric oxide synthase and arginine to promote wound healing. Being part of that process—from contributing to the idea to helping carry out the research—gave me hands-on experience, strengthened my critical thinking, and showed me what it means to take ownership of a long-term project.
What is a lesson from college that you will carry with you forever?
A lesson I’ll carry with me is that growth comes from stepping into uncomfortable situations. Some of my biggest improvements came from moments where I wasn’t fully confident but pushed through anyway.
What memory still makes you smile, no matter what?
Getting nominated as Homecoming Queen by my peers is a memory that will always make me smile. It meant a lot to be recognized in that way and made me feel like I had made a positive impact on the people and community around me during my time at Heidelberg.
What experience at Heidelberg best prepared you for your next step?
Working in the anatomy lab and conducting research prepared me the most. Both experiences helped me develop attention to detail, discipline, and confidence—skills I’ll carry into dental school.
What advice would you give to incoming freshmen about how to be successful at Heidelberg?
Get involved early and don’t be afraid to try things you’re unsure about. Build relationships with your professors and take advantage of opportunities—those connections and experiences will shape your entire time here.
What are your plans following graduation?
I plan to attend The Ohio State University College of Dentistry and pursue my DDS, with the goal of building a career where I can combine science, hands-on skills, and patient care.
Finally, what’s one thing you hope never changes about Heidelberg?
I hope the close-knit community never changes. The ability to know your professors, collaborate with peers, and feel supported is what makes Heidelberg special.