What first got you interested in your field of choice?

I have always enjoyed the life sciences field and have pursued my degrees accordingly, even considering a medical career. After becoming an EMT and seeing first-hand a person’s medical treatment plan, specifically its retrospective methodology, I realized I was better suited to drug development and helping a multitude of people in preventing a medical emergency rather than treating and reacting to a single patient after an occurrence.

What type of obstacles have you had to overcome on the road to getting your education?

Earning my Bachelor’s degree was a personally long and winding road to success. Early in my academic career, familial obligations required I work full time to help support my household. Through evening classes, a supportive workplace, and sheer determination, I was able to work by day and attend school by night. Hard work, a positive attitude, and recognizing opportunities as they come has led me to where I want to be.

How did you know that KGI was the right school for you?

When looking into graduate programs within the biotechnology space, I came across the KGI website. Luckily, I was just in time to attend an open house. When I walked onto campus and met both the faculty and current students, I knew this was where I wanted to be. It was open, friendly, interactive, and most importantly approached learning in a realistic way. I was tired of reading textbooks and taking quizzes, KGI was a place I knew I could get my hands dirty and learn in a practical setting to prepare me for the real industry setting.

Why did you want to become an Admissions Ambassador?

I want to help others see the full potential of KGI that I have had the opportunity to experience. When I was going to school events and open houses looking for a graduate program, it was helpful to speak to people who were actually going through the program and had experienced the school itself. I want to pay it forward and help out the next class of students just as I was helped by my predecessors.

What is one fun and interesting fact about you?

I love to garden. I try to grow all of my kitchen herbs and veggies to use for tasty dishes. This leads me to experiment with cooking different things using fresh ingredients. I never before realized how different fresh ingredients can change a dish and enhance the flavors!