With another Commencement behind us, High Point University graduates will be commencing prestigious career paths around the world at Fortune 500 companies, international service programs, public school systems, top-tier law, medical and graduate school programs, and many other esteemed organizations thanks to their journey at HPU. Here’s a glimpse of one extraordinary senior from the Class of 2021:
Name: Elizabeth Riser
Hometown: Clemmons, North Carolina
Major: Biochemistry with a minor in English literature
Post-graduation plans: Riser will be attending North Carolina State University to pursue her PhD in Chemistry.
How HPU helped you get there: “The faculty within the chemistry department at High Point University all played a role with preparing me for applications and then attendance for graduate school. Every faculty member I met and had a class with grew me as a student and as a person of science. Specifically, Dr. Pamela Lundin was my research professor, and I worked with her in the lab for about a year and a half. Her guidance and mentorship helped strengthen my skills with critical thinking and lab work. In addition, Dr. Meghan Blackledge and Dr. Keir Fogarty taught me in a variety of courses to which their mentorship and help in the classroom strengthened my skills in working hard to achieve my goals. I used the Office of Career and Professional Development to work primarily on my resume and making sure I understood the best way to present myself through paper to make a first impression that would be unforgettable.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “My most impactful mentor from HPU was my research professor, Dr. Pamela Lundin. She gave me amazing advice on how to work in the lab and how to think in a practical and scientific way. Additionally, she taught me skills that will most definitely help me through graduate school. Her teaching allowed me to feel confident and comfortable to work independently on projects and talk with her about ideas. One of the reasons I feel so prepared for graduate school is because of the mentorship I received from Dr. Lundin.”
Most impactful moment at HPU: “One of my most impactful moments at HPU was when I took Organic Chemistry II with Dr. Meghan Blackledge. I struggled with some of the content, and Dr. Blackledge helped me through the content to make sure I understood it well and felt confident with the material. She also helped me discuss my options for a science major which helped me to become a biochemistry major which ultimately guided my decision for the graduate program I wanted to attend which is a PhD in Chemistry.”
Advice for underclassmen: “My advice for underclassman is to be confident in your skillset, and showcase your accomplishments to those you may want to work for or for graduate programs. I shared with graduate programs my skillsets, and I explained how those skills helped me to achieve my goals or research deadlines. Many graduate schools were very responsive to learning of my skillsets and accomplishments in this way.”
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