HPU graduates are leading 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 at one extraordinary member of the Class of 2023:
Name: Garrett Alewine
Hometown: Salisbury, North Carolina
Major: Biology with a minor in French
Post-graduation plans: Alewine will attend Bluefield University in Blacksburg, Virginia, to pursue a Master of Arts in biomedical science.
How HPU helped you get there:
“HPU helped prepare me for my future in numerous ways. Whether it was learning new techniques in the lab or a mentor giving me advice, HPU properly equipped me with the skills I need for life after graduation and taught me how to walk with purpose and achieve my goals.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU:
“My most impactful mentors were Dr. Cale Fahrenholtz, assistant professor of basic pharmaceutical sciences, and Dr. Jackson Sparks, chair and assistant professor of biology. Both mentors offered their advice, critiques and guidance during my four years at HPU. Dr. Fahrenholtz gave me the opportunity to work on a neurofibromatosis type 1 research project and develop my own research techniques, which resulted in a publication that featured me as the lead author. Dr. Sparks was a great source of advice and a life-changing professor who helped me become the scientist I am today.”
Most impactful moment at HPU:
“My most impactful moment was when my paper was published in the Journal for Precision Medicine. The research was the culmination of two years of hard work and dedication and created a pathway for the subsequent papers to follow. The paper helped publicize my name in the scientific community and expedited my career, giving me opportunities I wouldn’t have received otherwise.”
How has HPU’s inspiring environment contributed to your success?
“HPU’s environment pushed me to become the best that I can be. Whether it was studying organic chemistry for hours or troubleshooting a problem during research, HPU allowed me to gain skills that will help me in the future.”
What are the life skills HPU helped you develop that prepared you for long-term success?
“The most important skill I’ve learned at HPU is how to seize opportunities for myself. Whether that was emailing a professor I wasn’t familiar with about research or setting up a meeting, HPU prepared me to take risks and work with different types of people. This has already proven to be a benefit, even prior to graduation.”
Advice for underclassmen:
“Continue to push yourself and utilize opportunities when possible because you never know where it can lead you. You will never know how far you can go until you find out for yourself, so push yourself to see what your limits are.”
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