Here’s a quick glimpse at one of many impressive outcomes HPU graduates achieve.
Name: Lena Hetrick, Class of 2025
Hometown: Waxhaw, North Carolina
Major: Neuroscience, French and Francophone Studies
Internship plans: Lena secured a summer neuroscience internship at McKnight Brain Institute in Gainesville, Florida. Being a part of the Summer Neuroscience Internship Program, she worked alongside research in the lab of Dr. Stefan Prokop to investigate the associated proteins of neuropathological changes in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. As a result of this work, Lena recently got to present her work at Society for Neuroscience 2024, the largest neuroscience conference in the world with about 25,000 attendees.
How HPU helped you get there: “The HPU faculty helped prepare my application, specifically Dr. Lisa Zukowski an Associate Professor in the Physical Therapy Department and Dr. Michael Grider an Assistant Professor in the Neuroscience Department. My research experience in Dr. Zukowski’s lab prepared me for the working environment. I also got this position because of a connection I made at a neuroscience event where one of the faculty from this program saw I was from High Point University and immediately started a conversation about the school.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “Dr. Lisa Zukowski, Associate Professor of the Physical Therapy Department, is my most impactful mentor at HPU. She taught me how to create a curriculum vitae, improved my research writing, and improved my ability to ask good research questions. Additionally, her respect and faith in my abilities boosted my confidence and pushed me to explore career opportunities beyond what I thought was possible.”
Most impactful moment at HPU: “My most impactful moment at HPU was when my first research paper was published with Dr. Zukowski. It was a launching pad for my career and a huge milestone.”
How has HPU’s inspiring environment contributed to your success? “HPU provided the initial connections with my professors I needed to be successful. The mentorship I have received is unmatched.”
What are the life skills HPU helped you develop that prepared you for long-term success? “Networking skills, specifically connecting with new people at events, curriculum vitae preparation using online materials from the Office of Career and Professional Development, email etiquette and punctuality.”
What are the values and virtues HPU’s campus helped you develop that you’ll take with you after graduation? “HPU helped me develop confidence and having a passionate attitude for what we believe in.”
Advice for underclassmen: “Don’t be afraid to start conversations with those around you. You never know what kind of opportunity it could lead to. Be forward in asking for what you need to be successful and opportunities in a humble manner. The worst someone can say is no.”
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