Why did you become an ambassador? Because I know how intimidating college can seem, especially when you are unsure what to major in. I want to help guide those who maybe do not know what they want to do yet towards ISAT. Since being in the ISAT program I have formed an amazing community and fell in love with all the major has to give!

Why did you choose ISAT? When I first applied to JMU, I applied as a chemistry major. I then took AP Chemistry my senior year of high school and realized it wasn't something I wanted to do for the next 4 years. I knew I wanted to do something in STEM; I just did not know what. That is when my mom found ISAT. I was a little unsure at first, but then I went to admitted students day, where I was able to talk to the ISAT ambassadors. They sold me on it; I liked that I would learn about multiple fields within STEM while also building my critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

What do you enjoy most about your program? The support system among my classmates and professors. I have never had an ISAT professor who is not eager to meet during office hours if I am confused about something, have questions about certain career paths, or just want to chat.

What is your favorite class or project? ISAT 113 (Biotechnology) with Dr. Bachmann. Dr. Bachmann has a special way of making class fun, even when some topics are hard to understand. I will never forget when he brought a Nerf gun to class and started shooting us with it to demonstrate how a virus attaches to its host cell. I also appreciate how passionate he is about the subjects he teaches and about the ISAT program as a whole.

Who has been an influential professor, mentor, or advisor for you at JMU? Why? Dr. Coffman - she has always been very engaging when I have had her as a professor. I also appreciate how passionate and knowledgeable she is about her field. She is a professor that I feel comfortable around because she fosters an environment where it is easy to ask question after question after question. I also like how hands-on her labs are; getting real field experience during her ISAT 320 lab has been one of my favorite labs I have had here at JMU (even if I do complain about it every time I am actually out there).

What clubs, student organizations, or activities are you involved in at JMU? Phi Sigma Sigma, a social sorority whose philanthropy centers around helping local (and non-local) Title 1 schools. I am also in the ISAT Honor Society.

What is something you love to do outside of class? I like reading and hanging out with my friends!

What is your favorite spot on campus? The 4th floor of Rose Library right by the windows. You can see almost the entire campus from there and it is especially pretty during sunset.

Describe your JMU experience in three words: Transformative. Amazing. Unforgettable.

What advice would you give to a prospective student? Come into college with an open mind. You are going to meet so many new people and experience so many new things; you will never know what to expect next.