Branch of service and rank: Navy E4
Work you did: I worked on MH-60R helicopters. I was an Avionics Technician and Plane Captain, and I worked on the avionics components inside the helicopter including radar systems, communication systems, navigation systems, and anti-submarine warfare systems.
Where did you serve: I was deployed for 8 months on the USS Mobile Bay which is a cruiser. We deployed to 7th fleet and spent time in Guam, South Korea, Philippines, Singapore, Japan, and also visited Hawaii while we were out to sea.
Major at Belmont: Biology major, Chemistry minor
Anticipated graduation date: December 2020
Why did you choose Belmont? The science program is very intimate and I like that faculty teach all classes rather than grad students. I was also attracted to the beautiful campus and the friendliness of everyone I encountered on my tour.
What is it like to be a student veteran at Belmont? The veteran community at Belmont is very welcoming and friendly. I recently discovered the BVC and already feel right at home. I like that there is a place for vets to hang out, share stories and discover commonalities amongst each other.
Favorite Class at Belmont: Anatomy and Physiology because we got to experience the human cadaver lab and learn about the body in a way that most people in undergrad, outside of Belmont, do not get to experience.
Your greatest accomplishment: Finishing out my deployment strong. Deployment was one if the hardest experiences I’ve lived through, especially when a port call would get canceled and we spent over 4 weeks out to sea without seeing land. After experiencing and getting through those 8 months, I can see the lighter/brighter side of life in most situations and praise those who experienced an even harder, more challenging deployment than I did.
Career goals: I plan to get into research after graduation. I am currently interning at a research lab to gain experience and to really find out if research is what I want to pursue. I love working/looking at cells and learning how they function. Cytology would be my overarching topic of interest, but cellular research varies greatly so I am not sure what type of research I am interested in. I am currently working with antibiotic resistant bacteria and I enjoy it so far!