My Story

When I started my college journey:

• Low socio-economic status

• Unweighted high school GPA- 2.8

  • I worked full-time throughout high school and  was overwhelmed and exhausted. While I tested well and was fully capable of success my grades suffered.

• Single mother

• First-generation student

• Non-traditional (started undergrad at 26)

8 years later....

• Currently working on Ph.D. in Biological Sciences and using my favorite hobby (art) to make science accessible for others.  

• I have gained 5 degrees (3 Associates, 1 Bachelors, and a Masters as of Fall 2023) 🎉

• Awarded over $250,000.00 in Grants/Fellowships/Scholarships, etc

• 1st Goldwater scholar from Gaston College (2019)

• 2023 NSF Graduate Research Fellow

• Ford Foundation Pre-Doctoral Fellowship Honorable Mention (2023)

  • First student to receive this distinction at UNC Charlotte

*I am not bragging; I am simply saying that if I can do this, you can too! If you need any help in the process, feel free to reach out.