Student Testimonials
Winnie Zou '11
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Major:ACS-certified Chemistry Hometown:Vermillion, South Dakota Involvement:Chemistry Club, Supplemental Instruction Internship:Baylor College of Medicine After graduation plans:Pursuing an M.D./Ph.D. program |
Why did you choose USD?The amazing scholarships USD offers to its undergraduates. What has made a difference in your college experience?The Honors Program. I truly believe that it is the crown jewel of the University. |
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USD will pull together every resource possible to support one to reach his or
What is your favorite part about USD?
The free and supportive environment. USD will pull every resource possible to support one to reach his or her own dream. USD offers opportunities for its students to grow, to mature, and to show what South Dakota is all about.
Who is your most inspiring professor?
Dr. Alexandre Erkine of the Biomedical Sciences program. Not only did he patiently teach me everything I know about research, but he also truly cared about me as a person and laid the foundations for my success.
What are your plans after graduation?
Obtaining my M.D./Ph.D. to conduct basic biomedical research.
Winnie is the 10th USD student to be awarded the prestigious Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship. Read the Press Release.
In the Spring Semester of 2009, Winnie received the USD Student Employee award. Read the Press Release.
Tom Fisher '11
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Major:Chemistry Hometown:Sturgis, South Dakota Involvement:Chemistry Club (vice president, secretary), Student Affairs Committee, Teaching Assistant for Honors General Chemistry After graduation plans:Attending medical school |
Internships
I have conducted chemistry research in the department and at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and was a summer undergraduate research fellow in the Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Department at Mayo Graduate School.
What is your favorite part about USD?My favorite part of USD is the small classes. I really enjoy that all of my professors know me by name. |
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How is USD different than other schools?
The smaller size of the Chemistry Department allows undergraduates to get involved in research at a very early time in their college careers. Furthermore, the professors are very happy to take on undergraduates as research assistants.
What is your most inspiring class or professor and why?
Dr. Stanley May inspired me through his passion for chemistry and the opportunity to be a teaching assistant. This experience really allowed me to gain a strong passion for chemistry, helping others and the confidence and motivation to pursue all of the research opportunities that I participated in.
Frank Leibfarth '08
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Major:Chemistry and Physics Hometown:Yankton, South Dakota Involvement:Football, Pi Kappa Alpha, University Committees and University Ambassador Currently:Chemistry Ph.D.at University of California - Santa Barbara |
Internships:
General Moses Summer Research Scholar, NSF Center on Polymer Interfaces and Macromolecular Assemblies Research Experience for Undergraduates at Stanford University, Research Experience for Undergraduates at Columbia University, NSF-EPSCoR Summer Research Experience at USD, and Future Scholars Program at USD.
Why USD?
I had no intention of staying so close to home for college. I'm so glad I did. My scholarship interview convinced me that USD was the place I needed to be. People there cared about me. I have since interned, worked and attended some of the countries premier institutions and none compare in regards to the personal attention and resources provided for undergraduates at USD.
Why Chemistry?I came to college without a path. I stumbled upon what would become my life-long passion in my sophomore year organic chemistry class. |
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What was your favorite part of USD?
I was heavily involved in three very different endeavors: undergraduate research, varsity athletics and Greek life. I enjoyed all three for different reasons, and no one ever made me choose one over another.
What did you take part in that made a difference in your college experience?
Undergraduate research was the most important aspect of my undergraduate experience, and it eventually led me to my chosen career. I participated in summer research programs involving history, genetics, and eventually found my passion in chemistry.
Advice for future or current students?
Do not attend USD just to get a degree. Take advantage of all the opportunity USD's unique size and atmosphere offers. There are people all around you who want you to succeed and will help you do it!