Mari Davis

High school instructors have way more influence on their students than I believe they think they do. I was truly inspired by my high school chemistry teacher in many ways. For the first time in my life I felt a connection with the material I was learning, and I felt capable of applying myself to the material to do well in the class. Soon after my high school chemistry class had ended, I wanted to major in science when going to college.

I had known since I was very young that I wanted to be a doctor when I grew up, so I felt I needed to find a way to integrate all of this in some way. I knew I loved Biology and Chemistry so naturally I looked to combine the two. The spirit of Ut Prosim and the opportunity to pursue Biochemistry brought me to Virginia Tech.

Challenging Academics with Great Rewards

The coursework leading to a degree in Biochemistry is rigorous, but every student I have met rises to the challenge. Incredible friendships are forged in the fire of the upper level Biochemistry courses such as BCHM 4115 and our six credit Biochemistry Lab. The most rewarding experience I’ve had after my time in the Virginia Tech Biochemistry program was taking my MCAT, as I truly felt prepared to build on my scientific foundation while readying for this exam.

Learning in and Out of the Classroom

Virginia Tech is the perfect place to find your groove and your people. During my sophomore year I was fortunate enough to become a member of the Virginia Tech Rescue Squad. This is a 100% volunteer, student run organization that takes on the responsibility of providing emergency healthcare for the citizens of Virginia Tech. Through this organization I became an emergency medical technician and gained invaluable experience serving patients on our campus. With the flexibility that the Biochemistry major offers as an upperclassman, I was able to integrate courses such as Medical Terminology or Anatomy and Physiology that helped me continue to pursue my passions while still in my major.

Opportunities Above and Beyond Undergrad

As graduation approached, I knew I wanted to take a gap year before applying to medical school to broaden my horizons even further. With the help of some incredible mentors, department faculty members, and peers, I was fortunate enough to matriculate into the Virginia Tech Biochemistry Graduate program as a master’s student, fully funded through an opportunity known as the George Washington Carver Fellowship from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Since joining the Jutras lab, I have learned hands on research, scientific writing, and scientific communication skills that are truly invaluable. This experience has shaped me as a scientist, student, and person and I believe is a large factor in my acceptance to medical school. I am forever grateful to the Virginia Tech Biochemistry department for all the opportunities and skills they have provided me, and I will take them with me wherever I go in my future endeavors.