News
Student Spotlight: Maddison O’Moore ‘24 (Biochemistry)
This Student Spotlight shines on Maddison O’Moore ‘24 (Biochemistry), who has balanced academics and playing a sport. “Maddison’s determination, sense of humor, caring nature, and strong work ethic have allowed her to make a tremendous impact on those in the Roberts community,” said Dr. Jason Taylor.
Let’s learn more about her:
What do you see yourself doing as a career?
I am considering joining the Air Force through officer training school to be a chemist. Otherwise, I plan to work as a chemist/biochemist doing lab research. I do not have a specific area of focus yet, but I am excited to see what God has in store for me!
How will your Roberts education help you reach those goals?
My education at Roberts has helped me be prepared for wherever I am heading. My lab experience will especially benefit me in my future career.
I’ve also grown as a person by gaining more confidence in myself which has allowed me to further my relationships with friends and my faith in more ways than I expected.
What is the best thing about studying your major?
I get to experience a variety of science classes. I love getting to learn so much about different areas of science. I’ve also found that being a science major is a good way to meet new friends, as many students take science as an elective.
The best feeling is when I am in the lab and have an “aha moment” because I understand how everything works together for a concept. It is amazing to see examples from the textbooks come to life from viewing cells under a microscope or chemical reactions!
What course (so far) has been your favorite and what do you love most about it?
Organic Chemistry has been my favorite so far because I have experienced an understanding of lecture material in lab settings. It was always interesting to use the different reagents, whether we were purifying caffeine or making paint. I got to experience a lot during the two semesters, and you never know what will happen.
What advice would you give to incoming freshmen?
Put yourself out there sooner rather than later; I was very shy my first semester at Roberts and since then I have come a long way. I regret not making the connections earlier.
I recommend using the library, the staff can be helpful in many ways and study rooms are perfect for those late-night study sessions when you have to get work done!
What was it like being on the field hockey team?
It has been wonderful to come into a team and be able to bring new ideas to the table. I’m a forward on the field hockey team that came together and was comprised of many different backgrounds. In the end, we had a great first season of team building despite only winning one game.
I have learned so much on and off the field and experienced growth in a short amount of time.
What is your favorite thing about Rochester?
The various coffee shops and restaurants in the area. I’ve explored so many great new places, plus it is a great way to hang out with friends and get off campus for a little while!
What academic or professional accomplishments are you most proud of?
I am so grateful to have gotten to experience being a collegiate student-athlete even if it was just for a year. All my friends are part of sports teams, and it seemed like a great way to get out there and create new friendships. As soon as I heard about the field hockey team, everyone supported me in choosing to do this, and I do not regret a minute of it.
Faculty Feedback
“It has been a joy to have Maddison in several courses and serve as her Academic Advisor during her time at Roberts. Maddison’s determination, sense of humor, caring nature, and strong work ethic have allowed her to make a tremendous impact on those in the Roberts community. Whether it is waking up early to participate in ROTC activities, setting aside weekly research time for her forensics narcotics project, or running to field hockey practice from the lab, Maddison has found a way to balance her time well as a student-athlete and excel in the classroom. It is fitting that Maddison is recognized in this Student Spotlight!”
-Dr. Jason Taylor, Chair, Department of Biological & Chemical Sciences, Professor of Chemistry