Undergraduate Teaching, Mentorship & Research with Elana

Transcript

Let’s check in with Elana, a junior biology major and soon to be scientists. She loves working in HPU’S state-of-the-art laboratories, learning from innovative minds and taking part in experiential learning every single day. With research starting as early as freshman year, opportunities here have no limit. Elana, go ahead and tell us more about your experience.

– Thanks, Alex. When I was little, I always knew I wanted to be a doctor. It’s been my lifelong dream, so when it came time for me to choose a school, I looked for a place that would challenge me academically and give me real hands-on experience. I never imagined how much opportunity, mentorship, and support I’d find here at High Point University, not just through the programs, but through the professors themselves. One of the things I love most about HPU is how early you can get involved in research. In my classes, I’ve even been able to participate in authentic research experiences that make science feel real and exciting. In my developmental biology class, we’re currently studying Drosophila wing development, designing a thesis, collecting and analyzing data, and writing a research paper that could even lead to publication. Seeing lecture concepts come to life in the lab has been incredible. Our professors guide us every step of the way with mentorship, feedback and encouragement, which makes even the hardest projects feel achievable. HPU’s modern labs and collaborative environments push us to ask questions to learn from each other and to take ownership of our work. It’s challenging, but in the best way. HPU also provides pathways for students to grow outside the classroom. Programs like Research Rookies introduce freshmen to research basics, while in depth, yearlong and summer research programs allow upperclassmen to work one-on-one with professors on real projects. Combined with our state-of-the-art resources, these programs help students to apply what they learn in meaningful hands-on ways. No matter your major, HPU ensures that you don’t just learn the concepts, you practice them. Between supportive faculty, experiential learning, and endless opportunities, I’ve seen how mentorship can turn big dreams into reachable goals. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.

– That’s incredible, Elana, we love seeing how involved HPU students are in research from conducting experiments to creating community, and we cannot wait to see what else you accomplish. Well done, Elana. Thanks again for sharing your story.