From student to lab scientist
How donors have propelled Emily's experience at Seminole State
Donors have been an integral part of Emily's educational journey every step of the way at Seminole State. As an incoming freshman, Emily participated in the Wayne M. Densch Scholarship program for first generation students and received additional foundation scholarships to assist with tuition and books. But Emily's deepest "aha moment" occurred when she was invited to participate in the Biology Department's "Women in Science" field trip to New Mexico. Led by Dr. Debbie Barr and Dr. Debra Socci and funded through donor support, the group toured the New Mexico Consortium and Pebble Labs, where Emily discovered and was accepted into a summer internship at Pebble Labs. Learn more about this amazing trip here. If you are interested in making a donation to support a future "Women in Science" trip, please contact the Foundation at 407-708-4567.
"There are some people you meet that you can peg very quickly as having what it takes to be successful. Emily Gearhart is one of those people. Emily is not only a high-achiever focused on her academic goals, she is an explorer open to opportunity and self-discovery. Whether it’s hiking through the Amazon jungle to experience its unique flora and fauna, touring Santa Fe Community College’s extensive sustainability initiatives, or spending her summer at the New Mexico Consortium Biolabs trying research on for size, she is absolutely all in. Yes, she’s smart. Yes, she’s goal oriented. But her willingness to say “Yes!” to opportunity and new experiences is the crowning jewel in her character that will undoubtedly take her far."
Dr. Debra Barr, Department of Biological Sciences, Seminole State College
"Emily has been absolutely amazing and contributed significantly to our research. She is very bright, asks a lot of good questions, is very skilled technically at the bench, and is a complete delight to work with and be around. I couldn't be more happy with her performance. She is welcome back anytime!"
Dr. Laura Dickson, LittleFly Division, Pebble Labs