Student Success spotlight: Emily Gearhart

Emily Gearhart was born in Ormond Beach and graduated from Deltona High School. In 2016, she started at Seminole State and received a scholarship through the Wayne M. Densch Scholarship program for first-generation students. 

Gearhart credits biology professors Dr. Debbie Barr and Dr. Debra Socci and the biology department's "Women in Science" field trips for giving her the opportunities to experience hiking through the Amazon jungle to see its unique flora and fauna, touring Santa Fe Community College’s extensive sustainability initiatives, and spending her summer at the New Mexico Consortium Biolabs learning about research.

“I am extremely grateful to my instructors who continuously motivated me to take part in study abroad programs that opened doors to future opportunities and to the Foundation for Seminole State College for providing me with scholarships to obtain a higher education,” said Gearhart.

Gearhart plans to attend a four-year university and earn her bachelor’s in either biochemistry or biophysics, pursuing a career in scientific research.