biology and public health double major
Hibernian Society Foundation Scholarship, Laura S. Griffin Health Educator Scholarship, Department of Health and Human Performance Fund, CofC Fund Scholarship
Enrolled in the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program at the Medical University of South Carolina
Witnessing health disparities and how strongly socioeconomic status shapes overall health outcomes sparked the interest of Savannah Case ’26 during her freshman year while working at a local hospital. Originally a psychology major, Case found herself drawn to the direct connection she built with patients.
“I loved my job as a patient care technician, especially the direct patient interaction,” she says. “I realized I wanted to continue along this path and apply my knowledge of patient advocacy and support in a more hands-on way.”
Her academic experience at the College allowed her to explore healthcare through research, scholarship and service. She served as a research assistant with Leslie Hart, professor of public health, and worked on a lab team studying microplastics in dolphin and fish samples through a grant-funded project and presented her research at the EXPO, the College’s annual showcase celebrating mentored research, scholarship, creative inquiry and community service projects.
Last year, Case earned the Darwin Week Student Presentation Award, an achievement she says strengthened both her confidence and passion for scientific research.
“I felt proud to receive the award,” she says. “It affirmed that my hard work had paid off.”
Case decided she wanted to pursue nursing after taking a course her junior year, The Structure of the U.S. Healthcare System. The class reshaped how she viewed healthcare.
“This class changed my outlook on the healthcare system and my role as a citizen and future nurse,” she says. “It also developed my passion for increased access to primary care, which improves health outcomes and lowers healthcare costs.”
Throughout her entire academic journey at the College, Case maintained a high GPA and earned recognition on the President’s and Dean’s lists. She also received numerous scholarships and awards for academic achievement, including the Hibernian Society Foundation Scholarship, Laura S. Griffin Health Educator Scholarship, Department of Health and Human Performance Fund and the CofC Fund Scholarship.
Case is excited about the next phase of life and is open to many career opportunities.
“Right now, I work on a cardiac floor, which I would love to continue with after nursing school,” she says. “I am very passionate about preventative care, so I would love to one day work as a primary care nurse. I could also see myself earning my master’s degree and working as a nurse practitioner.”
Wherever her career takes her, it all started at the College of Charleston.