MEET A SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
Maddie Davis ’22 • Huntersville, NC
CofC Fund Scholarship
Class of 1938 Scholarship
Samuel Freeman Charitable Trust
Harry Freeman Scholarship
What has been one of your favorite experiences here at College of Charleston?
Over the past four years I have had the opportunity to complete undergraduate research with the Biology department at the College. It has been so neat for me to take what I learn in the classroom and practice it in the “real world.” Working with Dr. Byrum, I have learned so much about the investigative process, molecular biology skills, and even experience with some genomic tools. Additionally, I’ve gained professional skills through presenting poster & lectures, writing grants, and will even be working on a publication this coming year! I also love that I have gotten to form a great relationship with my professor and can not only call her an advisor, but also a friend. This time is invaluable in the scope of my undergraduate training and potential as a future investigator.
What are your plans for after graduation?
Ultimately, I would like to be a Public Health Nutritionist, working for an NGO like UNICEF globally. My dream job would be to be a traveling community advisor where I go into to developing communities around the world and, in conjunction with local healthcare staff, access the state of maternal and child nutrition and then make sustainable recommendations to aid the local public health situation. Therefore, after graduation, I will be pursuing a master’s degree in public health with a concentration in nutrition. Afterwards, I will spend some time working as a registered dietitian to gain clinical experience before moving on to my advisory role.
How has your scholarship helped you and what is something you would want your donor to know about you?
The scholarship I received has allowed me not only to have an incredible undergraduate research experience, but also helped me save up for my dream study abroad. This past Spring I was able to travel to Buenos Aires, Argentina to study Spanish and political history. My time was cut a little short due to COVID-19, but nonetheless I made the most of my time perfecting my Spanish skills and even securing a research internship with a local clinic to explore nutrition outcomes in youth soccer players. I am absolutely so thankful for the time that I did have as it truly cemented in my mind my future career goals, and I look forward to one day returning so I can actually hike through Patagonia as planned.