Welcome to Laura's

Webpage!

Valdosta State University

Hello everyone! My name is Laura Simmons. I am currently a freshman at Valdosta State University and am an active member in the Honors Program. I am majoring in biology and hope to use my degree to pursue a career in genetic research. I am already participating in research as an undergraduate research assistant for Dr. Mitch Lockhart. We are currently working with the University of Georgia to study bobcat diseases via PCR and serology testing. I work in the Biology Department doing prep. work for the microbiology labs--all in all I pretty much live in the department.

I am from the small town of Douglas, Georgia. I graduated from Citizens Christian Academy where I attended school for thirteen years--from kindergarten through twelfth grade. After graduating with a class of thirteen students, I decided to attend Valdosta State University for the research opportunities as well as the proximity to home--just far enough away, just close enough. I go home fairly often and am close with my family, but being in Valdosta so far has taught me so much & it truly feels like home.

The Honors Program at VSU

According to the VSU website, "The Honors Program offers enriched courses and special activities designed for academically prepared and motivated students. Honors classes are small--on the average about 16 students per section--and uniquely interactive, guided by the conviction that the best education involves questioning as well as memorizing, evaluating as well as comprehending. The Honors Program is committed to fostering creative thinking and active learning." I find this an accurate description of what I have experienced thus far through membership in the Honors Program.

Some of the advantages I have personally already enjoyed as a result of being a member of the Honors Program here at VSU include the option of early registration for classes as well as an opportunity to have a stronger and more productive say in my education. The smaller and more focused classes have helped provide me with a rich educational experience thus far. This surprisingly social and active organization has allowed me to meet my closest friends at VSU. Even now I am looking for ways to be even more active in the program next year. Membership in this program has helped me to stay motivated academically and is just one of the many factors promoting a strong drive to succeed in all aspects of my life.

These are the brilliant students in one of my Honors Classes.

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