Emma Miller
“I knew that furthering my education at WVU would allow me to make a real change in my home state.”
Why did you choose to study at WVU?
I am from West Virginia and I chose to study at WVU because of the school’s commitment to offering education, care and resources to benefit the state. I knew that furthering my education at WVU would allow me to make a real change in my home state.
Why did you choose to study immunology and medical microbiology?
Right from the start, I knew that this program was special. During my first campus tour, I was able to see the lab space and hear all about the hands-on opportunities offered to students. Those things paired with the curriculum and the medical focus made me see this was a right fit for me.
What has your experience at the University been like?
Beginning in my first semester I was able to do some hands-on labs, which I really enjoy. My major also has a paid research internship opportunity for students to work with faculty members in the department. I have had the privilege of working with my research mentor, Dr. Barnett, and that has been very beneficial to my learning.
Special Honors/Memberships
As an incoming freshman, I was named a Neil S. Bucklew scholar. I have also received awards for presenting my research at the 2022 Autumn Immunology Conference in Chicago and the 2023 Van Liere Research Conference.
What extracurricular activities are you involved in?
I am the president of WVU’s student chapter of the American Society of Microbiology and the vice president of the Student Organ Donation Advocates organization on campus. I am also an ambassador for the School of Medicine’s professional programs.
Tell us something unique or interesting about yourself that others may not know. Hobbies, talents, superlatives, etc.
I spend most of my free time baking, and I have a tortoiseshell kitten named Winona.
What would you tell a student who’s thinking about applying to your program?
I would tell a prospective student to not let themselves be intimidated. The professors in our program are extremely caring and supportive.
What are your long-term goals?
I want to study medicine and serve a community. Eventually I want to work in pediatric medicine because that will allow me to care for patients from the very beginning of their lives and build long-lasting relationships with them and their families. For now, I was accepted into the WVU School of Medicine’s M.D. program, so I will start that in the summer and continue studying what I love.