Graduation Spotlight – Emilee Friedman

Why did you choose Augusta University?

As an Augusta native, being at Augusta University has been a really great experience. I have four younger siblings, so the combination of being able to have a true college experience while also being able to stay close to my family has been great.

What was your favorite thing about Augusta University?

The small class sizes. Especially when you get into your major and you have a lot of classes with the same people, the small class sizes help you build closer relationships with other students and your professors.

Also, undergraduate research. I kind of thought professors expected you to already know a lot about what they were doing, but working with Dr. Sabbatini helped me realize they’re actually there to explain things to you and that they want you to learn as part of the process. I really think it helps you to experience things most people don’t until they’re already into their career, learning different processes that they’re excited to teach you about. It made me want to learn more.

Which professors had the biggest impact on you?

Dr. Bates and Dr. Sabbatini were my favorite professors because they helped me figure out what I wanted to do. Taking Microbiology with Dr. Bates and doing research with Dr. Sabbatini on pancreatic cancer helped me to discover that I want to go into virology research and work with vaccines.

What do you plan to do after graduation?

I actually start my master’s program in biology next August. It feels awesome. I’m so excited. I never thought I’d make it this far.

Is there anyone else who strongly influenced your undergraduate career?

Amanda Boland in Career Services. She’s a really good resource I didn’t find out about until the end, and she knows a lot about the different careers you can go into with your major. Or, if she doesn’t know about it, she’s really great at helping you learn more about it. It kind of helps you explore different things that you’re good at that you might not even know about yourself.

I found out I’m a lot more detail-oriented than I thought I was, which is a good thing. So, she’s definitely a good resource.