Leah Herring
Major & Minor
Majors: Molecular & Cellular Biology and Biochemistry
Minor: Criminology
Hometown
Allentown, PA
What made you choose your science major at this school?
- I originally wanted to do forensic science, but chose MCB as my major in order to keep my options open post-graduation. By taking a few extra classes, I was also able to add a Biochemistry degree and graduate in the same amount of time.
How hard were the intro science classes compared to high school?
- They were a little harder because I came from a Charter Arts high school, where we primarily trained in our art.
Do professors actually teach, or are most classes taught by TAs?
- Most discussions are taught by TAs, but most lectures are led by professors.
How easy is it to get help if you’re struggling in a science class?
- It is easier to ask for help in intro level science classes due to the vast variety of resources offered by Think Tank, but if you reach out to your professor early enough in the upper divisions, you can get assistance.
When can students start doing research (freshman year or later)?
- You can start whenever you want!
How did you get involved in research or labs?
- I cold emailed a lab manager after seeing an ad put in my departments weekly newsletter for a research tech.
Are research opportunities competitive or fairly accessible?
- As long as you don't give up trying to obtain a position, it is pretty accessible at a university as large as the U of A!
Do students get paid for research or is it mostly for credit?
- You can either do research for credit, volunteer hours, or for pay.
What does a typical week look like for a science major?
- A typical week for me is filled with classes, research, and working! I tend to front load my schedule in the beginning of the week, to give myself more time to chill at the end of the week and weekend.
How much time do you actually spend studying?
- For my upper division classes, I definitely spent more time preparing for exams the week of, while my lower division classes I did not need to spend as much time preparing for exams.
What’s the hardest science class you’ve taken—and why?
- BIOC 463A was the hardest science class I've taken, as the course content was very difficult, the class moved at a fast pace, and the professor was not the most useful when it came to preparing us for exams.
What do you wish you had known before coming here?
- Not to procrastinate studying until the last minute!
What clubs and/or organizations are you involved with?
- MCB Ambassadors, College of Science Ambassadors, PATH Peer Mentorship Program, Study Abroad Experience, former Destination Arizona Leader, Research Assistant, non-profit dance company member (outside of University)
What are your future plans after graduation?
- Pursuing my MPH in Global Health at either Boston University or the University of Chicago!