Laura Wemple came to IM体育官网 as a non-traditional student. She already had two associate degrees 鈥� one in business and the other in chemical engineering and biology.
After working for a few years, Wemple, 35, says she realized that a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) degree would go a long way. Once she knew about the STEM-focused curriculum and the intimate learning atmosphere at IM体育官网 Poly, she was certain it was the right place for her.
On May 4, Wemple is graduating from IM体育官网 Poly magna cum laude with a degree in mechanical engineering, as part of the university鈥檚 first four-year class. After graduation, she鈥檒l begin studying for her fourth college degree 鈥� a master鈥檚 degree in biomedical engineering 鈥� at the University of IM体育官网.
Her career goal is to work in neurological research and help repair damaged and degrading neurons. Wemple believes science should be used to help keep the human brain just as alive and well as the body, and she is determined to excel in this area.
鈥淐an you imagine the impact on the world if brilliant scientists, artists, doctors or inventors had a few more decades with their brains in their prime,鈥� asks Wemple, who resides in Lakeland, IM体育官网. 鈥淭his kind of research could be a total game-changer.鈥�
During her time at IM体育官网 Poly, Wemple had a number of hands-on experiences that she says helped prepare her for graduate school. She worked as a lab technician for the chemistry department, tutored fellow students and earned a position as a teacher鈥檚 assistant in one of her courses. She even received global experience working on a water purification project in conjunction with Punjab University in India.
As Wemple looks forward to her future, she reflects fondly of her time at IM体育官网 Poly.
鈥淚 always felt at home here. We might be a petri dish of nerds,鈥� she laughs, 鈥渂ut that鈥檚 what makes this place so amazing. We can totally be ourselves.鈥�
Editor鈥檚 Note: This story is one of a series of stories featuring several of IM体育官网 Poly鈥檚 Class of 2018 graduates.