2023 Graduate Spotlights (T-Z)

Celebrating Drew Scholars Class of 2023!

---

*Featured profile includes photo(s) and written spotlight.

Suzu Thompson*

Neuroscience, Bachelor of Science College of Natural Science Honors College Columbus, IN

About 

Suzu’s decision to attend MSUwas a hard one, especially making the decision to do so as an out-of-state student from Columbus, IN.  She is incredibly grateful to have the support of her partner as throughout her Spartan journey. 

Suzu’s academic interests are focused on learning more about mental health, and what impact she can make to improve the care and treatment of those experiencing mental illnesses. She remains ever curious as she shares, “There's always going to be more to learn when it comes to the human mind and how we think about it. To accomplish this, I plan to continue to improve my writing and research skills.”

Suzu is graduating with honor from MSU with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from Honors College and the College of Natural Science. 

Meaning of this Momentous Occasion

Suzu shares what reaching this moment means to her:

“... I plan to use my experiences to help my sisters through their early stages of career planning and exploration. Honestly, I wanted to graduate as soon as possible so that I would be more able to support them when they graduate high school. 

But even if I spent the full 4 years here, or even more, I would probably still think of my time here as short, and I appreciate the passionate professors who do what they can to teach us with the little time they have.”

Significance of Drew Scholars

“I think my membership gave a lot of insight into post-graduation options and preparation that I was completely unaware of.”

To My Peers and Successors

“There are A LOT of clubs out there. Explore them! And don't hesitate from e-board positions, there are smaller clubs that need the help. Also, make sure to take classes you think you'll enjoy.” 

David Tran

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Bachelor of Science College of Natural Science

Anna Trbovich

Human Biology, Bachelor of Science College of Natural Science

Allen Trevizo

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Bachelor of Science Genomics & Molecular Genetics, Additional Major College of Natural Science Honors College

Payton Walton

Astrophysics, Bachelor of Science Mathematics, Additional Major Physics, Additional Major College of Natural Science

Darla Washington

Physiology, Bachelor of Science College of Natural Science Honors College

Janiya Welsh

Kinesiology, Bachelor of Science Health Promotion, Minor College of Education

Aniyah Williams*

Human Biology, Bachelor of Science College of Natural Science Honors College Detroit, MI

About

Aniyah is from Detroit, MI, and an alumnus of Renaissance High School. Her interests in science began early in childhood and it was in high school where her aspirations for a career in medicine began.

Ultimately, her goals include working as a physician-scientist specializing in Internal Medicine and Epidemiological Research. Using her research, she aims to decrease the prevalence of disease in minority groups, specifically African-American women.

As a student, she was highly involved which is demonstrated by her positions as a patient care technician at Sparrow Hospital, Certified Nursing Assistant, Research Assistant, and the Head Community Service Chair for MSU Ladies of Elevation.

She is graduating from the Honors College and the College of Natural Science at MSU with a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology. Aniyah's next chapter has begun, she has accepted a full-time position as a clinical researcher at the Michigan Institute of Urology! As she continues to gain experience in this role, she will maintain her preparation for application to medical school.

Meaning of this Momentous Occasion

"Graduating means everything to me. It shows how resilient I am and how much faith I have in God and in myself to accomplish all of my academic and career goals no matter the obstacles."

Significance of Drew Scholars

"Drew gave me my first opportunity to conduct real scientific research here at MSU in the Microbiology & Molecular Genetics Department. Now I have a newfound passion for research and will be incorporating it into my career now as a physician-scientist."

To My Peers and Successors

"Take your time with everything in life.

You're only in competition with yourself.

It isn't about perfection it's about purpose."

Breanna Williams*

Human Biology, Bachelor of Science Health Promotion, Minor College of Natural Science Honors College Detroit, MI

About

Breanna was born and raised in Detroit, MI, where she graduated from Cass Tech before matriculating to MSU.  Bringing joy to others has always been an essential quality of hers, which fuels her desire to be in the medical field, something she’s wanted since she was a girl. This goal took on greater meaning for her after the loss of her grandmother, an experience that gave her a stronger purpose undergirding her pursuits.

Another motivating factor for Breanna, is from experiences she had as an adolescent where many of the people she encountered discouraged her from pursuing a career as a physician.  It was their belief that women were better suited for careers in nursing. As a physician, her intentions are to use her platform to advocate for underserved communities to have affordable and accessible healthcare as well as to fill physician-patient gaps within minority communities and to break gender-based stereotypes around women being physicians. 

From the beginning of her time as a Spartan, she has desired to engage on every level of her college experience, she has sought to grow her skillset and capacity through engaging in many varied experiences on and off campus.  She began her leadership development as both the president of the Minority Association of Premedical Students (MAPS) and the lead office assistant for Drew Scholars. She continued her leadership development and training as the president of the Delta Zeta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, which she joined as a sophomore in Spring 2021. She has maintained involvement with multiple student clubs and volunteer organizations where she has demonstrated her commitment to academic excellence and community service.  Rewards for Breanna’s dedication, persistence, and ingenuity has earned her over $100,000 in scholarship funding throughout her undergraduate education.   

Breanna is graduating with honor from MSU with a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology and minor in Health Promotion from the College of Natural Science and the Honors College.  Following graduation, she will begin her graduate education at the Michigan State College of Osteopathic Medicine where she will officially begin her medical education journey to becoming an obstetrician-gynecologist (OBGYN)!

Meaning of this Momentous Occasion

Breanna has shared what it means to have reached this point in her academic journey:

“These last 4 years have allowed me to grow positively in many ways. I have learned many lessons over the years, professionally and personally. The advice that always stuck with me is to start strong from the beginning. I set many academic goals from the start of my college career that would allow me to have the opportunities I have now. Going into medical school I will continue to have this mindset because it has helped so much in undergrad.” 

Significance of Drew Scholars

“The Charles Drew Science Scholars Program has been my home away from home these past 4 years. The Drew program has allowed me to make so many connections and have a community during my time at MSU. From the NSC 100 course to working in the office, my time being involved with Drew has allowed me to grow personally and professionally. 

Drew will always have a special place in my heart for the impact and support the program has given me throughout my college journey.”

To My Peers and Successors 

“My advice to underclassmen is to enjoy every moment including the little things; take on challenges and if they don't go your way use them as learning moments. These years of undergrad are here to help shape you into the person you want to be personally and professionally, so take every opportunity to be your best self!” 

Carcia Young

Mathematics - Teacher Education, Bachelor of Science College of Natural Science Honors College

Samara Zinnerman*

Human Biology, Bachelor of Science Sociology, Minor Woman & Gender Studies, Minor  College of Natural Science Honors College Glenwood, IL

About

Samara is from Glenwood, IL, and is an alumnus of Homewood-Flossmoor High School.   She has always been committed to service through leadership roles and community drives, as well as through her love of singing opera and classical music.  

In addition to her extracurricular involvement, she has a passion for women’s health and reproductive rights, which led her to her current career path! Her career goals are to become an OB/GYN practicing with a clinic in the Chicagoland area.  The focus of her work will be supporting and caring for women in underrepresented communities. She also aspires to take her knowledge, skills, and talents overseas providing support to women in developing countries in need of medical assistance. 

During her time at MSU, she has served as a Resident Assistant, Vice President of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, and President of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Samara was a Public Global Health Intern for Johnson & Johnson R&D as an ELC Scholar. 

Samara is graduating from MSU College of Natural Science and Honors College with a Bachelors of Science in Human Biology and minors in both Sociology and Women’s & Gender Studies. Following graduation, she will spend more time with both of her parents and her two sisters while working as a hospital phlebotomist in the Chicagoland area and continuing her preparation for the MCAT and application to medical school.

Meaning of this Momentous Occasion

“My last 4 years at MSU has been such a bumpy road with lots of twists and turns but such a rewarding journey. I have not had the typical college movie experience that everyone dreams of due to the COVID-19 pandemic, online class, no in-person interactions, and even some eventful personal experiences. I never imagined coming here in the Fall of 2019, thinking that I would experience what college was like before, during and post COVID! 

All of these bumps or extraordinary circumstances have helped me develop into the person I am now. I thank God for giving me the opportunity to attend MSU and have the opportunities that I've had to grow, meet lifelong friends, and make connections that will better help me in the future.” 

Significance of Drew Scholars

“The Drew Scholars program has brought so many connections, friendships, and opportunities that I will take with me for the rest of my life. I have been able to improve so much on my writing skills, professionalism, and even interpersonal skills throughout my 4 years in the program. I absolutely loved that we were able to have our own advisor just for the program and to cater to our specific needs. Most importantly, I have had the opportunity to meet other young women who look like me, see them achieve their goals, and walk across the stage together with them.”  

To Peers and Successors

“Never give up! College will bring many different challenges but just know the light is at the end of the tunnel. Cherish every moment you have in college because as my Dad says, "College days swiftly pass and imbued memories fond."