Student Profile: Alyssa McCormick
Perhaps one of the most valuable aspects of the Chatham experience is the community. In such unprecedented times, I (Abigail Kneuss ‘23), have become increasingly grateful for this community and its members. In an effort to showcase just a few of these great people, I’ll be doing a series of student interviews in the coming weeks. These highlights are for students, about students, and by students. This week features Alyssa McCormick ‘23.
Anyone who has met Alyssa knows that she is a beam of sunshine. A lover of plants, science, crafting, and tea, she carries her joy for life everywhere she goes. Learn more about her, her work as a research tech at Eden Hall, and her plans for the future below!
Alyssa McCormick ‘23
Major: Environmental Science with a Botany minor
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Q: Why did you pick Chatham?
A: I was initially drawn to Chatham for the unique experience offered at the Eden Hall campus. The community at Eden Hall really lives, eats, and breathes sustainability (and the goats are pretty cute too). After having the opportunity to sit in on a class at an Academic Visit Day, I knew that I belonged at Chatham. The small class sizes allow professors to invest their time in students individually, so I knew I would be getting the most out of my education here.
Q: What is the most important thing you learned from your first year?
A: With all of the craziness that the pandemic brought about, I learned a lot about adaptability in my first year at Chatham. I never pictured myself back at home and in online classes during my first year, but with the flexibility and graciousness of my professors, I had a rewarding learning experience. My friends and I adapted to quarantine life by building a community over weekly Zoom calls and learned to make the best of a challenging situation.
Q: How have you gotten involved?
A: Over the summer, I worked as a research tech for Dr. Utz, focusing on biodiversity and the effects of invasive plants on Eden Hall campus. We spent most days in the forest planting native trees, collecting soil samples, and identifying plants. It was so exciting to have the opportunity to participate in such a hands-on learning experience, and the experience really solidified that I am in the right field!
Q: Outside of your studies, what do you enjoy doing?
A: I love to spend my time doing crafts like watercolor painting, crocheting, and embroidery. I also love to go thrifting for unique fashion pieces and fun pots for my growing collection of houseplants. I enjoy any time I can get outside, whether that be hiking, foraging, or learning the plants around me.
Q: Who do you look up to in life?
A: My two older sisters are definitely my biggest role models in life; they have both overcome so much and are the hardest workers I know. I also look up to all the women scientists who have come before me and made a career in science possible for me.
Q: What do you want to do after graduation?
A: I have a lot of ideas of what I may be up to after graduation; it may be forestry school or working towards an advanced degree in biology. It would be a dream come true to one day open my own nature center where I can educate kids about environmental issues. I think educating kids and instilling passion about the environment is the only way we can secure a healthy future on this planet!
Know a current or future student that should be featured or would like to be featured yourself? Email us! We’re happy to hear your suggestions.