B.A.: Medicinal Use of Psychoactive Substances

Indicate any other major, minor, certificate, and/or honors that will be on your graduation record:

B.A. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Degree Mentors

• Dr. Sarah Leupen, Department of Biological Sciences
• Dr. Katherine Seley-Radtke, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Professor
• Eric Brown, Individualized Study

Why did you choose to major in INDS?

I first heard about INDS during an information session at a campus visit when I was initially touring UMBC. One of the example topics the tour guide mentioned was Neuroscience, and at the time I was very interested in pursuing a Neuroscience degree.

 What are your plans for after graduation, and how do you see using your INDS degree?

I hope to be pursuing a PhD in Pharmacology after graduation. My INDS degree is focused on the area of research I am interested in pursuing in my future career, and has been a way for me to pursue coursework that will prepare me for my graduate degree. My work for my degree and my capstone project have also been a good talking point in interviews that have helped me stand apart from my peers during the application process.

EXTRACURRICULAR

Meyerhoff Scholars Program (M32), USM Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP), Chemistry and Biochemistry Council of Majors (PR Officer, Vice President), Neuroscience Club (Founding Member, Vice President), Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority (Member, Sisterhood Chair, Senior Programming Chair, Vice President of Operations, Director of Finance), STEM Living Learning Community (Peer Mentor (3 years)), Chemistry Department Learning Assistant (6 semesters), Academic Success Center Tutor (2 semesters), Undergraduate Research Assistant in the Vonhoff Lab (Department of Biological Sciences) (URCAD 2022, 2023, 2024 presentations, URAs in 2022-2023, 2023-2024), Summer 2023 NSF BRAVe Internship (San Antonio, TX).

For more information on Francesca's INDS journey please click here: