• senior double major in Zoology and Psychology
• minor in Neuroscience
• member Miami University Gospel Singers (MUGS)

"The faculty that I've come across has been awesome! The professors really love their subjects and enjoy teaching it to their students. One of my academic advisors is also the professor that I do research with."

"Hey, I'm Shavonne! I'm a Zoology and Psychology double major with a Neuroscience minor. After I leave Miami, I plan on going to graduate school to get a professional degree. However, coming to all of these decisions did not come easily. Here's my story!"

MUGS

"When I first came to Miami, I planned on being a Zoology major (to become a veterinarian someday) and playing on the school softball team. As time went by, I decided that instead of playing softball, I wanted to get involved with some of the other student organizations and activities that Miami had to offer. I joined the Miami University Gospel Singers (MUGS), where I met a lot of my good friends and had an opportunity to grow in my faith.

Shavonne Ross and friends

"One of my friends from MUGS introduced me to an on-campus church called The Bridge. At The Bridge, I was surrounded by a lot of people who not only loved God, but who also accepted me for the person I was. Being in this type of environment really inspired me to step out of my comfort zone and to take advantage of some of the opportunities the church had to offer, such as mission trips and tutoring children. It was through these activities that I discovered I had a true passion for children and international students. After I discovered this, I decided to add Psychology as a major along with a Neuroscience minor. In addition, I became more involved in my church's bible study for international students.

"I'm extremely satisfied with all the things Miami has to offer and I know beyond a doubt that I was meant to be here."

Laboratory Research

"One of the coolest parts of majoring in zoology (or any subject for that matter) is having the opportunity to do undergraduate research. I've worked in a lab since my freshman year and am currently finishing my own project. Participating in research is very rewarding because it not only introduces you to new areas in the sciences that you might not have ever learned about, but it also can directly relate to specific classes you might be taking (genetics, ecology, etc.), which as you can imagine can help a great deal. This is something that I would advise every undergraduate to get involved with."

Miami Faculty

Shavonne Ross enjoys the solitude of a pond.

"The faculty that I've come across has been awesome! The professors really love their subjects and enjoy teaching it to their students. One of my academic advisors is also the professor that I do research with. She has helped me grow as a student and as a person.

"My advice to any undergraduate would be to get to know the faculty. Most are very open and willing to help you in any way they can."

Highlights

"In all, my experiences at Miami have just been mind-blowing. Some of the best memories I'll leave with involve all of the people I've grown close to over the years.

"I came into Miami with a vague idea of what I wanted to do with my life and a weak definition of myself. However, I am leaving Miami with new passions (along with the old), life-long friendships, and a solid definition of who I am and where I want to be!"

[December 2011]