The Biology Department is very proud of our students and the work they do. Check out these students and what they had to say about their experience at South Plains College.
Matt Hamilton began attending SPC after relocating to the area. He was helping care for his grandparents, who encouraged him to explore college and see what was out there that might interest him. Matt came to the Biology department as a student, and found a place to call home. Matt worked in the department, took all the biology classes as he could, and developed relationships with his professors that continue to be important today. Read about Matt's experience at SPC and his advice for other students:
- Why did you choose SPC?
I chose SPC because of my Grandmother. I moved to West Texas to both help my grandparents at home, and better myself as an individual. My grandmother suggested that I go back to school and though I was apprehensive at first, it was the best decision I could’ve made.
- What advice would you give incoming students?
Embrace the opportunity you have to improve upon the skills needed to become a better student by actively engaging with the faculty at SPC. For me, some of the most influential professors I’ve encountered in my career to date have been at SPC. The professors genuinely care about your growth as both a student and an individual. That connection between student and teacher can sometimes be lost due to time constraints at larger institutions, so take advantage of the time you have now. I’m still in contact with many of the Professors I encountered at SPC, and I consider them lifelong friends and mentors.
- What is your favorite memory of SPC?
I have plenty of fond memories of SPC, but if I had to choose one it would be the time spent working with Professor Etheredge in the Biology Department. I learned so much from the Biology Department faculty but arriving early in the morning before classes started and working on preparing labs with Professor Etheredge is something I will always cherish. Also, any and every memory made while in the Wildlife class! If you haven’t already, you should sign up for the Wildlife class!
- What are you doing now?
I’m currently working on my master’s in biology as a graduate Research Assistant for Angelo State University. I work on both spotted and striped skunk populations near Houston, Texas.
- What educational accomplishment are you most proud of? Why?
I’m most proud of my Associates degree in Biology from SPC. I was never particularly successful as a student (prior to my time at SPC) and I was nervous about attempting to go back to college. The professors at SPC really instilled in me the skills needed to be a successful student and proving to myself that I’m capable of so much more really started at SPC. It was the catalyst to all of my current success.
Cassandra Schmitt came to SPC after several years into her career. She had completed a bachelor's degree in 2012 at Lubbock Christian University and was a victim's advocate with Voice of Hope in Lubbock. As Cassandra began considering a career change, she knew she wanted to help people. She sought to expand the impact of her abilities to both the environment and all the organisms that are affected within it. She decided to focus her studies on toxins and how human activities impact the organisms in those environments, with the goal of earning a Master's degree in Environmental Toxicology from Texas Tech University. Cassandra worked hard, taking classes to build a solid foundation in the sciences for admission to the toxicology program, and was accepted to the program in 2017. In 2019, Cassandra crossed the stage at Texas Tech, earning her master's degree. Here's what Cassandra had to say about her time at SPC:
- Why did you choose SPC?
SPC instructors provide an experience which extends beyond the classroom. They exude passion in their subjects and an opportunity to participate in hands-on learning. In addition to the smaller class sized, every student belongs and has a place at SPC.
- What advice would you give incoming students?
You get out of your departments and instructors the amount of effort you put into the course and department. There are opportunities to meet with your instructors one-on-one during office hours, seasonal community events, study gardens, and even laboratory/career tours offered through departmental clubs. Networking begins today. Your attitude, perspective, and participation can open doors to future possibilities and success if you allow it!
- What is your favorite memory of SPC?
It is entirely too difficult to boil my experience at SPC down to a single favorite memory. So, I will limit myself to two. I greatly enjoyed feeling the gentle head-butting of Watson the giant tortoise as he toured our classroom during Biology laboratory experiments.
But nothing beats sitting around a crackling fire under the stars of Big Bend Canyon,
canoes pulled onto the river banks, as your friends and instructors identify the organisms
you observed throughout the day.
- What are you doing now?
Upon completing the pre-requisite Chemistry and Biology courses for my graduate program of interest, I received news from my desired program that I was admitted with full-funding! I recently graduated with a Master’s in Environmental Toxicology, having studied pesticides and their effects on aquatic vertebrates.
I am currently working as a Senior Student Advisor at Texas Tech University to assist other students with accomplishing their dreams, and I continue to collaborate with research projects! The future is an open door, window, a wide world of possibilities of which I plan to take advantage.
- What educational accomplishment are you most proud of? Why?
I am most proud of the relationships I have formed along the way. I continue to connect with past instructors and students on a regular basis. You never know with whom you will be a colleague, friend, or future collaborator.
