Macon State College MVPs is a web feature that profiles notable students, alumni, faculty and staff.
Senior Rebecca Holcomb has been admitted into a Ph.D program at Washington State University.
Full Name: Rebecca Holcomb.
Age: 21.
Hometown & Residence: Perry.
High School: “I went to Central Fellowship Christian Academy and participated in drama, choir, cross-country, science fair, mission trips, and volunteer work at the Houston County hospital and in the local community.”
Family: “Without my dad and mom, Glenn and Annette Holcomb, I would not have become the person that I am and achieved what I have.”
Current Employment: “I work part-time at Cantrell Center for Physical Therapy as an aide.”
Degree Objective: Bachelor of science in biology.
Class Rank: Senior.
Activities: Member of the Natural Sciences Network, student representative on Academic Affairs Committee, and Natural Sciences and Engineering Student Volunteer Service Internship program for four semesters.
Career Goals: “I will soon be attending Washington State University, where I will enter into a molecular plant sciences Ph.D program. I am interested in plant chemistry, specifically many metabolites produced in plants and how they are regulated. The goal of such research is to further the understanding of plant metabolism and possibly assist in the creation of new drugs, etc. After that program I will hopefully continue to conduct research and possibly teach.”
She chose Macon State College because … “I came here for a several reasons, the foremost being, I was not entirely sure what I wanted to do when I ‘grew up.’ Thus, Macon State was the most economical choice. In addition, the class sizes are small and much more personable than at a larger university.”
The one thing that surprised her about Macon State was … “I was very surprised about how open and caring the majority of my professors have been.”
Her favorite professor is … “All of my professors have had an impact on me and quite a few have been amazing mentors. Without diminishing the influence of the others, I would like to mention a few of them. The reason I am going into research is because Dr. Dawn Sherry put the bug into my head, to her I say, thank you. I took general biology 2108, vertebrate zoology, and ecology with her. Also, Dr. Kim Pickens and Dr. Donna Balding have been a great help with learning the ropes of research. Dr. Jeffrey Williams has been invaluable in the grad school application process and for advice about my future in grad school.”
Her favorite place to study is … “I have several places. In my earlier years I would study a lot in the Library, but now I am always in the lab, so I usually end up studying in there while I’m working on some project. I think my most favorite place is at home in the recliner, with a fire going in the wood stove, a cup of tea, and my dogs sleeping on the rug. (Yes, I know it seems more conducive for napping rather than studying.)”
One thing people don’t know about her is … “I have a solo canoe that I love to paddle down the Flint River.”
Her friends make fun of her because … “I am a complete nerd, so that is basically an open door for quite a variety of jokes. Also, to make matters worse, I am a total klutz.”
The one person she’d most like to meet is … “When I was a girl I read a biography about Amy Carmichael, a missionary to India. Ever since then I have been inspired by that woman’s drive to better the life of those around her. She defied all social expectations, ignored her health problems, and made a difference in many people’s lives. While at this time I do not plan to go into mission work, I will always follow Amy Carmichael’s example and be zealous for life and in some way try to change this world for the better.”
Five years from now she sees herself … “Hopefully finishing up my Ph.D.”