Senior biology major Travis Redmond has excelled as a student but also has made a big impact on the community with a range of volunteer activities. The future doctor says he’s “cherished every moment” at UGA.
Hometown:
Mableton, Ga.
High School:
Wheeler High School
Degree objective:
B.S. in biology
Expected graduation:
Fall 2015
University highlights, achievements, awards and scholarships:
I was on the dean’s list fall 2012-spring 2013 and spring 2015.
When I decided to matriculate to the prestigious University of Georgia, I knew I wanted to be involved in the campus life so the summer before my freshman year I volunteered for Hunker Down with Housing, a service that helps other students move into dorms. Not long after, I applied and was accepted into SGA Freshman Forum, an organization for leadership training, service and an introduction to the Student Government Association. I made numerous bonds with people that I am elated to still consider friends to this day. Through this program we hosted a breakfast for employees of student housing, and we also volunteered at the local Boys & Girls Club.
Following my first semester, I was inducted into the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. The second semester of freshman year I found an additional extracurricular activity of interest — the Peach State Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation. This organization focused on highlighting and supporting minority students in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) fields of study. I was fortunate enough to become an LSAMP scholar and gain funding.
Sophomore year I volunteered for Hunker Down with Housing yet again. This time I was granted a shift leader position giving me quite a bit more responsibilities. As the semester began, I acquired an entomology research lab position. This opportunity introduced me to the scientific process and its many nuances as well as gave me the opportunity to present research in a professional setting, which prepared me for my summer plans. The summer of sophomore year I attended the STAR (Student Training and Research) program at Georgia Regents University where I conducted biomedical research pertaining to Alzheimer’s disease with Dr. Wen-Cheng Xiong. During this summer, I became even more familiar with the research process. At the end of the intensive nine-week program, I composed and presented a research poster. This was one of my most memorable collegiate experiences and I have become close friends with many of the other students who attended.
As junior year began, I volunteered for the book sale at Athens-Clarke County Library, which I did again the following semester. Later I became a member of BMLS (Black Male Leadership Society) as part of the Financial Affairs Committee and AMSA (American Medical School Society) where I became a mentor for younger pre-medical students. I also volunteered for their Thanksgiving feast/clothing drive. During the second semester, I began to do several independent volunteer activities such as working at the food bank to volunteering at the Twilight bike race in order to make a difference in the community I have grown to love.
This summer I am applying to medical schools as well as volunteering at a local hospice center and the library for the summer reading program and continuing my position as a research assistant in my entomology lab.
Current Employment:
I work in the entomology department as a research assistant under Brian Forschler.
Family Ties to UGA:
I am proud to be the first Bulldog in my family but hopefully not the last.
I chose to attend UGA because…
I really wanted to stay in state because of the Hope Scholarship yet I didn’t want to be too close to home, and when also considering that UGA is the flagship institution of Georgia it was the logical choice. It provides the perfect balance of affordability, freedom and esteem.
My favorite things to do on campus are…
I am a fitness enthusiast so you can always find me at Ramsey working out. I also enjoy attending Improv Athens performances as they are absolutely hilarious, and I can’t help but take advantage of the Tate Theatre’s $1 movies.
When I have free time, I like…
I am probably hanging out with friends and playing video games. I also catch up on my favorite shows (“Mad Men,” “House of Cards” and “The Walking Dead”). Otherwise I’ll be doing anything online.
The craziest thing I’ve done is…
As a sophomore in high school I took part in an aviation summer program during which the final task was piloting a Cessna airplane. Of course there was an actual pilot present but I had full control of the yoke and pedals. This was by far one of the coolest things I’ve ever done.
My favorite place to study is…
There are various classrooms on the third floor of the pharmacy building that are excellent study rooms, but if I can’t access them I tend to study in the cubicles on the second floor of MLC. Typically, I can study wherever there is adequate space and comfortable seating.
My favorite professor is…
My PI, Brian Forschler, is my favorite professor. He introduced me to so many aspects of the scientific research process and he’s also extremely hilarious. Dr. Forschler has been a great mentor and friend throughout my years of college.
If I could share an afternoon with anyone, I would love to share it with…
… Stan Lee, the creator of Marvel comics. His works dominated my childhood and are still relevant to my life today thanks to the increasing number of movie adaptations. It would be awesome to pick his brain and to thank him for his contributions to literature.
If I knew I could not fail, I would…
… be a professional track and field athlete because it is the one sport that I pursued in high school that I had any aptitude for; I really miss it. I would also be a movie director because I have a fascination with films and spend a lot of time watching and critiquing various classics and modern films with my siblings. And of course I would be a physician as that is my current course. There are so many interesting and fulfilling careers in the world and I would want to explore many of them.
If money was not a consideration, I would love to…
It’s a little cliché but I would love to travel the world and open numerous clinics on almost every continent to provide quality and affordable health care.
After graduation, I plan to…
… attend medical school, but seeing as how I’m graduating a semester early I hope to utilize my extra time working to save up money and also traveling to festivals and conventions that I have always wanted to attend (Comic-con, E3 and Coachella).
The one UGA experience I will always remember will be…
I’ve had so many great experiences at UGA, I can’t imagine forgetting a single one. From Snellebrating with friends, the amazing football seasons (LSU and Auburn games especially!) and getting my first A on an OChem exam, I will cherish every moment at UGA.
