Student Spotlight: Mallory Givens, Senior, History

Mallory Givens grew up in Eagle River and graduated from Eagle River High School a semester early in fall 2006. "Though many of my friends left Alaska to go to out-of-state universities, I chose UAA because it is affordable. I didn't know which college I wanted to attend after I graduated high school. However, going to an out-of-state university and spending thousands of extra dollars didn't make much sense to me," said Mallory.

Growing up with both her parents as pharmacists, it made sense for Mallory to study biology. During her freshman year at UAA she took many science classes, and one history class for fun. It wasn't long until she realized she was enjoying her history class a lot more than she expected. "I was hooked," Mallory said. Though Mallory enjoyed studying history, there was a part of her that still wanted to pursue medical school.

Currently, Mallory is working harder than ever making sure she is taking all the appropriate classes to graduate with a history degree, while still meeting all the requirements needed to go to medical school. "UAA is great. I've had the flexibility to develop and research things about myself in areas that I would normally not explore. I get to see things, and test things and then go from there," said Mallory. "It's harder though; I have taken 12 credits every summer making up for the biology requirements needed for medical school."

This past year, Mallory was one of three UAA students who was awarded the National Consortium for Measurement and Signature Intelligence Research (NCMR) scholarship grant, disbursed by the National Science Foundation.

Mallory is researching "Developmental Changes in the Myosin Heavy Chain (MHC) Expression in Harp Seals," supported by a UAA Alaska Heart Institute Biomedical Research Fellowship. Specifically, she is trying to determine if the MHC expression in the heart ventricles of Harp seals change as they develop; and if so, whether the changes correlate with previously measured biochemical properties.

In addition, Mallory was named as the University Honors College Student Advisory Board co-chair. Though very busy, Mallory does make time to participate in other rewarding opportunities on campus. She is the student representative to the Undergraduate Research Task Force and participates in the Pre-Med Club. Mallory also served a term as UAA's Union of Students' (USUAA) vice-president. "Through internships I've been given a lot of opportunities and developed lasting partnerships with members of the community that ultimately relate back to the university. UAA turns out good students, and the community is starting to recognize that," said Mallory.

After Mallory graduates in May 2011, she hopes to work with people who are less fortunate. "I love to travel, and eventually I would like to work with Doctors Without Borders. I have seen through my travels so many people that need help, and I can offer that help," she said.

Right now Mallory is in the process of applying to medical schools. "It's exciting and nerve-racking at the same time. It's hard trying to figure it all out."

UAA has provided Mallory with the instruction and guidance to go on to bigger and better things. With the help of her professors and involvement through the University, Mallory is getting the help she needs to choose the right path for her.