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SHE WAS CHALLENGED TO GO BEYOND HER COMFORT ZONE
| STUDENT STATS: |
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| Student: |
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Angela "Angi" Gullard, Class of 2008 |
| Hometown: |
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Toney, Alabama |
| Major: |
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Biology / Chemistry |
| Minor: |
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Spanish |
| Who is she? |
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First person to be accepted into UAB's new DMD / PhD program in Molecular and Cellular Pathology Dual degree program |
Ever since she was a little girl, Angi Gullard has loved science and nature. Born and raised in Germany until she was 5 years old, Angi can remember her mother, Angi Simon, encouraging her interests in learning about the human body, gifting her with scientific books and even a mini microscope.
When Angi entered Judson College in the fall of 2004 as a freshman, she knew exactly what she would study. Graduating in June 2008, Angi is now the first person ever to be accepted into the University of Alabama at Birmingham's dual enrollment program in Molecular and Cellular Pathology for Dental and Ph. d. School, an eight year graduate study program.
"My time at Judson has been very productive," Angi said. "It's been an amazing growth experience - both intellectually and spiritually. There's lots of accountability at Judson because it's so small and this forces you to get involved. The biology department is strong and it encourages you to go beyond your comfort zone."
Angi is an active member of the college Earth Team and science club. She is a Tri Beta Club member, a Judson Ambassador and has been Class Treasurer for four years. As part of the Earth Team, Angi enjoys taking trips to nearby Perry Lakes Park, where her class keeps the area clean, learns about nature, and helps with building projects.
Two years ago, Angi, as a pre-med student, found she was unsure about what she wanted to do with her life, until she heard a representative from UAB speak about the Dental School. She realized she was fascinated. That following summer, Angi interned in a dentist's office in Tennessee and found her calling.
As part of the admissions process, Angi had to go through two interviews - one for dental school, the other for the graduate program. To get in, she had to be accepted by both programs. Angi found that UAB was one of the only institutions that offered the dual enrollment program, meaning she could complete two degrees at once.
She will began her studies in May, focusing on Prosthodontics - general dentistry including crowns, bridges and implants. Angi hopes to one day be able to start her own clinic, but wouldn't mind practicing dentistry in an office while teaching at UAB.
Dr. Thomas Wilson, Head of the Biology Department, is the professor whom Angi said has inspired her the most to succeed, encouraging her to pursue new interests and challenging her daily with knowledge he gleans from reading science journals.
Besides academics, Judson has also prepared Angi for higher education by teaching her how to interact with other people through professional engagements and etiquette. All of these character-building skills will remain with her throughout her life.
Angi believes future college students should keep an open mind and always work towards their goals.
"Challenge yourself to do more than you can handle. You will learn about yourself while growing with others."
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