NW Kentucky News

From Cap & Gown to Career: Eva Hundley ’16

I received my Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree from Brescia in 2016. I had originally wanted to pursue a career in pharmacy, but I really enjoyed being in the lab and that encouraged me to become an analytical chemist. My chemistry professor and mentor helped me transition from the pharmacy path to the chemistry degree path. He was very helpful in answering all my questions and guided me to take the right classes. I did not have plans for graduate school anymore, but I knew a degree in chemistry would open many potential doors if I were to change my mind.

After Brescia, I worked at two environmental science labs and now work as an Environmental Chemist at the Civil Engineering research lab at Vanderbilt University. The academic experience at Brescia prepared me for this career in so many ways. The small lab classes allowed me to learn more and do more in the laboratory, expanding my analytical skills and helping me get more experience. For my senior seminar, I was the only student, so I was able to choose my own project and work on it at my own pace. I learned problem solving skills and I also learned to work independently. As a member of the university soccer team, I learned how to work as a team. I also learned how to manage my time wisely and learned to work ahead of schedule.

Overall, I believe Brescia helped me learn professional skills like being a reliable person and showing up on time. I am able to meet work deadlines and fulfill my responsibilities. All my professors held me accountable for my own work and guided me to become a good, professional adult. I actually had one professor review my resume and help me prepare for my first (professional) interview. In my career, I have been able to guide many coworkers and teach them what I learned in school. I was able to use all the skills I learned from Brescia and apply them to my career.

I would recommend Brescia to a High School student because nothing beats the attention and resources you receive from the small class sizes. The professors know your name, they are available to see you after class, and they are able to guide you in any career path you choose. The lifelong friends you make help make the experience even better and the connections you develop are amazing. I still rely heavily on all my lab skills I developed while at Brescia, and I believe that’s something you cannot achieve somewhere else.

Original source can be found here.