Written by Hannah Scofield

Meet Anthony Pellegrini, a chemistry graduate with a Chinese minor. Anthony will enter the University of Virginia’s chemistry graduate program in the fall to study analytical chemistry.

Why did you choose BSC?

When I took my tour at Birmingham-Southern, I could sense a family-like atmosphere, and the student body and faculty were extremely welcoming. I was able to meet faculty from the science department, and they emphasized how they valued getting to know their students. This played an important role in my decision process. I knew instantly that I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to obtain an outstanding education at a prestigious college while playing collegiate tennis.

What are some things you’ve accomplished here that you would not have been able to accomplish anywhere else?

 Some accomplishments I’ve achieved over my career at BSC involve conducting four research projects, presenting research at a regional conference sponsored by the American Chemical Society, and being accepted into graduate school. Not every school offers the opportunity to conduct or present research, so being able to do both was vital in building my resume when applying to graduate schools. Also, playing college tennis was a huge goal of mine, and being able to play for four years at BSC has been an outstanding achievement.

What were your best BSC moments?

The friendships I built with fellow students and teammates at BSC are what I will cherish forever. They’ve propelled me to where I am today and have prepared me for life after BSC. In terms of athletics, being regular-season conference champions in 2016 and becoming captain of the team my senior year were my favorite moments.

What’s a fun fact about you?

A fun fact most people don’t know about me is that I took piano lessons for ten years and have studied the Chinese language for three years.

Why do you want to go to graduate school?

My mentor and advisor Dr. Laura Stultz was instrumental in guiding me to pursue graduate studies. Having gone to graduate school herself, she reiterated that if I was passionate about research and wanted to learn more, then graduate school could potentially be the right step for me. Having conducted multiple research projects with her, I became more comfortable in the lab, and knew I wanted to pursue my PhD in chemistry because I have a passion for research.

How has BSC prepared you for your next steps?

Without the guidance of faculty, coaches, and students, the goals I’ve set for myself would have seemed impossible four years ago. Being a student athlete, I’ve learned how to manage time, something that will be crucial as I pursue my studies in graduate school. Most importantly, BSC has made me a more well-rounded person than I was four years ago, which gives me confidence for the next step in my life.

What advice would you give to incoming students?

I would tell incoming students when they arrive to keep an open mind because you never know what may influence you next. If you don’t know what you want your career to be, don’t panic! Trust the process, and make an effort to know your advisor and professors. They will be the most important sources in reaching your goals. Enjoy your time at BSC, and never take it for granted because these four years will fly by. Good luck!

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Hannah Scofield ’19 served as the intern in the BSC Communications Department. She graduated with a degree in English and Media and Film Studies, and she will attend the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts in the fall. As a student, Hannah served as the editor of student magazine Bagheera, wrote for numerous other campus publications, and worked on film projects within BSC and through Sidewalk Film Festival.