My favorite part about GMercyU was getting to know the faculty. I felt – and still – feel to this day that I was spoiled compared to students at different schools because I was able to cultivate a wonderful rapport with my professors.
Journey to GMercyU
In 2015, Kait Ludes graduated from Council Rock High School South in Holland, Pa. Kait was first made aware of GMercyU at a college fair while she attended Bucks County Community College for her prerequisites. At the time, she had just transferred from another institution, and was looking for a Biology program with a small professor-to-student ratio.
On campus, Kait was a member of the Student Association of Science and a charter member of GMercyU’s chapter of American Association of University Women (AAUW). During her senior year, she served as Vice President for both organizations.
Kait became an inducted member of the Phi Theta Kappa and Sigma Zeta Honor Societies.
Experience in the Biology Program
Kait studied Biology with a focus on cellular and molecular biology and graduated with minors in Chemistry and Microbiology.
My experience in this program is similar to other transfer students in that we completed the 4-year program in three years – an accelerated track.
Despite the difficulties that the pandemic brought to learning, Kait expressed that she owes her success to her professors.
“I was lucky enough to perform undergraduate research and write my thesis with the help of my wonderful professors, and it is through their guidance that I was even able to finish the program, and in three years no less,” Kait said.
Kait felt it was too hard to choose just one faculty member that stood out, and if she had to choose, she would pick Dr. Barbieri and Dr. Winters. They both served as her thesis advisors. At least once a semester, she had classes with Dr. McEliece and Dr. Lettini, and she enjoyed learning from their different approaches to biology.
“I was lucky enough to perform research with Dr. McClain,” Kait said.
With the help of Dr. McClain, Kait performed a series of assays and laboratory tests to determine the effects of alcohol on microglial cells in the brain.
Post-Graduation
Since graduating in May 2021, Kait has returned to GMercyU as a student in the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program. She will be entering her second semester in the program.
“I would recommend GMercyU to prospective students if they are looking for an institution where they can find their niche and allow themselves to flourish. At GMercyU, you never seem as though you are just your tuition. GMercyU is friendship, knowledge, nurturing, and Mercy all rolled into one. What I love most about GMercyU is that there is always someone standing by to help you. You just need to find the courage to ask for it,” Kait said.
