Nick Schmedding

Hometown

Cloverly, Maryland (Paint Branch High School)

Why W&M

I wanted to attend an academically rigorous school that would accommodate my varied interests, particularly in the fields of biology and English literature, and allow me to synergically combine them. The mid-sized liberal arts environment at William and Mary is ideal if you seek these conditions, and I very quickly chose to come here when I visited during my senior year of high school. The Murray Scholars program in particular exemplifies well-balanced academic rigor, and I was particularly attracted to the prospect of completing a cumulative, program-financed Murray project that would begin a possible career of biological research and give me a first taste of academic independence. Since my strongest interests are in wildlife biology (especially ornithology) and botany, the ecological environment of the campus and surrounding area was also an enticement. The social environment of the program and school is also very intellectually stimulating.

Major

Biology and possibly English

Extracurriculars

• Running Club
• Ruritan Club W&M chapter
• Matthew Whaley ES tutoring
• Esperanto Club

Research at W&M

Last semester I completed an HHMI internship with Professor Engstrom, with whom I worked on projects exploring the genetics of the Arabidopsis thaliana and Selaginella apoda plants. This semester I am working on a guided study with Professor Case that involves researching and writing a review of literature published on the American chestnut tree and restoration efforts.