Graduate Spotlight: Mary Connell

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Mary Connell

Mary Connell, a 2020 graduate of Mercer University‘s School of Engineering, earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering specializing in biomedical engineering.

What are you plans after graduation?

I will be staying at Mercer to finish my Master of Science in Engineering specializing in biomedical engineering. I will also be working at OrthoGeorgia as a medical scribe.

Who was your favorite professor and why?

My favorite professor is Dr. Ha Van Vo. He is one of the biggest reasons why I fell in love with Mercer when I was touring colleges. I heard about his Mercer On Mission to Vietnam and knew that was something I wanted to be involved in, and I am so thankful to have participated in the trip in 2018. He has a passion for serving people in need, and that is what I admire most about Dr. Vo. He also has the best stories to keep class interesting and encourages his students to work hard. I have learned so much from Dr. Vo, and I am incredibly thankful for him.

What is one of your favorite Mercer memories?

There are too many! One of my favorite memories is participating in the Lip Sync Battle during Homecoming week my sophomore and junior years. It was always so much fun getting to go on stage and hear your friends scream your name from the crowd. I am looking forward to making more Mercer memories during Homecoming in the future!

What was your favorite class and why?

My favorite class was either Photography or Fundamentals of 3-D Design with Professor Gary Blackburn. I took 3-D design during one of my most challenging semesters, and it was a great stress reliever. One of the great things about going to a liberal arts college is that you have opportunities to take classes outside your major. Those classes were creative outlets for me, and I learned a lot in both. Professor Blackburn is also one of the kindest and funniest professors I met during my four years. Anyone who was needing an art credit, I told them they HAD to take his class.

What advice do you have for incoming students?

Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. When I was a senior in high school, I never could’ve imagined being a part of all the incredible opportunities Mercer has provided me. I never saw myself as a strong leader, but Mercer has taught me how to be just that. I found my best friends through the different organizations I was involved in, and I cannot imagine my life without them. These will be some of the best four years of your life!

What makes Mercer special to you?

Over these past four years, Mercer has become my home away from home. Coming to college, I was worried about feeling homesick or not being able to find my place here. From the moment I stepped foot on campus on move in day, all of those worries went away. I knew that Mercer was going to provide me with ample opportunities to discover my passions in life. Mercer is special to me because it helped shape me into the woman I am today.

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