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Amy Vinarao arrived at ��͹��Ƶ feeling “anxious, curious, excited — all at once.” Like many students, she didn’t have every step of her path mapped out, but she came ready to explore. She was determined to make the most of her time here: to ask questions, stay open to new possibilities, and figure out where her passion could lead. What she found at ��͹��Ƶ wasn’t just a major, it was a mission.

She began her time at ��͹��Ƶ intending to pursue Nursing, but as she worked through her prerequisites, she realized it wasn’t the right fit. What felt right was curiosity: about science, about how things work, about where her education could take her. She took a leap, talked to her advisor, and changed course, switching to Medical Laboratory Science after two years at ��͹��Ƶ.

Her advice to future Monarchs? “Don’t be afraid to step up early. Don’t be afraid to join organizations or clubs, to look for research opportunities, or increase your networking,” she said. “But don’t rush to figure out your niche or career.”

Instead, she encourages new students to explore, to reflect, and to use ��͹��Ƶ as a place to figure out who they are and what they care about. “Despite it being a large university, the university shows students they want you to succeed,” Amy said. “Faculty and staff work one-on-one with you so you can succeed.”

That kind of support made all the difference. In her second year, she discovered a love for microbiology while conducting research under the mentorship of Angela Wilson, clinical assistant professor in the Ellmer College of Health Sciences. “She saw potential in me before I saw it in myself,” Amy said.

“Amy was the first student to accept the challenge of doing research with me,” Wilson said. “And when I say accept, what I mean to say is she took off with the primary research concept I had and truly made it her own.”

Her first research presentation cemented that shift. “Professors and my peers were all coming to me and engaging me in my research. I realized ��͹��Ƶ is a place where I can be part of something and become a scientist,” she said.

Amy’s undergraduate research earned national recognition when her project on deliverable meal kits received the Student Research Competition award from the Clinical Laboratory Educators Forum. “Her project... allowed her to attend the national conference where I believe she discovered the power of networking,” said Barbara Kraj, Ph.D., associate dean for education and innovation in the Ellmer College of Health Sciences. “I know she is very aware of the challenges the medical laboratory science profession has been facing, yet she chooses every day to work towards becoming the solution.”

Amy stepped into leadership, not to chase titles, but to create impact. As president of the Medical Laboratory Science Student Association, she implemented a new point system to encourage engagement — a structure still in use today. “Even before Amy officially began the MLS program, I knew she would be a leader amongst her peers, her profession, and her community,” said Rachel Childs, program director for Medical Laboratory Science. “She has already passed the certification exam and hopes to become an MLS officer in the Air Force.”

“Seeing how other people were inspired to get involved was a reminder that leadership is about lifting other people up,” Amy said. She also served as the Developing Professional Forum Chair with American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science, mentored peers through research initiatives, and helped make space for new voices in her field. “Becoming part of the science community helped me shape my confidence and professionalism,” she said. “Without my team I wouldn’t have been able to do all the things I wanted to do.”

Amy is already certified and ready to begin her career in medical laboratory science. Her dream is to serve in the Air Force Biomedical Sciences Corps, and she plans to apply this fall when new positions become available. Until then, she’ll continue gaining experience and building on the strong foundation she developed at ��͹��Ƶ.

“Commencement is not just a ceremony — it’s a celebration of hard work, dedication, and the support from faculty, peers, and loved ones who have been part of this journey,” she said. “It marks the beginning of a new chapter.”

For Amy, that chapter is about continuing to grow as a scientist, a mentor, and a leader. And if her time at ��͹��Ƶ is any indication, she’ll keep making an impact by doing what she does best: leading with purpose, lifting others up, and staying curious.