Brynn Doty

What’s your favorite class? Why?

Professor Louis Kuo, Organic Chemistry. This course, while certainly challenging, has been extremely rewarding and engaging. I love dissecting the interactions between molecules and observing how they can affect what we observe in the real world. I have also formed a solid network of other STEM students in this class. Having peers to collaborate with has been extremely helpful and has allowed me to fully understand and appreciate this class.

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

One of the things that initially drew me to L&C were the small class sizes. Especially in a STEM career, I wanted the opportunity to get to know the people in my classes in addition to the professors teaching them. Smaller class sizes have allowed me to connect with my professors and, vice versa, allowed them to get to know me. These relationships have helped me get the most out of the courses I have taken while expanding my network. I was also attracted to L&C because of the great study abroad programs that they offer. I am planning to study abroad in Berlin next fall. I am ecstatic to immerse myself in a new city while continuing my education. However, what really swayed my decision was the location of the college. Living on such a gorgeous campus and having access to mountains, beaches, and a city was very appealing and something I have been able to take full advantage of.

What do you like or find most interesting about your major?

As I mentioned before, I love understanding why certain reactions and interactions occur. My biochemistry and molecular biology major allows me to take a deep dive into the smallest facets of the natural world and understand how they interact with each other to create what we observe in our everyday lives. I also enjoy collaborating with like-minded people that hold similar interests. Pursuing this major has exposed me to many different people, many of which I have developed as friends.

Tell us about your support systems and social outlets on campus: people, activities, clubs, res halls, etc.

I have been exposed to many people through my engagement on this campus. From classes to clubs to campus activities, I feel like I am constantly forging new connections and building on previously established relationships. Because of L&C’s small student population, I tend to run into the same people at different events or get to know others through mutual friends; however, I still find myself meeting new people regularly. The people at L&C are extremely kind and accepting people which has made it easy to create a support system I can rely on.

If you went on a New Student Trip with College Outdoors, how did it shape your experience as an incoming student?

My New Student Trip was very formative when I was starting at L&C. Having an established group of people who I felt comfortable with before attending classes was extremely helpful, especially when navigating a new environment. Making the adjustment to college life was difficult at times but having these people to rely on helped my acclimation tremendously. While our group has drifted since our first year due to the expansion of our individual social circles, I still consider myself good friends with many of them.

If you have studied or will study overseas while at Lewis & Clark, how did you choose your program? What did your overseas study add to your L&C experience?

I have not attended a study abroad program yet, but I will be participating in the Berlin fall 2023 trip. I chose this program because the curriculum offers a structural biochemistry course which is an area of STEM I am looking forward to learning more about. Furthermore, there are many interesting humanities-focused courses that are being offered. Berlin is a fascinating city chock-full of history. I am excited to fully immerse myself in the lifestyle and culture of a new country.

What advice do you have for incoming students?

Go on a New Student Trip, and get involved in the community!

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology