The University of Texas at Dallas honored the Class of 2022 at spring commencement this week. In the second part of this two-part series, soon-to-be graduates from four of UT Dallas’ eight schools shared their journeys and how the University helped them fulfill their academic dreams. (Editor’s Note: Students from the University’s other four schools were featured in a previous News Center story.)
Jeremy Linville
Bachelor of Science in psychology
School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences
Hometown: San Antonio
How did you become interested in psychology?
I’ve always enjoyed helping my friends and family members solve their personal problems. Initially, I wanted to take a pre-med route to become a psychiatrist, but, once I learned that psychiatrists don’t see clients as often as other mental-health professionals, I decided to major in psychology to eventually become either a counselor or clinical psychologist.
What has the last year been like for you?
This year has been more stressful than my last couple of years at college, but it’s also the year where I’ve grown the most. I’ve had to balance my upper-level coursework with applying to graduate school and other career opportunities. Being on campus for the first time since the pandemic started has allowed me to make great connections with professors and faculty and make some friends along the way.
What are your plans?
This fall, I plan to start my master’s in psychology at UTD, where I hope to learn more of the experimental side of psychology.
Summar Thomas-Mosby
Master of Public Affairs
School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences
Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas
How has UT Dallas prepared you for the future?
UTD has provided me with knowledge and key skills in areas such as leadership and management that I can build on in future roles. Networking with peers and senior leaders in my field of interest helped me define my career goals and trajectory.
Did you always want to work in human resources?
My interest in human resources was piqued after I added the public human resources management certificate to my program. Taking classes in diversity management and nonprofit management highlighted the skills I was already using in my previous role in community education and inspired me to transition to a career in human resources.
What are you most proud of from your time at UT Dallas?
The work I’ve done with my peers in creating strategic business plans for the city of Duncanville’s public works department. Speaking with senior leadership officials and developing action plans to support them in the pursuit of their organizational goals was a highlight of my experience.
What are your plans?
To continue to build on the foundations I’ve established at UTD to become a leader in my organization and develop innovative processes and programs within the HR realm.
Giovanny Lopez
Bachelor of Science in finance, cum laude
Naveen Jindal School of Management
Hometown: Dallas
How has UT Dallas prepared you for the future?
It has made me more versatile. The last four years have proved to me that I can get through almost any situation.
What has the last year been like for you?
The last year has been a roller coaster. At the start of this past fall semester, I was working my internship and a part-time job while still remaining a full-time student. I was fortunate enough to receive a full-time position at the same place I worked during my internship, and I’ve been there for the past half year.
What are some opportunities you’ve had at UTD?
In my time at UT Dallas, I have been fortunate to attend informative risk-management and insurance conferences where I have met some amazing students from other schools.
What are your plans?
My plans include continuing to work as the risk and benefits advisor for the city of Irving.
Emily Buchanan
Bachelor of Science in chemistry and biology, cum laude with major honors
School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Hometown: Flower Mound, Texas
Why did you choose to attend UT Dallas?
When I was looking at colleges, UT Dallas stood out because it offered many opportunities to get involved and do research through programs like the Green Fellowship and the Clark Summer Research Program. As an Academic Excellence Scholar, I felt like UT Dallas and the faculty on campus were invested in me and my future. I also love being close to my friends and family.
What are you most proud of during your time at UT Dallas?
After I finished my semester conducting research as a Green Fellow at UT Southwestern Medical Center, I continued through the summer as a joint researcher with my UTD/UTSW lab and the Magnetic Imaging Group at NIST [National Institute of Standards and Technology]. I loved getting to collaborate with scientists, engineers and chemists who each brought unique perspectives and expertise to the project. In a few weeks, I will present my research in London and represent UT Dallas, UT Southwestern and NIST at the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine conference — something I never imagined as a college freshman being able to do.
What are your plans?
I am very excited to start medical school at UT Southwestern in August. There I hope to continue working on research projects and someday become a clinical researcher.