Graduate Athlete Spotlight | Garrett Hitchens '23

"I believe that my time at Hood College will serve to provide me with the toolset, both educationally and personally, to reach my professional goals."

Garrett Hitchens '23

Program

Biomedical Science (M.S.)

Department

Biology

Alumni
Graduate School
Graduate Student

Alumni
Athletics
Biomedical & Environmental Graduate Programs
Graduate School
Graduate Student
Natural Sciences

05/15/2024

Garrett Hitchens ’23 is a current graduate student in Hood College’s biomedical science master’s program and was a member of the Blazers men’s lacrosse program during the 2023-24 season. Before joining the Graduate School, Hitchens earned his B.S. in biochemistry with a minor in mathematics from Hood. Hitchens used his additional year of eligibility to compete as a graduate student-athlete. We spoke with Hitchens about his experiences in the Graduate School and what it was like balancing the demands of academics and athletics.

Please provide a brief bio including your educational and career background.

I pursued my undergraduate degree in biochemistry with a minor in mathematics at Hood College, where I also had the privilege of playing men’s lacrosse throughout my four years. When I completed my undergraduate degree this past year, I was certain I wanted to attend graduate school to further my education and decided that Hood College offered what I was interested in.

Why did you choose Hood College and the biomedical science program?

First and foremost, the people. Hood has a truly supportive and welcoming community, which contributes to a great academic environment. Additionally, as a BMS student, Hood’s proximity to the hub of biotech and pharmaceutical companies in the Frederick/D.C. area is ideal, allowing the program to bring in a lot of great researchers from places such as the National Cancer Institute and Frederick National Laboratory to contribute to instruction.

How do you think your time at Hood College will help you in your career and life?

I believe that my time at Hood College will serve to provide me with the toolset, both educationally and personally, to reach my professional goals. I have made fantastic friends and connections here that will endure through life, and I know I will look back on my decision to attend Hood with great satisfaction.

What was it like balancing academics and athletics as a graduate student?

I found the balance between academics and athletics to be extremely manageable as a graduate student. The class times and workload for BMS courses are very consistent, making them easy to schedule around for work and athletics.

Any other information/fun facts that you would like to add?

Since starting BMS, I have become a part of a research team at Hood whose work has been selected as a finalist for a national research competition (U.S Department of Energy’s AlgaePrize).

Inspired by Garrett's story and ready to #GOFURTHER in your career? Learn more about Hood College’s graduate programs, including the M.S. in biomedical science, by clicking here.