Julie Karlsson '23 | Chair of the Board Scholar

I became interested in biology in high school, and that was also when I became interested in medicine. I loved learning the science behind how the body works and all of the underlying processes, and I still love it. I decided to attend Hood College after talking to Professor Jones, who unfortunately no longer works here, because she cleared up all of my fears about attending a liberal arts school for pre-med. Everyone that I met was so welcoming every time I visited campus, which was a nice difference compared to other schools.

Receiving the Chair of the Board Scholarship has allowed me to go through undergraduate schooling without any loans and also allowed me to go to Maine over the summer to do research, which I wouldn't have been able to do without the stipend.

I have faced several family issues throughout my time at Hood, and I had to miss some classes to go home, and all of my professors were very understanding throughout all of it.

My proudest achievement during my time at Hood is probably founding a chapter of Alpha Epsilon Delta (The pre-professional health honor society) here, with the help of Professor Ensel, which is a great addition to the honor societies Hood already has.

After graduation, I will be starting a job at Celldex Therapeutics in New Jersey, where I will be a research associate for their lab.

My advice for incoming Hood students is to take every opportunity to make new friends and attend activities that are offered because you might find your best friends there! Also, take advantage of being at a small school and get to know your professors—you never know what opportunities they will be able to send your way.