BOONE, N.C. — Growing up in Indian Trail, Appalachian State University junior Jordan Moore knew the power of education: her mother and father worked as an elementary school teacher and an assistant principal, respectively. She embraced their love of learning early on and is now pursuing a B.S. in chemistry at Appalachian, with concentrations in biochemistry and certified chemist.

Moore hopes to expand her education even further in medical school. Her ultimate goal is to become an anesthesiologist who works in rural villages of developing nations — providing compassion and care to those around her, and passing along the importance of education.

Moore is in good company — nearly 40% of Appalachian chemistry majors pursue the biochemistry concentration, which is designed for students who wish to attend medical, pharmacy, dental or other graduate or professional schools.

In her first year at Appalachian, Moore has taken advantage of a wealth of opportunities to engage with her department and the university. She serves as treasurer of the Appalachian Chemical Society — the campus chapter of the American Chemical Society — and as a member of the Club Sports women’s volleyball team. She has also participated in an admissions open house, where she shared her love of chemistry and Appalachian with prospective students.

“Appalachian feels like home,” Moore said. “The professors want me to succeed and (they) go above and beyond to help students.” Moore credits faculty office hours as a driving force in her success as a student. “During the first semester of my sophomore year, I probably went to Dr. (Claudia) Cartaya-Marin’s office hours three times a week. Getting to know her made me more willing to speak up in class and ask questions.”

Cartaya-Marin, chair of Appalachian’s A.R. Smith Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences, described Moore as “an excellent student.”

“Not only is she intellectually gifted, but also very enthusiastic about chemistry, self-motivated and hardworking,” Cartaya-Marin said. “I believe that she has a very bright future and that she will be very successful in her career.”

Moore was also chosen as a Fleming Scholar — a prestigious honor bestowed upon Appalachian students who demonstrate a desire to promote cultural diversity.

“This scholarship has introduced me to other intelligent, strong black students that I may have never met otherwise,” Moore said. “Dr. (Willie C.) Fleming (the scholarship’s namesake) is such a great mentor and role model exuding poise, class and honor, and instilling that within us scholars to become outstanding students at Appalachian.”

Last year, she further augmented her career aspirations by earning her North Carolina EMT certification so she can provide assistance in local communities. Before graduation, she plans to study abroad, contribute to research projects with Appalachian faculty and complete internships to prepare herself for medical school.

“I highly respect all the teachers I have worked with in the department,” Moore said. “They encourage me to further my critical thinking and inspire me every day to work hard because I want to make them proud. Appalachian is exactly where I am meant to be.”

Chemistry (BS) - Biochemistry

The Chemistry (BS) - Biochemistry degree is designed for students who wish to use a chemistry background as preparation for professional schools such as medical, pharmacy or dental school.

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Chemistry (BS) - Certified Chemist

The Chemistry (BS) - Certified Chemist degree has been approved by the American Chemical Society’s committee on professional training and is ideal for students wanting to go into pharmaceuticals, the chemical industry, medical school or graduate school.

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About the A.R. Smith Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences

The A.R. Smith Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences offers a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry, a Bachelor of Science in chemistry with eight different concentrations and an interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science degree in fermentation sciences. The department’s programs prepare students to attend graduate and professional schools, as well as for employment in the pharmaceutical and fermentation industries and other business sectors. Learn more at https://dcfs.appstate.edu.

About the College of Arts and Sciences

The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) at Appalachian State University is home to 17 academic departments, two centers and one residential college. These units span the humanities and the social, mathematical and natural sciences. CAS aims to develop a distinctive identity built upon our university's strengths, traditions and locations. The college’s values lie not only in service to the university and local community, but through inspiring, training, educating and sustaining the development of its students as global citizens. More than 6,800 student majors are enrolled in the college. As the college is also largely responsible for implementing App State’s general education curriculum, it is heavily involved in the education of all students at the university, including those pursuing majors in other colleges. Learn more at https://cas.appstate.edu.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.