App State’s Andy Mendoza demonstrates the importance of access to undergraduate research

BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University cellular/molecular biology major Andy Mendoza, of Durham, attests to the good that comes when students are engaged in research during their undergraduate studies.

“(Professors at Appalachian) are conducting research here on campus and are more than happy to take in new undergraduate students who are passionate about science,” Mendoza said. “At a lot of other universities, research labs consist primarily of graduate students with little to no room for undergraduates to participate.”

During his sophomore year at Appalachian, Mendoza joined Dr. Kevin Zwetsloot, associate professor in Appalachian’s Department of Health and Exercise Science, and other undergraduate researchers for a research study.

The group examined inflammation and the related mechanisms that contribute to sarcopenia (the degenerative loss of skeletal muscle mass, quality and strength) and the regulation of skeletal muscle repair. This informative experience catalyzed Mendoza’s interest in research and led to a meaningful internship.

This summer, Mendoza, now a junior at Appalachian, is a biostatistics and computational biology intern at the National Institute of Environmental Sciences (NIEHS) in Research Triangle Park, conducting research to identify false positive signals from a chemical toxicity library. This internship includes individual training, participation in workshops and lectures, and access to renowned scientists.

Mendoza hopes to use this internship and his studies at Appalachian to pursue his dream career of becoming a physician.

“After I graduate, I plan on attending a post-baccalaureate program at the National Institutes of Health to gain further experience in research,” Mendoza said. “Then (I want to) apply to medical school.”

Mendoza is a recipient of the university’s ACCESS Scholarship, which has allowed him the time and financial security to pursue his passions and become an engaged member of the Appalachian Community.

In addition to participating in research, Mendoza serves as the external vice president of Appalachian’s Phi Chi Pre-Medical and Pre-Dental Society. He was named to the Chancellor’s List in spring 2019 and, this fall, he will be a resident assistant and a student ambassador for the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) as a CAS Corps member.

Mendoza said he finds value in creating relationships with the professors in his department. “My most beneficial experience overall has been visiting my professors during office hours and getting to interact with the course material outside of lecture,” he said. “It is a great way of clearing up any questions or just delving further into the course material.

“The faculty at Appalachian are not only extremely passionate about their respective fields but also about the well-being of their students,” he continued. “Appalachian is a place like no other.”

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ACCESS Scholarship Program

The ACCESS scholarship and support program is Appalachian State's promise to low-income North Carolina students that higher education is within reach. Students who earn a place at Appalachian and are selected for the ACCESS scholarship program have the opportunity to graduate debt-free.

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Biology (BS) - Cellular/Molecular Biology

This biology degree is designed to prepare students for successful admission into professional schools, such as medical, veterinary or dental school, or to continue their studies in graduate and health-care programs.

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About the Department of Biology

The Department of Biology is a community of teacher-scholars, with faculty representing the full breadth of biological specializations — from molecular genetics to landscape/ecosystem ecology. The department seeks to produce graduates with sound scientific knowledge, the skills to create new knowledge, and the excitement and appreciation of scientific discovery. Learn more at https://biology.appstate.edu.

About the College of Arts and Sciences

The College of Arts and Sciences is home to 16 academic departments, one stand-alone academic program, two centers and one residential college. These units span the humanities and the social, mathematical and natural sciences. The College of Arts and Sciences aims to develop a distinctive identity built upon our university's strengths, traditions and unique location. 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. There are approximately 6,100 student majors in the college. As the college is also largely responsible for implementing Appalachian'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 student research at Appalachian

Appalachian State University encourages faculty-mentored student research, which provides students with the opportunity to work side by side with faculty on meaningful research or creative endeavors. These projects often result in presentations, performances or exhibitions at regional, national and international conferences and events. Students who engage in research are able to apply knowledge from the classroom into real-world experiences and learn how to problem-solve, effectively communicate and analyze complex issues. Appalachian’s Office of Student Research (OSR) was established in 2005 to expand the opportunities necessary for undergraduate and graduate students to engage in research and creative activities at Appalachian. Learn more at https://osr.appstate.edu.

About Appalachian State University

As the premier public undergraduate institution in the state of North Carolina, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The Appalachian Experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and to embrace diversity and difference. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. Appalachian enrolls more than 19,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.