SciTech Alumni - Laura Debellis
Name:
Debellis, Laura
Class Year:
2004
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Major:
Biology
Hometown:
Fairmont, W.Va.
Biography:
I was born and raised in Fairmont but decided to travel before finishing college. After graduating from Fairmont Senior High School, I moved to South Carolina where I began working for Ripley Entertainment, Inc. I was soon promoted and transferred to Hollywood, where I was the general manager of the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum. I returned to Fairmont after realizing that it was time to pursue my true passion in the sciences. While an undergraduate at Fairmont State, I was active in many outside activities while also working as a contract employee for the FBI. I served as the President of Beta Beta Beta, the national biological honor society, I represented the senior class as a Senior Senator for the Student Government and I was a New Student Orientation Counselor. I was also a classroom leader/instructor for the GEAR-UP and Kid’s College CSI (Crime Scene Investigation) camps. Through hard work and motivation, I was named to both the Dean’s List and the President’s List for my academic achievements. I was additionally honored by the faculty with the Outstanding Senior Biology Student Award. I performed research under the direction of Dr. Mark Flood in conjunction with a WV-BRIN (West Virginia Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network) grant. Although I was accepted into a graduate program at Columbia University, I elected to continue my studies in a nuclear medicine technology program in West Virginia. I am currently a Nuclear Medicine Technologist at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, N.C.
What advice would you give current or prospective students?:
One of the things that I liked most about Fairmont State was the student to teacher ratio. I felt like I wasn’t just another nameless student sitting in class. The professors really had a chance to get to know us and, in my opinion, that helped the learning process.
What was the most important thing you learned while attending Fairmont State?:
The most important thing that I learned at Fairmont State was to put myself out there, get involved in things that I normally wouldn’t have done. Being a part of Student Government and of New Student Orientation was one of the best decisions that I have made. I met such a diverse group of people with whom I still have contact. It was also a great feeling to know that I helped shape the future of the university.
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