The medical field will see another force on the move when Alyssa Jerome graduates this spring from Missouri Southern with her bachelor’s in biomedical sciences on the pre-med track.
Her interest in MSSU first sparked at an indoor track and field meet held on campus. She ultimately chose the university because of the several opportunities afforded to her.
“I was able to compete as a student athlete, join the Honors Program, and be immersed in a strong science department,” said Jerome, a Mannford, Oklahoma native. “I was not limited to just one path—I had the freedom to explore all of my interests.”
She was a member of various MSSU clubs and organizations such as the Clay Club, Caduceus Club, the Athletic Engagement Team, and Women of Science. Jerome also served as Secretary of the Student Athletic Advisory Council and President of the Green Bandana Project. Jerome also studied abroad in Italy as well as Scotland, and England as a part of the Honors Program. She also competed as a pole vaulter on the Varsity Track & Field team.
“Throughout my time on the team, I’ve had the opportunity to travel and grow both as an athlete and a person. Life at the track was filled with exciting moments, tough lessons, and lifelong friendships that I will always cherish. My team truly became a second family.”
Jerome isn’t known just for her accomplishments on campus but for her giving spirit. While volunteering at the Hillcrest Medical Center in Tulsa, she created The Little Box of Joy Project. 24 patients in the med-surg unit received a package containing a blanket, succulent, tumbler, and coupons. She even established the fundraiser, “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” for the initiative, a parents’ night out event for girls in Pre-K through second grade filled with crafts, manicures, and dinner. Additionally, she launched a crowdfunding campaign, reaching out to local businesses, many who contributed donations, gift cards, and products.
“The most meaningful part of this experience was seeing patients smile and engaging in heartfelt conversations during the deliveries. I hope to continue finding meaningful ways to serve others in both my personal life and future career in healthcare.”
Research is close to her heart as well. This March, she presented her work “Healing Through Heritage: Building a Culturally Inclusive Healthcare System” at the Great Plains Honors Conference, and Jerome and her Advanced Human Dissection group are querying their research “Evaluation of TDP-43 Concentration in Visceral Organs Affected By Bulbar Onset Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis” to medical journals.
After graduation, Jerome will begin an internship at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School as part of the Medicine Pathways for Advancing Tribal Healthcare Program. Following this, she will earn her Master of Science in Biomedicine at Arkansas College of Health Education before pursuing medical school.
“The biomedical science department has been everything I could have asked for and more,” she said. “The department is filled with so many professors who want to see their students succeed, and of course, so many great friends who I am so thankful to have met.”
