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“The biochemistry department has really emphasized that we are a family, and the professors have been incredible mentors.”

Aspen Malone first enrolled at ACU with thoughts of medical school, attracted by the university’s shadowing program, high acceptance rate into health professions schools and reputation for an exceptional pre-health advising program.

But once she got on campus and experienced the thrill of serving as a tutor and teaching assistant in science labs, she quickly realized teaching is her passion. “I’m a big nerd at heart,” she says. “I love the ‘aha’ moments when someone I’m teaching understands.”

She is especially interested in diversity and equity in higher education. A medical mission trip to Guatemala showed her firsthand the challenges of those living in poverty.

“That experience fueled my passion even more,” she says. “I want my focus as an educator to be on underrepresented groups and marginalized students.”

Aspen is well on her way to her goals with a summer research internship in chemistry education. She will be analyzing data from first-generation college students to discover the challenges they face in learning environments and will be using that knowledge to develop instructional support materials.

She’s also found stellar role models among ACU’s professors, who have inspired her desire to make a similar impact on a future generation of scientists and health professionals. “I’ve been to my professors’ homes. I have my professors’ phone numbers. I want to support my students like that and see them succeed.”

Aspen Malone

Biochemistry major/Health Humanities minor, Amarillo, Texas Campus Activities: Presidential Scholar, Honors College Council chair, Sanctify Hip-Hop president