Year: Senior
Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Hometown: Wayne, PA
Relationship Status: Taken
HC: To start, it is no secret that you have made such a positive name at Penn State with all of the achievement awards that you have won for the amazing things you have done! What is the most recent academic achievement award that you received?
RH: First off, thank you! Last weekend I was awarded Penn State’s Eric A. Walker Award.
HC: How did you feel when you won your most recent award?
RH: The award description says it is given to, “the student who has contributed most to enhancing the reputation of the University through extracurricular activities.” When I found out I was the recipient of the Walker Award, I was dumbfounded. I still don’t think of myself as that singular student because there are certainly so many amazing students dedicated to Penn State, but I am very humbled that the selection committee does.
HC: Which award are you the most proud of and why?
RH: Wow, this is a tough question. Because I have to select one, I am going to have to say the Marshall Scholarship. The Marshall Scholarship already has and will continue to change my life forever. This time last year, I was planning on applying to and attending medical school immediately after graduation. Now, I’m moving to London in September to study malaria and global medicine with the foremost experts in the world for the next few years. This scholarship is the culmination of thousands of hours of work and mentorship over the past four years, and it will allow me to accomplish my dreams.
HC: Why did you select your major, and what are you planning on doing with it?
RH: I came to Penn State thinking to one day pursue a career in clinical medicine. I wanted to get a molecular understanding of disease and then build clinical skills upon that so molecular biology seemed like a logical choice. With the Marshall Scholarship, I will be going to the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine to get a Ph.D. in Infectious and Tropical Disease, and then I will return to the United States and go to medical school. Eventually, I hope to do medical research and conventionally treat the patients my research can’t cure.
HC: Have you had any internships? If so, which one was your favorite and why?
RH: Well, I’ve had two. My favorite is probably the more obscure one. I was a Strategic Intelligence intern for a year and got to study influenza from a national security point of view, which was really cool. I was able to work with some really cool people and engage medicine from a very different perspective. In the end, I got to present our findings to officials and private sector experts from five nations.
HC: How do you manage to balance everything – being on the Homecoming court, THON, your relationship, any clubs that you do and all of your academic achievements?
RH: Though there are certainly some long days where everything seems to pile on at once, I try to do everything in moderation and make sure I have free time built into every day, so I can take a few deep breaths and relax. At the end of each day, I try to take a few seconds to think about what I did right and wrong and what I’m thankful for. All of that helps to keep me grounded. My girlfriend is also amazing and helps keep me in line when things get crazy and makes sure my head doesn’t get too big.
HC: Now for the fun questions! How was your experience on the Hospitality committee this year at THON?
RH: It was amazing! This was my second year on Hospitality, and it was great to be able to stay with the committee and experience Hospitality from a “veteran’s” point of view. One of my favorite things about being on a committee is that I get to meet and become friends with so many people that I would probably never have met otherwise.
HC: What is your favorite THON memory?
RH: This year, I was serving a family meal and made friends with a little warrior by chatting about water guns. Another kid came up to me and squirted me in the face with his water gun and my little buddy jumped up and yelled, “HEY, THAT’S MY FRIEND!” It launched an overwhelming counterattack on the other kid. He then returned, gave me a high-five and said, “Don’t worry I got him!” I wish we were pen pals or something because he is totally going to grow up to be someone I want to stay friends with.
HC: What else are you involved in here at Penn State?
RH: In addition to THON and Homecoming, most of my time has gone into my research. I used to spend as many as 30 hours each week in the lab, but I’ve tried to cut back some of that this year. I’m also involved in the Engaged Scholarship Initiative and President’s Council on Engaged Scholarship. I also mentor underclassmen in my major and the Honors College. On the side, I’ve been trying to combine these efforts and create a University-level peer mentoring program for both incoming and transition students to adjust to undergraduate life here at UP.
HC: What is your favorite memory thus far at Penn State?
RH: Oh boy, picking one favorite memory is so tough because my experience here has been so much fun. I have to say being on the field at Beaver Stadium during the Homecoming game and the Michigan State game when I was honored as a Marshall Scholar. It was awesome to hear how loud the fans are from the field and see how big the stadium looks to the players. Unfortunately, we lost both games, so maybe I’m bad luck. Sorry Coach Franklin!
HC: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
RH: If I’m not out of school at that point, I think I will have to reevaluate my life. Professionally, I hope to be practicing medicine and starting a laboratory. Personally, I hope to be married and planning my own family by then!
HC: Where is your favorite place to eat on campus?
RH: If someone else is buying, Redifer buffet on Sunday morning; otherwise, Chick-fil-a.
HC: If you could name a meal after yourself, what would it be and why?
RH: Honestly, I have no idea! I love making pancakes with maple syrup, and I have a Mickey Mouse waffle iron that I break out on weekends…so maybe some combination of those?
HC: What is your spirit animal?
RH: 100% a sea otter. They look like they are always having a blast, and I’ve always been drawn to the water through swimming and sailing.
HC: If you could be anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
RH: I wouldn’t want to trade places permanently, but I would love to be Blake Shelton for a few days. I love country music and he is one of my favorite artists of all time. Outside of the privacy of my own shower, I can’t sing at all, and I would love to be able to do that.
HC: If you could be any character out of a Disney movie, who would you be and why?
RH: I actually just took a Buzzfeed quiz and got John Smith from Pocahontas, so I’m not sure what that says about me. I feel like I could be Crush from Finding Nemo, too. Crush seems to always be down for an adventure and wherever the current takes him. I feel like he also knows just about everything there is to know about life and is always having a great time.
HC: What is the theme song to your life?
RH: At this point looking forward, I’m going with “Back Home” by Andy Grammer. When I get my one-way ticket to London in September, I know I will be embarking on a heck of an adventure. Despite wherever all of that takes me, I will be sure to always remember my roots, both at home and here at Penn State. I’ve made the best friends and memories I could ever ask for, and I will never forget them.
HC: What is your dream vacation?
RH: I’m sure I will get to explore some of Europe over the next few years while living in London, but I really hope to travel through Italy and the Galapagos Islands one day.
HC: What is the best piece of advice you have ever gotten, and who did you get it from?
RH: In short, “Don’t be afraid to fail.” I received this advice from both my current laboratory director, Song Tan, and my swim coach back at home. I’ve taken a lot of personal and academic risks to get where I am today. Although some risks I’ve taken haven’t gone my way, I’ve learned to leverage my failures to come back stronger the next time.