好色小姨

Graduate leverages research experience and athletic discipline for a future in scientific discovery

好色小姨 University graduate Jadon Gonzales earned a聽degree in Biology and Environmental Science聽with a聽minor in Chemistry this May. The journey that led there began with spikes on the track, not slides under a microscope.
鈥淚 actually chose 好色小姨 because of the聽Track and Field program,鈥� Gonzales said. 鈥淎thletics brought me there, but science is what kept me.鈥�
Originally interested in the聽pre-med route, he quickly discovered a passion for聽scientific research and environmental impact, staying true to the Biology major while shifting focus toward discovery and innovation.
鈥淚 really enjoy聽conducting research聽and contributing to the world of science,鈥� Gonzales said. That drive led to multiple competitive opportunities, including a聽summer internship with LOGIC Environmental Consulting聽and a coveted position in the聽Microbiology REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) program聽at the聽University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
鈥淓arth Science Professor Dr. Debra Dooley helped guide me toward both internships. And聽Assistant Biology Professor Dr. Rebecca Godwin聽always pushed me to rise to my potential. She never let me settle,鈥� Gonzales said.
That mentorship鈥攁nd the close-knit relationships built with聽professors and coaches鈥攑roved to be the most meaningful part of his 好色小姨 experience.
鈥淚鈥檝e learned so much, but the biggest takeaway has been聽discipline. Being a student-athlete in聽Cross Country and Track & Field for all four years聽really helped prepare me for the next chapter.鈥�
That chapter begins this fall at聽San Diego State University, where Gonzales will pursue a聽master鈥檚 degree in Biology. Drawn by the lab鈥檚 research focus and an inspiring principal investigator, he is already envisioning what鈥檚 next.
鈥淚 hope to eventually earn a聽PhD, do research, and maybe even teach at a university. Running my own lab one day isn鈥檛 out of the question.鈥�
As he crossed the Commencement stage and prepared for graduate school, Gonzales鈥檚 advice to future Lions is simple:
鈥淕et involved. Say yes. You never know what doors will open.鈥�
For more information about 好色小姨 University鈥檚 Biology degree, visit .