The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Corps are chosen to serve as representatives to all constituents of CAS and to create, promote and execute opportunities for academic and professional growth. These students represent a variety of departments from across CAS and will represent the College at events through interaction among current students, future students, parents, donors and alumni.
Throughout the year, we will be introducing new students representing the College in the 2024-25 academic year through a question and answer format. For more about the CAS Corps, visit: cas.appstate.edu/students/cas-corps.
Carli Samuelson
Year: Senior
Major: Chemistry - Certified Chemist
Hometown: Banner Elk, N.C.
What brought you to App State?
“What drew me to ָApp State was the atmosphere. I absolutely love the nature here as well as the environment created by the students. It is so beautiful yet it still has a very homey feel to the campus, the weather is also amazing!”
Which clubs or organizations are you a member of?
Appalachian Chemical Society
Hillel
Sigma Kappa
Women in Science and Engineering
What scholarship(s) have you received from Appalachian or while studying at Appalachian?
Appalachian Excellence Scholarship
A.R. Smith Chemistry Memorial Scholarship
What research or coursework have you been most passionate about?
“I would really love to visit South Korea! When I was studying abroad in Spain, I met loads of people from South Korea and they really sold me on it. It seems like such an amazing country with a very rich culture.”
Which location(s) do you hope to visit for an internship, a study abroad trip, a research experience, or just for fun?
“I am very passionate about the research I do here at App State. My research involves synthesizing a molecule that is capable of detecting a specific DNA sequence responsible for Crohn's Disease. I love this because it is such a massive project with a lot of potential for growth, it also has the ability to help those in the medical field. There are a lot of ups and downs with this project but it is very cool to see the progress made and how we are going closer to our first end goal!”
Where is your favorite place on campus and why?
“My favorite place on campus is probably the Solarium. It is my favorite place to study, catch up on readings, and just to hang out. It's also a big bonus when a student comes in and places the piano, it is so relaxing.”
What is one of your favorite memories at Appalachian thus far?
“My favorite memory at App State was probably during a snowstorm my freshman year. Everyone in my dorm went outside to go sledding, build snowmen, and just have a fun time in the snow. It was a great way to meet people, and I actually got to enjoy the snow since we barely get any back in Raleigh.”
What do you like about Boone and the surrounding community?
“My favorite part about Boone has to be the nature, I love seeing the 360-degree mountain views no matter where you are. I also love the community that the students of App have built. It is very fun and welcoming. They make it very easy to socialize and make friends.”
What are your hobbies?
“I love traveling, working out, reading, crocheting, and playing volleyball!”
What is your favorite book, podcast, artist, and/or television show?
“My favorite book is The Alchemist!”
Tell us about one faculty or staff member that has made an impact on your life and how.
“BJ Yoblinski has definitely made a huge impact on my time here at App State. He taught me the value of really putting in the effort and working hard to receive results. I'd say being in his class has helped me to build crucial skills that led me to be successful while completing my major in chemistry.”
What do you feel has been valuable in your education at Appalachian versus another institution?
“The most valuable experience in my education at Appalachian has been my involvement in research. The chemistry department at App State is completely focused on undergrad research. I work with Dr. Shaw who is amazing at making sure we get in the lab as soon as possible to build very practical skills in order to see what it is like to be a scientist. I run all experiments by myself and I am in control of my research. I feel like I wouldn't get this experience anywhere else.”
What do you hope to do after graduation?
“After graduation, I hope to attend graduate school to pursue a Ph.D. in chemistry. My ultimate goal is to be a chemistry professor! I also hope to implement traveling more into my future as well.”
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About the A.R. Smith Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences
The A.R. Smith Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences offers a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry, a Bachelor of Science in chemistry with eight different concentrations and an interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science degree in fermentation sciences. The department’s programs prepare students to attend graduate and professional schools, as well as for employment in the pharmaceutical and fermentation industries and other business sectors. Learn more at dcfs.appstate.edu.
Compiled by Lauren Gibbs
December 16, 2024
BOONE, N.C.
CAS Corps member Carli Samuelson is a senior chemistry major from Banner Elk. Photo submitted
CAS Corps member Carli Samuelson is a senior chemistry major from Banner Elk. Photo submitted