By Janeal Downs

After a fifth grade science teacher influenced her with her passion for science, see Brianna White has held an interest in the subject. “In eighth grade, online that’s when I finally realized that I wanted to be a forensic scientist,” Brianna said. With a love for experiments, investigate situations and solve problems, Brianna said she has been interested in math and science since grade school.

In order to reach her goals, Brianna’s top college of choice is Radford University where she wants to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. She also intends to study criminology and later receive a Master of Science degree in biology. “Knowing about deoxyribonucleic acid and genetics in a case excites me,” Brianna wrote in an essay. She said though she may only need a bachelor’s degree she wants to increase her chances of getting a job by going for her master’s. “I believe my future career holds a lot for me, and I have a strong desire to get there,” Brianna said.

Brianna said she enjoys babysitting and her work with the Key Club. Recently, she participated in “Christmas in a Shoe Box” where the students stuff shoe boxes with toys for other countries. She said she has also participated in 5k runs. “I definitely love helping the community, and I plan to dramatically increase my hours of service work,” Brianna said. Other community service projects Brianna has participated in include a Kiwanis Club Yard Sale, work with the Golden Living Center, and she assisted with working election polls.

Along with community service, Brianna participates in numerous different extracurricular activities such as serving as the secretary of the Science Club, playing with the Girls Community Basketball, and recreational basketball. She is also a member of Future Business Leaders of America and the National Technical Honor Society. Brianna’s achievements include being an honor roll student, having perfect attendance and getting awarded the Best CTE Student of the Year. Brianna has been a participant in A-STEM Nanotechnology Summer Program, Central Virginia Undergraduate Mathematics Summer Program, and Disease Detective Math Science Innovation Center.

When asked who influenced her the most in life to succeed, Brianna said her father. “He’s a hardworking dedicated man; he teaches me my life lessons and just pushes me to keep on moving,” Brianna said. In her essay, she said her stepmother is one of her motivations to continue with her education. She said her father and stepmother are the ones who give her extra motivation to keep moving.  “I am ready for college, I am ready for the real world, just come on,” Brianna said.