So Much To Do at Ferrum!

By Darryl, Panther Blogger

I’ve spent the first part of my adult life at Ferrum, and because of this, I’ve experienced so many new things to keep myself entertained.

I’ve come to the realization that I love to fish. Sometimes, I don’t always catch big ones, but it’s not the size of the fish that counts — it’s the fight. I only say this when someone catches something bigger than me. Ferrum is smack dab in the middle of two lakes, Fairy Stone and Smith Mountain. They both have amazing scenery and great people.

If you’re into water sports, this is your place to go to college; you can take sailing and scuba diving classes, and a lot more. Sailing is my weakness: I want to buy a boat and travel down the coast sometime in the near future.

If you’re not into water sports, we are on a mountain. There are many great hiking opportunities; McAfee’s Knob is one of the most photographed trails on the Appalachian Trail, and it’s less than an hour away. There are also countless trails that go around the campus where you can catch views of native wildlife and just get away from your studies for a while.

Most photographed spot on McAfee’s Knob

For those who aren’t outdoors people at all, there’s always Roanoke, Blacksburg, or Martinsville for more adventure. Roanoke is one of the biggest cities around us; it has everything you could possibly think of, including diverse restaurants, multiple malls, and the best part: CHIPOTLE! Chipotle is another one of my weakness, and when Chipotle came to Roanoke, my trips there quickly increased tenfold. Blacksburg is the home of Virginia Tech, so you can always go buy a ticket, round up some friends, and go see a Virginia Tech game. I know there are a lot of NASCAR fans out there; I’m partial to Jimmy Johnson. The NASCAR races at the Martinsville Speedway are always a big event around Ferrum. You have opportunities to volunteer at the race and have a fantastic time.

Ferrum is an awesome college to attend! There are great opportunities to get yourself out there and experience things that you haven’t been able to before. So don’t be shy or timid and experience everything you can because the best years of your life will fly by.

A Greek Brother Science Nut!

BY DARRYL, PANTHER BLOGGER

As a senior, I’m almost done with my undergraduate career, and I’m about to start the next phase in my life. But before I’m able to get my degree, my last hurdle, besides Organic Chemistry (see video clip below), is Senior Seminar.

Senior Seminar is a requirement for most of the science degrees that you have to complete before you can get your well-deserved degree. This class is extremely interesting because you focus on a topic of your choice; normally, it’s related to something you want to do in the future, and you research the topic to expand your knowledge in the field. This research doesn’t have to be your own study, but it can be.

I chose to conduct my own research with the help of almost all of my professors. I chose to research “The Effects of Ant Deterrent Factors Created by Photorhabdus Luminescens on Flesh Flies.” The title could use a little work, but it’s just about the effects of bacteria on flies. I’m in the end stages of my research, and if all goes well, I will have the opportunity to go to Argentina to present my research to a council of renowned scientists and get published. It’s the nerd in me that gets excited about science, but I’m okay with that.

Here is picture of me in class with a separatory funnel. We were making banana oil, which smells exactly like bananas and is the warning alarm pheromone for honey bees.

Check out my awesome video clip from a demonstration by Dr. Johnson that the chemistry department holds every semester!

Even though I’m kind of a science nut, I live a very active social life. Not everything has to be about school work; I’m a part of multiple organizations – some academic and others not so much. I’m a brother of Pi Kappa Alpha and I’m also a Delta Phi Epsilon sweetheart. These are just two of the great Greek organizations on campus.

All the Greek organizations are about bettering the community and having stronger, lasting relationships with the people in their organization. They are a great thing to be a part of and have made my Ferrum College experience just that much more memorable.

Alpha Class Delta Phi Epsilon sweethearts

The Science Programs at Ferrum Open Doors!

BY DARRYL, PANTHER BLOGGER 

Hey everyone, Being a Biology major, a chemistry minor, and forensic science minor has opened almost every door in the science community. Biology is an extremely broad field and you can take it anywhere from studying rocks to studying whales. It is also a great foundation for any professional field in health care.

The Biology program here is extremely detailed. You aren’t just learning information to forget it after you take a test. The information builds on top of itself, and you have to learn how to apply it in real life situations.

General Biology is just that, general: you get a broad base of what the science community has to offer. After that class, you can focus on courses that interest you from anatomy (if you want to work with people) to vertebrate zoology (if you like to study animals) and so many others. All of the Biology labs have been revamped to be more exciting and hands-on. We are also one of a few schools that allow the use of cadavers in anatomy labs. Most undergraduate programs never see a cadaver, let alone work with one. Ferrum definitely prepare you for your future studies if you chose to continue your education. Biology is an incredible field to go into, especially if you’re not sure what you want to do in the science field. Biology is definitely the way to go because all doors will be opened.

Chemistry and Forensic Science are very similar: a lot of chemistry. These maybe difficult subjects, but the professors are top-notch and will do everything in their capabilities to help you succeed. They also just got all new equipment. It is brand-spanking new—you can even play with the bubble wrap as they unpack it!

The labs are extremely fun; the aspect of making something out of two seeming less ordinary products is fascinating. Forensic Science is definitely more hands-on; we do labs that a forensic scientist would do in the field and in labs, like make a casting of a foot or fingerprinting. Maybe I’m just a science nut, but I’m okay with that.

If you guys have any questions, I’ll be happy to answer them for you.


Thanks for reading,

Darryl

Greetings from Darryl!

BY DARRYL, A PANTHER BLOGGER 

Hey!  My name is Darryl and I’m from Richmond, Virginia. I’m currently a senior here at Ferrum College, majoring in Biology and minoring in both Forensic Science and Chemistry.  I’m currently applying to masters programs for Public Health, and I’m waiting to hear back soon.

After I achieve my masters, I’m planning on attending either dental or medical school. I found out about Ferrum from some friends in high school. I was extremely late in applying to schools and only applied to two. I got into both and chose to come here.  Ferrum’s campus is gorgeous, with great views and fresh air. I also like the small classroom settings; it makes it easier to have one-on-one interaction that you wouldn’t achieve at larger schools. This is great when it’s time for getting letters of recommendation if you choose to continue your education further because the instructors truly know who you are. The icing on the cake for me with Ferrum has to be the ducks. There aren’t many places where you routinely see ducks crossing the road on your way to class. 

Ducks on the way to class

I’m extremely active in Ferrum College’s community. I’m the senior class secretary, a member of and the treasurer of Pi Kappa Alpha, a member of Minds-N-Medicine, and I’m also doing research that has the potential to get published. There’s absolutely never a shortage of things to get involved in at Ferrum! 

Ferrum has given me great leverage for my future. I’m a more rounded person due to the opportunities here:  I’ve been able to attend multiple chemistry conferences and use equipment that most universities won’t let you touch until you’re in graduate school. Ferrum has given me the opportunity to step up my competition. 

I’ve been at Ferrum for 4 years and have made many fond memories, but my favorite ones are the snow days.  A group of friends and I always end up going sledding and snowboarding down one of Ferrum’s numerous hills, or having snowball fights for hours. It’s just like being a child again, with no worries.