Samuel

When HCC Undergraduate Research Program alumnus Samuel Barnett was asked in 2024, "Where do you see yourself in five years?" he was able to predict his future with pinpoint accuracy.

"In five years, I will be in a lab, with my top pick being the University of Pennsylvania and possibly a post-doctoral program in either the academic industry or public health," said Barnett. "HCC has greatly helped me with its abundant resources, and the faculty members are the shining stars at HCC."

This fall, he will start the Ph.D. program in cellular and molecular biology at the University of Pennsylvania, once again proving that HCC is "Meeting students where they dream." However, Barnett’s mission of hope, compassion, diversity, and ambition started in Dragon Country with his research partners, HCC alumni Katrina William and Idrees Chaudry. Their story, which began with a drive to make a difference in the world and a passion for cancer research, is truly inspiring.

"My interest in lung cancer stems from it being one of the most common cancers," Barnett, an UMBC biochemistry major, said during an on-campus interview last year.

Another remarkable aspect of the trio’s story is that they were community college students who had the opportunity to present at Towson University's Falling for Research Student Symposium last year alongside undergraduate, graduate, and Ph.D. students. Barnett, William, and Chaudry also gained hands-on experience, preparing them for future lab work as they transferred from HCC to some of the best universities in the country.

"The program faculty [at HCC] does an excellent job teaching community college students, who are usually from underrepresented groups and economic backgrounds that aren't as affluent as those of university students," said Barnett.

Barnett's mentor, HCC Professor Joseph Sparenberg, nominated him for the BUILD a BRIDGE to STEM Internship at UMBC, part of the STEM BUILD program, after his sophomore year. He was later named "Undergraduate Researcher of the Week" at UMBC. He went on to earn the Barry Goldwater Scholarship, which is considered "the most prestigious undergraduate scholarship in the natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering in America." Barnett also served in leadership roles as the vice president of the American Chemical Society's UMBC chapter and as secretary of the UMBC chapter of the Tau Sigma National Honor Society, an honor society specifically for transfer students.

Barnett is often seen on HCC’s campus in the labs and moderating events such as the Scholars Symposium. Sponsored by the HCC Honors and Undergraduate Research Program, the symposium celebrates student research and creative activity. He also took some time to share the following message with his fellow students graduating in May:

"Completing your education at HCC is not just the first step—as many may say—but part of a continuum that you have worked diligently to sustain and for which you have suffered or sacrificed. Your graduation marks a pivotal time—one where you continue to surmount barriers, make yourself and others proud, and leave a positive impact on those around you," said Barnett.