Our Student Spotlight shines on senior and College of Engineering & Science Biology student Atalie Garmo!
Garmo is a part of a rigorous program with a demanding curriculum and was able to stay on the Dean’s List all of her academic years as well as earn multiple awards at Honors Convocation. She has done much work on and off campus that has made an outstanding impact in the community.
Garmo has been a part of a multi-campus research study conducted with Professor of Biology Mary Tracy-Bee, the Biology department as well as the University of California. The research focuses on the association an artery in the neck and longevity. Garmo has been a vital part of this research project and is continuing her great work. She first started as a library research assistant her sophomore year and wrote a scientific review report evaluating the clinical implications of the research. Garmo has continued this research her junior and senior years as an undergraduate student. She was an ambassador for the research symposium where she was given the responsibility of chaperoning students from Cass Tech High School by giving them a tour of Detroit Mercy’s McNichols Campus. Her dedication and drive is shown through her leadership qualities that she embodies so naturally as she is able to connect and build relationships with others in the community through her positive and radiant persona.
Garmo became the leader for the research group starting her junior and senior years. She exhibited all of the necessary qualities and characteristics a leader embodies and my trust in her was well-proven as she carried out this responsibility in a professional and exemplary manner. Garmo was in charge of presenting at the College of Engineering & Science Research Symposiums each year. At the eighth Research Symposium, Garmo and the team received the first place for the Scientific Excellence Award. This award is given to the student and team whose research poster demonstrates the highest scientific quality and merit. Garmo has been featured in the research abstract that has been published at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. Garmo was also featured in The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, also known as the FASEB journal. These publications that feature Garmo alongside the research team have shed light on her enthusiasm and diligence as a student.
Garmo showcased her research at the Mid-Michigan Symposium for Undergraduate Students affiliated with Michigan State University. She presented the anatomy research at the virtual 10th annual Summer Undergraduate Research Forum.Garmo was able to not only educate others on the impact of the research she has done over the course of her undergraduate years, but she also represented the University of Detroit Mercy as a whole.
Garmo also took on a very important role being a member of the Student Government Association and holding the title of the Senator for the College of Engineering & Science in 2018. Garmo has a passion for making a difference and helping those in need which is why she co-founded a club called, “Seizin’ the Seasons.” The club’s mission is to offer support, comfort and service to those who are medically underserved, disabled or sick.
Garmo features all of the attributions necessary to lead her into a successful future. Her work and contribution to the community will not go unnoticed and she has already taken the necessary steps that have set a firm foundation for the path she will take in the future. Garmo expresses qualities of perseverance, motivation, teamwork and leadership that has shaped her into the confident individual she is today.