Andrew Gordon

Andrew is Waynesburg’s first RIBS (Research Initiatives in the Biomedical Sciences) Scholar and President of the Waynesburg Biology Club. He is also a member of the American Medical Students Association (AMSA), American Chemical Society (ACS), Gamma Sigma Epsilon National Chemistry Honorary – Rho Iota Chapter, the Lamplighters Touring Choir and the Upper Room Team.

He has served as a volunteer at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital, Grace Hospice and Mon Health. In his spare time, Andrew enjoys making YouTube videos about chemistry, playing piano, singing and playing basketball. He is also a worship leader at The Foundry Church in Morgantown, West Virginia.

A recipient of the Jeffrey and Regina L. Taussig Ohio Honors Scholarship, Andrew is passionate about his future plans of becoming a physician. He is the son of Neil and Elvira Gordon.

What made you choose Waynesburg?

I loved Waynesburg from the moment I stepped foot on campus, mostly because of the welcoming, vibrant community. I also figured that I’d have multitudinous opportunities to get involved in student organizations, research, service and music at Waynesburg, which were all aspects of a collegiate education I considered essential.

What is your major?

At Waynesburg, I major in biochemistry. Honestly, the Department of Chemistry and Forensic Sciences at Waynesburg University is a hidden gem, mainly because of the incredible longitudinal mentorship I have received over the years from the helpful faculty. Whether it was advice about vocational pursuits, my faith, or even the best places to eat in the area, I have always felt welcomed and valued by my professors. Additionally, the American Chemical Society Chapter at Waynesburg has orchestrated a myriad of special chemistry-themed events throughout my time at Waynesburg, which fostered my passion for the sciences.

How have you grown while at Waynesburg University?

Primarily, I have grown in recognizing the world is much bigger than myself. God has called me to serve Him through serving others, and that realization has helped grow my heart for serving my greater community wherever I am led. By mentoring other students directly or indirectly, I have also realized I have a desire to work with students to nurture their abilities and help them achieve academic or vocational goals.

What special opportunities have you had at WU and how did you grow through them?

At WU, I’ve had the unique opportunity to conduct research – funded by the National Science Foundation – through a cutting-edge biocatalysis project. As a Research Initiatives in the Biomedical Sciences Scholar, I am compensated for my research, which is uncommon among undergraduate research opportunities. I’ve grown in my critical thinking abilities, problem-solving skills, and have developed leadership skills through my independence in the laboratory, which will propel me through my career as a physician.

What are your professional goals/plans for the future, and how is WU helping you work toward them?

I plan to become a physician in the future, and I plan to incorporate research into my professional career. WU has helped me procure internships, such as an NIH-funded fellowship in Pittsburgh over the summer, and has provided me with leadership opportunities, so that I may excel in medical school. Furthermore, WU has allowed me to remain a well-rounded scholar through service and music, which aids me in relating to patients from diverse backgrounds.

Is there someone at WU who has been a mentor to you or who has had a positive influence on your life?

Please tell us about them. I think Dr. Takashi Suyama has been an incredible spiritual and academic mentor to me during my time here at Waynesburg. Primarily, the effect that Dr. Suyama has had on my vocational outlook has been paramount to my growth here at Waynesburg, and his ministry work has inspired my involvement at the Foundry Church. Dr. Suyama has helped me realize that a love for God and for others is exquisitely compatible with my love of science and medicine.

What’s your favorite place on campus?

My favorite place on campus is the Center for Campus Ministry. Whether it’s talking, hanging out, or seeking community in faith, it is a location which sticks out in my mind as a place of respite during my collegiate tenure. While I haven’t been there as frequently this semester, I have made so many great memories connecting with colleagues and hearing their stories in the Center for Campus Ministry.

Do you have a hidden talent or skill that few people know about?

I actually am a semi-adept puppeteer, which is probably not what comes to most people’s minds when they think of me. Puppetry was a big part of the ministry I did in high school – I even attended a few national conferences where I got to be a part of a puppetry team. I’d love to start a club in medical school to take puppets on the road and visit children’s hospitals to brighten their day.