One of the most distinctive aspects of an Azusa Pacific University education for STEM students is the opportunity to work alongside accomplished faculty and use advanced technology to conduct research, providing hands-on experience that prepares them for careers in a variety of research-based fields. One of these students is Mia Pierce ’27, a senior biochemistry major who plans to continue APU’s legacy of difference makers through medical research. From learning how to conduct research experiments in its earliest stages to pursuing a passion for basketball, Pierce’s APU journey has put her on a path to be a lifelong learner for the benefit of others.
Basketball has always been a part of Pierce’s life. Her dad played basketball in college, and it’s something that has always brought her family together. Pierce fell in love with the game in middle school and continued to play in high school, coached by her dad. During her senior year, Pierce applied to APU and was offered the President’s Academic Scholarship ($24,000 annually for four years), which made attending APU possible. “I’m an out-of-state student from Spokane, Washington, so having this financial aid made a huge difference and allowed me to pursue academics and athletics away from home,” she said. During her first three years at APU, Pierce formed valuable friendships and made meaningful memories with her team.
Pierce originally enrolled at APU as a kinesiology major, but during her freshman year, she took a general education (GE) biology class that led her to switch paths. “I enjoyed the research aspect of biology and loved how there was always something new to learn,” she said. Pierce changed her major to biochemistry and has continued to pursue research opportunities. As a member of a cancer research study team, Pierce has worked on developing cancer treatment drugs alongside her peers and Kevin Huang, PhD, professor in the Department of Biology and Chemistry. “I’m so impressed with the amount of technology and the opportunities we have access to,” Pierce said. “My class sizes are kept intentionally small, which allows for more hands-on experiences with professors who care about us academically and personally. Working directly with faculty allows me to design, brainstorm, and carry out experiments, which is unique for an undergraduate program.” To help Pierce live out her academic and vocational aspirations, the department awarded her the Stauffer Fellowship and the Robert and Roberta Wright for Premedical Studies Award. Both the fellowship and the award granted Pierce funds to support her education and research pursuits.
Working alongside professors who take a genuine interest in their students’ academic journeys and well-being has been an impactful part of Pierce’s time at APU in and out of the classroom. “I’ve visited several professors during office hours for advice or help with professional connections,” she said. Pierce was encouraged by her faculty to apply for an internship at Loma Linda Medical School last summer. With their support, Pierce landed the internship and had the opportunity to conduct research on ovarian cancer, a personal passion shaping her post-graduation plans.
After graduation, Pierce plans to pursue a dual doctorate degree to earn a Doctor
of Medicine and Doctor of Philosophy (MD PhD). “I’ll be able to combine my passion
for research with a unique platform in a lab while also working directly with patients,”
she said.
Pierce feels called to work in the women’s reproductive health field. Her passion
is fueled by a desire to advance research and funding in the field while helping women
get the support and treatment they need. The Department of Biology and Chemistry faculty
have helped Pierce understand and plan for the future of her education, guiding and
reassuring her that she is on the right path even when it seems challenging.
Reflecting back on her time at APU, Pierce recalled how switching her major positively changed the course of her life. “I started college without much of an interest in science, but having professors welcome me in and show me how making mistakes is a way to learn has been the most incredible thing,” she said. “They’ve given me room to grow, and the biggest takeaway from my time at APU is that curiosity can provide lots of opportunities for growth.” Pierce’s professors encourage her to ask questions, take chances, and try new things. As she looks toward her next step in higher education and her career, Pierce hopes to emulate her professors’ approach to whole-person care and transform her love of learning into something that carries on APU’s legacy of difference-makers who profoundly impact the world.