From Former Marjot Scholar Andrew Jenzer

Carol,

Hi, I don't know if you remember me but I did a Marjot project from 2004-2006 on the anthropogenic effects on water quality in southern Vermont.  I got your letter today and wanted to answer your questions.  I graduated Brattleboro Union High School in 2006 and went on to Boston College where I graduated in May of this year with a B.S. in Biology.  I am currently at Creighton University School of Dentistry where I will graduate with a D.D.S. in 2014.  I joined the Army going into college and completed the Reserve Officer's Training Corps program in my 4 years at BC and graduated as a Distinguished Military Graduate and commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant.  I was awarded a full ROTC scholarship for undergraduate and a full Health Professional Scholarship for Dental School.  When I graduate Dental School in 2014 I will be commissioned directly as a Captain and serve as a dentist for the Army.  I am considering specializing, it is still a few years away, but I am thinking about oral pathology or oral surgery.

The Marjot scholarship was one of the best things to happen to me in high school.  It was my first exposure to 'real world' science, a chance to take what I had been learning and apply it.  I thought it was the coolest thing at the time, it really inspired me both then and now.  I did research in undergraduate examining the biochemical structures involved in heavy metal ion detoxification via phytochelatins in c.elegans, and now here in dental school where I am begin to work with a professor on research involving oral stem cells.  I don't know if I would have been as motivated and enjoyed it as much if I hadn't had a chance to get my feet wet, pun intended, in high school.  I hope your foundation is still active and expanding because I feel like Marjot offers an opportunity unparalleled for high school students.  Please let me know if there is anything else I can contribute or anything you need,

Very Respectfully,

Andrew Jenzer
2LT United States Army
Creighton University Dental School D.D.S. 2014
Boston College B.S. 2010
Andrew.Jenzer@gmail.com
802-579-4904