Army reservist and first-generation student, Amy Zonts will receive a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences in December 2020. Moreover, she will receive the "Outstanding Scholar Award" in the College of Sciences too. "I feel honored, said Zonts. "This shows that perseverance, having discipline, and the will to learn can help overcome adversities that may be standing in your way." Her personal connection to biology started in her childhood.
"Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was something I wanted to research because my mother caught the pathogen and was hospitalized when I was young," said Zonts. While attending Old Dominion University, Zonts has been able to conduct meaningful research about MRSA in a micro laboratory course. "The research I performed was specifically on the virulence factors on MRSA to explain how it has become such a dangerous, infectious "superbug"," said Zonts. She has learned more about how MRSA can mutate rapidly and has antibiotic resistant genes. "It is important to acknowledge that we need to study how these pathogens work to come up with alternative solutions for fighting them in hospital environments," said Zonts.
In addition to taking a full load of classes each semester, Zonts has worked a full-time job and is a member of the Army Reserves. "I have found effective study strategies that work for me," said Zonts. "While it's challenging, my passion for biology has helped me want to learn the material and succeed." She deems ODU to be a reputable institution that is extremely military friendly with very helpful staff, who are ready to answer questions.
Serving in the military is a family legacy for Zonts. Her mother served nine years in the Air Force and other family members served in the military. "In 2015, immediately after high school, I joined the Reserves to help pay for my education and because of the job opportunities they were able to provide," said Zonts. Her natural calling to help her country and others has aided her through the COVID-19 global pandemic. "Although I have not had a deployment yet, I have been a squad leader for a mobilization task force that has been active since the COVID-19 pandemic, helping patients and providing aid to overloaded hospitals," said Zonts.
Learning how to effectively manage time played a big role in her success in managing her studies, the Reserves and working a full-time job. When ODU pivoted to distance learning in the spring, Zonts had a hard time adjusting. "I find that I learn best when I can be fully engaged and physically attend class," said Zonts. Even though remote learning was initially challenging Zonts set a schedule and navigated on-line learning. "I will put effort into schoolwork daily to avoid getting behind, and while it's challenging, my passion for biology has helped me want to learn the material and succeed," said Zonts.
Zonts has an indescribable passion for science, but her heart specifically belongs to biology. "I love learning about how life functions and the processes that make life as we know it possible," said Zonts. "Biology itself is incredibly diverse, and there's many fields of study to go into." Her primary focus is on micro- and molecular biology. In this field of study, Zonts learns about microorganisms which play an important role in our lives as they help provide answers to the origin of life, and serve valuable functions to humans, plants and many other organisms. "Many of the faculty members are very knowledgeable and amazing to have been a student for, however, I will always remember Dr. Douglas Mills's General Biology 1 and 2 courses from my freshman year," said Zonts. "His passion for biology was evident in his lectures and helped inspire me to continue studying, and he was also very accommodating with my schedule, being that I serve in the U.S. Army Reserves."
Zonts describes ODU as truly special. "I enjoyed studying at ODU because of the variety of courses available," said Zonts. "The campus itself is beautiful, the library and Webb Center were pleasant areas to study at, and I enjoyed going to the recreational facilities that were available." Zonts emphasizes the importance of understanding educational benefits. "I feel honored that my hard work did not go unnoticed as Outstanding Scholar," said Zonts. "Some classes were quite challenging, especially with having a busy daily schedule from work and the military." For those in the military who are considering attending ODU, Zonts recommends reaching out to the Military Connection Center for advice on maintaining time management skills as well as knowing what credits will transfer.
Upon graduation Zonts intends to focus on meaningful research and biomedical laboratory work. "I would like to eventually continue my education further in studying microbiology," said Zonts.