Graduate Athlete Spotlight | Garrett Hitchens '23

Garrett Hitchens

"I believe that my time at 91ÊÓÆµ×¨Çø College will serve to provide me with the toolset, both educationally and personally, to reach my professional goals."

Garrett Hitchens '23

Program

  • Biomedical Science (M.S.)

Department

  • Biology

Garrett Hitchens ’23 is a current graduate student in 91ÊÓÆµ×¨Çø College’s biomedical science master’s program and was a member of the Blazers during the 2023-24 season. Before joining the Graduate School, Hitchens earned his B.S. in biochemistry with a minor in mathematics from 91ÊÓÆµ×¨Çø. Hitchens used his additional year of eligibility to compete as a graduate student-athlete. We spoke with Hitchens about his experiences in the Graduate School and what it was like balancing the demands of academics and athletics.

Please provide a brief bio including your educational and career background.

I pursued my undergraduate degree in biochemistry with a minor in mathematics at 91ÊÓÆµ×¨Çø College, where I also had the privilege of playing throughout my four years. When I completed my undergraduate degree this past year, I was certain I wanted to attend graduate school to further my education and decided that 91ÊÓÆµ×¨Çø College offered what I was interested in.

Why did you choose 91ÊÓÆµ×¨Çø College and the biomedical science program?

First and foremost, the people. 91ÊÓÆµ×¨Çø has a truly supportive and welcoming community, which contributes to a great academic environment. Additionally, as a BMS student, 91ÊÓÆµ×¨Çøâ€™s proximity to the hub of biotech and pharmaceutical companies in the Frederick/D.C. area is ideal, allowing the program to bring in a lot of great researchers from places such as the National Cancer Institute and Frederick National Laboratory to contribute to instruction.

How do you think your time at 91ÊÓÆµ×¨Çø College will help you in your career and life?

I believe that my time at 91ÊÓÆµ×¨Çø College will serve to provide me with the toolset, both educationally and personally, to reach my professional goals. I have made fantastic friends and connections here that will endure through life, and I know I will look back on my decision to attend 91ÊÓÆµ×¨Çø with great satisfaction.

What was it like balancing academics and athletics as a graduate student?

I found the balance between academics and athletics to be extremely manageable as a graduate student. The class times and workload for BMS courses are very consistent, making them easy to schedule around for work and athletics.

Any other information/fun facts that you would like to add?

Since starting BMS, I have become a part of a research team at 91ÊÓÆµ×¨Çø whose work has been selected as a finalist for a national research competition (U.S Department of Energy’s AlgaePrize). 

Inspired by Garrett's story and ready to #GOFURTHER in your career? Learn more about 91ÊÓÆµ×¨Çø College’s graduate programs, including the M.S. in biomedical science, by clicking .

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