Since I was four months old, Marshall University has been a constant part of my life. My parents, Dr. Dru Bora and Dr. Kim DeTardo-Bora, landed faculty positions in the Criminal Justice department shortly after I was born. I was born prematurely, so I couldn’t attend daycare right away. In the meantime, my parents would take me to Marshall, often bringing me with them to class or having their colleagues watch me. Even after I started preschool and elementary school, my days off school were frequently spent on the 7th floor of Smith Hall bouncing between the offices of the CJ faculty.
By the time I reached middle and high school, I was unsure about my college journey, but I knew I wanted to continue running cross country and track at the collegiate level since that had been a goal of mine from when I started. My times were good enough to get me recruited by a few schools in the state, including Marshall, which was only a short drive away from my hometown of Hurricane. During the recruiting process, Marshall emerged as the obvious choice due to combination of academic, athletic, and financial benefits the school offered. I had already committed to Marshall athletically when I submitted my application for the Yeager Scholarship. I thought getting the scholarship would be a stretch, but to my surprise, I was offered a spot in the class of 2026, and I knew I couldn’t pass up the incredible benefits and network of scholars the program had to offer.
Entering college as a biology major, I was still contemplating between a career in medicine and a career in research. Both staff and fellow students in the Yeager program encouraged me to diversify my experiences outside of the classroom and the track, which led me to join Dr. Nadja Spitzer’s laboratory during my sophomore year. That decision became the turning point in my professional trajectory. Under Dr. Spitzer’s mentorship, I solidified my decision to pursue a career in research, driven by a desire to investigate neurological phenomena at the molecular level. Through developing essential lab skills while working on an independent project and presenting my research at state and national conferences, these experiences have helped me gain confidence as I apply to neuroscience PhD programs.
Seeking to expand my skillset, I pursued summer research at other universities with Dr. Spitzer and the Yeager program’s support. After many applications, I was fortunate to be offered a spot in the Amgen Scholars program at the University of North Carolina. Over nine weeks in Chapel Hill, I researched neurotoxicology, explored biotechnology, and networked at the Amgen Scholars North American Symposium at UCLA. Being away from home was daunting, but I cherished the opportunity to share my Marshall with others who were unfamiliar with the university, fostering understanding and expanding the potential for future collaboration. I also saw UNC as a chance to represent Marshall and give back to the university by sharing what I learned when I came back home.
Balancing the demands of being a Yeager scholar, athlete, and student researcher has been challenging at times. Managing my commitments has involved getting runs in between classes while studying abroad or leaving for a conference immediately after returning from a race. Though my free time is rare during particularly heavy weeks, each activity gives me a unique sense of fulfillment that motivates me to keep moving forward. Coming from a Marshall family, I am proud to represent the university, whether the name is sprawled across my jersey or written on a nametag. I recognize that my pursuits wouldn’t be possible without the help of my teachers, my coaches and teammates, and the Yeager program, and I am endlessly thankful for the network of support they have provided me with.
Marshall will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s not just the place where I’ve studied and competed, it’s where I’ve built a foundation for my future. From my early days at Smith Hall to my current work in research, Marshall has shaped me in ways I will carry forward for the rest of my life.
