Undergraduate Summer Scholar explores medical career paths through experiential learning opportunities
‘Because of Miami, I've been able to find myself,’ said Lily Sawyer '27
Undergraduate Summer Scholar explores medical career paths through experiential learning opportunities
Videography by Zachary Burnett and Cameron Johnson
Going to college is such a unique experience for everyone. From where to attend, what areas to study, what opportunities to participate in, and more, college-bound students have a lot to consider to build a successful future.
When Lily Sawyer ’27, a Psychology major with a Premedical and Pre-Health Studies co-major, toured Miami University, three key factors let her know Miami was right for her — the beautiful campus, the campus size, and the community.
“From my first impression, the campus was very beautiful and the people were such a welcoming presence for me. They only had great things to say about the campus, and that's when I knew that was the one for me,” Sawyer said. “Miami suits certain needs for me as it wasn't too big, nor was it too small. So, I can form close relationships with my mentors, professors, and peers.”
Combining interests with academics
Sawyer enjoys watching crime documentaries, and after taking a psychology class in high school, she knew she wanted to major in Psychology. “I'm just really interested in the thought processes behind the mind, how people think and interact with others. So that's what I really love about my major.”
Since she comes from a family of medical professionals, Sawyer also has a passion for medicine, which prompted her to co-major in Premedical and Pre-Health Studies. “My mom is a pharmacist, and I really look up to her in that way and how she's able to make a career out of herself with medicine.” She continued, “I initially planned on going to med school, and as of now, that's still an option for me. But with the amount of resources and opportunities at Miami, I've been exploring different careers in medicine as well.”
Sawyer recently shadowed an orthopedic surgeon, learning about different career paths within medicine. “I'm open to learning more about the field of medicine in general,” she said.
Contributing in research opportunities
During summer 2025, Sawyer participated in the Undergraduate Summer Scholars (USS) program — a 10-week program offering research experience for undergraduate students at Miami — alongside her mentor, Andrew Jones, associate professor of Chemical, Paper, and Biomedical Engineering.
Sawyer works in the Jones Lab, finding out about it during a Psychology class as a first-year student at Miami and being intrigued that the lab combines aspects of psychology and science. She said, “The Jones Lab bioengineers different pathways in order to produce high-value compounds in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way.”
“My professor mentioned a lab working with psilocybin — a psychoactive compound in psychedelics — and how it was known to treat mental health disorders. I was particularly drawn to that aspect as well, because I wanted to make a difference through research,” she said. “My research makes an impact on others who may be struggling with mental health disorders themselves or other illnesses and are looking for alternative treatments that are more environmentally friendly and sustainable in the long run.”
Sawyer mentioned, “In the beginning, I didn't really know anything about research. But now coming into it and being in lab for so long, I've been able to analyze data, conduct experiments by myself, and have been able to discover new aspects about myself of how I can adapt to my environment and problem solve.”
Knowing that research work is a marathon, not a sprint, Sawyer added, “My number one takeaway is that there will be trial and error. Not all research is about finding results. It's also about the process along the way of finding those results. It takes lots of going back to the drawing board and redoing experiments; and there will be hardship, but in the long run, it will all be worth it.”
Growing as a leader
“Miami has been active in shaping my role and becoming a leader through my classroom experiences and organizations I'm a part of on campus. I have been able to develop my skills in teamwork, perseverance, and learning how to collaborate with others,” Sawyer said.
She participates in the Humanities and Social Science (HASS) Scholars Program, helping first-year students transition into college. “With this program, I've been able to attend networking and career events that have all helped me develop myself professionally in order to prepare for the future.” Sawyer added, “With my sorority, I've been able to find a community of girls who I can look to for support and who will be there for me. And with my research lab, I've been able to find valuable mentors and people who I can look up to. Also, I can prepare and enter the world of research on a larger scale.”
“I have been fortunate enough to be selected for a couple leadership positions in this upcoming school year. I have been invited to be a peer mentor for my HASS program, and I have also been selected to be a treasurer for AMWA, American Medical Women's Association on campus,” Sawyer said. “Through these positions, I hope to develop my skills and leadership more and not only lead, but learn how to successfully collaborate with others.”
“Because of Miami, I've been able to find myself,” she added.
