Student Spotlight: Kelsey Mira

Kelsey Mira is a junior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry through the Florida State University Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, part of the College of Arts and Sciences. Mira won the 2021 Russell H. and Dorothy P. Johnsen Scholarship in chemistry, an award recognizing students studying physical chemistry and U.S. military veterans or their family members. Mira is also a midshipman in Florida A&M University’s Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps program, which is also open to FSU students.

What year are you in school, and when do you expect to graduate?

I am a junior, and I expect to graduate in Spring 2023. Tell us a little about your background, where you’re from and what brought you to FSU.

I’m from Miami, and I came to FSU for the NROTC program. I decided to enroll in this unit specifically because I have lots of family and friends who also attend FSU, including my cousin, some buddies from high school and my twin sister, Hailey, who is a psychology major.

What inspired you to pursue a degree in biochemistry?

I decided to study biochemistry because I had great biology and chemistry teachers in high school who inspired me to learn more. I eventually want to become a high school chemistry teacher, so I can inspire students to love chemistry and recognize its relevance in our everyday lives.

What aspect of your areas of study do you find most fascinating?

My favorite class so far has been the Organic Chemistry II Lab. We engaged with many interesting syntheses and spectroscopic investigations to identify various chemical compounds. We also had the opportunity to make substances like generic formulations of medicines. These investigations were eye-opening to me and helped me realize just how relevant chemistry is.

What was your reaction when you found out that you won the 2021 Russell H. and Dorothy P. Johnsen Scholarship in chemistry?

I was initially surprised that I won the scholarship; I didn’t know that I had been recommended or selected as a finalist. I’m honored that I won, and I’m incredibly appreciative of the donors, Mrs. Dorothy P. Johnsen and Dr. Russell H. Johnsen. I will use the scholarship funds to buy required school supplies, rent textbooks and pay tuition once I surpass the maximum credit hours covered by Florida’s Bright Futures Scholarship program.

What inspired you to become involved in Navy ROTC? What is your role as a midshipman?

I decided that I wanted to pursue a Navy career during my junior year of high school, and the ROTC program allows me to have both a “normal” college life while also fulfilling my duties as a midshipman. My fall semester billet was as the senior enlisted adviser, so my primary role has been to keep good order and discipline of the battalion. With this billet, I was responsible for keeping accountability, creating the mentorship program, scheduling, ensuring weekly field days are completed and more. I also spearheaded the planning and execution of the 246th Navy and Marine Corps Birthday Ball, which was held in November.

The ball celebrates past, present and future Sailors and Marines, as well as the founding of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps on Oct. 13, 1775, and Nov. 10, 1775, respectively. To myself and my peers in the NROTC program, the birthday ball is a celebration of Navy and Marine Corps history and traditions. This year the guest speaker was retired U.S. Navy Captain and former NASA astronaut Winston E. Scott. Capt. Scott graduated from FSU in 1972, and he shared stories about his time at FSU, the Navy and being an astronaut — all of which were inspiring.

Tell us about your favorite part of being involved in Navy ROTC.

My favorite part of being involved in NROTC is lab, in which we learn from our advisers, guest Naval and Marine Corps officers and other civilian guests. Specifically, we learn about leadership and how to become better students and people, which prepares us to be competent and compassionate officers. I like knowing that I am contributing to something bigger than myself, and I am excited to further develop myself as a servant leader practicing ownership.

What on-campus resources have helped you achieve success?

My professors and teaching assistants have been my main resources. Asking questions and attending office hours really helped me succeed in the classes I found to be most challenging, such as calculus. I also used the tutoring services at Strozier Library throughout my freshman year, and these were quite helpful for finding success in my general chemistry courses.

Are there any faculty or staff who have helped or inspired you?

Kurt Piehler, director of the Insititute on World War II and the Human Experience and associate professor of history, has made a significant impact on my life. He was my Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program mentor last year, and his care for his undergraduate assistants was so evident. He has inspired me to prioritize caring for those you lead, and that doing so will significantly contribute to successful teambuilding.

Additionally, Cottrell Family Professor Michael Shatruk and his research team have inspired me throughout Dr. Shatruk’s lab course. Although we have been working together a short time, I’ve already learned a great deal about chemistry and practical lab skills through his guidance.

Following your graduation, what are your plans?

Even though you might miss FSU, what are you looking forward to once you graduate? Upon graduating, I will commission as an ensign in the U.S. Navy. I have a minimum service requirement of five years, and I will decide how long I’d like to extend my service as I experience more of what the Navy has to offer. After the Navy, I plan to become a high school chemistry teacher, following in my parents’ footsteps, as they are both educators. I want to encourage students to pursue their passions and shed light on the importance and opportunities that the scientific community holds. I’m looking forward to helping others in different capacities and learning more about the world we inhabit.