Gaining an Edge from Hands-On Experiences: Katherine Quigley ’10

Now a science teacher at Wake Forest-Rolesville High School in Wakeforest, NC, Katherine Quigley points to the hands-on experiences she was afforded at Converse as key to her post-graduate success.

As a student, she earned a research grant from South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU), working in collaboration with her faculty mentor, Dr. Elena Mendez. The two worked with local elementary students and teachers to explore ways to integrate labs into the elementary classroom curriculum.

In addition to research, the opportunity to become familiar with all equipment in the labs gave her a distinctive edge. “Converse chemistry students have the unique opportunity to handle and work with all of the advanced equipment,” she says. “You won’t find that at many other schools—especially as an undergraduate. Alongside this, the faculty truly care about your success. That encouragement has given me the motivation to continue on with my studies.”