Bailey Gomes

I initially decided to check out NMU because of the unique opportunities and programs offered here, but the first time I came to visit, I fell in love and I knew this was the place where I'm meant to be. NMU honestly felt like the perfect school for me so the only hesitation I had was due to the distance from home. When I came to visit, everyone I met on campus was so encouraging, friendly, and welcoming, which made me feel right at home and it was the deciding factor that gave me the confidence to come here.

I decided on my forensic biochemistry major because of how unique the program is. I was really drawn in by the Forensic Research Outdoor STation (FROST) facility.

I've had the opportunity to work with cutting edge technology, doing techniques that are actually used in crime labs by forensic scientists. It was so amazing to experience what it would be like to work in a forensic lab one day. 

I've been involved in a lot over the past four years, so I'll make a list:

On campus: Honors Program, Honors Student Organization, Conspectus Borealis, Student Leader Fellowship Program, Superior Edge, Special Events Committee, Platform Personalities, Hip Hop Dance Crew, Quiz Bowl, Forensic Biochemistry Club, Pre-Med Club, Kappa Psi Nu, NMU Biology research

Off campus: Ballet classes, performed in local community theatre (performed in Little Shop of Horrors and The Rocky Horror Show)

I am currently working on the Covid-19 wastewater monitoring project. Essentially I take samples that have been collected at several wastewater sampling sites across Marquette and I perform an extraction of any viral RNA that is present in the wastewater. Then I run it through a process to amplify the amount of RNA found (if any), so that we can detect if Covid-19 is present in the wastewater, and quantify it. This data is sent to the MDHHS as part of a statewide network that monitors the community levels present. The data can be used to understand the prevalence of Covid-19 infections in our community. This research has given me an incredible opportunity to perform experiments that I typically would only get to do once (if ever) in a classroom setting. It has greatly improved my confidence in my laboratory skills, and has solidified the concepts that I've learned in my classes by connecting them with a real life application.

It was so much fun interviewing Steve! He was a very funny presenter and would poke fun at me and the audience, as well as at himself. Despite talking about some heavier topics, he was able to create a wonderful stage presence that was captivating, nostalgic, and inspiring. I think that this was one of the highlights of my time at NMU.

I would agree that NMU does present a lot of opportunities like this to students, and I'm sure there are probably even more opportunities than I'm unaware of. There are several groups who bring speakers to campus, host large scale events, and take on the task of event coordination under the supervision of advisors. Between the Queers & Allies annual drag show, the Black Student Union hosting events and speakers, and NoMAD (Northern Michigan Artist Discovery) and NAE (Northern Arts & Entertainment) hosting concerts, there are so many opportunities for students to get involved.

NMU is a wonderful school, but your experience will be what you make of it. I will always highly recommend that students get involved because being involved and meeting new people is the thing that truly makes NMU feel like home. There are incredible opportunities waiting for you here if you're willing to go out and find them.