Russell Ledet

Research Interests:
Medicinal Chemistry Development

Interests outside of school/research:
Billboards, Puzzles, and Jogging

How did you hear about the ACCESS program? Why did you apply?
The Dean of the Honors’ College informed me that applying to this program was a good idea.

Interesting things you did at ACCESS and people you’ve met?
I met Cesar Deleon and we have been friends ever since. We actually won first place together in chemistry at the Annual Biomedical Conference for Minority Students Conference in Fall 2011, the same semester we met at ACCESS.

Favorite part of the weekend and why?
I wanted to know more about graduate school.

What benefits did you reap from the program?
The one most memorable portion was talking with faculty and students. They gave a realistic perspective to our expected future.

Prior to attending ACCESS, did you have plans to apply for graduate school?
How did ACCESS impact your decision?

I was strongly considering graduate school until I met Dr. Jacquin Niles; he gave me ideas about an even better option, an MD/Ph.D.

Are you planning on applying to/attending Graduate School now? If so where?
Yes, I plan to apply to MD/Ph.D. programs at Robert Wood Johnson/ Princeton University, Ohio State University, Vanderbilt, and Johns Hopkins.

What are the three things you like most about graduate school?
Social life, ability to pursue any research idea, flexible work hours

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
In 5 years, I see myself pursuing the Ph.D. portion of my dual degree. In 10 years, I see myself back in the Navy, active duty, performing research and assisting with fallen comrades.

Lake Charles, LA
Chemistry and Biology
Southern University and
A&M College