Brandy Rogers Riekert

Why did you choose Dalton State? Close to my current residence in Calhoun, and the amazing affordability. 

What do you plan to do after graduation? I will begin the Master of Science in Integrative Biology program at Kennesaw State University. I will also be working there as a Graduate Teaching Assistant.

What activities were you involved in on campus? I was inducted into Beta Chi Nu, DSC’s chapter of Tri-Beta National Biological Honor Society last spring, and I served as secretary for the organization this past year. We sponsored many great events and fundraisers that I was privileged to participate in, including an obstacle course for Fall Festival and Research Lounge in spring and fall semesters.

What were some of your biggest achievements or accomplishments at Dalton State? My biggest achievements at Dalton State included completing two undergrad teaching assistantships and maintaining my grades to graduate summa cum laude. However, the accomplishment that I am most proud of is being involved with the initial set-up of Dalton State’s Turtle Assurance Colony.

Where was your favorite study spot? My favorite study spot at Dalton State was the tutoring room in Peeples Hall. Lots of windows, internet access, and giant whiteboards…what else could you need?!? My friends liked to refer to it jokingly as my “vacation home.”

What was your best memory as part of the Roadrunner Nation? I have so many wonderful memories from being a DSC Roadrunner! I will never forget the sense of belonging I felt at Dalton. I transferred into DSC after completing my associate’s in biology at another school, and I was nervous about making the transition, but I immediately felt at ease and quickly began to feel a strong sense of pride and ownership as part of the Roadrunner Nation! I left with a treasury of memories and many fond friendships.

What is the last book you read? My physics textbook. For pleasure, The Hundred-Foot Journey, by Richard Morais.

Favorite comfort food? Homemade spaghetti and meatballs.

Favorite line from a movie? “Hello! My name is Inego Montoya! You killed my father! Prepare to die!!”

What is your guilty pleasure? 80’s movies (see above).

If you won the lottery, what would you do? Hire a professional money manager, so my life wouldn’t spiral out of control like all those people on shows like “The Lottery Ruined My Life.”

What cheers you up?  Funny things my kids say, great music, time with my awesome friends!

What is your favorite book? The Passage and Twelve by Justin Cronin. They are books one and two in a trilogy, and I am highly anticipating the release of the last book sometime this fall!

Who is your hero? Science hero: Neil Shubin.  Real-life hero: my mom.

What is your favorite app? It’s got to be a toss-up between Shazam and Merlin Bird ID

What did you want to be when you were a kid? My mom says my first two choices when I was little were pediatric neurosurgeon and hairdresser. 

What does it mean to you to be part of the Roadrunner Nation? Being part of the Roadrunner Nation means being a part of something that is so much more than the sum of its parts. It means taking pride in our institution and the accomplishments of all of our fellow Roadrunners. It means having integrity in everything you do, and also encouraging others to be the best they can be. Roadrunners have long been revered for strength, courage, and endurance, and as such are the perfect mascot for Dalton State College! I am proud to be a member of the Roadrunner Nation! Beep, beep!