Megan Fast, ’22, graduated from Benedictine University (BenU) with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a minor in Physics and is now pursuing her PhD in Physical Chemistry at Texas A&M University. Her journey reflects her passion for science and her dedication to making a positive impact on the world.
Fast credits her time at BenU for providing the foundation for her academic and professional success. The small class sizes and supportive faculty allowed her to thrive, offering personalized guidance as she explored internships and graduate school opportunities.
“The professors were invested in each of our academic journeys,” said Fast. “Their encouragement helped me prepare for the next steps, from applications to research.”
Now at Texas A&M, Fast combines her love of chemistry and physics in a lab studying photodissociation dynamics, contributing to advancements in atmospheric chemistry. Her achievements include presenting research at an international conference and earning the Texas A&M HEEP Fellowship for students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance, research ability, potential, and leadership qualities.
Benedictine University’s Hallmarks continue to influence Fast’s daily life, particularly community, discipline, and hospitality.
“Without community, I would not have made it through the long nights of studying and persevering in the lab when experiments fail in both undergrad and graduate school,” said Fast. “Discipline has helped to keep me going even when school or life gets hard and knowing that my friends and family will be there to help push me along, and hospitality is something that I always strive to live by as giving people a safe and welcoming environment helps them succeed.”
Fast’s journey exemplifies the impact of BenU’s academic environment and values, proving that dedication and mentorship can lead to extraordinary achievements.
