Why I chose UTC: College Quest student panelists to share their UTC stories

High school juniors and seniors exploring careers in health care, engineering, computer science or technology are invited to College Quest on Friday, Nov. 14, at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Co-hosted by Pre-Health Professions Advising, the College of Engineering and Computer Science and UTC Admissions, College Quest combines targeted academic sessions, hands-on lab experiences and a student panel with a unique parent track covering financial aid, housing, career services and student success.

The student panel is composed of recent alums and current Mocs sharing their experiences of how UTC has prepared them for advanced study and their careers. To preview the Nov. 14 panel, the four participants were asked to reflect on their experiences at UTC.

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Bentley Adkins

Senior majoring in computer science
He is currently a research assistant with UTC’s Center for Urban Informatics and Progress (CUIP)
From Rossville, Georgia

“UTC’s invaluable resources and support have played a major role in my academic and personal success. Within the College of Engineering and Computer Science, I’ve benefited greatly from the professional development events held throughout the semester. Making it a priority to attend LinkedIn review sessions, Moc Interviews, career fairs and résumé review days gave me some of the most practical and impactful advice for building a strong professional presence and preparing for future opportunities.

“Another major factor in my success has been connecting with peers. Collaborating with classmates in study rooms, working through difficult coursework together and building relationships with lab partners created a sense of community and mutual support. Those connections not only help you get through tough classes—they might even turn into valuable professional relationships later on.

“Outside the classroom, being part of UTC’s Wind Ensemble has had a huge positive impact on my well-being. Getting involved in activities beyond my major has allowed me to build a broader network of friends, maintain balance and avoid burnout. Clubs and organizations have helped me strengthen my collaboration and leadership skills while also giving me a healthy break from the pressures of academic work.

“Overall, UTC’s academic resources, peer community and extracurricular opportunities have all contributed to my growth both personally and professionally.

“I would like to leave you with this final message: It’s sometimes not about what you know but who you know. Grow together, don’t be a stranger and make friends with your peers. That group project member in the study room with you may be your employer across the hiring table one day.”

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Shelby Alford

First-year physical therapy student at UTC
Bachelor’s degree in exercise and health sciences in May 2025
From Clarksville, Tennessee

“I chose UTC because it was a perfect distance from my hometown and in a beautiful city. I was also drawn to the size of UTC because it wasn’t a huge school that would be overwhelming, but it still had lots to offer.

“At the time I chose UTC, I was unsure what I wanted to do in my future. However, it didn’t take long during my freshman year for my advisors to lead me in the right direction.

“Choosing UTC was a great decision because not only was I shown the world of physical therapy, but I was also provided with countless opportunities to expand my résumé and gain more knowledge. I was led to many shadowing opportunities, helpful resources, clubs/extracurricular involvements and a community of others on the same path. UTC also has many intentional professors and advisors who have helped me prepare for the graduate degree I am now pursuing.”

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Tooba Tanveer

Senior majoring in mechanical engineering and electrical engineering
Also a member of the Innovations in Honors program in the UTC Honors College
During her time at UTC, she has presented her research, “Fabrication of Strengthened Magnesium-Based Nanocomposite Biomedical Implants,” at Posters at the Capitol—a statewide undergraduate research showcase held at the Tennessee State Capitol—and the 2025 UTC Spring Research and Arts Conference; in addition, she is co-author of the paper written on this topic for the upcoming 2025 International Mechanical Engineering Congress & Exposition in Memphis

“I didn’t choose UTC—it was chosen for me.

“I’ve always been passionate about aerospace engineering and was initially disappointed that UTC didn’t offer the program. But I found incredible faculty with strong aerospace backgrounds who guided me.

“Through professional development programs like the CECS Mentorship Program and opportunities like building a high-powered rocket for NASA’s Student Launch Initiative, UTC gave me the space to pursue my aerospace dreams in ways I never imagined.”

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Lukas Wise

Third-year medical student at UT Health Science Center College of Medicine-Chattanooga
Bachelor’s degree in chemistry: biochemistry in 2023
From Thompson’s Station, Tennessee

“Prior to choosing UTC, I can’t say I knew just how much would be offered in terms of academics and research. I chose UTC because it was located in a beautiful city, appeared to have a tight-knit community, and offered wonderful scholarships. Additionally, I was interested in studying chemistry, and there were several degrees offered through UTC. Little did I know the opportunities that would unfold.

“Once I affirmed my goal of going to medical school late in freshman year, I started to get involved in many ways, and this is where I believe UTC shines. Not only are there various leadership, tutoring, volunteering and research opportunities, but they are easy to get involved in. I never had any difficulty getting involved in many ways, and they were truly meaningful to my development as a person, undergraduate student and future medical student. Additionally, I was astounded at the quality of education that I received from every department and how each professor truly cared about my academic success.

“Of note, I was able to get involved in research very early on in the chemistry department. I had the wonderful opportunity to work with Dr. Wang-Yong Yang starting in the summer after my sophomore year. I ended up working with him every semester and did an additional full-time paid summer of research after that, which is an experience that is few and far between at most universities.

“In addition to my experiences, the pre-health counseling and leadership team is outstanding. During my time, I was fortunate enough to have continued guidance from Mrs. Theresa Blackman. She is the kind of person who will go out of her way to make your life easier. She truly gets to know her pre-health students and truly desires to help them meet their goals. For me, that meant one-on-one counseling sessions, help with my personal statement, and many events throughout the years. She also continually remains up to date on guidelines, due dates and many other factors that can easily become overwhelming without someone helping navigate. I know for a fact that my acceptance to UTHSC and my development as a student is in part due to the pre-health counseling I received at UTC, and the process would have been far more difficult without the guidance I received.

“I loved every minute I spent at UTC, and I truly believe that I am where I am today because of the opportunities I was granted there. The people, the place and the culture at UTC made for an experience that was more meaningful than I could have possibly imagined—and ultimately played a substantial role in getting me to my goal of becoming a medical student.”