My name is Brittney Gray and I am a fourth year UCF student and a third year GEMS mentor. I am a forensic science major with a focus on the biochemistry track, and I am also working to obtain a certificate in crime scene investigation. I went to Middleton high school in Tampa, Florida. One of my favorite classes at UCF was Intro to Forensic science taught by Dr. Bridge. She is a career chemist and a hilarious person to know!  

I got involved in the Excel program after hearing about the smaller class sizes and research opportunities that come along with being an Excel student. I then learned about GEMS and had an amazing time with my mentor and group when I was a freshman. The GEMS program really helps to facilitate your freshman experience and provides you with similarly-majored young women to help support you from day one! 

In my free time, I enjoy working out and being outdoors! UCF offers a ton of great resources for students like free volleyball and kayaking at Lake Claire, as well as a free rock-climbing wall in the gym. I am the risk management officer for the UCF club Judo team, and I won two silver medals last regionals! I am also a competitor in the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu club, and I would love to take you to a practice someday! 

A word of advice for your freshman year: do not be afraid to ask questions! whether that is in class or with your GEMS mentor, we are all here to help!