Natasha Odom chose to study Biomedical Sciences at UCF because of the university’s wide range of opportunities for STEM students. She was excited to engage in research, leadership, and campus involvement while exploring potential career paths in the biomedical sciences.
Looking to connect with peers who shared her interests, Natasha joined the EXCEL program and immediately found community through the EXCEL Living Learning Community, where she studied with fellow residents and benefited from evening tutoring services. She also participated in the GEMS and WISE programs, each helping her navigate UCF’s academic landscape and discover her passion for pathology and forensic science.
Natasha served as an Undergraduate Researcher at UCF’s National Center for Forensic Science for a year, gaining hands‑on experience that strengthened her interest in the field. Through the WISE Program, she was paired with mentor Dr. Erin Hanson, with whom she completed an independent project titled “Cotton vs. Polyester Swabs for the Collection and Transfer of Epithelial Cells in Forensic Touch DNA Samples.” She presented this work during UCF Student Research Week in March 2024, marking a significant achievement in her undergraduate career.
Natasha’s EXCEL experiences also connected her with faculty and professionals who broadened her understanding of pathology. Natasha had early exposure to diagnostic processes in an anatomic pathology lab.
Driven by curiosity and a growing passion for pathology, Natasha is now preparing to continue her education by pursuing a Master of Health Sciences in Pathologists’ Assisting (M.S.H.P.A.). She looks forward to a career that integrates her research experience, technical skills, and dedication to helping others explore their own academic and professional interests.