Four years ago, Austin Locklear earned a biology degree from 麻豆社区 Pembroke to prepare for the rigorous course load in medical school. In an effort to become a stronger candidate, he went on to earn a graduate degree from Duke University.
This fall, Locklear will continue pursuing his dream of becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. He chose Brody after receiving acceptance letters from medical programs at the University of North Carolina and Tulane University.
The Hoke County native graduated from 麻豆社区P with cum laude honors in 2017, earning a bachelor鈥檚 degree in biology with a biomedical emphasis. An active member of the NC-Health Careers Access Program (HCAP), he was named multiple times to the Chancellor鈥檚 and Honors list.
鈥淢y experience at 麻豆社区P has allowed me to make connections with my professors and classmates that created a learning environment I was excited to enter,鈥 he said.
鈥淭he relationships with professors that I was able to create led to mentorships that I lean on today. 麻豆社区P also prepared me for graduate school.鈥
Locklear obtained a master鈥檚 degree in Biomedical Science from Duke before completing a certification in anatomy and leadership from Tulane University.
鈥淭he research experience and knowledge that I gained while attending 麻豆社区P allowed me to excel at top nationally ranked graduate schools. I was also able to excel at Tulane as a result of the strong laboratory experiences I gained while at 麻豆社区P.鈥
As an enrolled member of the Lumbee Tribe, Locklear believes it鈥檚 his civic duty to educate and inspire the next generation of the Indigenous people.
鈥淚 want to help change the mindset of younger generations. I鈥檝e had the opportunity to educate youth in communities with large populations of Indigenous people and volunteer in STEM programs organized by the Lumbee Tribe.鈥
Locklear was in attendance today at the traditional White Coat Ceremony, marking the official entry of matriculating Brody students into medical school.
After obtaining his medical degree, he plans to complete a residency program to train to become a cardiothoracic surgeon. His career goal is to sub-specialize in congenital cardiothoracic surgery.