
Hobbies and interests
Agriculture
Animals
Babysitting And Childcare
Biology
Cooking
Culinary Arts
Farming
FFA
HOSA
Journalism
Marine Biology
National Honor Society (NHS)
Volunteering
True Crime
STEM
Science
Sports
Snorkeling
Reading
Action
Adventure
Drama
History
Horror
Fantasy
Magical Realism
Mystery
Thriller
Suspense
I read books multiple times per month
Mina Willis
1x
Finalist
Mina Willis
1x
FinalistBio
Hello, I'm Mina Willis! My life goals are to become a biologist working in a lab setting. I'm a great candidate because I strive to push myself for greater things, and I'm extremely determined to persevere through all trials that come my way.
Education
Coastal Carolina University
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
- Marine Sciences
Brighton High School
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Master's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
- Biology, General
Career
Dream career field:
Biotechnology
Dream career goals:
Biological Lab Technician
Research/Author
Coastal Carolina University2025 – Present1 yearserver
Tri-Star Tea Company2022 – 20242 years
Sports
Soccer
Club2012 – 20142 years
Basketball
Junior Varsity2012 – 20197 years
Volleyball
Varsity2017 – 20225 years
Softball
Varsity2011 – 202312 years
Research
Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
Coastal Carolina University — author2025 – PresentArts, Entertainment, and Media Management
Write a 10 page research paper2024 – 2024
Arts
School yearbook club
Photography2021 – 2024
Public services
Volunteering
Tipton County Animal Shelter — Cleaner/Dog Walker2022 – PresentVolunteering
Carl Perkins Center — Accept food and hygiene products for their pantry2022 – 2024
Dynamic Edge Women in STEM Scholarship
I expected that if someone influenced my decision to pursue a technical field, it would be a teacher I had known for years or a mentor who had closely guided me. Instead, one of the most impactful people in my journey is someone I had never even met when she first said yes to me: Dr. Wu.
At the time, I had an idea but no experience. I had independently designed a research project. The purpose of the project was to determine whether euploid cell lines grow faster than trisomy 21 cell lines. However, I lacked access to a lab, training on equipment, and any real sense of how professional research actually worked. Reaching out to a cell biology expert felt like a long shot. I expected either no response or a polite rejection.
Instead, Dr. Wu agreed to meet with me. more than that, she offered to teach me how to use lab equipment and allowed me to conduct my project in her lab. What makes this especially unexpected is that she made this decision without knowing me personally or having any reason to invest her time in a beginner. Her willingness to take that chance transformed what had been a purely theoretical interest into something tangible.
One specific moment stands out. During our early conversations, I began explaining my project idea, expecting it to be dismissed as overly ambitious or unrealistic. Instead, she listened carefully and then started asking questions, not to challenge whether I was capable, but to help me refine my thinking. She pointed out variables I had not considered, such as how differences in cell line conditions could affect growth rates, and guided me towards thinking about controls and measurement methods. For the first time, I wasn't just someone interested in science; I was being treated like someone capable of doing it.
The interaction fundamentally changed how I saw myself. Before, STEM felt like something I admired from a distance. Afterward, it became something I could actively participate in. Dr. Wu didn't simply provide resources, she modeled what it means to approach problems with curiosity, rigor, and openness. She showed me that real science is not about having perfect ideas from the start, but about asking better questions and being willing to learn.
Her influence was unexpected not only because we had never met, but because it came at a moment when I was still unsure of my place in a technical field. By saying yes, she validated both my initiative and potential. That validation gave me the confidence to move forward, take risks, and pursue research more seriously.
Ultimately, Dr. Wu's impact goes beyond this single project. She has shown me the kind of scientist I aspire to become, someone who not only pursues knowledge, but also created opportunities for others to begin their own journeys. Her willingness to support a stranger with an idea has shaped my decision to pursue a technical field, and it continues to show how I think about mentorship, collaboration, and the purpose of science itself.
“The Office” Obsessed! Fan Scholarship
Michael Scott, from "The Office," resonates with me because of his complex blend of earnestness and awkwardness. his character is a study in contrasts: he desires to be liked and respected but often stumbles into social faux pas and misguided attempts at leadership. His attempt to be the "world's best boss" is often cringe-worthy but also endearing, reflecting a genuine yet flawed humanity that I find relatable. For me, Michael Scott embodies the struggle between personal aspirations and the often messy reality of achieving them. His constant balancing act of wanting to be a friend to his employees while also being their boss highlights a common human experience: the difficulty of managing personal and professional roles simultaneously. His humor, though sometimes uncomfortable, often reveals deeper truths about the need for connection and understanding in any workplace. "The Office" has shaped my sense of humor by demonstrating how comedy can emerge from the mundane and the awkward. The show's humor often hinges on the reliability of its characters' flaws and the absurdity of everyday situations, rather than relying solely on punchlines. The awkward pauses, the deadpan deliveries, and the subtle nuances of office dynamics all contribute to a comedic style that finds humor in the ordinary. The show has also taught me the value of character-driven humor. Rather than just focusing on joke-telling, it emphasizes the comedy that arises from well-developed characters navigating their flawed yet genuine interactions. This approach highlights how humor can be both reflective and empathetic, offering a lens through which to view and laugh at our own imperfections.
Love Island Fan Scholarship
My new challenge for Love Island would have to be used during Casa Amor. The villa would get true or false questions about the people, or couples, at casa amor. While the people at casa amor will get true or false questions about people, or couples, from the villa. This would be a sneak peek for the islanders to see just what has been happening at the other houses and stir up the drama. Whatever house has the most correct guesses gets to watch videos of what their couple is/has been doing at Casa Amor. However, the islanders who get their own video has the option to watch it or not. For example, in Season 6 of Love Island: USA Aaron immediately got with Daniela at Casa Amor. If this game were used and the villa won, Kaylor would've gotten the option to see what Aaron was doing at Casa Amor. A few examples of these said questions would be something around, "Is it true or false that Kordell says he has a stronger connection to a girl in casa amor?" Or you could even twist the questions into something like, "Is it true that Rob and Aaron like the same girl in casa amor?"
Filipino-American Scholarship
Hello, my name is Mina Willis. My passion for marine biology is driven by a profound curiosity about the ocean and a commitment to its preservation. From a young age, I've been captivated by the vast and mysterious marine world, where every dive into its depths reveals a complex and beautiful web of life. To add, I've always been amazed by how important the ocean and its organisms are. My core purpose in pursuing marine biology is to unravel the secrets of marine ecosystems and contribute to their protection. I am motivated by the urgent need to address the threats facing our oceans, such as climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction. Through research and conservation efforts, I aim to ensure that future generations can experience the ocean's splendor and benefit from its vital resources. The influence of my grandmother's Filipino identity has been instrumental in shaping this purpose. Growing up, she shared stories of her life in the Philippines, a country renowned for its rich marine biodiversity and deep cultural connection to the sea. Her narratives of traditional fishing practices, coastal communities, and reverence for marine life have profoundly impacted me. Filipino culture's emphasis on respect for nature and sustainable resource use has reinforced my commitment to marine conservation. Her identity and values have taught me that preserving the ocean is not just a scientific endeavor but a cultural and ethical responsibility. She has also taught me how important it is to understand my culture and to embrace it. In essence, my filipino heritage has provided a framework for understanding the broader implications of marine biology. It has connected my scientific pursuits with a cultural legacy that values harmony with nature, driving me to advocate for the health and preservation of marine ecosystems with a sense of cultural and personal duty.