William Joergensen ’26 is preparing for a final semester at Merrimack College like no other; performing and presenting research, all while balancing multiple campus involvements.
Joergensen, a Connecticut native, chose Merrimack for its close-knit feel. Looking back at his senior year of high school, he found himself unsure what to study, knowing what he enjoyed to do, without any specifics. After visiting campus, paired with his scholarship opportunity, Joergensen said the choice was easy.
Joergensen spent his first year at Merrimack getting grounded in his general academics as an undecided health science major. After hearing about the newly launched men’s volleyball program, he reached out to the coaching staff and became the team manager, attending every practice and game during the inaugural season.
Coming back in the fall semester of his sophomore year as a personal trainer, Joergensen began to involve himself in organizations beyond academics. He joined the fitness and recreation staff as a personal trainer, while also working as a student ambassador, leading tours for prospective students and families.
Joergensen also began narrowing down his academic interests to find what best suited him.
“I really wanted to go to med school, I wanted to become a doctor,” Joergensen explained. “I looked at all the requirements and saw biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, classes I had not taken with my health science degree. So I told myself I might as well get another degree, so I decided to double major.”
Leaving for the summer before junior year, he left Merrimack with an additional biochemistry major, as well as a psychology minor.
Joergensen spent his junior year diving into the premed requirements necessary for a future in medicine. He also became a residential advisor and vice president of the Health Professions Club.
The summer between junior and senior year, Joergensen was presented with an internship opportunity at the Shared Instrumentation and Research Facility (SIRF). He began a research project with Manikandan Santhanarman, director of the facility, and has put in over 300 hours of lab time on this current project, looking to create a more universal and efficient drug development method.
In his free time from the lab, Joergensen also completed the necessary courses to become a certified EMT.
Now, in his senior year, Joergensen is primarily focused on completing and presenting his research, while also finding time to remain present in his senior year with friends.
“I’m trying to be as present as I can, enjoying the time I have left here,” Joergensen explained. “I don’t really have any regrets, or things I wish I could have done.”
In March, Joergensen will travel to Atlanta, Ga., for the American Chemical Society conference, where he will present his work.
