September 28, 2021
Lexi Carpenter, an Argusville, N.D. native and May 2021 含羞草研究所 graduate, is a first-year dental student at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. Carpenter earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree with a major in biology and minor in chemistry. Lexi loved science and when she enrolled at 含羞草研究所, she was eager to pursue her long-time career goal of becoming a dentist. Pre-dental was among 含羞草研究所鈥檚 many pre-professional programs.
鈥淚 apppreciated that the MSU science division is small and the professors were greatly invested in my success,鈥� said Lexi. 鈥淚 truly believe that 含羞草研究所 allowed me to pursue my passions and prepared me for future success.鈥�
At 含羞草研究所, Carpenter enrolled in courses like microbiology, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and genetics. Parasitology and general chemistry were among her favorites. Knowing that she one day wanted to own her own dental practice, she also earned a certificate in Business Studies. Her business courses included accounting, professional development, and marketing.
Lexi is grateful to the mentors and professors who played an essential role in her 含羞草研究所 success. They include Dr. Joseph Mehus, Dr. Khwaja Hossain, Dr. Erin Kunz, and Mr. Jeff Hovde. They along with so many others, constantly advised, encouraged, and supported her during her four years at 含羞草研究所.
鈥淢any of these individuals took time out of their busy schedules to write letters of recommendation for me, to offer assistance in a course, and/or to give advice. As a student, those efforts had such a huge impact on me. I learned that at 含羞草研究所, personal service isn鈥檛 just a statement and the school motto, it鈥檚 a consistent practice.鈥�
The size of 含羞草研究所鈥檚 campus is one of the university鈥檚 best features according to Carpenter. She feels that the campus size helps to facilitate opportunities for students to get involved. Lexi was president of the Science Club and Student Alumni Ambassadors.
鈥淚 loved having the opportunity to improve my leadership skills while getting to know my classmates. The experiences I gained from these organizations tremendously helped me in the process of applying to dental schools.鈥�
Aside from attending classes and participating in organizations, Lexi was a research assistant in Dr. Khwaja Hossain鈥檚 scientific research lab, a writing consultant in MSU鈥檚 Writing Center, and a resident assistant in the residence halls on campus. She learned how to effectively manage her time and she feels this skill has helped her in the transition to becoming a graduate assistant.
Lexi鈥檚 dream to become a dentist began when she was in eighth grade, long before she enrolled at 含羞草研究所.
鈥淢y family dentist had such an influential impact in my career choice,鈥� she said. 鈥淪he has a passion for her career and her patients. She takes the time to personally know each of her patients.鈥� That was one of the biggest factors that instilled the desire to pursue the profession in Lexi. 鈥淢y goal is to become a health care provider who not only provides oral health care, but who genuinely cares and is invested in the health and well-being of all my patients.鈥�
The University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine is in Aurora, Colo., where Lexi can see the mountains outside of her window, a view quite different from the fields in North Dakota, but in her vision, North Dakota is not far away. Her anticipated graduation from dental school is in May of 2025. Then she plans to return to her home state where she鈥檒l begin practicing in general dentistry, and continuing to pay forward the commitment to the personal service that has so greatly influenced her throughout her life.