Georgia Highlands College alumna and current student Madeline Choate is making waves at the University of Georgia (UGA) Griffin Campus, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience while also earning a bachelor’s in criminal justice from GHC. She is on track to graduate in May 2026 and has set her sights on a career as a prosecutor specializing in drug and gang-related crimes.
While at UGA, Choate is actively involved in cutting-edge microbiology research where she is one of the first GHC students to take advantage of the Bachelor of Science in Microbiology pathway. Her work focuses on bioinformatics, phage isolation, selective enrichment, bacterial conjugation, transposon mutagenesis of Serratia, and natural and artificial bacterial transformation.
Choate credits her academic foundation at GHC for preparing her for the rigors of her research and studies at UGA.
“Professors at GHC like Dr. Darkus Newton, Professor Kim Subacz, and Dr. Merry Clark truly prepared me for the content I would be encountering,” she said. “Dr. Tatiana Smithison instilled in me the professional etiquette and lab standards that have been instrumental in my success.”
At GHC, Choate has been deeply involved in campus life and student engagement. She has participated in several organizations, including Women of GHC, GHC Book Club, Rotaract Club of GHC, Psychology Club and Youth Pathway. These experiences, along with collaborative classwork, writing lab reports and conducting research, helped her develop the skills and confidence needed for her transition to UGA.
Despite an early setback that placed her on academic probation, Choate used the experience as a turning point and used resources available to her at GHC to help her reach her goals.
“It’s not always easy to admit that I used to fail classes because I didn’t really care at the time, but looking back, those moments taught me more than any success could have,” Chaote said. “They forced me to reflect, to take ownership, and to start showing up differently—not just in school, but in how I carry myself, how I connect with others, and how I approach challenges in general. I’ve come to see those mistakes as necessary, as they were the beginning of learning how to grow into someone better.”
Looking ahead, Choate plans to enter law school after completing her criminal justice degree at GHC and her bachelor’s at UGA. While her goal is to work in the legal field, her science background provides a strong fallback plan.
“My microbiology and neuroscience degrees are my ‘security’ degrees,” Choate said. “If I ever need to exit my law career, I plan to pursue immunology or toxicology.”
Choate encourages current and prospective students to embrace every resource and opportunity available.
“Take advantage of the library, the tutorial center, professors’ office hours, and always feel comfortable asking questions. GHC offers clubs and support for everyone’s interests,” she said.
Madeline Choate’s journey is a testament to resilience, the value of interdisciplinary study, and the supportive community found at GHC. Begin your story today at highlands.edu
