Glancing around the library, she takes in the countless students studying, laughing and writing in the same spots she has sat over the past three years. She reflects on what has made her time at the University of South Carolina special, from the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing (MCEC) and the Capstone Scholars Program, to research and extracurriculars.  

Now, senior biomedical engineering major Jessica Schmidt is preparing for her professional journey. 

USC is a long way from Schmidt’s hometown of Wantagh, New York, but recommendations from friends and her mom pushed her to take a closer look at the university. 

“When I visited for Admitted Students Day, I thought, ‘It's so bright and warm and amazing.’ I just really enjoyed it and the whole community,” she says.

Schmidt was interested in following in her mom and sister’s footsteps to become a physician’s assistant (PA). But to keep her options open, she decided to attend USC and study biomedical engineering. 

“I fell in love with it and enjoy being able to see behind the scenes,” Schmidt says. “You're able to understand exactly the machine’s function or how to properly use the tools.”  

Schmidt also speaks fondly of the MCEC, appreciating the events and community. 

“The staff is just so helpful and really wants you to succeed. If you’re working outside of school, they’ll say ‘Come during office hours, I'll help you’,” she says.

The Capstone Scholars Program further enhanced Schmidt’s USC experience with its community and resources. As a freshman, Schmidt lived in the community’s hub, the Capstone Residence Hall. 

“My first week, I remember they had the Capstone float down the [Congaree] river,” Schmidt says. “So, I recruited seven people to join me. It was so nice because you were able to talk to and meet all these new people and just get close.” 

Beyond social impact, Capstone has helped Schmidt develop her professional ambitions through its requirement for scholars to create and complete one goal each year of the program. 

“It pushed me to do different things within the Carolina environment,” Schmidt says. “My first Capstone goal was to figure out which career I wanted to pursue, whether it was PA or biomedical engineering.” 

As it turned out, Schmidt has followed both a PA and biomedical engineering path. 

This led her to join the USC Biomedical Engineering Society, the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and the Association of Pre-Physician Assistant Students. She currently serves as the social chair for SWE, where she runs the social media and helps plan professional and social events. Her experiences with each group in shadowing, listening to guest speakers and volunteering enhanced her understanding of both disciplines.

I've grown so much since freshman year, and being able to put myself out there, get involved, and figure out my worth showed me the potential that I can have.

- Jessica Schmidt

Her second Capstone goal was to find research opportunities on campus. This pushed Schmidt to pursue research at the USC School of Medicine. From 2023 to 2024, she worked with Jay Potts, one of the school’s cell biology and anatomy professors, on cardiovascular medical research. She helped prepare a new heart failure prevention drug for FDA research by isolating mice DNA and observing changes in cellular culture.

After completing her two years and goals in Capstone, Schmidt applied to become a Capstone Fellow, which included creating her own website. As a fellow, she continues to reap the benefits of the Capstone community and has access to resources such as grants and networks. 

Schmidt’s professional experience broadened over this past summer while she worked as an EMT for Jones Beach State Park in New York. She worked with a first responder team in various environments on medical responses, patient documentation and trauma situations. 

“When she talks about her experience as an EMT over the summer, you know that she loves being able to help people, think critically and have a hands-on approach to things,” says Schmidt’s roommate Katelynn Persaud, “That tenacity translates to her success in school as well because I think she has truly come into a role as a leader for her peers.” 

Schmidt also pursues her personal interests through the intramural sand volleyball team, Gamecock Sailing and the USC chapter of Girl Gains. 

“I love being pushed to be involved, and I think it helped with my overall experience,” she says. 

Schmidt is currently applying to PA schools and after graduating this May, she plans to return to her EMT job in the meantime. 

“I've grown so much since freshman year, and being able to put myself out there, get involved, and figure out my worth showed me the potential that I can have,” Schmidt says. “I feel like throughout this entire time and all the organizations, classes and projects that I've had to do have really pushed me to be more than a just a student.”