Shiloh Goecke, a junior biology major in pre-medical studies from Atlanta, Texas, has been selected to participate in the Aspirnaut Summer Research Program this summer at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
The paid, 10-week program provides hands-on and mentored laboratory experiences for undergraduate students interested in a career in biomedical research. It was cofounded by Dr. Billy Hudson, a 1962 Henderson State University graduate, and his wife Dr. Julie Hudson, in partnership with Billy’s siblings Johnny Hudson ’67 and Ann Kincl ’66.
“If I were to choose two words to describe Shiloh, they would be ‘enthusiastic’ and ‘curious,’” said Dr. James Engman, professor of biology at Henderson. “She is a true pleasure to have in class. She asks thoughtful and insightful questions, and enjoys participation.”
Engman said Goecke’s selection for Vanderbilt’s highly competitive Aspirnaut Program “should be seen as a strong vote of confidence in her abilities and personal characteristics.”
Goecke is the third Henderson biology student to be selected for the program. Hannah Deputy participated in 2016, and Quincy Gragg in 2017.
“As a junior, Shiloh is considered to be one of the top students in our major,” Engman said. “She took my neotropical course, which includes two weeks in Peru and Ecuador.
“It was on the study abroad trips that I really got to know her and to appreciate what a remarkable young woman she is.”