Bio-Chemistry: Tate Lockwood Takes the Challenging Road
BY MICHAEL MOREHOUSE ’23
2 MIN. READ
While college may be stressful for many new students, an intimidating choice to make is entering the medical field. For Tate Lockwood, a senior majoring in biochemistry, the process was taken one step at a time. From Kokomo, Indiana, Tate wanted to go to a small university that would allow him to be close to his professors, along with the opportunity to play tennis.
Tate originally majored in chemistry before switching to biochemistry, which he believes is a better track for a pre-med student. One of Tate’s favorite classes he took was organic chemistry, which, according to him, is one of the more challenging classes students take. He also enjoyed his microbiology course.
Even though there were many classes Tate enjoyed, there were still some challenging aspects of the major.
“It’s probably the hardest major on campus,” he claims, “and probably more so for me because I’m doing pre-med. There’s an extra pressure of getting good grades and all the applications for that.”
As with many areas of study, Tate’s education has not just comprised classroom work. He was able to shadow several specialists, which he found very impactful. Last summer, he started scribing at a hospital, which involves charting and doing computer work for a doctor. There was also an opportunity for him to volunteer at some vaccination clinics.
Tate’s plans following graduation are to go to medical school in Indiana and eventually practice ophthalmology, which involves laser eye and cataract surgery. He is also considering specializing in orthopedics and dermatology.
The past three years at AU have not just been overwhelmed with academics for Tate. He was on the tennis team his freshman year, a resident assistant in Smith Hall for two years, as well as a member of Boosters, a social/service club on campus. Though academics take a lot of time, Tate tried to be involved in two to three different things each season to meet people and have fun.
There is no question that Tate has chosen a difficult road in academics. While Tate has overcome some hurdles and will have plenty more in the future, he has shown that, even with a challenging field of study, AU students can still connect with others and enjoy college.
Anderson University educates students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 50 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 18 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult, graduate, and online programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized for excellence in business, computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, music, nursing, psychology, and teacher education programs. Established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God, the university remains committed to its Christ-centered mission.