College of Natural Sciences Student Spotlight: Jaren Meikle
Posted: October 14, 2024 | Author: Southern Utah University | Read Time: 2 minutes
Hailing from Clearfield, Utah, Jaren Meikle is a senior chemistry major and biology minor at SUU. Jaren is well known around the College of Natural Sciences for his scientific achievements, quick wit, and somewhat eccentric style.
A rapidly developing young scientist, Jaren is interested in biochemistry, specifically photosynthesis, and has been pursuing photochemistry research with Dr. Jacob Dean as well as protein kinetics studies with Dr. Caleb Hiller.
With the goal of becoming a full-time researcher, ideally at a national lab or university, Jaren hopes to contribute to our understanding of photosynthesis and apply nature's strategies to increase our ability to capture solar energy. Here at SUU, his academic pursuits have been supported by an Early College Achievement Award and New Century Scholarship for graduating high school with an associate's degree. Additionally, Jaren has received the Presidential Scholarship, Gibson Scholarship, and a Gibson Research Award.
Outside of the laboratory, Jaren has been an International Student Ambassador for the past two years. This team of domestic students helps international students adjust to life here in the United States and at SUU in particular, as well as plan events to help SUU students increase their global awareness. Jaren has also spent the last year working as a trip leader for SUU Outdoors. This semester he will lead paddleboarding, canyoneering, backpacking, and river rafting excursions throughout southern Utah.
When asked to describe his favorite thing about studying at SUU, Jaren said, “I love how personable receiving an education is here. I enjoy how closely students and professors interact, and how easy it is to build fantastic relationships with those around me. Having professors that know and care about each of their students is something that is hard to come by at other universities.” Clearly, Jaren has been the beneficiary of the “SUU experience” and is taking full advantage of the opportunities that SUU affords.
When not working on campus in one of his many roles, Jaren enjoys spending time outdoors. He enjoys canyoneering, rock climbing, and backpacking. He recently backpacked the Uinta Highline Trail, an 80-mile trail that traverses some of the best scenery the Uintas have to offer. A man of many talents, Jaren is also an avid pianist, having studied the piano since he was just four years old.
Jaren has a very bright future ahead of him both as a scientist in his personal pursuits. We are excited to watch him soar from the SUU nest and are confident he will make us all proud!
Tags: College of Natural Sciences CurStu Biology Chemistry Career and Personal Development
