Sarah Whitmire

Class of 2016
Hometown: Wilmington, NC

Sarah Whitmire, of Wilmington, NC, graduated in May 2016 with a degree in Biology and a minor in Music. Sarah was dually enrolled in the Bioinformatics Professional Science Master’s Program during her last year of undergraduate study. She plans to stay at UNC Charlotte for an additional year to complete her graduate degree. As part of the Levine Scholars program, Sarah interned with Shelter Health Services (a nonprofit clinic for women and children residing at the Salvation Army Homeless Shelter), participated in Oral Medicine research at Carolinas HealthCare System and worked in Experimental Neuroscience research at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. She has been involved in research since her first year at UNC Charlotte. After starting in organic chemistry research, she joined the Laboratory of Systems Physiology in the Kinesiology Department. For three years, she worked with isometric handgrip exercise and its blood pressure reducing effects. She brought her experiences full circle when she asked to conduct an isometric exercise program at the Salvation Army. She created a community-based research project with the goal of providing a self-sustainable way for the high-risk population to control their blood pressure. “In addition to developing many unique friendships, I have developed leadership skills that will be applicable for the rest of my life,” Sarah said. Her international experience included a medical trip to Ghana, where she worked in the local hospitals and leprosy clinics. “Both UNC Charlotte and the Levine Scholars program have helped me have a unique college experience that I could not have dreamed of four years ago,” said Sarah. “It has pushed my limits and, given the chance, I would do it all over again.”