GK Scholarships: Ryan Brownlee

Golden Key is happy to introduce Ryan Brownlee, one of Golden Key’s 2021 Undergrad Achievement Award winners. Ryan is a sophomore at Mercer University, studying Biochemistry and Molecular biology.

“Winning this scholarship is a blessing. It allows for me to further pursue my research projects and academics in pursuit of a career helping others as a future physician,” says Ryan.

Ryan is excited to be bettering himself by attending college.

“I grew up with my family in Gainesville, Georgia,” Ryan shares. “An undeveloped town at the time, it has since grown substantially, just as I have since growing up there. Now, I am in my second year of studying Biochemistry and Molecular biology at Mercer University actively pursuing a career as a physician where I will be able to change people’s lives for the better.”

Ryan is dedicated to his studies and involved in multiple honor societies and organizations.

“I am currently involved in various organizations, including honor societies like Golden Key and Alpha Epsilon Delta,” Ryan mentions. “Likewise, I am part of a faith-based organization called Baptist Collegiate Ministries. In each of these, I get to participate in service projects within the college’s community where I am able to make a difference in other people’s lives.”

Ryan is a hard worker and enjoys volunteering in his community.

“Mercer’s Golden Key chapter has offered me multiple new opportunities for skill development and service of my community,” Ryan remarks. “Right now, I actively volunteer at a homeless shelter and in a volunteer healthcare clinic, both of which serve low-income individuals in Macon, Georgia. Volunteering at both organizations has improved my ability to relate to others and has reinforced the importance of using my spare time to help others.”

Ryan enjoys participating in undergraduate research.

“I am also very involved in undergraduate research and am working on projects regarding the toxic effects of mercury on the kidneys,” Ryan explains. “By researching the mechanisms of the body’s absorption of the mercury and where it is stored, my research mentor and I plan to find ways to save the lives of patients that are suffering from mercury toxicity or the resulting kidney damage.”

Ryan hopes to continue his education at medical school.

“In the future, I plan to attend medical school in an MD or MD/Ph.D. program, apply for residency in internal medicine and conduct research in molecular biology so I can give patients the best outcomes possible,” Ryan says.

Thank you for being a part of the Golden Key family, Ryan; we wish you the best of luck completing your degree!