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These standout lacrosse players and are not only competitors on the field but also leaders in the classroom and community. They鈥檝e taken full advantage of Duquesne鈥檚 robust academic and research opportunities.

Hanna Pawela, a two-year captain of the lacrosse team, is currently researching cellular and viral proteins involved in HSV-1 replication in Dr. Jill Dembowski鈥檚 lab. Her early exposure to research as a freshman allowed her to secure a Summer Research Internship at Columbia University for the past two years, expanding her academic horizons and preparing her for medical school. 

The research opportunities at the School of Science and Engineering are outstanding and have provided me with opportunities to learn and understand biology from a whole new perspective.

Mackenzie Leszczynski was recognized at the annual Duquesne Athletics Awards ceremony, where she received the Merle E. Gilliand Outstanding Commitment Award for her research accomplishments. Leszczynski landed a summer internship through a leadership event hosted by Duquesne Athletics, where she met Dianne Hupp, Chair of the 香蕉视频 Board of Directors and President of Children鈥檚 Hospital of Pittsburgh.

鈥淭hat summer, I broadened my skills and interests in biomedical research and was then able to transition to a school-year research position with the University of Pittsburgh to pursue my interests in cancer research.鈥� Through these experiences, Mackenzie discovered her passion for biomedical research, a field she now plans to pursue full-time.

Both students highlight the Capstone program as a key course that helped them achieve their goals.

鈥淭he Capstone program exposed me to multiple different types of research in two five-credit classes that are part of the biology curriculum. My time in these labs helped me immensely during my time at Columbia as a summer intern,鈥� says Hanna. 鈥淭his course teaches you so many laboratory techniques and allows you to pursue a research project that interests you. Joining a laboratory can be hard and time-consuming, but this course allows us to build necessary bench skills and gain experience that helps students excel in the lab,鈥� Mackenzie adds.

Both student-athletes credit their professors and mentors for their success.

鈥淚 have received immense support from my student success coach, Diana Dawson. She made sure to create a relationship with me from my very first day here at Duquesne and has been there for me throughout my career, whether it鈥檚 about scheduling or just someone to sit and listen when I needed help,鈥� Hanna shares. 鈥淚 have also received support from the Pre-Medical and Health Professions Program. This program has prepared me for medical school and has guided me through this journey. They have advised me throughout the entire process and have always supported me.鈥�

Mackenzie highlights the impact of Dr. Brady Porter, who introduced her to research, and Dr. Becki Campanero, who provided career guidance in the biological sciences.

鈥淒r. Campanero teaches a class that explains different careers in biology, and I quickly identified her as someone knowledgeable in the fields I want to pursue,鈥� said Mackenzie. 鈥淪he has helped me so much with advice on how to continue in my field and pursue higher education.鈥�

Beyond their academic and athletic commitments, both student-athletes have dedicated themselves to service.

鈥淲ith the prime location of Duquesne, I was also able to get involved with serving my community right away,鈥� said Hanna. 鈥淚 spent the past four years as a volunteer for the Mario Lemieux Foundation, where I worked behind the scenes to organize Austin鈥檚 Playrooms.鈥�

Hanna鈥檚 volunteer work with the Mario Lemieux Foundation allowed her to support children in hospitals by organizing Austin鈥檚 Playrooms, providing a comforting space for young patients and their families. This hands-on experience has given her real-world insights into the compassionate side of healthcare.

Mackenzie has enjoyed mentoring younger teammates in her major, helping guide them through the academic demands of the program. 鈥淚 am very lucky to have come into college with a teammate who was also pursuing a BS in Biology. We now have younger teammates in our major that we love to pass down advice to,鈥� Mackenzie shared.

As graduation approaches, both Hanna and Mackenzie are preparing for the next steps in their careers. Hanna is in the process of applying to medical school, with plans to become a physician. Before beginning her medical education, she hopes to travel and gain new perspectives on global healthcare.

鈥淚 always say that I would not be as successful as I am if I didn鈥檛 come play lacrosse at 香蕉视频,鈥� said Hanna. 鈥淚 think pursuing such a rigorous academic program while participating in a Division I lacrosse program taught me early on how to handle challenges better.鈥�

Mackenzie is pursuing a career in biomedical research, leveraging her experiences at Duquesne and the University of Pittsburgh to make meaningful contributions to the field. Her journey has been shaped by the mentorship and opportunities she received at Duquesne, and she is eager to continue expanding her impact in research and medicine.

I鈥檓 confident that the experience I鈥檝e had at Duquesne has prepared me for anything in life.