Anna Schumann: Outstanding Graduating International Student

Anna Schumann of Moers, Germany is the Outstanding Graduating International Student in the College of Natural Sciences, Forestry, and Agriculture. Schumann will receive a bachelor’s degree in molecular and cellular biology, with a double major in biochemistry and a minor in microbiology. The Presidential Scholar is captain of UMaine’s track and field team, competing in the long jump and triple jump, and was named to the 2020 All-America East Track & Field Academic Team Indoor & Outdoor. She also received the 2021 M Club Dean Smith award. Schumann has been a research assistant in professor Sally Molloy’s lab, investigating how prophage (viruses that infect bacteria) contribute to the fitness of their bacterial hosts and contribute to antibiotic resistance. For her work, Schumann received a Center of Undergraduate Research Fellowship and a UMaine Institute of Medicine Fellowship. Schumann is a peer tutor on campus and mentors youth in track and field in the community, She plans to pursue a Ph.D. in biomedical and biological sciences at Cornell University.

What difference has UMaine made in your life and in helping you reach your goals?
UMaine has changed me a lot. Before I came here, I knew that I wanted to do something related to science, but I had no idea what I wanted to do exactly. Due to many of the classes in our department, specifically a class in my freshman year where we conducted our own little research experiment by extracting and characterizing a bacteriophage (a virus that infects bacteria), I realized that I have a passion for research. Knowing that, I joined the Molloy Lab my sophomore year and am happy to say that I will make it into a life-long passion by pursuing a Ph.D. As an athlete, I had the chance to be a part of something bigger than myself, to take on a leadership role, and to have teammates who pushed me to become the best version of myself. Without them, I would not be the woman that I am today.  

Have you had an experience at UMaine that has changed or shaped the way you see the world?
As an international student who grew up in Germany and has never lived in a different country, just living here and being exposed to a different culture changed me. I really enjoyed interacting with people from different backgrounds and learning more about their culture to increase my understanding and awareness for others. My experience as an international student was also great because everyone at UMaine is really excited to meet people from different places and is super helpful. Something that stood out to me when I first got here was how friendly everyone is. I specifically remember that people would go out of their way to hold doors open for everyone. The kindness left a lasting impression on me and helped me see things more positively.

Why UMaine?
I chose UMaine for two reasons. First I really wanted to continue to run track during college, something that is almost impossible in Germany because sports are a separate entity from schools. When I was recruited by different schools, I immediately clicked with my former coach, Christopher Flynn. Additionally, the department offers a great, hands-on science education with professors that will support you in and outside of the classroom. If I had to choose again, knowing what I do now after almost completing my bachelor’s degree, I would make the same decision.

How would you define the opportunities for student success at UMaine? 
UMaine offers students many opportunities to succeed. No matter what your interests are or what your goal after college is, you will find a resource that will help you pursue your interests/goals. You sometimes will have to do a little bit of digging to find what you are looking for, but there are plenty of helpful people around who can guide you! In terms of being a student-athlete, the academic center and all of our amazing advisers do a really good job in helping us with any type of struggle. The same is true for the Office of International Programs that has helped me many times.

Have you worked closely with a professor or mentor who made your UMaine experience better?
My experience at UMaine has been shaped by a lot of amazing people — professors and mentors — that made my time here really special. Professor Sally Molloy really helped me to become a critical-thinking researcher and has shown me how to work through tough times. Additionally, everyone who has been on the track and field team or been involved with it as a coach in the past four years has made my experience better by making Maine and UMaine a special place that I have been calling my home away from home for the past four years.

What advice do you have for incoming students to help them get off to the best start academically? 
My advice is to come prepared to classes, get organized and keep track of assignments, deadlines and exams. That way you will be on top of your classes and less likely to get behind. The transition from high school to college can be really stressful, and professors usually know that. Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors if you are struggling with something and need help /more time. From my experience, they understand that life can be difficult and will be more than willing to help you, as long as you reach out to them in time.

Contact: Margaret Nagle, nagle@maine.edu