Sometimes, in order to attract the best and the brightest, you have to go out and find them. Hadassah Watson, who is originally from Fayetteville, N.C., had not even considered NCCU until a passionate recruiter arrived at her high school one day and presented her with an opportunity of a lifetime. She had applied and was accepted to five universities, but only one recognized her potential by offering a full scholarship.

“I didn’t have any money saved up from my parents and I didn’t want to work during my college years. It was imperative to me that I find a school that would pay all of my tuition and fees.” NCCU became Watson’s top choice when she realized she could be a Chancellor’s Scholar. Not having to worry about the cost of her education allowed Watson to focus on her academic career.

She set her sights on becoming a forensic scientist but after closely examining the internship market in this area, she modified her plans. In her junior year, Watson made a brave decision; she chose to change her major to pharmaceutical science with a minor in chemistry. Inspired by the presence of pharmaceutical companies in RTP, Watson landed a summer internship with Talecris, a subsidiary of Bayer.

With her future taking shape, Watson applied for and received a Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise (BRITE) scholarship. The BRITE program offers a scholarship that covers all costs with the exception of books. “The curriculum was challenging, but the quality of instruction, open door policy, flexibility, and small class sizes were attractive,” Watson says.

One of the requirements of the BRITE scholarship is that she work for at least two years. Watson saw this as a plus saying she appreciated not having to find a job after graduation. Watson’s participation in the International Society of Pharmaceutical Engineers, SGA Senate, and the Health Careers Club has made her a standout for MERCK recruiters as well.

After an internship at MERCK this summer, Watson will graduate in December of 2009. She added, “I really enjoy the business relationship aspect of research, so after graduation, I plan on working with the intent to go back to school for an MBA degree.”