“Once I first came around Purdue, I had no thought there was a division of biochemistry within the Faculty of Agriculture,” he stated. “And it was truly after I came around the honors faculty that my pupil ambassador stated ‘Oh it is best to try the biochemistry program in agriculture.’”

Hicks appeared on the division and determined he needed to review with school doing analysis in all areas of biochemistry.

“Some school researchers are working with crops; some are engaged on most cancers analysis; some are doing drug discovery; and that solely scratches the floor,” he stated. “I didn’t have a full understanding of every little thing agriculture contains—which is something to do with meals, something to do with principally any dwelling organism. Human well being is a part of agriculture as nicely. So, now I clarify that to incoming college students.”

One of many first management roles Hicks had as an undergraduate was as an envoy for the honors faculty, the place he spoke with potential college students. He stated one among his most important management roles was his place on the Purdue Basis Scholar Board.

“We educate the coed physique about personal giving and attempt to instill the mindset that non-public philanthropy and giving doesn’t must be a million-dollar present,” he stated. “We’re serving to college students perceive the significance of why it’s important to offer again, whether or not it’s along with your time, expertise or treasure, and to seek out that program or the individuals they need to give again to after commencement and even whereas they’re college students.”

It is not a coincidence that a lot of his management roles handled speaking to his friends. Even again in highschool when Hicks put collectively examine teams and tutored different youngsters, his knack for educating was laborious to overlook. That knack flourished right into a ardour he plans to pursue by finally educating and training medication at a analysis or tutorial hospital.

“I suppose I would not have stated I knew I used to be inquisitive about educating in highschool, however that has all the time been necessary to me. Then coming to varsity, seeing the roles that TAs have in courses, I noticed it as a strategy to give again, but in addition to coach myself to run a classroom and get expertise grading, giving lectures and operating evaluation periods.”

As an undergraduate, Hicks took a primary biochemistry class with Professor Clint Chapple, and instantly knew he needed to TA for him in that class particularly, despite the fact that there had by no means been an undergraduate in that place.

“In Dr. Chapple’s words–I used to be very persistent in asking if I may TA for him,” Hicks stated.

Distinguished Professor Biochemistry Clint Chapple undoubtedly remembers Hicks’ willpower.

“Whereas he accomplished his examine overseas expertise on the College of Exeter, Clayton requested about the potential of being a educating assistant in my BCHM 100 class. I initially didn’t take motion on his request, however Clayton wouldn’t relent! After 4 or 5 requests, I received permission so as to add Clayton as a TA. Clayton instantly recognized issues he may do to assist college students—similar to providing extra assist periods previous to quizzes and exams and offering suggestions to the scholars on ungraded assignments. College students commented on what a assist Clayton was and the way he was wonderful at explaining the category materials.”

For Hicks, the expertise was transformative, undoubtedly price his persistence.

“It is attention-grabbing as a result of Dr. Chapple teaches primary biochemistry by way of the method of taking a look at illnesses. Studying what’s proper by taking a look at when it is tousled or when it isn’t functioning accurately is an effective way to be taught the ideas, and I additionally assume he simply does an unbelievable job of explaining the ideas in a lecture setting.”

These experiences are simply of few of the numerous Hicks has had which have additionally helped him achieve what he calls “delicate expertise.”

“Gentle expertise are, on the finish of the day, a number of the most necessary issues that you just develop. All that have I’ve needed to develop myself as an individual, as a frontrunner, as a greater pal and as a greater citizen haven’t essentially been discovered from classwork, however from the opposite experiences I’ve had,” Hicks stated. “Folks on campus actually care about college students and assist the subsequent era by elevating up leaders and residents who need to give again to their communities.”