Sampson blends research, service during his four years at ECU

As a Greenville native with a passion for STEM and service, Noah Sampson has made the most of his time at East Carolina University. As a double major in biology and chemistry, he has thrived as a Brinkley-Lane Scholar and active Honors College student.

During his time here, Sampson has been an active part of three research projects that have helped him better understand the different applications of his major. Although these research projects varied from in the lab to out in the community, Sampson highlights the importance of every experience.

“I have really developed an understanding that I know will serve me well as I transition into medical school next year,” he said.

Engaging in unique research experiences — ranging from exploring the discrepancies of state and federal laws on underage tobacco purchases and interviewing pediatric patients to conducting thesis work in an immunology lab at Brody School of Medicine — has not only prepared Sampson for his future career but also strengthened his connection to the communities he hopes to serve.

As he serves in the local community, Sampson is brought back to the reason he initially chose to stay local and come to ECU. Through service work, he is able to go out into his own community and reconnect with his home.

“I feel like I owe so much to this area, the people here have invested so much into me, and I feel like it is my duty to return that investment,” Sampson said.

Sampson attributes much of his development as a student and individual to the commitment from his department, the Honors College, and the Brinkley-Lane Scholars program. He emphasizes how this development has been fostered through opportunities to assist incoming students and participate in unique honors experiences.

“The opportunities within Honors and Brinkley-Lane really helped me accomplish all the things that I wanted to, while also staying focused on my career path,” Sampson said.

While at ECU Sampson has taken full advantage of every opportunity. After coming home from a life-changing study abroad trip in 2023, he decided to become a global ambassador through the Office of Global Affairs which made his trip possible.

“I am able to go around and pitch study abroad to try to get more people involved,” he said, “also being able to work with international students and help them with whatever they might need.”

Noah hopes that the culture of community and collaboration that he has experienced here will continue after he graduates.

“For me, it has been really super rewarding to learn from those people ahead of me and give to those people behind me,” Sampson said.

This fall, Noah will begin the next step of his journey by attending the Brody School of Medicine, continuing his commitment to serving the community.