Student: Savannah Perry

• Alondra Martinez

• Arts and Sciences
• Health Sciences
• Honors College
• News
• Pirate Profile
• Service
• Students

Savannah Perry found her way to East Carolina University after realizing she needed a change. After beginning her college journey elsewhere, she chose to transfer closer to home and closer to her twin sister, who was already a Pirate.

Perry reached out to ECU's Honors College, where she learned she could transfer as an Honors College Fellow, receiving both scholarship support and a supportive academic community.

"That made the decision easy," she said. "I received scholarship support and got to move closer to my sister, which was perfect."

Now a double major in biology and nutrition and dietetics, Savannah is preparing for medical school while embracing the hands-on learning experiences that define ECU. She originally chose biology because it fulfilled all pre-medical requirements. When she realized she could graduate early, her advisor encouraged her to add a second major to strengthen her preparation for medical school.

"I originally came in as a biology major because I am pre-med. Biology covers all the requirements like chemistry and biology courses, so it made sense," she said.

After exploring chemistry, public health and nutrition and dietetics, Savannah chose nutrition and dietetics because of its unique application. What began as a strategic decision quickly became a passion.

"Not many people study nutrition, so I decided to try it, and it has been the best decision ever," she said. "Everything I do in biology is applied in nutrition. We take what we learn and apply it to real life."

Outside the classroom, Perry serves her community as an emergency medical technician with Johnston County EMS. She began as a volunteer before being hired part time, working regular shifts responding to emergency calls throughout the county. The experience has taught her lessons that extend far beyond clinical skills.

"The biggest lesson I have learned is that what you think is an emergency is not always the same for someone else," Perry said. "When someone calls 911, they are in a state of emergency. You have to be empathetic to everyone's situation."

Perry also gained global health care experience during a medical and dental Global Brigades trip in Panama. Alongside other pre-medical and pre-dental ECU students, she helped provide medical screenings and assisted with dental procedures for hundreds of patients in rural communities.

"It opened my eyes to what can happen when people do not have access to care," she said. "Their health can decline simply because they might not know what is wrong."

When she was not assisting with clinical care, she spent time with local children, an experience Perry describes as one of the most meaningful moments of the trip. Witnessing healthcare disparities firsthand reinforced her commitment to serving underserved populations and aligned closely with ECU's mission.

On campus, Perry is involved in several student organizations and intentionally balances leadership and membership roles. She serves as treasurer for two clubs and has helped newer organizations establish financial systems and organizational structures.

"Being a leader takes a lot of time, so I try to balance leadership and membership roles," she said. "That way I can stay involved and still have time for myself."

One of Perry's most impactful academic experiences came from Organic Chemistry II with Dr. Brian Love, where she served as a learning assistant for a semester. After initially struggling in organic chemistry, she learned how to study effectively and began to enjoy the problem-solving nature of the subject.

"Once I figured out how to study, it started to feel like solving puzzles. Dr. Love was always available to answer questions and played a big role in my success," she said.

As a tutor at the Pirate Academic Success Center, Perry works closely with students during review sessions and tutoring hours.

"It is rewarding to see students improve and gain confidence. Helping them through the process makes a big difference," she said.

Looking ahead, Perry plans to attend medical school and is exploring specialties including anesthesia, emergency medicine and cardiology. Her experiences as an EMT have broadened her interests and reinforced her passion for patient care.

"I love the variety emergency medicine offers," she said. "You get exposure to so many different areas of medicine."

When she is not studying or working, Perry enjoys spending time with friends, cooking meals, attending ECU football games and relaxing together after busy weeks.

"My favorite memories are during the fall semester at football games. We have the best fan base, and those moments are always special," she said.

If she could offer advice to incoming students, Perry emphasizes the importance of getting involved and asking for help when needed.

"There is sometimes a stigma around tutoring, but it does not mean you are not smart," she said. "It means you care about your education and want to do well."