By: Kaylie Morales
Since Fall 2023, Dr. Megen Culpepper has served as the Honors College academic mentor for students pursuing majors in science, engineering, technology, and mathematics (STEM). Dr. Culpepper, associate professor in the Department of Chemistry & Fermentation Sciences, began working at Appalachian State in the Fall semester of 2014.
Dr. Culpepper explained why she loves working in the Honors College, and stated,
I really love working with the faculty and staff in the Honors college. The other mentors, Dean Klima, and staff are so student-centered and allow for such flexibility and fun in learning! The atmosphere in the Honors College is relaxed and I enjoy spending time here seeing students in the library or working together in one of the seminar classrooms. I have also liked making more connections with other departments on campus, which I have had limited opportunities to do since being at Appalachian. This position has reinforced why I came to Appalachian in the first place; the students, faculty and community make Appalachian an amazing place to make a difference.
About Dr. Culpepper, Interim Dean Klima shared,
“Her true care for our student’s well-being is evident in all that she does. I value the relationships she builds with her students and the support that they know they have in her. Megen's warm personality shines through in all of her conversations. Just talking with her helps you realize that everything is going to be alright, there is a solution to your problem, and you will find it together.”
Dr. Culpepper explained that she was interested in being an Honors College academic mentor because she had mentors that supported her and helped guide her through her undergraduate and graduate career. She credits her previous mentors to her becoming a professor and an academic mentor.
Having the privilege to mentor students in this role as well as my role as academic advisor and research mentor in my home department of chemistry is the best part of my job. Helping students navigate their own path can be overwhelming, but also liberating for students to realize throughout their time in college.
Honors College mentors empower and engage students by collaborating with them to:
- Strategically navigate the Honors curriculum, major decisions, and general education choices to explore and define personal and professional long-term goals, including plans for post-graduate education or employment.
- Identify and pursue co-curricular and extra-curricular opportunities to further refine and achieve their goals.
- Become leaders, healthy, well-balanced community members, and engaged local-global citizens.
Honors College mentors begin working with students before they arrive on campus, partnering with them during their Honors College Orientation to develop plans for completing their undergraduate requirements, including majors, minors, and general education. Honors College advising is unique in that advisors support their students for the entire duration of their time at Appalachian. Even after they declare their majors, mentors continue to guide students through University Honors requirements such as interdisciplinary coursework, international education, and the completion of their honors thesis.
Dr. Culpepper finds advising very rewarding and joy in helping students from other disciplines besides chemistry. She stated:
As an academic mentor to Honors students in the STEM disciplines I have learned more about programs ranging from physics and astronomy to geography and planning. Students in the Honors College are so motivated to succeed and find their own individual path. What I have learned and appreciate in this role is how I can assist students in navigating their coursework, establishing research opportunities, and empowering students to find their own measure of success.
Many Honors College mentors are also faculty members in their advising area, teaching one course fewer than they would otherwise and reassigning that time to Honors College mentoring. As established professionals with terminal degrees, Honors College mentors are well-connected in their fields and best positioned to understand available opportunities. Their professional expertise and experiences, combined with the personal relationships they develop with students, allow them to connect each student with international programs, internships, research experiences, and leadership opportunities that specifically support that student’s success.
Dr. Culpepper received her doctorate in bioanalytical chemistry from the University of Kansas in 2009. Prior to her interest in chemistry, she pursued a degree in pre-law as an undergraduate. In high school, she took AP chemistry and decided to take chemistry courses in college for fun. Soon she found herself enjoying her chemistry courses more than her pre-law courses. She did so well in these courses that she was selected as a peer tutor.
Dr. Culpepper conducts interdisciplinary and collaborative research in biochemistry, molecular biology, and analytical chemistry. She investigates the protein structure and biochemical function of enzymes in the global sulfur cycle. Through research collaborations, Dr. Culpepper allows her students to see how linked all the different fields of study are and gain a perspective on research questions outside of the discipline.
Photo above features Dr. Culpepper and the students in her research lab in the Department of Chemistry (back to front, left to right):
- Francois Desautels 23’: Honors College alumnus, currently pursuing a master’s degree in biology
- Jesse Mindes: Honors College student majoring in chemistry with intended May 2026 graduation
- Dr. Megen Culpepper
- Devin Jugan: Honors College student majoring in chemistry with intended May 2027 graduation
- Emily Baker: majoring in chemistry with intended May 2025 graduation
- Emma Williams: majoring in biology with intended May 2025 graduation
- Sydney Parks: majoring in chemistry with intended May 2025 graduation
Students in Dr. Culpepper’s research lab not pictured:
- Emma Auguston: Honors College student majoring in chemistry with intended May 2025 graduation
- Annie Deakle: Honors College student majoring in psychology with intended May 2026 graduation
- Noah Payne: majoring in chemistry with intended May 2025 graduation).
Photo submitted.
At its root, chemistry is about how to understand the world around us at the molecular level and has allowed me to rationalize the world around me, even at times when it seems nonsensical, said Dr. Culpepper.
As an Honors College mentor, Dr. Culpepper utilizes her own experience and interdisciplinary expertise to support students. She explained,
I sincerely believe in developing each student towards their individual goals. No one student’s college experience is the same and mentoring students towards their goals is a responsibility and privilege I do not take lightly.
