Michelle Noel

Selected as the Outstanding Graduate for Fall 2009 for the Ray P. Authement College of Sciences was Michelle Noel. Ms. Noel completed the requirements for a degree of Bachelor of Science, majoring in Biology, with a 3.986 GPA. Following graduation, she plans to pursue an advanced degree in Biology and travel abroad. Afterwards, she plans to attend medical school and study to become a reconstructive surgeon.

During her time at UL, Ms. Noel was actively involved with several activities on campus. She was a member of the Pre-Professional Society, Spanish Club, La Dolce Vita Club, University Honors Program, Louisiana Colligate Honors Council, SAACS, Chi Alpha, and University Program Council. Ms Noel was also a member of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society and Sigma Delta Pi Hispanic Honor Society. Additionally, she served as a volunteer for the Performing Arts Society of Acadiana, ACLA, Miles Peret Cancer Center of Acadiana, Saint Joseph's Diner, and Clean-up Girard Park.

Throughout her time at UL, Ms. Noel remained on the Dean's List every semester. She was also on the President's List every semester since its inception. In addition to receiving the TOPS Honors Scholarship, she also received the Gates Millennium Scholarship, Centennial Valedictorian Scholarship, Ben and Clare Roy Thibodeaux Endowed Scholarship. and Literary Rally scholarship.

As a student, Ms. Noel was involved in research on neuron pathways in the stereocilia of sea anemones under the supervision of Dr. Glen Watson in the Biology Department. In addition to her own studies, she finds time to assist the student athletes by serving as a tutor in the UL's Athlete Academic Center. Her future plan is to become a reconstructive surgeon, a profession which she believes boosts patient's morale.