Graduation Spotlight: Lucy Gibbs, Dance Science

Lucy Gibbs chose to study Dance Science at Texas A&M University to further her goal of working in the medical field.

“Dance Science is a blend of the two things I love in life: art and science,” she said. “While I had a rigorous education by taking classes in biochemistry, anatomy and organic chemistry, I met some of my lifelong friends along the way.”

Gibbs, who was born in Nanchang, China, and grew up in San Antonio, is set to graduate Friday with a Bachelor of Science in Dance Science. She will be honored as a distinguished student in the College of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts’ Graduation Recognition Ceremony on Thursday.

“I am so honored to be selected for this award,” she said. “I would like to thank all of my professors, tutors and teaching assistants. Without them, I would not be where I am today. I have been extremely lucky to have been taught and mentored by them. I would also like to thank my family and friends for all of their support along the way. Without them, I would be lost.”

Her most memorable experience in the program was attending the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science Conference in Italy. Gibbs said she was grateful to meet leading experts in the field while visiting Europe for the first time.

“I heard presentations from researchers about their dance research, which I typically only read about in scientific journals,” she said. “Not only did I learn a whole bunch, but I also got to see Italy. I can’t express how grateful I am to the Dance Science program for giving me the opportunity.”

Gibbs said she was grateful to all of her Dance professors for supporting her throughout her time in the program.

“It’s hard to spotlight a single one of them because all of them have been so supportive,” she said. “The Dance Science program is such a welcoming place because of the professors. They give critical feedback and empower students to make their own way in the world.”

Gibbs said her favorite courses — anatomy and physiology — were also some of the most challenging.

“When I took those classes, I felt like a whole new world had been opened for me,” she said. “I finally understood how the body worked and how it could be applied to medicine. It really sparked my passion for medicine and science.”

Gibbs also credited James Pennington, Ph.D., instructional associate professor in Chemistry, and Bryant Miles, Ph.D., senior lecturer in Biochemistry, for her growth in the science field.

“Dr. Pennington truly helped me excel in my studies and taught me how to best study for exams,” she said. “Dr. Miles is extremely supportive of his students and always encouraged us to be curious about how biochemistry applies to life and exercise physiology.”

After graduation, Gibbs hopes to work in a doctor’s office and later apply to medical or physician assistants school. She also wants to volunteer in hospitals and become a notary public to gain insight to the legal side of medicine. Gibbs said she was grateful to the college for its role in strengthening her skills and shaping her approach to her work.

“The College of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts taught me to be kind to myself and use a growth mindset, even when things don’t always go the way I plan,” she said. “This program gave me opportunities to study abroad and provided networking opportunities.”