Margaret Shepherd

Margaret Shepherd

B.A. Microbiology, Medical Humanities Certificate, 2022

“My connection to Mississippi State University runs deep in my family,” said Margaret Shepherd, a 2022 MSU graduate. “MSU brought my mom’s family to Starkville in the 1960s when my grandfather became the first head of the Department of Biochemistry. My dad grew up near Starkville in Louisville, and, following his father’s path in forestry, attended MSU. My parents met in Starkville and were married on campus at the Chapel of Memories. No matter what was happening in our lives, being a Bulldog always brought our family together. When it came time to choose a college, the decision felt easy,” said Shepherd.

Shepherd wanted a major that combined her interests in the humanities as well as sciences for a well-rounded education. With support from the College of Arts & Sciences, she was able to bring those two areas together. “I was able to dive deeply into microbiology while also studying a foreign language and exploring the art of medicine through the humanities,” said Shepherd.

A defining experience for Shepherd throughout her time at MSU was New Maroon Camp. “As a camper, it was my first collegiate experience, and I learned about MSU’s history and traditions while experiencing firsthand the sense of family that defines being a Bulldog,” said Shepherd. “New Maroon Camp encouraged me to be unapologetically myself and to fully immerse myself in my college experience. It connected me with lifelong friends—and ultimately my fiancé, whom I am marrying this year. Serving later as an NMC counselor allowed me to give back to an organization that gave me so much and to invest in the supportive foundation that makes Mississippi State so special.”

One course that left a lasting mark on Shepherd’s academic and career path was Biology and Culture, part of her Medical Humanities Certificate. “That class fostered thoughtful, evidence-based discussions and challenged me to think critically about how history influences modern medicine. Dr. Zuckerman’s curriculum revealed the interconnectedness of medicine as both a science and an art, which significantly shaped my pursuit of a career in medicine and my interest in public health.”

Upon graduating in 2022, Shepherd enrolled at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine, where she is now a fourth-year student. She plans to match into a Med-Peds residency, training in both internal medicine and pediatrics with the goal of becoming a combined hospitalist.

Shepherd has excelled in areas of involvement and leadership throughout her time in medical school. She has served as a lead peer mentor, social and events chair for the College of Medicine Wellness Committee, Class of 2026 Aid for Impaired Medical Students representative, and a member of the Youth Opioid and Overdose Task Force. She also has participated in research projects and has presented her work at regional and national conferences.

“I am most proud of being inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society, which is a national, merit-based medical honor society that recognizes physicians and trainees dedicated to excellence in scholarship, professionalism, leadership and service,” said Shepherd. “My education in the College of Arts & Sciences prepared me for this honor by teaching me to think critically, communicate effectively, and approach medicine through both scientific rigor and humanistic understanding,” said Shepherd.

Outside of her work, she enjoys spending time with her fiancé, family, and friends. She enjoys supporting local restaurants and attending events such as the Cooper-Young Arts Festival in Memphis, where she currently lives. When she has an afternoon off, she can usually be found on the couch next to her dog Apollo, reading a good book.

A word of advice for today’s current Mississippi State Students is “to take full advantage of the opportunities around you and seek out experiences that genuinely interest you.”

“Whether through leadership, clubs, research, classes, or service, pursuing what excites you will help you better understand yourself and prepare you for the future. The things that interest you are what make you uniquely you. Exploring them will ultimately lead you exactly where you are meant to be,” Shepherd said.