Growing up in Fredericksburg, Virginia, Brayden O’Dell was the kind of student who wanted to be everything — a musician, an author, a professional soccer player, a CEO, a doctor. 

“You name it, I likely wanted to pursue it,” he said. 

That curiosity initially led him to the University of South Carolina to study English, with plans to enter the publishing world. His path evolved as he discovered a growing interest in science and added a second major in biochemistry and molecular biology. 

Through opportunities in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, including undergraduate research in Natalia Shustova’s lab, O'Dell developed technical laboratory skills alongside strong communication and critical thinking abilities shaped by his dual disciplines. Bridging the analytical world of science with the interpretive lens of English, he found a new direction in pharmacology, where both skill sets intersect and how plans to pursue a master’s degree in biomedical sciences at the Medical University of South Carolina. 

Read how his path through the sciences and humanities helped him reach his next steps. 

What connections do you see between your majors and what you’ll be doing next?  

While not focused through a pharmacological lens, biochemistry and molecular biology are based in biomedical systems and drug interactions, as well as synthetic skills that can translate into the development of therapeutics. I was very fortunate to participate in undergraduate research and serve as an undergraduate research assistant in the Shustova group for the past 3 semesters. Through this lab, under the amazing mentorship of Dr. Shustova and graduate student Grace Thaggard, I have developed laboratory, communication and even a bit of engineering skills, equipping me to succeed as I continue my academic work and eventually enter industry. 

What skills did you gain from your major courses that you didn’t expect?  

Having had the opportunity to pursue a dual degree is very meaningful to me, as I got to critically engage with my favorite subjects. Many of my English courses reshaped the way I approached my science courses, which was interesting as I progressed through my degrees. The English curriculum had me engaging with the world in relation to the human condition, exploring the “whys” of the human condition through textual analysis and critical thinking. The biochemistry and molecular biology curriculum had me engaging with the world empirically, exploring the “how” of chemical and biological measures. 

What’s the biggest challenge you faced in college, and how did you overcome it?  

Adjusting to the transition from high school life and being away from home was a challenge. But with my amazing roommate, friends, campus opportunities and time, I quickly found my home away from home. 

What are you most excited for after graduation? 

Firstly, to relax, decompress and reconnect with friends and family back home. Then, in the fall, I will be attending MUSC for a master's in biomedical sciences with a concentration in pharmacology and experimental therapeutics. 

What has been the most meaningful or memorable part of your college experience?  

I am very grateful for the relationships my time at USC has fostered. From amazing mentors and professors to my closest friends, the past few years have been some of the best, and I have built connections that I can rely on for life.