Savanah Howze

 

For Savanah Howze, education has been a journey of exploration, perseverance, and growth. As a first-generation college student, her time at San Bernardino Valley College not only shaped her career aspirations but also provided invaluable experiences that set the foundation for her future in chemical engineering.

The Colton native's passion for science was sparked by a high school chemistry teacher, but it was at SBVC where she truly found her path. After meeting Prof. Sheri Lillard, "she encouraged me to explore physical chemistry and engineering," Howze said. "That guidance helped solidify my decision.”

One of Howze's most rewarding experiences at SBVC was securing an internship in materials science, which led to an opportunity to present her research at the American Chemical Society (ACS) conference in Atlanta. “Presenting my research on a national stage was surreal," she said. "It gave me confidence and showed me what’s possible in this field.”

Now in her third and final year, Howze is set to graduate this spring with associate degrees in chemistry, math, and physics before transferring to Cal Poly Pomona, with aspirations of pursuing a Ph.D. in physical chemistry. Looking back, she is incredibly proud of how far she has come. “Being the first in my family to earn a college degree and transfer to a four-year university is huge," she said. "Sometimes I feel like I should be further along, but then I remind myself, I’m 21, and I’m about to earn a bachelor’s degree. That’s something to be proud of.”