By Laren Kowalczyk ‘07

At 19 years old, Hadarah Grant ‘24 is a two-time Bowling Green State University alumna, the youngest bachelor’s degree recipient to cross the stage at the University’s recent Fall 2024 Commencement.

She earned her degrees in a remarkable two and a half years.

“I worked really hard to accomplish what I did, and I had an amazing experience at BGSU,” Grant said. “Although I was incredibly focused on academics, I still developed a wonderful community here.”

With degrees in biology and environmental science, Grant plans to pursue master’s and doctoral degrees in evolutionary biology and ecology, which stem from her interest in climate change.

“I have a broad interest in a lot of things,” Grant said. “I wanted to study environmental science to explore the complexities of climate change and understand what we need to do from an academic perspective to combat it.”

She said she wants to begin her career in academia and eventually move into industry.

While at BGSU, Grant balanced a full course load while working as an undergraduate teaching assistant for chemistry and laboratory assistant for Dr. Kevin Neves, an associate teaching professor in biological sciences.

She also worked on an undergraduate research project on the indirect effects of herbicide application on insect growth and mortality through the Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship, which she is still finalizing.

“I like that BGSU not only provides the opportunity for undergraduates to conduct research, but they encourage it,” Grant said. “It has provided a solid framework for my future as a graduate student.”  

Grant and her older sister, who is pursuing a music degree at BGSU, were homeschooled by their mother, a professor, throughout their childhood.

When she was 11 years old, Grant enrolled in Lakeland Community College near her hometown of Ashtabula, Ohio, through a College Credit Plus program at her high school.  

She earned an associate of arts degree at 15, completed high school at 16 and enrolled at BGSU soon after. The family then moved to Bowling Green so Grant could attend classes in person while still living at home.

“I grew up learning from a professor,” Grant said. “When I started attending college, it felt very familiar. I’ve been in that space my whole life.”