Hailey Britton, '24

Hailey Britton, '24, is pursuing a degree in biomedical engineering at the University of Mississippi, with minors in Spanish and manufacturing. In the summer of 2025, she participated in the National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates program at the University of Georgia, where she completed research on model bilayer membranes in pursuit of fully reproducing model cell membranes in vitro. She presented that research at the Biomedical Engineering Society Annual Meeting in San Diego in October 2025.

It’s hard to recount all the ways ESA prepared me for my experiences in college, because there are just so many! One of my favorite ESA teachers, Mr. Andy LeGoullon, was actually the one to introduce me to the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) programs that are sponsored by the National Science Foundation. Without Mr. Lego’s guidance, I definitely would not have had the confidence to apply to these programs as a freshman. Additionally, the language department at ESA has prepared my for taking Spanish classes at Ole Miss. I graduated from ESA with the ACTFL Seal of Biliteracy, which I’ve since realized is pretty special and not an opportunity many high schools can provide their students. I’ve received numerous comments from my Spanish professors about the caliber of writing I’m able to produce, which I know I completely owe to the instruction of Señora Yoly. Even outside my classes, ESA seeded in me the ability to manage my time and get involved in campus organizations without getting overwhelmed. I know I owe my success in college so far to my experiences at ESA.

 

I am part of the Haley Barbour Center for Manufacturing Excellence, Society of Women Engineers, Biomedical Engineering Society, Aiding Animals Club, Alpha Omicron Pi, and the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College. I regularly volunteer with local animal shelters in Oxford, fostering or caring for dogs however they need. Through my sorority, I also participate in philanthropic opportunities to serve organizations like the Arthritis Foundation, CASA of North Mississippi, and Children’s of Mississippi. 

When I’m not busy with school, which I usually am, I go to football games, get coffee with my friends, read, watch "The Summer I Turned Pretty," and walk the forest trails at the rec center.

My biggest piece of advice would be to take advantage of every opportunity and resource provided by ESA and after. Connecting with ESA teachers taught me many lessons I wouldn’t have learned in their classes, and joining clubs and societies gave me a variety of experiences that helped me to not feel overwhelmed coming into college.

Thanks, Hailey!

Find videos from Hailey and other ESA alumni in college on our ESA Beyond the Oaks page.