Education
Ethan Messier – Florida State University News
“My experiences at Florida State have deepened my love for chemistry, teaching and mentorship, and have solidified my goal of incorporating education into my future career as a physician.”
Florida State University chemistry major Ethan Messier is making his mark through high-level research and campus leadership.
As a participant in the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP), Messier collaborated with Assistant Professor Taylor Higgins at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering to study parental leave policies, a project he later presented at the Undergraduate Research Symposium.
In addition to his research, Messier serves the university community as an Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) chemistry tutor, an Honors colloquium leader and a learning assistant for organic chemistry.
He supports his peers as a resident assistant at Landis Hall, where he helps students navigate campus resources and find their home at FSU.
Why did you choose Florida State University?
The first time I visited FSU as a freshman in high school, I instantly fell in love with the campus. I toured FSU for the first time on a frigid January morning, staring in awe at the Gothic-style brick buildings and the vastly verdant expanse of Landis Green, and I took about 135 photos at the Westcott Fountain.
When the time came to apply to college, I was unsure of where I might end up. However, when the garnet and gold confetti finally cascaded across my computer screen, I celebrated with my family. My dad later said, “As soon as we first took you there, I knew this was where you would end up.” He was right; I never looked back.
I was fortunate enough to earn the National Merit Finalist / Benacquisto Scholarship and be accepted into the University Honors Program, which has supported my journey here.
What academic achievements have you accomplished at FSU?
My two most significant accomplishments are my research presentation at the 2025 Undergraduate Research Symposium and my involvement in multiple teaching roles across campus.
Through UROP, I researched parental leave policies in university STEM programs across the United States and their impacts on the recruitment and retention of women faculty in the physical sciences.
I had several meaningful interactions with faculty who shared their personal experiences as professors or graduate students in STEM fields while balancing family and their research. This experience culminated in presenting my findings at the Undergraduate Research Symposium, where I was able to share this important work with dozens of individuals, but most importantly my dad and grandma.
My teaching roles are equally significant. My first on-campus job was as a chemistry tutor at ACE, where I supported students in General Chemistry I and II. Watching students gain confidence, experience “lightbulb moments” and develop a genuine zest for chemistry was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had.
Later, as an Honors colloquium leader, I taught a weekly class to 15 first-year students, mentoring them as they transitioned to college life.
Currently, I serve as a learning assistant for Organic Chemistry II with Instructor of Chemistry, Kevin Little, where I guide students in class and host weekly office hours.
My experiences at Florida State have deepened my love for chemistry, teaching and mentorship, and have solidified my goal of incorporating education into my future career as a physician.
How do you serve the FSU community?
My most significant leadership experience at FSU has been serving as a resident assistant in Landis Hall. I began by serving on Hall Council as the equity and inclusion representative, where I learned more about University Housing and got to know the RA team in my building.
When I was hired as an RA, I was thrilled to be placed in Landis Hall, which has truly become my home away from home.
As an RA, I help residents navigate the realities of adult life and encourage them to branch out and build community. I am now in my second year as an RA and third year living in Landis, and I have developed a deep and genuine love for the hall, my co-workers and my residents. This role has been one of the most formative parts of my time at FSU, allowing me to give back to the same community that welcomed me with arms wide open.