I ncoming physics major Pouriya Mosayebi of Milledgeville and his parents are originally from Iran. Since his family moved to the United States about seven years ago, he’s learned a lot about Georgia College & State University.

It helps that his mother, Dr. Mehrnaz Khalaj Hedayati, and father, Dr. Mohsen Mosayebi, both are assistant professors of management here. 

Over the course of 12 years, Pouriya’s attended seven different schools in five counties, two states and two countries. Because of this, moving to a new environment comes naturally—but so does excelling.

He won the Baldwin County Blaze Award—a $500 scholarship given to graduating seniors with the highest ACT scores from three local high schools.

“Among the most valuable things I’ve learned in these seven years—whether it be from friends, family, achievements or memories—the most common factor has always been education,” Pouriya said. “I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for my education.”

While attending Georgia Military College Preparatory School, Pouriya’s biology teacher told him about universities that provide independent research opportunities to high school students.

This sparked his curiosity. He asked his mother to talk to her colleagues and see if any opportunities were available for him. A few weeks later, she learned about the Young Scientists’ Academy (YSA) at Georgia College.

YSA is led by Dr. Catrena Lisse, professor of chemistry and director of the Science Education Center. The academy familiarizes rising high school seniors with chemistry and hands-on research.  

“We learned the basics of lab safety and how to read papers from professional scientific journals, Pouriya said. “It also boosted our confidence, as Dr. Lisse mentored us through making and presenting a slideshow about our work.”

“These skills and many others will put us a step ahead of the rest of the incoming class, and in turn, ease our transition into college life,” he said.

Pouriya had plenty of mentors at GMC Prep and is excited to learn even more from his future mentors at Georgia College. He looks forward to participating in organizations on campus.

Although he applied to different universities, Georgia College was the best choice for him, because it offered an extensive and affordable education in a familiar environment.

"I chose GCSU, because the faculty met with me and showed me around even if I showed up unannounced," he said. "When I went to speak with professors in the science department, they immediately treated me as a member of their community and graciously showed me the labs I’d have access to throughout my time at Georgia College."

He decided to major in physics because of Dr. Ken McGill, professor of chemistry and physics. McGill gave him a tour of the physics classrooms and labs and talked about the opportunities Pouriya would have as a physics major, which includes the dual-degree engineering program with Georgia Tech.

Pouriya’s hobbies include working with electronic components and cars. But he realizes that may change tomorrow.

“Whatever the future holds for me, I hope that it has something to do with building and creating new things,” Pouriya said, “because that is what I find most fascinating in life.”