“FSU felt like the right fit from the moment I stepped on campus. There is something so special about being surrounded by students who love where they go to school and show up for each other, not just in the classroom, but at games, events and everywhere in between.”
Fast Facts
- Favorite FSU Study Spot: 3rd floor of Strozier, overlooking Landis Green
- Favorite FSU Hangout: Picnicking on Landis Green
- Favorite Food: Chicken noodle soup
- Musician: Plays the guitar
- Hobby: Loves to bake
Hayley Schermer, a fourth-year College of Medicine cell and molecular neuroscience major, has spent the past two years immersed in research through Florida State University’s Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP), a Directed Individual Study (DIS) and an IDEA Grant.
During her time at FSU, she worked in the lab of Department of Exercise Physiology’s Linda Grizzard Owens Endowed Professor Robert Hickner. There she investigated how exercise influences sleep quality in pre-diabetic, postmenopausal women. As part of a four-week exercise program, she monitored participants’ health data using Oura Rings and surveyed them to assess psychological changes.
Beyond the lab, Schermer is making an impact in the Tallahassee community. She founded the New Horizons Network, a nonprofit dedicated to helping job seekers. Through résumé workshops at the Kearney Center, she has created, printed and distributed 30 resumes — giving individuals the tools they need to pursue employment opportunities.
Why did you choose Florida State University?
I chose to attend Florida State University for many reasons, but what really stood out to me was the strong sense of community. When I visited, the tour guides made FSU feel welcoming right away, and they were actually the reason I applied to the Honors Program. Talking with them, I could tell that FSU was not just a school, it was a place where students supported each other and took pride in being part of something bigger.
Another big factor in my decision was Florida State’s impressive resources for students pursuing medical school. I knew I wanted to go into medicine, and FSU offered everything I needed to be supported on that path.
There is something so special about being surrounded by students who love where they go to school and show up for each other, not just in the classroom, but at games, events and everywhere in between.
FSU felt like the right fit from the moment I stepped on campus. It had everything I was looking for: strong academics, a supportive community and a campus culture that made me feel right at home.
What are some of your academic achievements while at FSU?
One of my greatest accomplishments during my time at FSU was my IDEA Grant project. Assisting in Professor Hickner’s lab for almost two years has taught me so much and working with postmenopausal women in the lab has been an incredible experience. As I got to know more about the challenges they face during this stage of life, I realized I was inspired. My mom, who is currently perimenopausal, opened up about her sleep issues, and that is how my IDEA Grant project came to life.
My IDEA Grant project is titled “The Impact of Exercise on Physiological and Psychological Indicators of Sleep Quality in Pre-Diabetic Postmenopausal Women.” We are especially curious to see whether their biological data aligns with how they feel, or if there are any discrepancies. I am really hopeful that our findings can make a difference. Menopausal women are such an understudied group, and I am proud to be working on something that could potentially help improve their quality of life.
How do you serve the FSU community?
My most meaningful community service experience has been co-founding New Horizons Network, a program aimed at helping the jobless population of Tallahassee. What has really made this experience meaningful are the conversations I have had with the people we serve. Hearing their stories, how their lives took unexpected turns and how hard they are working to get back on their feet has been incredibly moving.
One moment that really stuck with me was working with a Jamaican immigrant who came to the U.S. chasing the American dream but faced unexpected challenges that led to homelessness. He was actually the very first person we got to help through our program. A few weeks later, he returned to the Kearney Center wearing his new Waffle House uniform and gave us both a big hug, thanking us for helping him get back on his feet.
That moment reminded me why this work matters. I truly believe New Horizons Network has the potential to change lives. Not only are we helping people find jobs and regain stability, but we are also creating space for conversations that break down harmful stigmas surrounding joblessness.