Craig Pearson of Bloomfield Hills a Candidate For Rhodes, Churchill and Marshall Scholarships

Craig Pearson of Bloomfield Hills entered Michigan State University in the fall of 2010 as an Alumni Distinguished Scholarship recipient. Upon graduation this spring, he may leave as one of just a handful students in school history to attain major international academic awards.

Later this month, the 22-year-old graduate of the University of Detroit Jesuit High School will interview for the acclaimed Rhodes Scholarship. He also remains under consideration for the prestigious Churchill and Marshall academic scholarships that would take his studies abroad.

Currently an undergraduate research assistant in MSU's Department of Small Animal Clinical Science, Pearson said he hopes to pursue doctorates in clinical neurosciences, and is focused on developing treatments for blindness and visual impairments. 

He recently answered these questions for Bloomfield-Bloomfield Hills Patch:

Can you describe what this opportunity means to you?

These scholarships are kind of like the Academy Awards -- it's an honor to be nominated, and it'd be life-changing to win. But unlike acting awards, which recognize past performance or a body of work, these UK scholarships are really an investment in future success. To have been identified as someone with that kind of potential is truly humbling. I've worked hard for a long time, and I'm excited to be moving to the second stage of the application process and looking forward to what comes next.

Of all the possible practical implications of your research, why focus on blindness and visual impairments?

I have always been fascinated by sight and seeing. I think it's important to recognize that we all "see" the world in different ways and from different perspectives. Working toward treatments for visual conditions motivates me in a special way, because by gaining a greater understanding of the human vision system and finding ways to restore sight, we can open up numerous opportunities for people who are living with vision loss.

Who or what inspired you at the schools you attended to help get you where you are today? 

The faculty, staff, and students at both St. Hugo of the Hills and University of Detroit Jesuit High School have been instrumental in my growth and success. I think back to the teachers who inspired me to pursue my passion for learning -- particularly those teachers who gave me such a strong foundation in the sciences and humanities. From my elementary English teachers, who taught me how to put words together, to my AP English class where I got to write a paper comparing the aesthetics of Georgia O'Keeffe with the setting of Willa Cather's Death Comes for the Archbishop -- and from my 8th grade science teacher's explanation of the periodic table to my Science Club mentors at U of D -- all of these individuals have placed me on the path to success in my chosen fields. I am deeply grateful for their dedication and support throughout the years.

What do you hope other current students can learn about your success?

I feel lucky to attend a university that has allowed me to pursue my diverse, interdisciplinary interests and essentially design my own curriculum. If I could send any message to other students, I would tell them to be creative and explore new territory. Don't follow all the rules. If there's something that excites you, reach out and grasp it, because high school and college are a phase of life where you can be multiple people at once, and that's awesome.

Where are some of your favorite places to be, learn or work while in Bloomfield?

I love the Bloomfield Township Public Library. I also have a strong connection to the grounds at St. Hugo of the Hills, which are not only beautiful all year round, but contain some of my best memories. It's always good to come home.