Meet Our Latest Alumna Spotlight: Harper Leach

For Harper Leach, friends and family have always been a centerfold part of her life. The friendships she made in Theta both supported her throughout her time in college and inspired her to pursue her dreams. Learn more about what Harper has been up to since graduation, as well as how she navigates life in her new city of Baltimore, Maryland below!

Name: Harper Leach

Theta pledge class: MC '16

When you graduated from Mizzou: May 2020

Major/Degree: Biological Engineering

Hometown: Lee’s Summit, Missouri

Where you live now: Baltimore, Maryland

Where do you work right now/what have you been up to since graduation? I am currently a part of the GOLD rotational program with Catalent Pharma Solutions. As a part of this program, I will rotate through 3 jobs in multiple locations over a span of 2 years. As a company, we are currently working on over 80 COVID-related compounds, including the Moderna vaccine. My current rotation is with our Baltimore, Maryland site working in the supply chain.

What's your favorite thing about your job? I have really benefited from the flexibility of a rotational program. Leaving college, I wasn’t entirely sure where I wanted my career to take me. I love that as a part of this program, I get to learn various positions and travel to new places. I also love science, so getting to be a part of a company that manufactures over 70 billion vaccine doses each year is so rewarding!

What's your favorite thing about the city you live in? I was a bit nervous that Baltimore would feel big, but it doesn’t at all. It is a nice city feel, while not being overwhelming.

What are you passionate about? My friends, family, and my faith.

What do you do in your free time? I am always looking for a good rec sports league. Kickball has been a fun and COVID-friendly way to meet people in this weird phase of life. I also love to read, do puzzles, and be outside.

Other future career/life goals: I would love to continue my education by getting my MBA and exploring operations management positions within the healthcare industry. Outside of work, I want to maintain a healthy work-life balance and be a better listener.

Growing up, what did you think you were going to be? I have always liked science. I think I switched back and forth between engineering and medicine a lot, so this is a good fit!

What do you miss most about Mizzou? THE PEOPLE!

What do you miss most about Theta? ALSO THE PEOPLE!

What is one thing you took away from being a part of Theta in college that has shaped you into the woman you are today? The women of Theta encouraged me to shoot for the moon. I have always had big dreams, but being surrounded by Thetas meant always being encouraged to chase those dreams.

Do you have a specific favorite Theta memory? I loved any team activities, especially Greek Week. Being a part of the basketball and soccer teams was always so fun and one of my favorite events every year.