Brent Marcus '27

Foundation scholar and Martinsburg, West Virginia, resident Brent Marcus has always been interested in medicine.

Marcus had a cousin with muscular dystrophy — a group of genetic diseases that cause progressive weakness and degeneration of skeletal muscles — which only furthered his desire to pursue a career in the field.

“I was thinking about going to medical school, but with the cost and extensive studying, I thought maybe there is a way for me behind the scenes to help with medical conditions that does not involve me directly handling patient care,” Marcus said. “I do not think a lot of people realize that with treating diseases, it is not just medical personnel working on it. It is also the scientists who are working on pathways and figuring out ways of treatment.”

Marcus is pursuing bachelor’s degrees in biochemistry and mathematics at WVU. After he graduates in 2027, Marcus plans to continue his education to receive a doctorate in both fields and eventually get a job in a lab doing research.

He is one of the five freshmen who received the distinguished WVU Foundation Scholarship in 2023. The scholarship includes a one-time travel stipend of $4,500, and he plans to use it while studying abroad in Germany.

“Immediately after getting my bachelor’s degree, I plan to study abroad, but at a German university to pursue both of my majors, if possible. My dad was stationed there, and he said so many good things about it,” he said. “I never had the luxury of visiting Germany, but I am in my fourth year of studying the language. I am nowhere close to fluent, but after receiving my degrees, I hope I can continue my education there and better my German skills.”

In the little free time Marcus has, he enjoys practicing German, reading books, drawing and volunteering at the Moonlight Market of Morgantown and a local plant conservation center.

Marcus values the community service requirement of the scholarship. According to Marcus, being involved helped him manage the challenges of freshman year. He also appreciates having the financial freedom to make a difference in the community.

“Going into college, I thought I would not have the time to pursue my interests. I was set on getting a job and bringing in as much income as possible to cover the expenses,” Marcus said. “Being a Foundation Scholar has taken a tremendous amount of stress away from my college experience. I am fortunate to have received this scholarship, and I hope to do good with it.”