Leo Vought Jr. is beginning his academic journey at Florida International University (FIU) this fall as a chemistry major in the Honors College. Inspired by his mother, a high school science teacher with a graduate degree in chemistry, Vought developed an early interest in science. He often attended her classes, which sparked his fascination with laboratory work and scientific tools.
“My mother is a huge inspiration to me,” Vought said. “She is the perfect example of someone who worked hard to be able to get a master’s degree. I’m amazed by her.”
Vought plans to pursue a Ph.D. in radiochemistry at FIU, having discovered that the university offers the specific program he was seeking during his college search.
“Florida and public education are two core aspects of my being,” Vought said. “And FIU is the perfect intersection of those two things.”
He also noted his excitement about joining a community where even some well-known video gamers represent FIU, including players from one of his favorite games, Street Fighter.
Vought graduated from the College Academy at Broward College, completing both his high school diploma and Associate of Arts degree simultaneously. He has accumulated significant community service hours through volunteering at various science camps alongside his mother, helping younger students with hands-on projects and field trips.
Nature has played an important role in Vought’s life. During the pandemic, he and his family explored natural sites across Florida such as the Everglades and local parks.
“Watching the water move, the birds, just absorbing the environment, being at peace,” Vought recalled. “It was great.”
As he starts at FIU, Vought looks forward to new experiences on campus and hopes to support other students through service opportunities provided by the Honors College.
“I want to be surprised by my time at FIU,” he said. “I want to go on campus that first day and run into things that interest me and be able to open up to these things.”
During his undergraduate years, he aims not only for academic achievement but also for meaningful involvement: “During my undergraduate time, my goal is to help my fellow students,” Vought said. “I want to see what’s available and who needs help. I’m part of the Honors College, and I love that we have a service hours requirement. That was big for me. I really want to serve.”
Reflecting on why service matters to him: “I have led a very blessed life,” Vought said. “I serve to give back for the opportunities I’ve received.”
Looking ahead professionally, Vought envisions himself as either a researcher or university professor—roles that would allow him both to advance scientific knowledge and contribute to educating future scientists.
“I think my ideal career would be research,” he said. “But education is also a big thing for me. I’d be influencing science either way, whether by doing important research or creating more researchers through education.”
