Arland Alberts (’97 M.S., ’22 Ph.D.) and son John Alberts (’21) graduated just one semester apart. She came back to UNT in 2004 and earned her doctorate in biochemistry and molecular biology on a part-time schedule. “I was hired at UNT as an instructional laboratory supervisor and have been at this job for over 18 years,” she says. “My goal has always been to earn my doctorate. It was never smooth sailing but I knew I wanted to accomplish this at UNT. Dedication and persistence kept me moving forward with my close family and my UNT support constantly by my side. My mentor and major professor Dr. Lee Hughes also was a major influence in my success.” (Read more about how Lee Hughes supports students.)