Elizabeth Broyles not only finished at the top of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics graduating class – she achieved the rare feat of perfection.

Broyles was the only NSM graduate in the fall 2009 class – and one of only two university-wide – to have 4.0 grade point average. The biology major was recognized at NSM’s fall commencement ceremony in December and carried the college’s banner during the graduates’ procession into the arena. She was among some 250 NSM graduates awarded their degrees by Dean John Bear and UH President Renu Khator.

This is Broyles’ second bachelors degree. She previously earned a computer science degree from the University of Texas and worked as a database programmer for seven years. Unsatisfied with her career, she decided to go back to school to study cognitive psychology, but a biology class sparked a fascination with neuroscience – the link between thought and tissue.

While Broyles grades at UT were unimpressive, the discipline she learned in the workplace combined with the strong academic environment at UH helped her thrive.

“There’s a better academic culture here,” Broyles said. “The faculty at UH shows a lot more interest in your success.”

She also took advantage of undergraduate research opportunities and now plans to pursue a Ph.D. in biology.