A look at some of the members of the Class of 2007, where they've been, and where they're going.

Name: Ivy Tran
Hometown: Rock Hill
High School: Northwestern High School
Major: Chemistry
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Ivy Tran knew that she wanted to study science. She just didn't know which field. So, Ivy chose the University of South Carolina because of its good academic reputation across the sciences.

As it turned out, Tran found that she had an affinity for chemistry and began conducting research with Dr. John J. Lavigne, an assistant professor in the department of chemistry and biochemistry.

Lavigne's research team gained international attention earlier this spring with a project that could lead to the development of a consumer test kit that would quickly determine if food products are spoiled or safe to eat. Tran presented the new diagnostic kit ? described as a disposable "dipstick" ? in March at a meeting of the American Chemical Society in Chicago. The dipstick test is still in development, but could be on store shelves in two to three years.

A first-generation American whose parents are from Vietnam, Tran plans to continue her research with Lavigne and pursue graduate studies in chemistry. She wants to conduct research for an industry, much like she has done at the university.

"I've learned more in six months than I have in four years of college," she said. "I've gotten to work with some incredibly talented people, and I've been a part of a new and interesting discovery."

With a bit of down time ahead of her before graduate school, Tran plans to spend time horseback riding, which she has learned to enjoy because of an equestrian class that she took at the university.

She credits Carolina with helping her develop lasting friendships.

"My study group friends will be my friends forever," she said.