Student Spotlight
Hometown: Fort Dodge, Iowa
Major: Biology Minor: Psychology
Why did you choose Iowa State University?
I have family who went to ISU, and they all had great experiences. As soon as I got here, I could feel an overwhelming sense of community, and I have never doubted whether ISU was the right place for me.
How did you become interested in your major?
I knew I wanted to be a physician, and Biology provides a great outline for completing all the necessary coursework for the MCAT and applying to medical school. Psychology is also tested on the MCAT, but I chose it as my minor because the field has always interested me.
What are your current goals following graduation?
I hope to become a physician! I'm not sure what specialty I will go into, but I am most interested in hematology/ oncology and neonatology.
Internship experience: I work as a patient care technician (PCT) in my hometown hospital: Trinity Regional Medical Center - UnityPointHealth. I enjoy navigating the unique relationship of care-provider and patient. There really is no way to understand this relationship without experiencing it. This experience has been the most important for me and my journey toward medicine. The lessons I learned in humility, teamwork, and tenacity have been extremely important to my growth as a person.
Campus involvement: I have been a BEST peer mentor for 3 years, and I have been exposed to tons of persons who are different from myself. I help students navigate the adjustment to college, and in doing so, I expand on my personal goals and values. I am also involved in Dance Marathon, which raises money for the Stead Family Children's Hospital. I appreciate the opportunity to connect with families who experience childhood illness, and I have met some of my best friends at college through this organization.
Research experience: I worked in Dr. McGrail's lab, studying neural progenitor development in zebrafish. I enjoyed building a holistic understanding of the research process. Although everything does not always go as expected, there is a lot to be learned in adjusting your vision with the lessons you learn.
What are a few things you love about your major and department?
I really enjoy the variety of individuals and pathways present in the Biology program. There are plenty of individuals who have similar career trajectories as myself, but there are also a variety of individuals pursuing other career paths, such as marine biology, biological illustration, and conservation.
How would you fill in the blank for high school students interested in your field?
“You’re going to love studying the sciences at Iowa State because ….”
Faculty are truly committed to your success. I have never met a single student who didn't feel like they were the highest priority of the University. I believe that the intrinsic value of the student is important to ISU, and it is what makes our University so special.
Do you have an example of how a professor or staff member has supported you at Iowa State?
I have made a ton of amazing connections with professors and staff, it is hard to pick just one. Dr. Kerby, one of my club advisors, left a huge impression on me. He invested so much time into students because of his desire to champion our accomplishments and help us attain our futures. He is exactly the type of mentor I hope to be one day.
Last comments:
How have you grown personally at Iowa State? When I was in high school, I was incredibly shy. Iowa State has fostered an environment where I feel so comfortable being myself that I have really broken out of my shell. I would have never seen myself being so outgoing, but it is now one of my favorite qualities that I possess.