Student Spotlight
Hometown: Ankeny, Iowa
Major: Biology
Why did you choose Iowa State University?
I chose Iowa State University due to its commitment to putting students first. On my tour, I had the opportunity to meet with the Assistant Dean of the College of LAS, Dr. Kent Kerby. He took the time to answer all of my questions about how ISU would help me pursue my dreams and goals.
How did you become interested in your major (and minor)?
I became interested in biology because I am fascinated by how organisms function and operate. Within this major, I was also able to grasp a broad depth of knowledge in other studies such as chemistry, biochemistry, and physics.
What are your current goals following graduation?
I am currently an OMS I at RVU Montana College of Osteopathic Medicine. My goal upon graduating from medical school is to become a trauma surgeon.
Campus Involvement: My involvement with the Pre-Medical club at Iowa State has prepared me for applying to medical school. It helped me understand the role a medical physician plays in healthcare and how they serve as a part of a comprehensive healthcare team.
Research experiences: I was an undergraduate researcher in the Sakaguchi Lab. My main project focused on the development and differentiation of retinal progenitor cells. The thing I enjoyed about working in the Sakaguchi Lab was I found a new passion in life. While I am not pursuing a career in research, I know I always want to be a part of it. I was given the opportunity to grow as a leader, help others, and grow in many other ways. My experience in the Sakaguchi Lab has taught me how to understand academic papers, conduct comprehensive research, and write my own research papers.
Internships: Working as a Medical Scribe in the MercyOne Des Moines Emergency Department solidified that I wanted to pursue a career as a physician. The thing I enjoyed about working in the Emergency Department was that I was an important member of the healthcare team and was able to serve people with diverse backgrounds. Working as a medical scribe helped prepare me for medical school by exposing me to the work I would eventually be doing and building my medical knowledge.
What are a few things you love about your major and department?
What I enjoyed most about my major was that I could shape it to be the experience I wanted. Since working in the Sakaguchi Lab, I have found a passion for neurobiology. I could tailor the classes I took to gain knowledge about what I was passionate about. Another thing I loved about the department was the commitment of faculty to help their students. Because of this, I was able to learn more about my professors, didn't feel afraid to ask questions, and was able to get more out of my experience
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 ….”
...you’ll be supported by passionate professors and advisors who truly care about your success, and you’ll receive an amazing education that combines hands-on learning, cutting-edge research opportunities, and a welcoming community.
Do you have an example of how a professor or staff member has supported you at ISU?
Before taking the "Big Pre-med classes", I found myself nervous of what was to come in the class. Because of this I emailed my professors a week before classes would start to learn about what their students in the past did to succeed in the course. I never had a professor decline me from this meeting. They often helped me out with what to do and I often gained a friend in the them from these experiences.
Last comments:
My proudest moments at ISU so far was... being given the opportunity to work in the Sakaguchi Lab. I can not say enough about how I have grown not just academically, but as a person from my experiences here. I was able to work my way from doing basic procedures, to learning cell cultures, to eventually training all new members into the lab. From this experience, I learned a lot about leadership, responsibility, and how to be a better communicator.