Majors: English, biological sciences
Minor: Biochemistry
Hometown: Roca, NE
Why did you select your majors and minor? Were there any events or
people that convinced you to declare?
I chose to major in English and Biology because of my interest in both
topics. I know, it sounds like a strange combination, but to me, they fit
really well together and allow me to engage with my interests in both the
humanities and science. I enjoy reading and writing, and I also enjoy
learning about scientific topics and conducting research, so studying both
came naturally to me!
Favorite course
My favorite course I have taken during my time at UNL has been BIOS 452 Field
Epidemiology, at Cedar Point Biological Station. This course, taught by UNMC
Professor Dr. Devin Nickol, is a very hands-on and intensive learning class,
also with a strong research component. I was able to learn a great deal about
wildlife located in Nebraska, along with diseases and how they spread within
these sample organisms. I definitely recommend Field Epidemiology and any of
the Cedar Point Biological Station courses.
Who have been some of your strongest mentors or role models here?
There are a lot to choose from! I would say the most influential mentors I
have met in my time at UNL have been Dr. Kathleen Lacey, my advisor and the
backbone of the English Department, Dr. Clay Cressler, whom I have worked for
as a TA and as a student researcher, Dr. Scott Gardner, whom I have conducted
research with, and my undergraduate thesis advisors, Dr. Ken Price and Dr.
Caterina Bernardini.
Do you have research experience?
I have done a fair bit of research in my time at UNL. I am working on a
project in Dr. Cressler's lab that involves studying the zooplankton Daphnia,
aka water fleas, and how they consume different types of algae in different
environments. In addition to studying Daphnia, I have also completed a
research project involving damselflies and their parasites, specifically
gregarine protozoa, as part of BIOS 487 Field Parasitology at Cedar Point
Biological Station, and will be presenting that research at the Rocky
Mountain Conference of Parasitologists.
Have you had an internship or job?
I have worked as a TA for several courses, LIFE 121 for both the lecture and
lab, LIFE 121 at Cedar Point Biological Station, an Honors course, and this
semester I will be working as a Physiology Lab Intern TA. I highly recommend
working as a TA, I have found it to be an enriching and enjoyable experience.
Did you/are you going to study abroad?
I have not studied abroad, but one course BIOS 491, Marine and Beach Ecology,
did involve a lot of traveling. This field course provided a lot of different
opportunities compared to most on campus courses. For this course, we drove
halfway across the country, camped out in national forests, and stayed at the
University of Georgia Marine Institute on Sapelo Island, GA, to study marine
life in its natural setting. We got to see alligators, catch sharks, squid,
crabs, see dolphins, and a great deal more. I definitely recommend it for
anyone that needs Spring Break plans next year!
What are you involved in on campus or in the community?
I am involved as a CAS Ambassador, peer mentor, student researcher, teaching
assistant, Clinic with a Heart volunteer, YMCA basketball coach, and more.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to apply to medical school next year, and work as a CNA during my gap
year, while likely also still taking classes at UNL.
