Explain your career path

I am on an academic career path. I earned a Master's of Natural Science at SEMO, and am now pursuing a PhD. In future, I hope to do research and teach at a university.

What was your major at Southeast and how would you characterize the quality of that program to prospective students?

I was in the Biology graduate program. I chose biology both because of a love of nature and a fascination with genetics and evolutionary processes.

Why did you choose to attend Southeast?

I was interested in working with Dr. Jenn Weber, because her research unites evolution, ecology, and conservation.

Who influenced you most during your time at Southeast?

My advisor, Dr. Jenn Weber, influenced me the most during my time at Southeast. She is an excellent mentor and scientist. I also benefited a great deal from courses with Dr. Dustin Siegel (Biology Dept) and Dr. Pradeep Singh (Math Dept.)

Share your best college memory.

My best memories at SEMO included mentoring undergraduates in the Weber lab. We worked in the greenhouse, at the bench, and out in the field, and I really enjoyed getting to know them.

What is the most important thing you learned while you were at Southeast?

I learned a lot about time management through balancing TA duties and my coursework. I also learned to get along with a wide variety of people.

What advice would you give current students or recent graduates interested in pursuing a career in your professional field?

Try to get involved with research as an undergraduate. You can earn course credit, or sometimes be paid. This will help you apply what you learn in your classes, and see what it's like to work in a lab.