Explain Your Career Path

I joined Southeast Missouri State University as an undergraduate student after transferring my credits from Nepal in 2015. After I completed my undergraduate degree in 2017 from SEMO, I joined Certified Laboratories, Inc. as a Microbiology Laboratory Associate. In 2019, I joined the University of Toledo as a master's student with a major in Bioinformatics. After I graduated in 2021, I joined the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology of the same university and started my PhD program. Currently, I am a fourth-year PhD student and expect to graduate by the end of 2025.

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

My major was Biology (B.S.) at Southeast. I had a great time as an undergraduate student at Southeast. The program was very good and comprehensive. There were ample opportunities to take different classes of our choice, and as a biology major, I also worked under Professor Dr. James Champine in a microbiology lab as an assistant. The overall experience helped me a lot in gaining knowledge about the subject matter. I even got research experience and presented a poster at the Student Research Conference.

Why did you choose to attend Southeast?

I applied to a couple of universities for my undergraduate level, but ended up choosing Southeast because of its diversity and affordability. I even got to hear positive reviews from the attendees before I joined the university, which also helped me in making the decision. Moreover, I liked the idea of getting involved with multiple student organizations on campus, which SEMO was sure to provide.

Who influenced you the most during your time at Southeast?

Carl Pracht had been really influential to me. He worked in the Kent Library and is now retired with Emeritus status. Starting from my first day in the United States, he helped me and a couple of my other friends adjust to the US culture, grocery shopping, celebrating our birthdays, and even providing an opportunity to work as a Reference Assistant in the Kent Library. He was there as a guardian to us and many other international students. Dr. James Champine, a Professor in Biology, also had an influential role during my time at Southeast. Being an international student, it was a bit more difficult for me in the beginning. Dr. Champine mentored me in my research project and also provided me with an opportunity to work in the microbiology laboratory. Both Carl and Dr. Champine influenced me to help people and try to be there for those in need, which I consider an important life lesson.

Share your best college memory.

My best college memory was to be able to attend various events on campus, celebrating birthdays and festivals with friends, and creating beautiful memories.

If you were in Greek Life, the Honors Program, or any other student organization, please tell us about that experience and how it impacted you.

I was a Senator in the Student Government for the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. I was the Vice-President for the International Student Association and the Nepalese Student Association. I was also a Jane Stephens Honors Scholar. My involvement with these student organizations helped me a lot to gain confidence, taught me networking skills, and ways to handle complex situations when the views of the people differ. I took on these leadership roles to serve the campus community and also to develop the leadership qualities within myself. These experiences also helped me gain new friends.

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

Sincerity and determination are the most important things someone can have. If you are determined to achieve something and be sincere in following that goal, you will be successful.

Describe Southeast in three words.

Vibrant, Diverse, and Enriching.

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

Currently, I am in a biomedical science PhD program and working on hypertension and gut microbiota research. I would advise the students to get as much lab experience as possible, extend the networking, be a part of collaborative research activities apart from your own, get involved on campus, and develop a passion for what you want to pursue as a career. Also, try everything and see what works for you the most if you are not sure what you want to do after the completion of your studies.