In 20 words or less, what is the best thing about being part of this department?
Establishing a close-knit community connected by a broader topic.

What is your biggest piece of advice to first years and sophomores about getting connected to this department?
Don’t be afraid to ask. Professors, upperclassmen, and even alumni are always willing to help with classes, internships, or research. All you have to do is reach out.

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned at K?
Building relationships doesn’t come from just sitting in class. Real connections come when you take the time to get to know someone outside of the original setting.

What has been your favorite class at K?
My favorite class was Neurobiology with Dr. Moore. I loved taking a class where at the beginning I knew nothing and then being able to explain complicated anatomy and neurological processes with ease by the end.

How have you taken advantage of the open curriculum or experienced breadth in your education?
I have taken many classes at K that focus on a single topic. Every time I think that there isn’t enough material to make up a full 10 weeks, but I stand corrected every time. These in-depth courses in English, Anthropology, and more have helped to give me the well-rounded education that K offers. Instead of only taking STEM classes for 4 years, I was able to explore more with classes that interested me. This is something that has been asked about in other interviews as well.

What experiential education opportunities have you participated in?
I have worked in Dr. Michael Wollenberg’s biology research lab for the last 2 years, studying the symbiotic relationship between nematodes and bacteria. I also was a scribe in the Bronson ER in downtown Kalamazoo for about a year and a half, and have been volunteering with hospice patients for a few months now.

What is your SIP?
Further characterizing the relationships between Heterorhabditis nematodes and Photorhabdus bacteria by trying to localize which form of bacteria (pathogenic or mutualistic) is present in the nematode.

What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?
After graduating from K, I am planning on taking a year off before applying for medical school. My end goal is to become a pediatrician.

What is a random fun fact about you?
I’m a 21-year-old trapped in a 50-year old’s body.

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In 20 words or less, what is the best thing about being part of this department?
The friendships I’ve made.

What is your biggest piece of advice to first years and sophomores about getting connected to this department?
Chat with your professors! Go to office hours, even if you don’t have questions. Ask them about their research and to create interpersonal relationships! Don’t be scared of them and reach out to them.

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned at K?
Asking for help and allowing others to support me when I need it.

What has been your favorite class at K?
Within the biology department, I’d say Population and Community Ecology because it’s a super fun class driven by an even share of both the students and by Dr. Binney Girdler. Outside of the department, I’d say Intro to Society and Culture with Dr. Baptiste since it really expands your worldview and she’s very knowledgeable.

What experiential education opportunities have you participated in?
I was a collegiate athlete my first and sophomore years. After quitting I’ve still continued to work out and have recently gotten into rock climbing. I’m also a composting crew member/intern and teach the K Composting PE course!

What is your SIP?
My SIP takes a survey of the plants and animals in the Grove! I will be conducting observational research and documenting the species existent.

What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?
I plan on going into ecological field research. I plan on specializing in forestry research/land conservation.

Generally speaking, what is your favorite thing about K?
The people! There’s such a strong community here, and everyone is supportive of each other.

What is a random fun fact about you?
I earned my black belt in karate when I was in eighth grade.