After Kenyon

I received a one-year National Institutes of Health fellowship - the Intramural Research Training Award - working in the laboratory of reproductive and developmental toxicology in Chapel Hill, NC, where we are investigating the effects of phytoestrogens - hormone-like chemicals found in plants - on human development. It's medically relevant research because we are looking at concentrations equivalent to those found in infant formula. It's also relevant to my career goals because I am applying to medical schools.

The Kenyon connection

My biology professors and my advisor encouraged me to apply for the NIH fellowship and helped me get accepted. I wouldn't be here without the support from professors Harry Itagaki, Chris Gillen and Karen Hicks, and my graduate school and pre-professional advisor Maureen Tobin. The faculty and staff go out of their way to ensure the post-graduate success of their students, and Kenyon has a ton of resources - such as the Career Development Office - to help graduates find exciting opportunities.

How a Kenyon education helped

The one-on-one time with my professors and the small but rigorous laboratory classes with no more than 12-15 students created the kind of intimate learning environment that really enhanced my learning. The Developmental Biology class I took from Dr. Hicks prepared me for the work I am doing now, and the year-long introductory class I took from Dr. Itagaki was my favorite class my freshman year and turned my interest in biological research and medicine into a passion.

Why Kenyon

I was recruited for swimming and thought Kenyon was the best place for me to balance athletics with academics. I had wanted to go to medical school since I was a hospital volunteer my senior year in high school and my uncle got cancer my freshman year in college. Kenyon has a very strong science program and a high rate of students accepted into medical schools. I thought it was the best place to prepare me for my career goals.