What year did you graduate from Bennington? 2015

Education after high school?

• Bachelor of Science in Life Science (Wayne State College, 2019)
• Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (University of Nebraska Medical Center, 2019)

Awards/Accomplishments:

• Recipient of the Rural Health Opportunities Program Scholarship for Clinical Laboratory Science at Wayne State College
• Recipient of the Regents Scholarship from the University of Nebraska Medical Center
• Recipient of the Clinical Laboratory Management Association’s Emerging Leaders Scholarship
• Member of the Alpha Eta Society for Allied Health Professionals at University of Nebraska Medical Center
• Member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society at Wayne State College
• Dean’s List Member, Wayne State College and University of Nebraska Medical Center
• Graduated from Wayne State College, Magna Cum Laude
• Graduated from University of Nebraska Medical Center with Distinction
• Recipient of the Mary Jean Long Award for Outstanding Initiative and Professionalism from the Faculty of the Medical Laboratory Science program at University of Nebraska Medical Center

Job Title/Employment:

“I am a full-time medical laboratory scientist working at Methodist Fremont Health Medical Center in Fremont, NE. I am certified by the American Society for Clinical Pathology to perform complex lab testing in the areas of chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunohematology, serology, and molecular diagnostics in order to diagnose, treat, and monitor patients in our hospital and within the greater community.”

What are you passionate about in your work?

“Even though we, as medical laboratory scientists, do not get much direct contact with patients, I still feel strongly that I have a connection with them because of the important work we do in the laboratory. Knowing that the tests we perform could reveal a life-changing diagnosis for a patient is humbling to say the least. When I go to work, I’m not just punching in and punching out to make a paycheck. I truly feel like I am helping to improve the well-being and health of the community. To be serving in Fremont, where I was actually born, is very gratifying and I am proud to call Methodist Fremont Health my workplace.”

Favorite Teacher at BHS?

“I had too many favorite teachers to name them all! Back in middle school, Mrs. Schumacher first really sparked my interest in science. Then in high school Mrs. McGrew and Mrs. Byrd were always there to help proofread my papers or just chat about life (even after I graduated!). Mrs. Byrd, Mrs. Yoder, and Miss Jaia Johnson all helped me polish my speech and communication skills as my speech team coaches.”

What advice would you give to Bennington students who want to follow a similar career path as you?

“Any student who is interested in pursuing a career in the health sciences (or any field, really) should get out there and SHADOW! My shadowing experiences during my senior year of high school were invaluable to me in selecting medical laboratory science as a career path. The University of Nebraska Medical Center offers a program to high school juniors and seniors called the High School Alliance which I would highly recommend. The program has a great working relationship with BHS faculty, and I am forever grateful for that opportunity.”