Meet MSBio Alumni
Meet Sidney Cagle
Master of Science in Biology, 2024
Were you able to get to know your professors?
Yes, all of my professors were wonderful and always seeking to know more about their students' lives and futures.
How did those relationships have an impact on you personally or professionally?
The relationships with my professors helped me professionally by preparing me for the rigorous coursework that comes with a career in the medical field. Through my research with Dr. Choi, I was also given a new perspective on research and its application to the medical field.
How would you describe the academic quality of your biology program?
I would describe the quality of the program as phenomenal. The program offers many elective courses in different disciplines to suit the needs of your future. For me, I chose medical-related classes that would better prepare me for medical school the following year.
Describe the hands-on learning experiences you had during the program.
I had the privilege of doing research with Dr. Choi on a biofilm-forming bacteria found on medical devices. Before Union, I had never done research and was certainly overwhelmed by the thought of it at first. Dr. Choi taught me so much, allowed me to use techniques I learned in my undergraduate degree, and molded me to feel confident in the field.
How did your program prepare you for roles at the current place you are in now?
I have been accepted to medical school at St. George's University in Grenada and know that this program will serve me well in my coming years of school there. When I visited campus to sit-in on a class, I was already hearing terms I had learned in my courses at Union.
Meet Emilee Atkins
Master of Science in Biology, 2021
Were you able to get to know your professors?
Yes, all of the professors in the department of Biology are very eager to get to know their students, and through this, I was able to speak to several of my professors and to hear about their academic and career paths and lives.
How did those relationships have an impact on you personally or professionally?
The relationships helped me to transition back into a learning environment after several years in the workforce. Through my research with Dr. Choi, I was given the opportunity to present at a conference. Both of these [research and presentation] have helped me further my knowledge and professional presence within the scientific community.
How would you describe the academic quality of your biology program?
There is a very good selection of elective courses to choose from to customize the program of study to the student's career aspirations. Moreover, many of the topics I have encountered in medical school so far were addressed during my master's program at Union.
Describe the hands-on learning experiences you had during the program.
Through participating in research with Dr. Choi, not only was I able to learn new lab techniques but I was able to take what I was learning in class and use it in a real-world application.
How did your program prepare you for roles at the current place you are in now?
After my time away from an academic setting between my undergraduate and graduate degree, this program helped me to be able to transition back into an academic environment and be able to find the best study methods and tools to succeed in medical school.
Meet Taylor Garrison
Master of Science in Biology, 2019
Were you able to get to know your professors?
Yes.
How did those relationships have an impact on you personally or professionally?
The relationships I formed at Union were very impactful. Knowing that my professors genuinely care for my well-being and my education meant a lot and created a better learning environment for me. Even though I have graduated and moved to the next stage of my career, my professors are available if I need them.
How would you describe the academic quality of your biology program?
The biology program at Union is outstanding. There are several opportunities for professional development, to gain hands on experience, and to do research. The quality of the courses and content is excellent, and the professors are committed to helping students learn and achieve their goals.
How did your program prepare you for roles at the current place you are in now?
The program provided me with the critical thinking and technical skills I needed to be successful in my current Ph.D program. During my time at Union, I had the opportunities to learn different research techniques and improve my writing and presentation skills.
What were the most important factors in choosing Union for your degree?
The most important factors were the quality of education, the class sizes, the location, and the cost.
