Major: Biology
Minor: Psychology
What is your current position/career?
Physician Assistant, USC Keck School of Medicine ’25
What were some of your favorite aspects of the Biology program?
My favorite aspect was the opportunity to do developmental biology/genetics research with Dr. David Marcey. Doing research allowed me to graduate with biology departmental honors, which helped me stand out in my application to my graduate program.
Also, all professors in the department are not only extremely knowledgeable but also very willing to go out of their way and help students achieve their goals. I met the majority of my best friends from college thanks to the biology program.
There are many opportunities to get involved in the Biology department, such as being elected to be a peer tutor/departmental assistant, which is a great leadership role and a way to help the professors and your fellow classmates. I’m very glad I completed my degree with the biology department at Cal Lutheran because of the way the faculty/staff focused on me as a student and did whatever they could to support me toward my dream career.
What key skills did you learn in the program that you now use in your current position/career?
My experience doing research taught me key skills like critical thinking, advanced writing, and being a great team member. Also, being a biology departmental assistant helped me with my communication, professionalism, and interpersonal skills. Most importantly, my mentors within the biology department felt like my second parents, caring for my future and instilling important life skills like commitment, hard work, persistence, and accountability. All these skills set me apart from others and have contributed greatly to most of my success in my academically rigorous program.
How has the Biology program set you up for success?
All of my classes at Cal Lutheran have prepared me very well to thrive in PA school. My mentors within the Biology Department provided me with so much fundamental knowledge and taught the courses in a memorable way so that I am now successful in my program. Something unique about the Cal Lutheran Biology Department is that every single professor is amazing in their own unique way, not just one or two great professors.
Check out Emily’s spotlight on Cal Lutheran’s Instagram