Major: Biology
What is your current position/career?
I am currently a D1 (first-year) student at the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco.
What were some of your favorite aspects of the Biology program?
My favorite part of the biology program was, without a doubt, the professors. I was fortunate enough to be taught many of the most complicated subjects by some of the most passionate individuals, and that truly made my entire experience so enjoyable. Dr. David Marcey and Professor Barbara McNulty, specifically, played an essential role throughout my time at Cal Lutheran. I participated in research in Dr. Marcey’s lab for three years and can honestly say that I learned just as much, if not more, from that experience than from standard classes. I also worked as a Biology Department Assistant under Professor McNulty, helping with labs and tutoring students in different biology courses.
What key skills did you learn in the program that you now use in your current position/career?
The Biology program exposed me to a side of education that I previously was unaware of. I learned that lectures are not necessarily always the best form of learning. Instead, I experienced methods of teaching such as reverse classrooms, in-class discussions on research papers, and self-constructed research projects that expanded my knowledge and, even more importantly, got me excited about learning. I use these learning methods to this day in dental school. Due to the course load and amount of information, a vast majority of our learning takes place through peer discussions and study sessions. Thankfully, the ability to communicate and cooperate was stressed at Cal Lutheran and I will now carry that skill with me throughout the remainder of my educational and professional career.
How has the Biology program set you up for success?
The program is extremely well constructed. When studying for my DAT (Dental Admission Test), most of the information that was necessary to know was taught in the courses I took. I felt well prepared with a solid foundation of knowledge, not only for the exam but also upon entering my dental program. In addition, the small size of the school allowed me to build solid and important mentorships with my professors. These relationships helped me to feel a sense of belonging throughout my time at Cal Lutheran, granting me confidence and providing me with the support to propel myself toward the next stage of my education.