Science at CSP

Ten of our students went to the Winchell Symposium for Undergraduate Research this year and, as usual, they did a great job and won awards for their work. Makenna Berger gave an oral presentation and the other students presented posters. Abby Lewerenz received a judge's award for her honor's poster presentation, and Ryan Lee and Carson Krefft also received a judge's award for their poster presentation!
(Also, congrats to Ryan Lee on winning the Paul W. Stor Biology Award!)

Most of the awards in the Science Department are for science majors...but our building is full of incredible pre-nursing students mastering their pre-requisites before they enter the nursing program and we don't want to miss a chance to recognize them too!

This is Grace Nwaononiwu, the winner of our Pre-Nursing Service Award. She is entering nursing school to become a nurse anesthetist.

Grace says, "To me, the most important part of the CSP Science Department is all its dedicated professors. They have created an educative, dynamic and supportive environment to learn the coursework. As a result, I have the means to excel!"

Grace, thank you for your excellent questions and for tutoring so many students!

Our First Year Chemistry Award for 2024 goes to Mia Lawrence! She is a biochemistry major hoping to pursue research at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester once she graduates.

She says, "I love the science department and the professors because of their commitment to helping students learn in and outside of the classroom. The professors are very passionate about what they teach, and it shows in their lectures. I hope to later on be involved in Dr. Yang's research program to learn more about research techniques and get hands-on experience under her guidance. That, combined with any summer internships/research, will help me prepare for my future career."

You're off to an amazing start, Mia! We're excited to watch your progress throughout your time at CSP.

Abby Lewerenz is the winner of our Science Department Service Award! She is a double major in biology and chemistry, with a minor in quality science. After graduation, she plans to take a gap year and then go to graduate school in biology.

She says, "The Science Department at CSP has played an incredibly meaningful and impactful role on my undergraduate journey. Through the department, I have been involved as a lab assistant, research student, Tetra Delta member, tutor, and even an presenter! The faculty here have not only opened up doors for me on campus, but also off campus, as I was able to participate in two summer research programs because of recommendations from faculty. I cannot emphasize enough how much the faculty here means to me, and I truly hope to keep the connections I've made after I graduate. Every day, I am reminded of the dedication, love, patience, and expertise each member brings to the department, and I feel immensely lucky to have them as mentors. Without the Science Department at CSP, I would not feel nearly as prepared to take on life after graduation as I do now, so truly, thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Abby, thank you for tutoring everybody! You have done so much to help things click for science students and we really appreciate all your hard work.

It's "award season" in the Science Department and we're excited to spotlight some outstanding students. 😄

This is Danni Sharum, the winner of this year's Paul W. Stor Chemistry Award, which is a scholarship awarded to juniors with science majors. Danni is a double major in Biology and Chemistry planning to become a physical therapist.

She says, "The science department has created an amazing environment for students to grow academically and personally. Being a student athlete can be difficult due to changing schedules, but my professors have been so helpful in making sure I understand material and don't feel overwhelmed. I got involved in the science department by becoming a learning assistant and by becoming an officer in Tetra Delta; both of these have allowed for me to connect with fellow classmates and with my professors."

Next Wednesday, 4/24, at 10:30am on the first floor of the science building, will be hosting the Science Department Spring Poster Session. Come and learn about student research, Cell Biology course mini project, and Microbiology student-researched topics!

This Wednesday (3/20), 10:30am at the BEC, will be hosting the Major & Career Expo. Come learn about topics like:
-How to become a Lab Assistant/Learning Assistant/Tutor
-Research opportunities
-How to get an internship
-How to build a resume or Linked-In profile
-How to prepare for an informational interview
This is also a great chance to
-Talk to professionals from the fields of PT, PA, Biomedical Sciences, and the science industry
-Talk to faculty from Nursing, Biology, Biochemistry, and Chemistry to learn about the major

Our Science Department Spotlight this week is Gaokalia Vang. Gaokalia is a Biology major from Cottage Grove, Minnesota. She is planning for a career in forensic biology and hopes to pursue her pilot's license and fly for fun. She enjoys fishing, playing the guitar and drums with friends, watching sunsets, and discovering new scenic places. She says, "I chose CSP because it felt really cozy compared to other campuses I've toured in the past. I also liked that this school isn't very big, which makes it easier to build connections with those around us. The mascot is also very cute."

Join Tetra Delta for our newly revised Study Hour! Starting this Monday (1/22) and happening weekly during chapel hour (10:30-11:30am), Tetra Delta will be hosting a study hour for students in room 104. We can also use 103 so you can practice learning anatomy with the models. Bring your friends for a chance to study for exams, get help with homework, network with fellow peers, and caffeinate with coffee or tea. Professors and Learning Assistants will be present as they are available. Hope to see you all there! 😄

The Science Department is hosting a Zoom meeting next Wednesday (10:30-11:00am) for students interested in a paid summer research opportunity with the director of Graduate Program events. https://med.umn.edu/gps/undergraduate-research/life-sciences-summer