 Name: Vanessa Armstrong
Major: Senior double-majoring in Biology and Health Sciences (Pre-pharmacy)
Hometown: Bemidji, MN - currently live in Fisher, MN
About Me:
I’m a nontraditional student at UMC pursuing a Biology degree and am planning to be among the first group of students to receive this degree in conjunction with a Pre-Pharmacy Health Sciences degree. I am receiving a significant amount of experience learning and using laboratory protocols for such projects as hormonal assays, genetics, and other molecular biology techniques. Because of these experiences, I have decided to focus my future work on pharmaceutical research and genomics, rather than concentrating on retail or hospital pharmacy.
I also play cello for our UMC quartet which plays for on campus events and campus sponsored community events during the school year. I don’t think you’re ever too old to learn something new. Through personal experience, I’ve learned a person can excel, even in something as difficult as the sciences, at any age as long as you have the determination to get it done.
Not only do I attend UMC, but so does my husband, and my son attended in the PSEO program his last two years of high school and has continued on here for his baccalaureate degree as well.
Vanessa's UMC Insight Interview (audio)
On Campus Involvement:
Cellist for the UMC quartet, Research assistant and UROP participant, SSS tutor, Part-time Teaching Assistant for some science courses.
- What is the most interesting thing you’ve learned since being a student at UMC?
I have been learning a lot of genetic research skill and molecular biology skills, which for the most part are new at UMC. This will give the competitive skills I need to attend a graduate school using the latest science techniques.
- What is your favorite activity on and off campus?
I love playing cello in our “UMC quartet.” I also love the activities at the Chester Fritz that I get to attend through the SSS program here on campus that I could not otherwise afford. I am a full time research assistant in the summer and I love the work.
- What is your best memory from UMC thus far?
I have two, actually. My husband and my son also attend UMC, and we participated in the College Bowl competitions on campus and were able to move on in competitions with other colleges.
Also, I attended the National Conference of Undergraduate Research, which was a 5 day conference where I presented our research data and results for a poster session. It was held in Asheville, North Carolina and we were able to tour the Biltmore mansions among other fun and interesting activities.
- What is the best reason to stay up until 2 AM?
The best reason is to celebrate doing well on your finals because you busted your rump for weeks trying to prepare!
- What is the best thing about being a student at UMC?
The relationship between the faculty and the students – I have had the most caring mentors who always are there to write glowing recommendation letters, listen to my concerns, and help me develop a real plan for the future. My dreams are becoming reality because of their support. I have more than one mentor and we have constant contact. I’m not aware of any other public college where you can receive that kind of personal attention and support.
I also like the students that attend here at the college. They tend to be from a diverse number of backgrounds and most everyone is friendly, down to earth, and have interesting backgrounds and experiences. I’ve made some great friendships here.
- What is your advice to others?
Explore smaller colleges when looking for an alma mater. Many times smaller colleges can offer as many, if not more, opportunities than a larger college with a private school atmosphere.
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