Meet Our Biology Alumni

Explore the inspiring stories of success of biology alumni at Central Michigan University.

Biomedical, Cell, and Molecular Biology

Safiyah Ali is a 2023 graduate with a BS in Biology: Biomedical, Cell, & Molecular Biology; and a minor in chemistry. Safiyah is currently attending Columbia University to pursue a Ph.D. in Genetics and Development. Safiyah’s favorite class was Molecular Genetics.

Cora Zoet is a 2023 graduate with a BS in Biology: Biomedical, Cell, & Molecular; with a Minor in Business Administration. Cora is currently studying at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine. Cora’s favorite class at CMU was Medical Microbiology. Cora was also a member of the Pre-Dental Society at CMU.

Kennedi Price is a 2023 graduate with a BS in Biology: Biomedical, Cell, & Molecular. Kennedi is attending medical school at CMU’s School of Medicine. Kennedi’s favorite course at CMU was Human Anatomy. Kennedi was also a member of the Pre-med and Osteopathic Society, the Honors Program, and the CMED Early Assurance Program. Advice Kennedi would like to leave for incoming freshmen is, “Join RSO’s and IM Sport’s programs early.”

Natalie DeCarlo is a 2023 graduate with a BS in Biology: Biomedical, Cell, & Molecular. Natalie’s favorite classes were Foundations of Genetics, CHM 323, and Organic Chemistry II: Bioorganic. Natalie was a member of the Tri Beta Biology Honor Society organization, and the American Chemical Society organization at CMU. Advice Natalie would like to leave for incoming freshmen is, “Look for research opportunities early and join RSO’s for your major.”

Emma DeVries is a 2023 graduate with a BS in Biology: Biomedical, Cell, & Molecular; with a minor in Anthropology. Emma is currently studying at the CMU College of Medicine. Emma’s favorite class was Cancer Biology. Advice Emma would like to leave for incoming freshmen is, “Study abroad!”

Alexandra Gargulinski is a 2023 graduate with a BS in Biology: Biomedical, Cell, & Molecular. Alexandra’s favorite class was Pathophysiology and Microbiology. Alexandra was also a member of the Phi Delta Epsilon, as well as the Forensic Science Club. Advice Alexandra would like to leave for incoming freshmen is, “Make time for hobbies and dictate your own path, instead of letting others influence your decisions.”

Reese Caudy is a 2023 graduate with a BS in Biology: Biomedical, Cell, & Molecular Biology; with a minor in Environmental Science. Reese’s favorite class was Eukaryotic Cell Biology. Advice that Reese would like to leave for incoming freshman is, “Find a healthy balance between one’s studies and life.”

Kristen Giles is a 2023 graduate, double majoring with a BS in Biochemistry and BS in Biology: Biomedical, Cell, & Molecular. Kristen is currently studying at the University of Michigan in the PharmD pharmacy program.  Kristen’s favorite class was Organic Chemistry Laboratory. Kristen was also the Secretary of the Pre-Pharmacy Club at CMU. Advice Kristen would like to leave for incoming freshmen is, “Find a group to study with and not be afraid to ask questions.”

Rachel Glovatsky is a 2023 graduate with a BS in Biology: Biomedical, Cell, & Molecular. Rachel is currently studying at the PA School at Grand Valley State University. Rachel’s favorite class at CMU was Genetics. Advice Rachel would like to leave for incoming freshmen is, “Visit Beaver Island!”

Hailey Hartman is a 2023 graduate with a BS in Biology: Biomedical, Cell, & Molecular; and a Minor in Business Administration. Hailey is currently studying at Michigan State University in the College of Veterinary Medicine. Hailey’s favorite class at CMU was Foundations of Form and Function. Hailey was also a member of the Pre-vet club at CMU. Advice Hailey would like to leave for incoming freshmen is, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it” (Ferris Bueller).  

Payton Gilmore is a 2023 graduate with a BS in Biology: Biomedical, Cell, & Molecular Biology. Payton is currently in Pharmacy School at the University of Michigan. While at CMU, Payton did undergraduate research and served as president of the Pre-Pharmacy Club. Payton’s favorite class was Biochemistry. Advice that Payton would like to leave for incoming freshman is, “Take care of you first and establish a healthy balance between school and your personal life.”

Corrin Hays is a 2023 graduate with a BS in Biology: Biomedical, Cell, & Molecular; with a Minor in Cinema Studies. Corrin is currently studying in the MCEB PhD Program at the University of Utah. Corrin’s favorite class at CMU was Molecular Genetics. Advice Corrin would like to leave for incoming freshmen is, “Join a research lab!”

Margaret Kessler is a 2023 graduate with a BS in Biology: Biomedical, Cell, & Molecular. Margaret is currently studying PA Medicine at the University of Lynchburg. Maragret’s favorite class at CMU was Endocrinology. Advice Maragret would like to leave for incoming freshmen is, “Surround yourself with passionate people who will inspire you to pursue your dreams.”

Audrey Kielpinski is a 2023 graduate with a BS in Biology: Biomedical, Cell, & Molecular. Audrey is currently taking a gap year, studying for the MCAT, and applying for Med School. Audrey’s favorite classes at CMU were Foundations of Ecology and Transmission Electron Microscopy. Audrey recommends joining the Pre-med and Osteopathic Society club. Advice Audrey would like to leave for incoming freshmen is, “Get involved in RSO’s to meet people and network.”

Juanez Lindsay is a 2023 graduate with a BS in Biology: Biomedical, Cell, & Molecular. Juanez is currently taking a gap year and applying to genetic counseling programs. Juanez’s favorite class at CMU was Intro to Biochemistry. Juanez’s favorite club at CMU was Planned Parenthood Generation Action. Advice Juanez would like to leave for incoming freshmen is, “Save all your notebooks.”

Abigail Newman is a 2023 graduate with a BS in Biology: Biomedical, Cell, & Molecular. Abigail plans to attend a graduate program in Molecular Biology in the near future. Abigail’s favorite class at CMU was Immunology and Virology.

Kiira Paulson is a 2023 graduate with a BS in Biology: Biomedical, Cell, & Molecular. Kiira is currently applying to dental schools and was recently hired at Winkler Family Dental as a Dental Assistant. Kiira’s favorite class at CMU was Microbiology. Kiira’s favorite club was CMU’s Pre-dental Society. Advice Kiira would like to leave for incoming freshmen is, “Get involved as soon as possible so you can meet people.”

Deklan Rummel is a 2023 graduate with a BS in Biology: Biomedical, Cell, & Molecular. Deklan is currently studying at the University of Buffalo’s Microbiology and Immunology MS. Deklan’s favorite course at CMU was Form and Function. Deklan’s favorite clubs were Pre-Medicine and Osteopathic Society and Running Club. Advice Deklan would like to leave for incoming freshmen is, “Get involved on campus and to visit Qdoba on Wednesdays for a better price.”

Shayla Sanders is a 2023 graduate with a BS in Biology: Biomedical, Cell, & Molecular. Shayla is currently studying at a Medical School. Shayla’s favorite class at CMU was Mammalian Physiology. Shayla recommends joining Pre-Medicine and Osteopathic Society. Advice Shayla would like to leave for incoming freshmen is, “Change your high school study habits into college study habits.

Sienna Schultz is a 2023 graduate with a BS in Biology: Biomedical, Cell, & Molecular. Sienna is currently studying at the School of Dentistry at the University of Michigan. Sienna’s favorite class at CMU was Conservation Medicine. Sienna recommends joining Beta Beta Beta.

Sarah Syeda is a 2023 graduate with a BS in Biology: Biomedical, Cell, & Molecular; with a Minor in Computer Science. Sarah’s favorite class at CMU was Endocrinology. Sarah recommends joining CMU’s Sexual Aggression Peer Advocates RSO. Advice Sarah would like to leave for incoming freshmen is, “Prioritize your own health and to go to office hours.”

Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation

Jonathan Callison is a 2023 graduate with a BS in Biology: Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation. Jonathan now works at Michigan DNR in the Summer Fisheries position. Johnathon’s favorite class was Fisheries Biology and Management, and favorite club was Collegiate Bass Fishing. Advice that Johnathon would like to leave for incoming freshmen is, “Keep up with schoolwork, try your best, and join a club.”

Alexsandria Wallet is a 2023 graduate with a BS in Biology: Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation; with a Minor in Museum Studies. Alexsandria was recently hired as a GLRI Student Wetland Technician in Professor Uzarski’s Wetland Ecology Lab. Alexsandria’s favorite class was Foundations of Ecology on Beaver Island. Alexsandria’s favorite club at CMU was The Wildlife Society. Advice Alexsandria would like to leave for incoming freshmen is, “Visit Beaver Island!”

Jessica Juri is a 2023 graduate with a BS in Biology: Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation; with a Minor in Environmental Science. Jessica has a pending application for the National Park Service seasonal jobs, and is also considering graduate school. Jessica’s favorite class at CMU was Ornithology; Wetland Ecology. Advice Jessica would like to leave for incoming freshman is, “Everyone’s college journey is different, and that trust and focus on yourself is key to success.”

Cole Keyworth is a 2023 graduate with a BS in Biology: Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation; with a Minor in Geographic Information Sciences (GIS) and Geology. Cole was recently hired at Rifle River State Recreation Area and plans to attend graduate school in the future. Cole’s favorite class at CMU was Ornithology. Cole was also a member of The Wildlife Society Club, and the Institute for Professional Geologists (AIPG); highly recommending both. Advice Cole would like to leave for incoming freshmen is, “Not let rejection stop you and to be tenacious.”

Madison Marshall-Rus is a 2023 graduate, double majoring with a BS in Biology: Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation; and a BS in Anthropology. Madison will be going to graduate school in the near future. Madison’s favorite class at CMU was Intro to Marine Sciences. Advice Madison would like to leave for incoming freshmen is, “Be prepared for classes, put yourself out there, and ask for help when you need it.”

Jenna Sokol is a 2023 graduate with a BS in Biology: Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation; with a Minor in Environmental Science. Jenna has been recently hired at Bay City Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Jenna’s favorite class at CMU was Herpetology. Jenna’s favorite clubs were The Wildlife Society and Out in STEM. Advice Jenna would like to leave for incoming freshmen is, “Make a new connection with someone every day.”

Alec Smith is a 2023 graduate, double majoring with a BS in Biology: Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation, and a BA in History. Alec’s favorite course at CMU was Invertebrate Diversity. Advice Alec would like to leave for incoming freshmen is, “Go to Einstein Bros Bagels in the Education and Human Services Building, arrive early to places to get a good parking spot, and to carefully select your professors.”

Eric Urbaniak is a 2023 graduate, double majoring with a BS in Biology: Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation, and a BA in Public and Non-Profit Administration. Eric is currently studying at the University of Vermont for a MS in Natural Resources; with a concentration in Environment, Society, and Public Affairs. Eric is the cofounder of Central Sustainability. In 2021, Eric won the AASHE Student Sustainability Leadership Award and the EPA Sustainability Public Education Award. Eric is also a Udall Scholar.

Microscopy

Megan Wilkie is a 2023 graduate with a BS in Biology: Microscopy. Megan’s favorite class at CMU was Scanning Electron Microscopy. Advice Megan would like to leave for incoming freshmen is, “Reach out to your professors and advisors for help.”