Jamie Mosel
As the days once again grow long, I am reminded that my time at St. Olaf is drawing to a close. After four years of classes, and endless hours of studying and planning for the future, it is surprising just how quickly the future becomes the present. Many say that the purpose of college is its transformative potential. While I am certainly testament to just such a transformation, I believe that students must also direct their actions responsibly and open-mindedly. It is not, as some assume, a passive transformation. It has been my goal, these four years, never to forget that education is a privilege. Although St. Olaf students are notoriously hard workers, I encourage my classmates to step outside of themselves; that is, to take a step back from the daily, and to reflect upon the larger effects of their decisions. So frequently, we are taught to learn, but not to think. At St. Olaf, I have sought every day to think for myself, and to remember the value of my own abilities. In those tender first months as a student, I had little idea of what I wanted to become. Yet I have never doubted, no matter the field of study, my obligation to use education responsibly--to think critically, to act respectfully, and to work towards positive change in the world. I think that, rather than focusing narrow-mindedly upon what we wish to “become”, it is far more important to remember who we are.
My coursework as a double major has given me a unique perspective. I study history, and I study biology because I am curious about this earth, and the stories are one and the same. At St. Olaf, I have been fortunate indeed to combine both my passions. I am frequently found crossing between Regents and Holland, but in my mind there has never existed a barrier between the two. Too often, I think, we assume that science exists in a vacuum, or that history has little to do with our conversations with the earth. Through combining the two, I hope to most effectively work against the many environmentally destructive practices our society has developed. In part because of this aim, I am particularly drawn to ecology, and I am happiest illuminating the interconnectedness of life. The chance to learn from a host of enthusiastic professors here at St. Olaf has helped me to navigate my own beliefs. When I first decided to become a biology major, I was admittedly intimidated by science, which I perceived to be far too complex for someone simple like myself. However, that feeling of deep enchantment, which takes hold whenever I ponder the intricacies of this earth, overcame my intimidation. Now, at the end of my undergraduate career, I am keenly aware of my obligation as a scientist and as a historian to act with respect, towards both humans and fellow organisms.
After graduation, I am honored by the opportunity to apply the skills I have acquired at St. Olaf. Through the Fulbright Program, I will be traveling to Hokkaido, Japan to research the ecological effects of global warming on northern ecosystems at the University of Hokkaido Silviculture and Forest Ecology Lab. At the end of one journey, I am at the start of another. Such, I think, is life--a continuum of journeys, a continuum of learning. With a curious mind, and a compassionate heart, I believe that though the problems facing this earth are daunting, these past four years have strengthened me for the challenge. The best advice that I can give my fellow students is this: love life, and act always with respect, compassion, and humility. When I look at the stars above me, the life around me, and the earth beneath me, I cannot help but be humble, and grateful to live in such a fascinating world.
Sarah Mitchell
For myself and many other biology majors, the most influential aspect of the biology department here at St. Olaf has been the ability to develop relationships with the faculty. The professors in our department are amazingly devoted to their work; their help, advice, and endless banter (hello, Professor Schade) have been invaluable for my personal and intellectual growth over the past four years. My personal journey at Olaf has been heavily influenced by my research experiences with Steve Freedberg. Due to these experiences, I have been able to confidently formulate my career goals, gained valuable lab and field skills, and (most importantly) had direct access to a knowledgeable, committed, and humorous mentor.
As part of my summer research, Professor Freedberg, myself, and one other student (Katie Halvorson in the summer of 2010, Megan Welk in 2011) would drive down to Weaver Dunes two or three times a week to trap turtles. Only recently did I realize how much I learned on those trips. When he wasn’t belting the (incorrect) lyrics to pop songs such as “You Belong With Me”, Steve would quiz us on bird identification, go into rants about Minnesotan food, talk about possible directions we could take our research, or provide random but edifying mini-lectures on topics ranging from science & society to techniques for analyzing microsatellite regions of DNA. Our days on the Mississippi were spent carrying out extensive trapping efforts and using radio telemetry to track movements of softshell turtles. These experiences, in addition to providing me with a great tan and a lot of fun memories, solidified my tentative ambition to become an evolutionary biologist. Exploring the natural world has always been an emotionally and spiritually fulfilling experience for me; when I realized it could be intellectually productive as well, I knew I had found a career I could be passionate about.
The process of applying to graduate programs over the last year has given me ample opportunity to reflect on my growth as a scientist and a person over my time at Olaf. I have found that a truly distinguishing factor in development here has been my access to professors such as Steve Freedberg, Stephanie Schmidt, Jean Porterfield, and many others. The opportunity to do so much undergraduate research is in itself a huge benefit of a St. Olaf education, but the ability to form a mentoring relationship with professors like Steve is an outstanding advantage of our education at Olaf. Whether I need help editing a paper, choosing a graduate program, writing a statement of purpose, analyzing data, or figuring out how to feed myself when I no longer have access to the caf (heaven forbid), I know I can turn to Steve, and I know many other students who have had similar relationships with other professors. I’ve been incredibly blessed to be included in a department that provides such excellent opportunities to its undergraduates and employs professors that are truly committed to the success and growth of their students. Thank you!
Adam Starr
Unlike many liberal arts students, I came to St. Olaf with a very clear idea of what I wanted to major in. My initial interest in majoring in biology was due to two factors: I was interested in medicine and growing up in the Minnesota "lake culture" piqued my interest in ecology. I feel lucky that my interests encompass the breadth of the St. Olaf biology major.
As I progressed from one biology course to the next, a clear pattern emerged: the St. Olaf Biology Department is FULL of great professors. Each of my professors was a great teacher and was passionate about his or her field of study. It’s no wonder that biology is the most popular major at St. Olaf.
Some of the most memorable experiences I've had as a bio major at St. Olaf were the opportunity to go on the Peruvian Medical Experience and working in the summer research program with Kim Kandl. The Peruvian Medical Experience was an eye-opening endeavor that taught me valuable lessons that extend beyond biology and medicine. My summer research experience was an engaging program in which I learned something new every day and enjoyed the opportunity to do hands-on biology.
In addition to Peru and summer research, I will fondly remember the day to day encounters with St. Olaf bio professors in lectures and labs, such as the time when Jean Porterfield convinced half of my genetics class that G6 is a phase of the cell cycle and that slizzard is a protein. On the other hand, I'll always regret the fact that I didn't take more courses in ecology.
I feel confident that the St. Olaf biology major has provided me and my classmates with a strong foundation on which to build upon in future study or employment. As news spreads of the future plans of my fellow senior biology majors, whether it be graduate school, professional school, service programs, or entering the work force, I am constantly impressed by their achievements and am proud to have studied alongside so many great people!
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Biology Major Fulbright Award Recipients