Students in the Spotlight: Ģ��Ƶ, Greater Cincinnati Region

OLIVER DIAZ

Education: B.A. in Biological Sciences + Minor in Environmental Studies

After NKU: Master of Biology Student at Vrije Universiteit in Brussels

Oliver made the most of his time as an undergraduate at NKU, taking part in study abroad and multiple research experiences. He studied tropical ecology in Costa Rica, conducted research on the invasive European wall lizard at NKU, and completed a prestigious summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) at Eastern Kentucky University, studying eastern copperhead snakes. He was also an active leader in Ecologically Concerned Organization of Students (ECOS).

"In a nutshell, this REU experience has given me insight into what to expect in graduate school and that any research relying on ecological field work will have inevitable hiccups and how to best be able to respond to them."

JUSTIN GIBSON

Education: B.S. in Biological Sciences, Cellular/Molecular/Genetics Track 

"My time at NKU served as a critical inflection point on the path of my career trajectory. In particular, the opportunity to get involved in undergraduate research early and maintain this involvement throughout my tenure at NKU. It was during this time that I first started developing my critical thinking skills and understanding the role that research plays in our daily lives and ways that it can be used to help others. "

After NKU: Principal Scientific Researcher at Genentech in South San Francisco, CA

Necessary Job Skills: Scientific thinking, teamwork, creative problem solving.

Career Path: Undergraduate researcher while at NKU, obtained PhD in biomedical sciences, now principal scientific researcher.

SYDNEY GREGORY

Education: Minor in Environmental Studies + BFA in Visual Communications and Design

After NKU: Visual Communication Designer at The Think Shop

Sydney combined her passion for the environment with her visual communication skills while interning at the NKY Chapter of Kentuckians for the Commonwealth. After designing many products during her internship and graduating NKU, she was a design intern with The Think Shop, which led to a full-time position after graduation.

"In this role, I became more confident in my team building and event organization skills as we planned for the possible and unpredictable."

SARAH GOODRICH

Education: B.S. in Biological Sciences + Minor in Environmental Studies

After NKU: Aquatic Toxicologist, Ph.D. student at University of Cincinnati

Sarah took advantage of many opportunities at NKU, working in the Chemistry Stock Room and participating in research on white-nose fungus in bats and reforestation efforts. She was also a member of the NKU pep band. Since graduating, she earned an M.A. in Geography from the University of Cincinnati while working as a Pathways Physical Scientist at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

MICHELLE GRIESINGER

Education: B.S. in Biological Sciences, Ecology/Evolution/Organismal Track

“What I found to be special at NKU is the small class size, which allowed for individualized attention from professors and peers. The lab work and field trips enabled me to get hands on and utilized different science techniques within the biology field as a whole which helped me hone in on the career path that I wanted to take. I have huge respect for the instructors at NKU. They truly want the best for their students and to see their students succeed. I felt that way as a student and still feel that way throughout my professional career.”

After NKU: Conservation Biologist

What They Do: Senior keeper at World of the Insects at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Necessary Job Skills: Animal handling, scientific thinking, teamwork

Career path: Volunteer at the zoo, progressed to keeper and senior keeper

ENRICA JACKSON

Education: Minor in Environmental Studies + B.A. in English and Creative Writing

After NKU: English teacher with Miami-Dade County Public Schools

Enrica made the most of the opportunities offered by NKU’s Environmental Science program. She interned with Renaissance Covington, focusing on the Zero Waste Way Program, and was a student scholar with the Environmental Stewardship Institute, helping local residents create a greenspace. After graduating, Enrica served with Teach for America and is now an English teacher in Miami.

ARIEL PORTER

Education: B.S. in Biological Sciences, Cellular/Molecular/Genetics Track

“NKU provided me with unique opportunities that helped to lead me to where I am today. I worked at NKU as a biology lab preparation assistant and tutor. I researched at NKU, studied abroad, and was a peer mentor and teaching assistant for multiple classes. I was able to grow as a person and future professional. The staff and faculty go above and beyond to help students succeed; they care about our successes and want to see students reach their potential goals.”

After NKU: Went to medical school at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine - Ģ��Ƶ campus

Necessary Job Skills: Critical thinking, communication, empathy

KATIE SAWVELL

Education: B.S. in Biological Sciences (Cellular, Molecular, Genetics track), Minor in Neuroscience

“The undergraduate research experience I gained at NKU has been invaluable to me as I applied for jobs and sought out new opportunities after graduation. I felt more prepared entering the workforce and potential employers were eager to hear about my diverse research experiences. In addition, being able to explore my interest in Neuroscience through a minor at NKU has helped me better understand the work I have done over the past four years and shape a career path which I look forward to following.”

Career Path: After studying abroad and doing research at the University of Rennes in France, Katie worked for two years in the Brain Tumor Center at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital as a Research Assistant II. In 2021, she moved into clinical research as a Clinical Research Coordinator II and was promoted to a CRC III after one year working on a project to understand the health outcomes of environmental exposures. She is currently working on a master’s degree in Clinical and Translational Research from the University of Cincinnati with a focus on multi-disciplinary study design.

SARA STEFFEN

Education: B.S. in Neuroscience, Minors in Psychology and Spanish

“My time in the NKU Neuroscience Program laid the ground work I needed to be successful in my career. I was able to foster my fascination with the nervous system and develop research skills through my role as a student researcher. It is certainly exciting to have a front row seat to the current developments in the world of clinical research.”

Career Path: Sara Steffen went on to become a Project Coordinator in the Neuroscience, Infectious Disease and Ophthalmology program at Medpace. "Medpace is always growing! It’s an exciting company to work for. I enjoy being a part of the clinical trial teams working to develop drugs and technologies that can change lives.”

Impact of NKU: Sara was the Outstanding Neuroscience Graduate who worked with Dr. Mark Bardgett as an undergraduate research assistant.

RAYAH STEIN

Education: B.S. in Biological Sciences (General Biology, Pre-Dentistry)

“As a student at NKU I had so many opportunities, I was the chair of the Health Professions Club, a STEM Peer mentor, Supplemental Instructor and president of the Pre-Dental Committee. I also did Eastern bluebird research with Dr. Walters and loved seeing the nestlings hatch and the mother birds take care of their young.”

After NKU: Went to Dental School at the University of Louisville

Necessary Job Skills: Critical thinking, manual dexterity, communication

TANNER YESS

Education: B.S. in Environmental Science + Minor in Biological Sciences

“College is a lot. My experience was an adventure with ups and downs leading to a destination unknown. I was able to embrace that journey because of the support and diversity of experiences offered through NKU's ENV Program. Gliding through Costa Rica's cloud forest, electroshocking fish and long days restoring local streams with the Center for Environmental Restoration were all part of my education and network building. Years later, I still lean on the connections, both people and nature, made through the ENV Program. Now, as the Executive Director of Groundwork Ohio River Valley, my time at NKU has shaped the environmental justice work we do around youth green workforce, climate resilience and citizen science. Enjoy the ride, it goes by fast!” 

After NKU: Executive Director of Groundwork Ohio River Valley

After NKU, Tanner volunteered in the Peace Corps and then went on to earn a Master’s degree in Urban, Community & Regional Planning. He then worked with the Regional Trails Alliance before Groundwork. In 2018, Tanner was the recipient of the Murie Center Rising Leader Award.

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