Biology and health sciences graduates leave Meredith prepared to enter graduate programs, begin professional careers or both.
Here are just a few examples of the career choices of Meredith graduates:
- Associate Scientist, GlaxoSmithKline
- Licensed Physical Therapist, WestCare hospital system
- Labor and Delivery Nurse, Rex Hospital
- Equine Veterinarian, Private Practice
- Physician Assistant, Thomasville Medical Center
- Environmental Health Specialist, Chatham County Health Dept.
- Biology and Earth Science Teacher, East Columbus High School
- Physician Assistant, Family Practice
- Dental Hygenist, Family Practice
- Lab Manager, NC State University Neurobiology Lab
Jennifer Michaux, '97
Scientist, Becton Dickinson Technologies
Major: Bachelor of Science in biology
Current Job: Michaux works at Beckton Dickinson (BD) technologies as a scientist in the Cell and Tissue Technologies Group, on the diabetes team. "The environment here is fast paced and exciting. I also work with a fabulous bunch of people. I am sure as time marches on I will be working on different projects and making the most of my career here."
Career Path: After graduating from Meredith, Michaux worked as a research technician at UNC-Chapel Hill's cell biology and anatomy department. "I worked on cancer research there, specifically, the movement of Cytochrome-C during the loss of membrane potential, which in the end leads to cell death."
She has also worked in UNC's Cystic Fibrosis Center, on "protein expression variation between patients with pulmonary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) and those without. PCD is a disease in which cilia, small hair-like structures, do not move properly and the result is a limited ability to clear fluids and germs from the lungs."
The Meredith Experience: "I took almost all of the biology classes offered at Meredith and even added a few independent studies on top of that. I am a certified biology/science junkie! My three favorite professors are Dr. Grimes, Dr. Wolfinger and Dr. Swab. All three were crucial to my solid education and positive learning experience at Meredith.
Favorite classes:
My favorite classes were Comparative Anatomy, Invertebrate Zoology, Biotechnology and Symbology."
Advice: Be flexible on what topic of study you are willing to work on. I think this flexibility has offered me many more opportunities. Also, if you have the chance to participate in any kind of internship, do it. The amount of hands-on experience you will gain is paramount. It will also give you a chance to decide if working in a lab is right for you. Lastly, get a graduate degree of some kind. It makes moving up the corporate ladder much easier.
Jennifer Hooper, '98
Regional Sales Executive, Donor Screening
Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics
Major: Bachelor of Arts in biology
Career: Jennifer Hooper began working for Bayer Pharmaceutical while completing her studies at Meredith.
She has worked for more than seven years at Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics (a Johnson & Johnson company) in the Donor Screening division.
"I was a Field Technical Specialist for six years, and I am now a regional sales executive for donor screening. We develop and implement the five mandated blood screening tests (HIV 1/2, HCV, HTLV I/II, HBsAg and HBc).
I never thought in a million years that I would be training laboratory technicians and medical technologists on CLIA, GMP Regulations, FDA regulations, EIA testing, antigens, antibodies and blood screening."
Benefits: "There is nothing more rewarding than to have a career that saves people's lives. I am proud that I am able to say that I have that in my life."
Tatiana Quintero-Varca, ’07
Degree: molecular biology
“At Meredith I learned to be an effective leader [while also] being an independent researcher. In my many labs, like my Biochem and BioTech labs, I learned things that in other institutions I would not have had a chance to learn—things that one can only learn with practice.”
Accomplishments: Quintero-Varca participated in many campus organizations during her time at Meredith. She also won several awards, including the John Yarbrough Award for Outstanding Rising Senior in Biology in 2006. She conducted an independent research project at North Carolina State University under Dr. Amy Grunden of the microbiology department.
Plans: “I’m currently applying to a Molecular Diagnostic Certificate program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. If I get accepted I will complete this program in 14 months. After that I plan to obtain my Ph.D. in human pathology, which I hope will lead me to work for a reputable institution conducting pioneer research. One day I will hopefully help find the cures for diseases as well as to decode genes that can cause us harm.”
Learn more about Tatiana and her time at Meredith.
Lande Brady, '07.
Major: biology.
"I have always been interested in science, specifically behavior and animals. The real decision came in high school after taking a marine biology and criminology class."
Favorite Professor: Larry Grimes. "He is the only person I've ever met that is genuinely enthusiastic about parasites."
Best Advice: "Make use of the professors in the department and ask about research opportunities. The biology department is full of professors that will go out of their way to help you pursue any area of interest in biology."
