Celebrating Students in STEM

From alumna Rachel Carson who changed the field of Biology to the students who research in the Buhl Science Complex’s labs today, Chatham has a long legacy of fostering successful students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics a.k.a. STEM. This year we’re celebrating National STEM Day by talking with our students in STEM who are continuously working to make a brighter future. Catch these reflections about their passions for their respective fields, their plans for the future, and their STEM idols—

Sydney Weaver ‘21

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Major: Human Biology

I decided to go into a field in STEM because science, mathematics, engineering and technology all play a vital role in our everyday lives, whether we realize it or not. For example, life-altering technology within the realm of science has changed the way physicians, and various other healthcare providers, practice medicine.

I am enrolled in a 5-year accelerated Integrated Degree Program (IDP) here. So, in the fall of 2021, I will begin Physician Assistant school at Chatham and will graduate with my Master of Physician Assistant Studies in the Spring of 2023. The satisfaction of pursuing a career dedicated to lifelong healing and learning, as medicine is ever-changing, is what constitutes my goal of becoming a physician assistant.

Someone I admire in STEM is Cornelia Bargmann. She is a neurobiologist that has conducted research on Alzheimer’s disease, autism, and depression. Her most well-known experiments have been conducted through the use of C. elegans, or Roundworms. I admire her work because research findings regarding the nervous system of roundworms can open gates for the exploration of the human brain and offer help for those suffering from neurological disorders.

Karl Zodda ‘23

Pronouns: he/him/his

Major: Applied Data Science Analytics & Mathematics

STEM is crucial in our world today because advancement in technology and societal progression are so intimately intertwined. I went into STEM because it involves continuous problem solving, which is challenging, but very rewarding.

I want to have my own investment company. I admire people like Jeff Bezos who have founded their own huge companies. His company started out as a small online bookstore that has blossomed into the largest American e-commerce site.

Kendra Scheideman ‘23

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Major: Environmental Science

I’ve always found science really interesting and have always known I wanted to pursue a career in the STEM field. STEM is so important because it’s the backbone of our world. Especially now with ever-changing environments and rapid advancements, it’s important to have people who are prepared to solve the problems that come with these changes.

I chose environmental science specifically because it a mix of all of the different branches of science and has a lot of different interesting subsections to learn about. Ideally, I want to be an Environmental Geologist/Hydrologist. I love doing lab work and gaining a better understanding of how different earth systems/ processes work.

A group I look up to in STEM is the Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit group. They are a group of women in South Africa who are dedicated to endangered species protection and environmental education.

Michael Nizinski ‘21

Pronouns: he/him/his

Major: Human Biology

STEM uncovers the “how” and “why” of our world. It pulls us in by posing an interesting problem and challenges us to find creative solutions based on the information we currently know.

I knew science was for me when I opened up a fetal pig for the first time in an Anatomy and Physiology class in high school. While science challenged me, I knew I could learn more about it and use that knowledge to put the pieces together to help people as a medical provider. My dream job is to practice as a psychiatric physician assistant. Mental health has always interested me, and I would be challenged every day while treating a wide variety of individuals.

Someone I admire in STEM is Elon Musk. He solves daunting problems that everyone knows about but that few people attempt to solve.

A huge thank you goes out to all of our students in STEM! To learn more about Chatham’s majors in STEM, click here.