Biology Students & Alumni Perspectives
Current Student Stories
Jessica Muckensturm '25
The Illinois Chapter of The Wildlife Society Conference was a great experience to be able to meet and talk with professionals in potential fields. We were able to learn about many different jobs and what day-to-day looks like as well as how they got into their positions. Attending the wildlife conference was an amazing way to make connections and do some networking with people in fields that interest us.
Our participation in rattlesnake research was a great experience which allowed us to see how research can be done in the field as well as learning from professionals who do this type of thing every day. They were also willing to let us handle the animals and aid in the collection of their data. We learned how they tag the snakes, draw blood, measure length and weight, and how they re-release the animals after all the necessary data is collected.
This sparked my interest in research and made me possibly consider doing something similar for a career.
In the rocket-netting workshop we were able to watch and aid in the setting up of the rockets and nets. We learned how to properly and safely set and deploy the rockets and how they are utilized in many different ways when doing research. This skill can be something that could aid me in my future career.
The Wing-ID workshop allowed us to learn from trained professionals on how to properly identify many different water-fowl species that are native to Illinois. We learned how to tell the difference between males and females in each species as well as adults and juveniles.
Alumni Success Stories
Quentin Parmenter '22
“Since graduating, I have started attending medical school at the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine in Scottsdale, AZ. I am on track to graduate from Mayo Clinic in 2027. I participated in Blackburn’s Work Program, and I worked as a Biology TA for Dr. Bray and for Physical Plant in Grounds with Nick McKorkle.
The connection I had with the Blackburn faculty and staff was key for me being accepted into medical school. They knew me better than any professor could have at a larger school and because of this connection, I was able to have mentors throughout my undergraduate career who were able to speak to my character and strengths as an employee, student, and friend.
My advice for current Blackburn students is to study hard, make connections with professors, and always ask questions.”
