Department of Biological Sciences Careers
Biology graduates leave Meredith prepared to enter graduate programs, begin professional careers or both.
Recent examples of the continuing education choices of recent graduates of the Meredith Department of Biological Sciences:
- Medical School - Brody School of Medicine ECU, Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Wake Forest University Medical School
- Dental School - UNC Chapel Hill
- Veterinary School - NCSU
- Ph.D. Program in Genetics - NCSU
- Ph.D. Program in Biomedical Engineering - UNC Chapel Hill
- Masters of Microbiology - NCSU
- Masters of Public Health - UNC Chapel Hill
- Molecular Diagnostics Certification Program - UNC Chapel Hill
- Nursing School - Duke
- Optometry - UAB
- Pharmacy School - Campbell Univ., Virginia Commonwealth Univ., UNC Chapel Hill
- Physcial Therapy School - ECU, Duke
- Physician Assistant School - ECU, Methodist College
Here are several examples of Careers that our Biology Alumnae have:
- Associate Scientist, GlaxoSmithKline
- Biology and Earth Science Teacher, East Columbus High School
- Dental Hygenist, Family Practice
- Dentist
- Department of Justice - Investigative Forensic Science Division
- Donor screening division (blood) of Johnson & Johnson
- Environmental Health Specialist, Chatham County Health Dept.
- Equine Veterinarian, Private Practice
- Lab Manager, NC State University Neurobiology Lab
- Lab Technician - Molecualr Genetics and Microbiology Dept. - Duke Univ.
- Licensed Physical Therapist, WestCare hospital system
- Medical Doctor
- Molecular Biologist - NIEHS
- Nurse - Mother/baby, Pediatric, labor and delivery
- Pharmacy Tech, Certified
- Pharmacist
- Physical Therapist
- Physician Assistant, Thomasville Medical Center; Family Practice
- Public Information Officer and Manager of the Health Promotion Program - Seminole County Health Dept., FL
- Research Assistant
Tatiana Quintero-Varca, '07
Major: B.S. Biologywith a concentration in molecualr 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 have been accepted to a Molecular Diagnostic Certificate program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 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.
Julane Chappell, '05
Major: B.S. Biology
Comments: My experience at Meredith was Wonderful! All of the biology and chemistry classes that I took in undergrad have given me an excellent background for my graduate school classes that I am currently taking. All of my professors at Meredith were always eager to help and were very involved in my education.
Career: Currently I am at East Carolina inthe Alternate Entry MSN program. I plan to start working as an RN in August '07, while taking classes to complete my masters.
Meredith Stone, '04.
Major: B.S. Biology Concentration Molecular Biology
Comments: Meredith College provided me with the skills that I needed to pursue a Post Baccalaureate degree. Being that Meredith is a smaller institution, I believe that I was given the guidance needed to excel both in graduate school and in my professional career. As a whole, most of the professors at Meredith College were excited about teaching us new concepts and were always there for support which was apparent when taking their courses.
Career: While attending George Washinton University, I became a full-time employee with the Dept. of Defense, specifically working for the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFDIL) in Rockville, MD. AFDIL is didvided into three divisions; two of the main divisions are nuclear DNA and mitochondrial DNA casework. I worked in the mitochondrial DNA section assisting in the identification of our nation's fallen heroes via DNA extraction, amplification, quantification, purification, sequencing, and data analysis. Currently, I work for the Department of Justice as a contractor, assisting the Invesigative Forensic Science Divison (IFSD) with managing grants that fall under George W. Bush's President's DNA initiative. With my background in biology, forensics and laboratory experience I am able to assist grantees with reducing casework backlogs that so many laboratories face today.
Chessica Allen Logue, ’03
Degree: B.S. Biology
Comments: Wonderful - I loved my professors. I always felt the material was challenging and well taught. Meredith was great!!
Career: I am currently in Dental School at UNC Chapel Hill. I will be graduating in May 2008. I felt Meredith did an excellent job of preparing me!.
Christine Furmick, '01
Degree: B.S. Biology Minor Chemistry
Comments: I loved my Major! I thought I would go into research, and focused my course work and summer internships on that. After working a year in academic primary research, I decided to obtain an advanced degree and enter patient care. The flexibility of my biology major made this possible. I don't regret my undergrad focus on research, but am glad that my base science courses helped in my Masters program.
Career: I am a Physician Assistant at Hanover Medical Specialsits in the endocrinology group. I focus on diabetes management and care. I am primarily office-based with one week of call a month, when I am responsible for all diabetes consults at the hospital. I love my job!
Heather Jensen, '00
Degree: B.S. Biology
Comments: The Meredith Biology Dept. provided me with a very strong, borad background in the sciences. I felt well prepared leaving Meredith and entering into a highly technical position, as I had received great knwoledge-based teaching.
Career: I am currently employed as a molecular biologist at the National Institute of Environmentl Health Science in the cancer biology group. My laboratory utilizes a transgenic mouse model to study early skin tumor development. specifically, I currently study a novel lipid transport gene.
Terri Cockman Ritter, '99
Degree: B.S. Biology Minor Chemistry
Comments: I had a wonderful experience in the Biololgy and Chemistry Departments at Meredith. I had outstandig professors in both departments who took the time to answer my quesitons and interact with me personally. I could not have asked for a better experience!
Career: At present, I am employed by Chatham County Health Department's Division of Environmental Health. I am working as an Environmental Health Specialist full time and going back to school at NCSU in the department of soil science. I work mostly with developers on land management and planning issues. I love my job and have met so many nice people! I feel that my Meredith experience was critical in helping me obtain a job that I enjoy so much.
Emily Laughinghouse Brazik, '98
Degree: B.S. Biology Minor Chemistry & Music
Comments: Meredith College focused on individual students and her goals. This played a valuable role in my career today.
Career: Currently, I am an equine veterinarian in Eastern North Carolina.
