Natural Sciences and Mathematics

What is your background in biology? My doctorate is in entomology, which is the study of insects. I like to joke with my students that I am a “bug doctor” -- they can send their sick bugs my way. Most of my research career was in applied entomology, where I addressed insect pest management challenges…

Patrick Geddes, a Scottish conversationist in the early 20th century, first coined the phrase, “Think globally, act locally.” Earthbound, one of the many clubs The University of Olivet has to offer, has taken this phrase to heart. This club’s primary mission is to support the preservation of the environment and share its importance with others.  …

The University of Olivet, in partnership with the Eaton Conservation District (ECD), has received a $16,391 Stream Monitoring Implementation Grant from the Michigan Clean Water Corps (MiCorps). The grant will support the newly established Eaton County Collaborative Stream Monitoring Program. The monitoring program consists of stream sites throughout Eaton County within the Upper Thornapple River…

In partnership with the Eaton Conservation District, The University of Olivet has established the Eaton County Collaborative Stream Monitoring Program through funding from the Michigan Clean Water Corps (MiCorps). The program seeks volunteer community scientists to work with The University of Olivet students during Community Stream Collection Days in May 2022. The monitoring program consists…

Chelsea Goodman ‘14 majored in biology at The University of Olivet while preparing to enter medical school after graduation. Thanks to strong relationships with professors, time management skills, leadership opportunities and a great educational foundation, Chelsea has found success in graduate school and beyond. “I always knew that I wanted to further my education in…

Emma Essen ’19 certainly spent her fair share of time crunching numbers as a double major in actuarial science and mathematics with a minor in computer science, but solving the equation of time management was her true focus. Since graduating, she’s started a career as data analyst and is also a part-time graduate student. Thanks…

Jennifer (Elliston) Ackett ’17 came to Olivet with the intention of starting her journey to become a medical doctor, but along the way she found her true path of becoming a physician assistant (PA). Jennifer is from Battle Creek, and great scholarship opportunities played a big role in her decision to attend OC. While at…

Originally from Wyoming, Michigan, The University of Olivet alumna Elizabeth Bailey ’14 has always had a passion for biology. During her time at Olivet, her primary major was biology with a pre-medical concentration, and she pursued a minor in biochemistry that turned into a chemistry major by the time she graduated. Outside of classes, Elizabeth…

When Taylor Elley ’20 was planning her graduation from Olivet, she did not expect her post-college plans to shift. With the help of her professors, Taylor was able to adapt to the sudden adversity. “I studied biology with a biochemistry minor,” Taylor said. “My original goal was to attend medical school, which I got into…

Meet senior Thomas Krug, a biology and environmental science major from Battle Creek. Thomas is a transfer student, and through a winding path found his way back in the pool swimming for the Comets. “When I decided to transfer from the first university I attended, I initially thought about joining the Navy,” Thomas said. “So,…

The University of Olivet, in partnership with the Eaton Conservation District (ECD), received a Stream Monitoring Startup Grant from the Michigan Clean Water Corps (MiCorps) to establish an Eaton County Collaborative Stream Monitoring Program. The monitoring program will consist of stream sites in Eaton County within the Upper Thornapple River watershed, which is part of…

[caption id="attachment_45036" align="alignright" width="240"] Courtney with her fiancé, Cody Ross '16.[/caption] Courtney Wood ’15 describes The University of Olivet as the place it all began for her, the place she built the strong foundation for her professional and academic career. Today, Courtney is pursuing her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the College of Veterinary…

First-year student Kiandra Marciniak knew she was at home from the moment she first stepped onto The University of Olivet’s campus. Hailing from Lansing, a small college close to home was the perfect fit for her. Kiandra is only just finishing her first year on campus, but she has already experienced tremendous personal and professional…

Laken Groll ’20 recently graduated from The University of Olivet with a biology degree. She focused on pre-medical studies and started her career with Pfizer, a pharmaceutical company, after graduation. Regardless of where Laken’s path takes her, she’s grateful to have the support and encouragement of the OC family, especially her professors and volleyball teammates.…

Senior Samantha Gifford is a biology major with a premedical concentration and a biochemistry minor. She’s also a Lansing Promise Scholar and deeply engaged in campus life as co-president of Alpha Pi Upsilon, vice president of Earthbound and secretary of the Pre-Vet Club. Samantha’s ultimate career goal is to work in a medical or biology-related…

Going to The University of Olivet to pursue my undergraduate degree was one of the best decisions I have ever made. There were several reasons why I chose Olivet. First and foremost, growing up in Reed City, I loved the feeling of a small town atmosphere, which Olivet provided. That made it easy getting to…

Sophomore Griffon Rice is a biology major and criminal justice minor. She has enjoyed relationship-building both within her program and through extracurricular activities. The tight-knit community at The University of Olivet has allowed her to reach her professional and personal goals. “I chose a biology major because I knew that was a large field that…

Junior Paige Winberg has created a unique path of study while at The University of Olivet. She’s a double major in biology with a premedical focus and forensic science, a personal interest major custom created with the help of her adviser. In addition, Paige is active in Greek life and a member of the Marching…

Carrie Watson ’20 recently graduated with a degree in chemistry and forensic science. Originally hailing from Wisconsin, Carrie’s journey to The University of Olivet started after she moved to Eaton Rapids with her son. Looking for a small college experience that would help Carrie reach her goals with an individualized education, OC was the perfect…

Konnor Geiger ’18 has got your back. She’s currently attending Palmer College of Chiropractic in Port Orange, Florida. Konnor’s ultimate goal is to practice chiropractic care in Michigan, working with athletes recovering from injuries or looking to achieve peak performance. “Seeing all of the help that chiropractic can provide a person who is in pain…