Major Professor: Dr. Phillip Gauger

Home Department: Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine

Dissertation Title: Evaluation of Pre-Vaccination and Post-Vaccination Influenza A Virus Antibody Response in Breeding Age Replacement Gilts from Breeding Farms in the United State

Current Job Title: Scientist III with Boehringer Ingelheim

Please describe your current position

I am a research scientist helping support clinical animal trials to develop vaccines for animal diseases.

Please describe your research at ISU

I work on evaluating the antibody responses to influenza vaccination in swine.

How did your time in the Interdepartmental Microbiology program prepare you for your current position?

My time in the program was excellent preparation for what I do know. I was exposed to a variety of common microbiological processes due to the rotation system. I was also exposed to industry through various events with IM and MGSO.

What advice would you give students looking for work in a similar position or field?

Start networking as soon as you start classes. Join a departmental organization, reach out to alumni, get an internship. Make connections with places you would be interested in working at and ask question about how people got to positions you would want in the future.

What was your favorite part of the Interdepartmental Microbiology program?

MGSO! It provided a place to make friends and explore career development opportunities. Also the program coordinator Dai Nguyen is the nicest person you will meet.

What was your favorite part of living in Ames?

I liked living in Ames because it had plenty of cultural opportunities (food, music, sports) like a big town but it still had the small Midwestern town feel. Folks were friendly and city was beautiful.

If you could give new students in the program a piece of advice, what would you say?

Have a path or goal in mind for you schooling and beyond, but be open and flexible to changes along the way.

What advice would you give students about to graduate and enter the job market?

Be willing to relocate for a job and work on networking with someone within a company. Call up an alumni and ask them about the company and any openings.