Laura Steele ’09 majored in molecular biology and Spanish at Coe and studied insects of the Costa Rican rainforest. Her Ph.D. research in entomology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign focuses on the genetics of DDT resistance.
If you are interested in finding technical positions in academia or industry after graduation; planning to pursue a graduate program in molecular biology, cell biology or microbiology; or interested in going to medical school, this collateral major might be the perfect fit for you.
Lab courses are more discovery-based, teaching the processes of science. Student participation is emphasized in hypothesis formulation, experimental design, data collection, data analysis and the composition of papers in a format conventional to science. You will have opportunities to apply the knowledge you acquire in the classroom and laboratory to the type of complex challenges you will face after leaving Coe.
Conducting research allowed me to apply the skills I have learned in my courses and gain valuable real-world experience. Research helped me discover what career path I want to pursue and will continue to give me an advantage as I work toward that career."
Alyssa studied effects of the homeopathic compound Astragalus on inflammation. She presented her research with Assistant Professor of Biology Cassy Cozine at the Experimental Biology meeting in San Diego.
