user profile avatar

Calvin Berndt

555

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

I am passionate about pursuing knowledge and understanding how the world that we live in works. This ranges from organic to non-organic. I previously studied biochemistry at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. With my understanding of biological systems and data analysis, I hope to extend this to non-organic systems, such as AI. Going full circle, by using non-organic systems, I hope to make novel discoveries about organic systems, such as ourselves. In order to pursue this goal, I am currently enrolled at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay in their computer science program. We live in exciting times. I hope for you to join me in this adventure.

Education

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

Bachelor's degree program
2024 - 2025
  • Majors:
    • Computer Science

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

Bachelor's degree program
2012 - 2017
  • Majors:
    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Computer Software

    • Dream career goals:

    • Pathology Lab Analyst

      Food Safety Net Services
      2018 – 20191 year
    • Maintenance Mechanic

      Winona Foods
      2021 – 20232 years

    Sports

    Track & Field

    Varsity
    2008 – 20124 years

    Awards

    • 400M State Finalist
    • Team Captain

    Research

    • Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology

      University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point — Laboratory Tech
      2015 – 2016

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Fox Valley Humane Society — Volunteer
      2020 – 2022
    Eleanor Anderson-Miles Foundation Scholarship
    I started my college career struggling to find direction. Uncertain what to pursue academically, and how to sustain myself financially, I erroneously started to sell marijuana. What started small accrued to become a large enterprise. I continued in this direction for almost two years. Things changed at the end of 2015. I started to find my place in the world, under the guidance of amazing professors and mentors. It was at this point where I looked to my long term goals and future. I realized that my illegal activities were only going to lead me to a life in prison. I terminated all my connections to the marijuana industry and went 100% in my academic studies, research, and tutoring. Two years later, I was about to be accepted into a neuroscience PhD program at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. My past haunted me, casting a shadow over me. Right when the future seemed the brightest, all that I had worked so hard for was taken from me. In 2017, I was arrested for conspiracy to deliver THC >10,000 grams. While I was living a better life, my past associates were not. One by one, they were caught selling, and in turn told their story of how the enterprise began. Due to my arrest, I was expelled from the University of Wisconsin school system for non-academic misconduct. I was on my way to graduating with a 3.8 GPA in biochemistry. Now I couldn't even stop onto the grounds of the university, and facing prison time. For two years I fought my criminal case, but ultimately settled on a plea deal of a 10 year sentence (5 years confinement, 5 years extended supervision). April 19, 2024, I was released from my five year incarceration. Although life in prison can be hard, I capitalized on any opportunity that arose. I completed 500 hours of community service by rehabilitating abused dogs through the Fox Valley Humane Society. In addition, I assisted 100+ inmates with formulating resumes, to assist with their re-entry into society. I gained valuable hands-on skills working as a maintenance mechanic and obtained a certificate in masonry/bricklaying. Every second of free time, I exercised my mind and body, reading and working out. I believe this is my second chance. Without a strong support network, I would not be where I am today. I accredit my family, friends, and many professional peers. The Chancellor at the UW-Stevens Point provided me my first opportunity to redeem myself, and lifted my expulsion from the University of Wisconsin school system. UW-Green Bay offered me my second opportunity, by accepting me in their computer science program. I hope that you may offer me my next step in a positive direction by assisting me in my education. I hope to be a totem to people facing adversity and challenges. That it is never too late for one to change their life for the better. Thank you, Calvin Berndt
    Ratan Lal Mundada Memorial Scholarship
    I started my college career struggling to find direction. Uncertain what to pursue academically, and how to sustain myself financially, I erroneously started to sell marijuana. What started small accrued to become a large enterprise. I continued in this direction for almost two years. Things changed at the end of 2015. I started to find my place in the world, under the guidance of amazing professors and mentors. It was at this point where I looked to my long term goals and future. I realized that my illegal activities were only going to lead me to a life in prison. I terminated all my connections to the marijuana industry and went 100% in my academic studies, research, and tutoring. Two years later, I was about to be accepted into a neuroscience PhD program at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. My past haunted me, casting a shadow over me. Right when the future seemed the brightest, all that I had worked so hard for was taken from me. In 2017, I was arrested for conspiracy to deliver THC >10,000 grams. While I was living a better life, my past associates were not. One by one, they were caught selling, and in turn told their story of how the enterprise began. Due to my arrest, I was expelled from the University of Wisconsin school system for non-academic misconduct. I was on my way to graduating with a 3.8 GPA in biochemistry. Now I couldn't even stop onto the grounds of the university, and facing prison time. For two years I fought my criminal case, but ultimately settled on a plea deal of a 10 year sentence (5 years confinement, 5 years extended supervision). April 19, 2024, I was released from my five year incarceration. Although life in prison can be hard, I capitalized on any opportunity that arose. I completed 500 hours of community service by rehabilitating abused dogs through the Fox Valley Humane Society. In addition, I assisted 100+ inmates with formulating resumes, to assist with their re-entry into society. I gained valuable hands-on skills working as a maintenance mechanic and obtained a certificate in masonry/bricklaying. Every second of free time, I exercised my mind and body, reading and working out. I believe this is my second chance. Without a strong support network, I would not be where I am today. I accredit my family, friends, and many professional peers. The Chancellor at the UW-Stevens Point provided me my first opportunity to redeem myself, and lifted my expulsion from the University of Wisconsin school system. UW-Green Bay offered me my second opportunity, by accepting me in their computer science program. I hope that you may offer me my next step in a positive direction by assisting me in my education. I hope to be a totem to people facing adversity and challenges. That it is never too late for one to change their life for the better. Thank you, Calvin Berndt
    TEAM ROX Scholarship
    I started my college career struggling to find direction. Uncertain what to pursue academically, and how to sustain myself financially, I erroneously started to sell marijuana. What started small accrued to become a large enterprise. I continued in this direction for almost two years. Things changed at the end of 2015. I started to find my place in the world, under the guidance of amazing professors and mentors. It was at this point where I looked to my long term goals and future. I realized that my illegal activities were only going to lead me to a life in prison. I terminated all my connections to the marijuana industry and went 100% in my academic studies, research, and tutoring. Two years later, I was about to be accepted into a neuroscience PhD program at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. My past haunted me, casting a shadow over me. Right when the future seemed the brightest, all that I had worked so hard for was taken from me. In 2017, I was arrested for conspiracy to deliver THC >10,000 grams. While I was living a better life, my past associates were not. One by one, they were caught selling, and in turn told their story of how the enterprise began. Due to my arrest, I was expelled from the University of Wisconsin school system for non-academic misconduct. I was on my way to graduating with a 3.8 GPA in biochemistry. Now I couldn't even stop onto the grounds of the university, and facing prison time. For two years I fought my criminal case, but ultimately settled on a plea deal of a 10 year sentence (5 years confinement, 5 years extended supervision). April 19, 2024, I was released from my five year incarceration. Although life in prison can be hard, I capitalized on any opportunity that arose. I completed 500 hours of community service by rehabilitating abused dogs through the Fox Valley Humane Society. In addition, I assisted 100+ inmates with formulating resumes, to assist with their re-entry into society. I gained valuable hands-on skills working as a maintenance mechanic and obtained a certificate in masonry/bricklaying. Every second of free time, I exercised my mind and body, reading and working out. I believe this is my second chance. Without a strong support network, I would not be where I am today. I accredit my family, friends, and many professional peers. The Chancellor at the UW-Stevens Point provided me my first opportunity to redeem myself, and lifted my expulsion from the University of Wisconsin school system. UW-Green Bay offered me my second opportunity, by accepting me in their computer science program. I hope that you may offer me my next step in a positive direction by assisting me in my education. I hope to be a totem to people facing adversity and challenges. That it is never too late for one to change their life for the better. Thank you, Calvin Berndt
    Patrick Stanley Memorial Scholarship
    I started my college career struggling to find direction. Uncertain what to pursue academically, and how to sustain myself financially, I erroneously started to sell marijuana. What started small accrued to become a large enterprise. I continued in this direction for almost two years. Things changed at the end of 2015. I started to find my place in the world, under the guidance of amazing professors and mentors. It was at this point where I looked to my long term goals and future. I realized that my illegal activities were only going to lead me to a life in prison. I terminated all my connections to the marijuana industry and went 100% in my academic studies, research, and tutoring. Two years later, I was about to be accepted into a neuroscience PhD program at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. My past haunted me, casting a shadow over me. Right when the future seemed the brightest, all that I had worked so hard for was taken from me. In 2017, I was arrested for conspiracy to deliver THC >10,000 grams. While I was living a better life, my past associates were not. One by one, they were caught selling, and in turn told their story of how the enterprise began. Due to my arrest, I was expelled from the University of Wisconsin school system for non-academic misconduct. I was on my way to graduating with a 3.8 GPA in biochemistry. Now I couldn't even stop onto the grounds of the university, and facing prison time. For two years I fought my criminal case, but ultimately settled on a plea deal of a 10 year sentence (5 years confinement, 5 years extended supervision). April 19, 2024, I was released from my five year incarceration. Although life in prison can be hard, I capitalized on any opportunity that arose. I completed 500 hours of community service by rehabilitating abused dogs through the Fox Valley Humane Society. In addition, I assisted 100+ inmates with formulating resumes, to assist with their re-entry into society. I gained valuable hands-on skills working as a maintenance mechanic and obtained a certificate in masonry/bricklaying. Every second of free time, I exercised my mind and body, reading and working out. I believe this is my second chance. Without a strong support network, I would not be where I am today. I accredit my family, friends, and many professional peers. The Chancellor at the UW-Stevens Point provided me my first opportunity to redeem myself, and lifted my expulsion from the University of Wisconsin school system. UW-Green Bay offered me my second opportunity, by accepting me in their computer science program. I hope that you may offer me my next step in a positive direction by assisting me in my education. I hope to be a totem to people facing adversity and challenges. That it is never too late for one to change their life for the better. Thank you, Calvin Berndt
    Students Impacted by Incarceration Scholarship
    Winner
    I started my college career struggling to find direction. Uncertain what to pursue academically, and how to sustain myself financially, I erroneously started to sell marijuana. What started small accrued to become a large enterprise. I continued in this direction for almost two years. Things changed at the end of 2015. I started to find my place in the world, under the guidance of amazing professors and mentors. It was at this point where I looked to my long term goals and future. I realized that my illegal activities were only going to lead me to a life in prison. I terminated all my connections to the marijuana industry and went 100% in my academic studies, research, and tutoring. Two years later, I was about to be accepted into a neuroscience PhD program at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. My past haunted me, casting a shadow over me. Right when the future seemed the brightest, all that I had worked so hard for was taken from me. In 2017, I was arrested for conspiracy to deliver THC >10,000 grams. While I was living a better life, my past associates were not. One by one, they were caught selling, and in turn told their story of how the enterprise began. Due to my arrest, I was expelled from the University of Wisconsin school system for non-academic misconduct. I was on my way to graduating with a 3.8 GPA in biochemistry. Now I couldn't even stop onto the grounds of the university, and facing prison time. For two years I fought my criminal case, but ultimately settled on a plea deal of a 10 year sentence (5 years confinement, 5 years extended supervision). April 19, 2024, I was released from my five year incarceration. Although life in prison can be hard, I capitalized on any opportunity that arose. I completed 500 hours of community service by rehabilitating abused dogs through the Fox Valley Humane Society. In addition, I assisted 100+ inmates with formulating resumes, to assist with their re-entry into society. I gained valuable hands-on skills working as a maintenance mechanic and obtained a certificate in masonry/bricklaying. Every second of free time, I exercised my mind and body, reading and working out. I believe this is my second chance. Without a strong support network, I would not be where I am today. I accredit my family, friends, and many professional peers. The Chancellor at the UW-Stevens Point provided me my first opportunity to redeem myself, and lifted my expulsion from the University of Wisconsin school system. UW-Green Bay offered me my second opportunity, by accepting me in their computer science program. I hope that you may offer me my next step in a positive direction by assisting me in my education. I hope to be a totem to people facing adversity and challenges. That it is never too late for one to change their life for the better. Thank you, Calvin Berndt