As a nontraditional student working toward my Master's degree in Microbiology and Immunology through Colorado State University's online program, technology isn't just convenient, it's what makes earning my degree possible. Between working full-time as the Lead Microbiologist in the Virology Lab at the Montana Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and balancing family responsibilities, I rely on online platforms and scientific resources every day to stay organized, deepen my understanding of complex topics, and connect what I learn in the classroom to real-world laboratory work. An added benefit is staying connected with other students who understand the program. The CSU online learning platform is were everything begins. It gives me access to lectures (both in real time and recorded), assignments, discussion boards, and classmates no matter where I am. One of my favorite things about learning online is being able to go back and rewatch lectures or review materials whenever I need a refresher. Sometimes a concept doesn't fully click the first time, and having the ability to revisit it has made a big difference. Outside of class, I spend a lot of time using PubMed and Google Scholar to find research articles. In graduate school, you're expected to read current scientific literature instead of relying only on textbooks, so these databases have become some of my most-used resources. They've helped me better understand new research, evaluate scientific studies, and stay up to date on advances in microbiology and immunology as well as get me started on my graduates thesis. Since I work in veterinary diagnostics, I often find myself making connections between what I'm reading for school and what I do at work. One tool that I have found to be a surprising ally is ChatGPT. I don't use it to do my assignments for me, but I do use it to help me study by dissecting complex ideas. If I'm struggling with a difficult immunology concept or trying to understand a complicated research paper, it can explain things in a way that makes more sent to me. I'll also use it to quiz myself before exams or help organize my thoughts before I start writing. It's become another study resource that I've been incredibly grateful for, especially since the first time I went to college was long before ChatGPT even existed. These tools haven't just helped me get through my classes, they've helped me become a better scientist. I've been able to apply what I'm learning directly to my work in the laborite, whether that's understanding new diagnostic methods, interpreting research, or thinking through real world problems. That's one of the things I enjoy most about being in graduate school. What I learn in one of my classes can be transferred to my work. I'm only halfway through my master's program, but these online platforms and resources have already had a huge impact on my education. They've helped me become a more confident learning, a stronger scientist, and someone who's excited to keep learning long after I graduate.

Growing up, I wanted to be a paleontologist, wolf biologist, computer scientist, or honestly anything in science. To say science was in my future was basically a statement of fact. I just didn’t expect the path it would take to get there. I spent more years in college than I planned to, changing my major six times before finally settling on Microbiology. At one point I’m pretty sure my transcript looked more like a personality crisis than an academic plan. My first job out of college was as a clinical research technician testing antimicrobial products. It was interesting work, but I knew it wasn’t where I wanted to stay long term. After three years, I had the opportunity to apply for a veterinary diagnostic technician job at the Montana Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, where I’ve now worked for over a decade. It’s been an awesome experience, and I wish more people knew what veterinary diagnostic labs actually do. In a nutshell, we do cool stuff and I get to science every day. To expand my knowledge and disease expertise, I realized I needed to go back to school, which is why I applied to and was accepted into the Microbiology and Immunology Online Master’s program at Colorado State University. Returning to graduate school while working full time has been exhausting, chaotic, and a little insane at times, but I’m genuinely having a blast. It’s unbelievable how far science has advanced since I was last in school. At the same time, paying for graduate school out of pocket to avoid taking on additional debt has been pretty challenging. Between tuition, supporting my family, and everyday living expenses, I’ve had to be realistic about what I can manage financially. Scholarships like this help make continuing my education possible. I love that my two favorite things work together for this scholarship. Most people know I love science, but what they don’t know is how much I love heavy metal and rock music. I really don’t look or fit the stereotypical metalhead, but here we are. Bands like Metallica, Disturbed, I Prevail, Five Finger Death Punch, Bad Omens, Halestorm and many more have been a constant source of energy, focus, and resilience for me. Veterinary diagnostic testing can be incredibly high pressure, especially during high-throughput testing seasons, and music has helped me stay grounded through it all. There’s just something about analyzing disease data while someone screams in the background that really calms the nerves. One of the best concert experiences I’ve ever had was seeing Halestorm at KettleHouse Amphitheater in Missoula, Montana. The opening band had to cancel because of illness, but that did not stop Lzzy Hale from stepping on stage to make sure her fans did not miss a moment of the concert. She opened the concert with just herself, the piano, and her amazing voice. She went on to bring the energy, vibes, and general awesomeness for two and half hours...in platform heels. It was legendary. 10/10 would experience again. My own challenge so far has been trying to balance everything while transitioning back to school. Leading testing programs like chronic wasting disease and rabies during the day, then switching into family mode at night while keeping a 4.0 GPA isn’t exactly easy. There are definitely days where I’m exhausted and questioning why I signed up for this. But those moments have also built a lot of resilience. I’ve gotten better at managing my time, staying disciplined, and just pushing through when things feel overwhelming, usually with metal playing in the background and caffeine carrying me emotionally. Looking ahead, I want to help bridge the gap between lab diagnostics and applied wildlife health by improving diagnostic technologies and turnaround times so agencies can make faster, science-based decisions. I also care deeply about mentorship and creating space for people who don’t fit the traditional STEM mold. Science doesn’t have to look one specific way, and neither do the people working in it. Long live science—and rock on 🤘

While many people immediately think of hospitals or human medicine when they hear the word “healthcare,” my experience has shown me that veterinary diagnostics and wildlife health are also critical parts of protecting public health. For the past decade, I’ve worked in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory where I’ve helped support testing programs involving diseases such as chronic wasting disease and rabies. That experience has shown me how interconnected animal, environmental, and human health truly are. For the past decade, I have worked in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory where I have been involved with disease testing programs such as chronic wasting disease and rabies surveillance. Working in this field has given me firsthand experience with the importance of disease diagnostics, surveillance, and rapid response efforts. Veterinary laboratories often work behind the scenes, but they play a major role in protecting both animal and public health. Many emerging infectious diseases originate in animals, which means veterinary healthcare is an important part of preventing larger public health concerns. Unfortunately, this side of healthcare is often overlooked despite its importance. I decided to pursue my graduate degree in Microbiology and Immunology at Colorado State University because I wanted to expand my knowledge and contribute more to the field of disease diagnostics and surveillance. Science and healthcare are constantly evolving, and I realized that continuing my education would allow me to better support diagnostic testing programs and emerging technologies. One area I am especially interested in is improving diagnostic capabilities and turnaround times for wildlife and zoonotic diseases. Faster and more sensitive diagnostic methods can help agencies and laboratories make more informed, science-based decisions that protect ecosystems, agriculture, animals, and people. Returning to school while working full time has been challenging, but it has also reminded me how much I genuinely enjoy learning. Balancing graduate school, full-time laboratory work, and family responsibilities has required discipline, resilience, and adaptability. Those experiences have strengthened my confidence and reinforced why I chose this path in the first place. As a woman in healthcare and science, I hope to make a positive impact by helping create space for people who may not fit the traditional STEM stereotype. Throughout my own journey, I have learned that there is no single “type” of person who belongs in science. I spent years changing majors before finding my place, and even now I probably do not fit what many people picture when they think of a scientist. I love heavy metal music just as much as I love microbiology, and I have learned that individuality and science are not mutually exclusive. I hope to encourage other women, especially nontraditional students and working professionals, to pursue careers in healthcare and STEM even if their path is not perfectly linear. I want to contribute not only through science and diagnostics, but also through mentorship, collaboration, and helping others feel like they belong in these fields. Ultimately, I want my work to improve disease detection, strengthen public and animal health efforts, and help bridge the gap between laboratory science and applied healthcare.

When most people think about healthcare, they usually think about hospitals, physicians, or human public health programs. Veterinary healthcare and diagnostics are often overlooked in those conversations, even though they play a critical role in disease surveillance, food safety, outbreak response, and public health protection. Diseases do not recognize the boundaries between wildlife, domestic animals, and people, which is why veterinary diagnostics and surveillance are so important. One disease area I care deeply about is chronic wasting disease (CWD) in cervids such as deer, elk, and moose. While CWD is currently considered a wildlife disease, its long-term ecological and economic impacts are significant. In Montana and many other states, wildlife agencies rely heavily on disease surveillance programs to monitor spread and make management decisions. I have worked closely with high-throughput testing programs and understand how difficult it can be to process large numbers of samples quickly while still maintaining quality and accuracy. During hunting season, laboratories may process thousands of samples within short timeframes, and turnaround times become extremely important for wildlife agencies, hunters, and disease management efforts. Delays in diagnostics can slow important decision-making and reduce the ability to respond effectively. I am passionate about improving veterinary diagnostic technologies because faster, more sensitive testing directly benefits both animal and public health. Emerging technologies such as RT-QuIC and advanced molecular diagnostics have the potential to dramatically improve disease detection and surveillance capabilities. Earlier and more accurate detection allows agencies to better monitor disease spread, make informed management decisions, and potentially reduce long-term impacts on wildlife populations and agricultural industries. Improving diagnostic capacity also helps laboratories respond more efficiently during outbreaks and periods of increased testing demand. I also care deeply about this issue because many emerging infectious diseases affecting humans originate in animals. Diseases such as avian influenza, rabies, and other zoonotic pathogens highlight how interconnected veterinary and human health truly are. Veterinary laboratories are often working behind the scenes monitoring these diseases before they become larger public health concerns, yet this field rarely receives the same visibility as human healthcare. I believe veterinary diagnostics are an essential part of the “One Health” concept, which recognizes that human, animal, and environmental health are all connected. As I continue my graduate education in microbiology and immunology, I hope to contribute to improving wildlife disease diagnostics and helping bridge the gap between laboratory science and applied wildlife health management. My goal is to help develop and implement better diagnostic tools that support faster, science-based decisions while also increasing awareness of the important role veterinary healthcare plays in protecting both animals and people.

When I think about what I want to build, I don’t picture a single product or achievement. I envision a system that improves how we detect and respond to disease in wildlife and, ultimately, how we protect the ecosystems we depend on. Through my work as a Virology Lab Lead Microbiologist, I have seen firsthand the challenges of managing diseases like chronic wasting disease (CWD), a prion disease that continues to spread across cervid populations. What I want to build is a faster, more accessible diagnostic approach using real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) testing. Currently, CWD diagnostics rely heavily on postmortem tissues such as lymph nodes or brainstem, which limits both the speed and scope of disease surveillance. I want to help build and implement RT-QuIC testing in a way that expands beyond traditional methods, focusing on high-throughput workflows and exploring antemortem sample types like blood, saliva, or feces. This shift has the potential to transform how wildlife agencies respond to outbreaks by reducing turnaround time and enabling earlier detection. Faster results mean more informed management decisions, better containment strategies, and ultimately, stronger protection of wildlife populations. My decision to pursue a graduate degree in Microbiology and Immunology through Colorado State University is directly tied to this goal. Returning to school while working full-time has challenged me to deepen my understanding of immunology, molecular diagnostics, and disease pathogenesis in ways that directly apply to my work. It has also strengthened my ability to critically evaluate emerging technologies like RT-QuIC and consider how they can be optimized and implemented in real-world laboratory settings. Graduate training is not just expanding my technical knowledge, it is shaping how I think, problem-solve, and lead scientific initiatives. Building this system is not just about the science, it’s about collaboration and impact. I hope to work closely with state wildlife agencies, researchers, and diagnostic laboratories to create a framework that is both practical and scalable. By translating complex laboratory techniques into real-world applications, I want to bridge the gap between diagnostics and decision-making. This effort will have a meaningful impact on both my future and my community. Professionally, it represents growth into a role where I can contribute to innovation in disease diagnostics and One Health initiatives. For my community, especially in Montana where wildlife is deeply tied to culture, economy, and identity, improving CWD surveillance supports conservation efforts and helps preserve natural resources for future generations. Ultimately, what I want to build is not just a diagnostic tool, but a more responsive and proactive approach to wildlife health. By improving how we detect disease, we can better protect ecosystems, support informed policy decisions, and strengthen the connection between science and the communities it serves.

Medicine is demanding, often humbling, and rarely predictable—something I have come to understand through my work in veterinary diagnostics, even without direct experience in human medicine. While my training has focused on animal health, the parallels to human medicine are undeniable, and my experiences have challenged my assumptions about patient care, responsibility, and the limits of science. As a laboratory lead working in wildlife disease testing, I have been deeply involved in diagnosing diseases such as rabies and chronic wasting disease. Early in my career, I viewed diagnostics as a largely technical process, run the test, validate the result, report the outcome. I assumed that accuracy and efficiency were the primary measures of success. However, one experience shifted that perspective. During a period of increased rabies testing, I began to recognize the broader impact of each result. A single positive case could influence human post-exposure treatment decisions, affect pet owners, and shape public health responses. These were not just samples, they represented real uncertainty, fear, and decision, making for others. This realization challenged my assumption that laboratory work was separate from patient care. Instead, I came to understand that even behind the scenes, I play a critical role in outcomes that affect both animal and human lives. It required me to think more carefully about communication, turnaround time, and the responsibility tied to every result released. It also humbled me, reinforcing that even with advanced diagnostics, there are limitations, uncertainties, and pressures that require both scientific rigor and ethical awareness. At the same time, my work in wildlife disease has strengthened my passion for veterinary medicine. While I may not have direct experience in human clinical settings, I am deeply committed to animal health and its connection to public health through a One Health perspective. Working with diseases that cross the interface of wildlife, domestic animals, and humans has shown me how interconnected these systems are. It has also reinforced my desire to contribute to a field where prevention, diagnostics, and compassionate care intersect. This experience has shaped the kind of medical professional I am becoming, one who values precision but also understands the human (and animal) impact behind every decision. It has taught me to approach medicine with humility, recognizing that no result exists in isolation, and that responsibility extends beyond the laboratory bench. Ultimately, it has prepared me to contribute thoughtfully to the broader medical field, grounded in both scientific expertise and a genuine commitment to care.

Returning to school while working full-time has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding decisions I’ve made. After more than a decade in a professional laboratory setting, I had grown comfortable in my role and routine. As a laboratory lead involved in wildlife disease testing, I was confident in my skills and decision-making. Stepping back into an academic environment required me to shift my mindset from being the one with answers to being a student again in a challenging Microbiology and Immunology graduate program through Colorado State University. This transition pushed me to embrace uncertainty and rediscover what it means to learn from the ground up. One of the biggest challenges has been balancing coursework with the demands of a family and a career. My work in wildlife diagnostics, particularly testing for diseases like rabies and chronic wasting disease, carries real-world consequences for animal health, public safety, and wildlife management. These responsibilities do not pause for assignments or exams. Long workdays followed by evenings of studying, combined with family commitments, have tested my time management, discipline, and resilience. There have been moments of exhaustion and doubt, especially when trying to focus on complex immunology concepts after a full day of diagnostic testing. However, these experiences have strengthened my ability to stay focused and committed, even under pressure. Another challenge has been overcoming the internal pressure of returning to school later in my career. I initially questioned whether I could keep up academically in a fast-paced, science-heavy program. However, I’ve come to realize that my background in wildlife disease testing is a strength, not a limitation. I regularly see the direct impact of infectious diseases on animal populations and ecosystems, which gives deeper meaning to what I am learning. Concepts in immunology and virology are no longer abstract, they directly relate to the samples I process, the outbreaks I help monitor, and the decisions that impact wildlife management across the state. Returning to school has also pushed me to refine how I learn, adapt to new technologies, and engage with material in a more intentional way. I have become more efficient, more focused, and more confident in my ability to tackle complex scientific challenges. Ultimately, returning to school has strengthened my confidence, adaptability, and commitment to both my family and my work in wildlife health. It has reinforced my passion for protecting wildlife and public health, and reminded me that growth often requires stepping outside of comfort zones. Through perseverance, I have been able to turn these challenges into meaningful progress, both personally and professionally.

As a woman working in veterinary diagnostics and microbiology, I strongly connect with this mission. Curiosity has always been a driving force in my career, particularly in understanding how infectious diseases affect animals, wildlife populations, and the ecosystems they inhabit. I believe that knowledge and scientific inquiry are powerful tools that can help address some of the most complex challenges facing animal health and environmental sustainability. I currently work as the Virology Laboratory Lead Microbiologist at the Montana Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. In this role, I help support diagnostic testing and disease surveillance that assists veterinarians, wildlife managers, and public health officials in identifying and responding to infectious diseases. Working in a diagnostic laboratory has given me firsthand experience with the importance of accurate and timely disease detection. Every sample represents an opportunity to better understand disease patterns and contribute to decisions that protect animal populations and agricultural communities. Over the course of my career, these experiences have strengthened my desire to pursue further education in microbiology and immunology. Although I have spent many years working in a laboratory setting, I realized that continuing my education would allow me to expand my scientific knowledge and contribute more meaningfully to research and diagnostic innovation. Returning to graduate school while maintaining a professional career has required dedication and persistence, but it has also reinforced my commitment to lifelong learning and growth in the STEM field. As a woman in science, I value the importance of representation, mentorship, and community. STEM fields benefit greatly when individuals with diverse experiences and perspectives are encouraged to pursue scientific careers. Throughout my professional journey, I have been fortunate to work with colleagues who foster collaboration, curiosity, and shared learning. I hope to contribute to this culture by encouraging others—especially women who may be considering careers in science—to pursue opportunities in STEM and to remain confident in their ability to contribute to scientific discovery. My long-term career goals focus on improving disease detection and surveillance systems, particularly for diseases that affect wildlife populations. Wildlife health plays a critical role in ecosystem stability and can influence livestock and human health as well. By expanding my knowledge of host–pathogen interactions and modern diagnostic technologies, I hope to help develop or implement improved diagnostic tools that allow diseases to be detected earlier and managed more effectively. Strengthening disease surveillance ultimately benefits both conservation efforts and public health. Receiving this scholarship would not only help support my graduate education but also connect me with a community of women who are committed to advancing STEM fields. As a working professional pursuing higher education, financial support helps ease the challenges of balancing career responsibilities with academic goals. More importantly, this scholarship represents encouragement for women who are continuing their education and striving to make meaningful contributions to science.

My journey to pursuing higher education at this stage in my life has been shaped by years of professional experience, curiosity, and a growing desire to contribute more meaningfully to animal and wildlife health. I have spent much of my career working in veterinary diagnostics, where I currently serve as the Virology Laboratory Lead Microbiologist at the Montana Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Through this work, I have had the opportunity to support disease surveillance and diagnostic testing that helps veterinarians, wildlife managers, and public health professionals respond to infectious diseases affecting animals across the region. Being involved in this work has shown me how critical accurate diagnostics and scientific expertise are for protecting animal populations and maintaining healthy ecosystems. Over time, my experiences in the laboratory strengthened my interest in infectious disease research and encouraged me to pursue graduate education in microbiology and immunology. Working with emerging diseases has shown me how complex disease systems can be and how important continued learning is for staying prepared for new challenges. Rather than viewing education as something that ends early in life, I see it as an ongoing process that allows professionals to grow, adapt, and better serve their communities. These experiences have shaped my personal values of curiosity, responsibility, and service. I believe strongly in using science to solve real-world problems and in supporting collaborative efforts that protect both animal and public health. My work has also reinforced the importance of community partnerships. Diagnostic laboratories, wildlife agencies, veterinarians, and researchers must work together to monitor and manage disease threats. Being part of that network has inspired me to continue developing the knowledge and skills needed to contribute more effectively. My career aspirations focus on improving disease detection and surveillance, particularly for diseases that affect wildlife populations. Wildlife health plays an important role in ecosystem stability and can also influence livestock and human health. Through my education, I hope to expand my understanding of host–pathogen interactions and modern diagnostic technologies so that I can help develop or implement improved surveillance and diagnostic tools. By strengthening early detection systems, we can respond to disease outbreaks more quickly and reduce their impact on wildlife populations and the communities that depend on them. Receiving this scholarship would help support my continued education and allow me to dedicate more time to advancing my knowledge and professional development. As a working professional returning to graduate education, balancing academic responsibilities with career commitments can be challenging. This support would ease some of the financial burden and allow me to focus on gaining the skills and training needed to make a greater impact in my field. Ultimately, I hope to use my education to strengthen veterinary diagnostic capacity and support collaborative disease surveillance efforts that benefit wildlife, livestock, and the broader community. By combining practical laboratory experience with advanced scientific training, I aim to contribute to solutions that protect animal health and promote sustainable ecosystems for future generations.