Diverse Routes: Career Journeys in Science & Medicine

Dr. JJ Apodaca is a conservationist, geneticist, and founder of Tangled Bank Conservation serving to protect threatened and endangered species across the world. As a leader in amphibian and reptile conservation for over a decade, he is also the current Executive Director for the Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy. He’s brought in millions of dollars of conservation funding and has worked with some...

Joel Betts, MS is a stream ecologist, naturalist, and conservationist dedicated to restoring and conserving forests and fish in the Great Lakes and abroad. Currently, Joel is a MAEAP (Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance) Coordinator for Kent Conservation District. Before working for the KCD, Joel was an Adjunct Professor in Michigan, Conservation Planner in Massachusetts, Conservation Ass...

Alison Vannoy, PT, DPT, and COMT is Physical Therapist at Results Physiotherapy, an outpatient orthopedic clinic in Nashville, Tennessee. Alison got her Bachelor’s in Exercise Science from Auburn University and Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She immediately landed her current position and has been treating orthopedic cases in people of all ages &nbsp...

Dr. Nicolle Zellner is a professor of physics at Albion College in Albion, MI, where she teaches introductory and advanced astronomy and physics courses. She is currently working as a NASA Program Scientist in NASAs Planetary Science Division. This episode is packed full of useful insight for those in high school exploring their career options to established scientists seeking grant funding for th...

Anna Buck is a Physician Assistant at West Coast Sports Institute, the doctors for the San Francisco Giants and 49ers. Anna provides a fresh and authentic perspective as she recently landed her first position after moving across the country from Knoxville Tennessee to Santa Clara California, and passing her Boards and obtaining licensing just weeks after graduating from Lipscomb University and get...

Melissa Kivel is an Education Manager and Lydia Nicholas is a Environmental Field Technician for Friends of the St. Clair River, a non-profit environmental conservation organization. Melissa earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Western Michigan University. She had her first experience with Friends in 2010 as a volunteer for the stream leaders water quality monitoring program. Then after me...

Jacqueline (Jackie) Dresser is a land surveyor at T.G. Miller, P.C. Jackie earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Land Surveying from Alfred State College. Following graduation and a brief stint in NYC, she transitioned to research in a precision viticulture program, Efficient Vineyard with Cornell University helping wineries collect, analyze, and apply spatial data to their agricultural practices...

John Diller, RN is a Charge Nurse with Beacon Health System. His previous experience includes work as a CNA and telemetry technician and his previous educational experience includes a nursing degree (ASN), BS in Entomology from Purdue University, and a Master's in Biology from Central Michigan University. Episode Highlights: Excellent overview of the various types of nursing; A reason to make a ca...

Erin Lynch is lead hydrogeologist at WSP USA, working with federal clients to manage abandoned mine land cleanups. Erin completed her Bachelors and Masters at Michigan State University. Previously Erin worked for Lansing Community College, US Geological Survey, and Ecology and Environment Inc.; Episode Highlights: Failure might just be redirection; Employers expect to train entry-level applicants;...

Erica Campbell is a licensed veterinary technician at the Detroit Zoo. She began her career in veterinary medicine over 20 years ago as a receptionist at an exotics practice, moving on to a small animal clinic after her previous practice closed, and landing her current position 14 years ago. Episode Highlights: Resilience in the face of an unexpected job loss How entertaining alternative career op...

Dr. Melissa Woo, formerly a radiation safety expert who transitioned into IT, is currently the CIO and Executive Vice President for Administration at Michigan State University providing enterprise-wide administrative services such as infrastructure planning and facilities, human resources, procurement and logistics, and sustainability. Episode Highlights: An excellent example of why your college m...

Jennifer Hamm is a Speech-Language Pathologist for the West Shore Educational Service District in Michigan servicing children ages 3-10 that have articulation impairments, expressive and receptive language disorders, stuttering, and autism spectrum disorder. Episode Highlights: Details about the credentialing process How an internship can lead to a permanent job opportunity Resources to look for i...

Dr. Shahnaz Masani (she/her) is a Teaching Professor (Biology) at Lyman Briggs College at Michigan State University who shares her experience moving to a new country (India to the United States) and teaching at a large R1 university as an immigrant faculty of color.   Recommended Resources:   For aspiring educators: the teaching in higher ed' podcast ( https://teachinginhighered.com/epis...

Dr. Jennifer Welser is Chief Medical and Quality Officer for Mars Veterinary Health. In her role, Dr. Welser leads the Medical Affairs function across the organization and works in close partnership with the chief medical officers of each practice to grow access to high-quality, innovative veterinary care and support. Previously, Dr. Welser served as the Chief Medical Officer for BluePearl Veterin...

Bob worked for the National Park Service for 41 years in six different parks in six different regions. The last 29 years were spent as Wildlife Biologist on the Blue Ridge Parkway where he worked with a wide variety of animals and resources. Episode Highlights: Why a recommendation might be more important than your experience Using college as an opportunity to explore career options What different...

This brief episode introduces the podcast host, Dr. Cassie Briggs, outlines the format of the podcast episodes (interview-style, 30-40 mins), and ways to access bonus content. ***Official Launch Date: March 15th, 2022!*** Links to Resources Mentioned in Episode: Become a Patron Success in Science Career Coaching Blog Host's Instagram