Advice: Internship with consulting company, study abroad program on tropical ecology, networking.
Scott R Singel, Flight Nurse Pegasus Flight Opes. 1998 - BA Zoology, UW-Madison
1999 - MSN, ACNP, University of Virginia
Advice: For me, the Recombinant DNA lab in Cellular Biology
validated the mechanics of the theory of evolution. Genetic material assembled in random combinations produced
included a combination that was congruent with survival in the environment that we provided.In a sense, evolution in a
test tube.Knowledge of physiology and anatomy are useful on a daily basis.However, my knowledge of chemistry, genetics and cellular biology is especially useful in teaching the why of pathophysiologies.For example, I have compiled a lecture on shock that I have presented many times to conferences including pre-hospital personnel.By extending the effects of the perfusion defecit to the mitochondria, I can explain the shift to anaerobic metabolism that evolves as a systemic acidosis. I believe that understanding the why makes it easier to remember the what and how.
Biochemistry, population biology, even physiological psychology have all been useful in learning and teaching the concepts of nursing, human pathophysiology and medicine. To be honest, I was not an especially great zoology student. I started graduate studies in biology at the University of Virginia and discovered two things.An appreciation for the undergraduate program at UW and that I was pretty average at graduate biology. I did not really like being alone so much, in the library, in the lab, studying.I knew that average was not good enough to succeed in academics, so after talking to Oscar Miller, the dept. head, about it I enrolled in nursing school as their first 2nd degree student. It has gone pretty well since and I will always appreciate what the UW Dept of Zoology gave to me. Thank You!
Terakeith Lertsburapa, Masters Student
1998 – BS Zoology, UW-Madison
Now – MS, Loyola University of Chicago
Sarah A. Hopfensperger, Graduate Student
1998 - BS Zoology,UW-Madison
Now - MS, University of Charleston,SC
Advice:Well, I can't necessarily say I'm experiencing huge amounts
of success right now, but I'm well on my way.After graduating with a BS degree in Zoology at the UW in 1998, I am a 2nd year graduate student in Marine Biology at the University of Charleston, SC.I hold the Limnology department and
it's faculty partially responsible for cultivating in me a love for aquatic ecosystems and their inhabitants.Although the local resources are obviously only freshwater, the department's coursework nonetheless prepared me well for my current adventured in the marine world. Ecology of Fishes, Marine Biology, Invertebrate Zoology, Ecology, Ethology, and Genetics were just a few of these courses. The Zoology Department and Center for Limnology are lucky to have John Magnuson, Jim Kitchell, Stan Dodson, Steve Carpenter, Monica Turner, and Emily Stanley working for them - and the students are even luckier!
Gabriel S. Gross, Attorney
1998 – BS Zoology, UW-Madison
2001 – JD Law, UW-Madison
Advice: Leaving an undergraduate science curriculum for law school was a sudden and somewhat unexpected change.Nonetheless, I have found my biology background particularly useful, mainly in the field of intellectual property law. My science background has helped me stand out in a field dominated by former humanities students, and has been a tremendous asset. I’d enjoy the opportunity to discuss non-science career paths with interested undergrads.
Robin E Jung, Wildlife Biologist US Geological Survey
1985 - BA Biological Sciences, Indiana University
1990 - MS Zoology, UW-Madison
1996 - PhD Zoology, UW-Madison
Advice: A postdoc at USGS Lab writing a government report led to another USGS postdoc working on amphibian monitoring, which led to a full-time position continuing amphibian research and monitoring.
Dr.
Dana Crumley, Pharmacist
1995 - BS Zoology, UW-Madison
2000 - Doctor of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota
Advice: I learned that hard work and persistence are very important. I also learned that sometimes you just have to relax and let things go.
Shawn Hook, Veterinarian
1995 - Zoology, UW-Madison
1999 - DVM, UW-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine
Advice: I basically just rode it out.After graduation it took some time to make the transition
from school to my career. At firstit still felt like I should be going to school each morning. Performing my career was a scary thing to do alone vs. having a prof/doctor watching over your shoulder all the time. Eventually it was great to be calling the shots on your own, but it was a great responsibility as well. Madison and the university taught the core of what I am as a professional. Of course I always continue to learn through experience and continuing education. So as far as how I made the transition, like I said, I just rode it out. I do not know if this was the answer you were looking for, but it is my response.Thanks.
Advice: Immediately after receiving my BS degree in Zoology I returned home to look for work. At first I waitressed, just to pay the bills as I searched. I soon made contact at this job to take a part-time job also at a pet store.I needed “hands-on” experience with animals if I wanted to work near animals in the future.I wasn’t much into being a salesperson, but I learned a lot about exotic birds during the nine months at the pet store. I soon received a job as an Animal Care Technician at the Wisconsin Humane Society. I planned on this being temporary. However, after a year, where I learned a lot about cat, dog and small animal behavior through experience, training at work and conferences, I was starting to feel domestic animals was where I wanted to be as far as my work.I was promoted to Dog Evaluation Coordinator, where I learned even more about dog behavior and training. After another year, I started work as an Adoption Counselor.I have been with the Wisconsin Humane Society for 4 years now. I work with animals and potential adopters to make good “matches”. I love my job, and I still find I learn more about animals everyday I work. My advice is to always be open to learn more!!Absorb any information you get and apply it. Working with animals daily is a reward in and of itself.
Advice: I did lots of volunteer work at Meriter Hospital and UW Hospital in Madison during my undergrad years. After graduation, I worked at the UW Dept of Genetics while I applied to physician assistant school. I think the volunteer work was a critical part of my acceptance to PA school. I was lucky to be accepted the same year I applied. If students are “pre-health profession” at all, I would not only recommend volunteer work, but a variety of it as well. I split my hours in pediatrics, ER, physical therapy, etc. It was time well spent!
After graduation, I practiced as a Physician Assistant in Internal Medicine for 2 years, and now I’ve been in Dermatology for nearly a year. It was a great career choice, and I highly recommend it. There’s lots of flexibility and opportunity. Needless to say, my zoology degree provided me the foundation I needed!
Advice: Upon graduating with a degree in Zoology, I interned as a naturalist at Trees for Tomorrow Natural Resources Center.That internship led to full-time employment as a staff naturalist and editor of a natural resources newspaper. I eventually became more interested in the legal perspective on environmental issues and decided to go to law school. I now work on a variety of legal issues, including the areas of forestry and water resources, land use planning and zoning. I highly recommend an internship, either while still a student or post-grad. I would also encourage students not to shy away from seasonal work, if the experience will be a means to an ultimate goal. I anticipate I am not the typical “Zoology” grad. However, my training in the sciences is an ever-present aid in my chosen field.In addition, living in Northern Wisconsin, I regularly get out on the water and use the observation skills I honed in my ecology classes.Birding remains my passion!
Andrew M Wilke, MD, Family Practice Physician
1992 - BS Zoology, UW-Madison
1997 - MD, UW-Madison
2000 - Residency, Southern New Mexico Family Practice
Advice: Andrew married Sara in June of 1993.Their first child is due March 2001.He is now in private practice in Las Cruces, NM.
Robert Palmer, DO, Physician Pediatrician
1991 – BS Zoology, UW-Madison
1999 – DO, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Western University of Health Sciences
Advice: After graduating from UW, I worked in a physician’s office at the lowest level, gradually working my way up to clinical research coordinator. Along the way, I took post-baccalaureate classes in science (pathobiology specifically) while applying for medical school. It was a physician-employer who told me about osteopathy and suggested I learn more. This opened up a whole side of medicine which is largely unknown to most. The dept of zoology and the many energetic instructors with whom I worked clearly had an impact on my career, mainly in fostering an inquisitiveness that persists in me today.
Gina Marie Piscitelli, Graduate Student in Neuroscience 1991 - Zoology, UW-Madison
Now - PhD, UW-Madison
Advice: Well, quite honestly, I'm not so successful.I worked in academic positions at UW-Madison for six years after I graduated. Lab research and administration.From this experience, I would suggest trying to get a job in the private sector after a few years.Academic staff positions did provide me with a few great opportunities though.
I also suggest taking advantage of as many opportunities for research and field work as you can.Finding out what you like the most and what you want to do is the most important thing for you to do as an undergraduate.Trying as many specific things as you can in a broad field like Zoology will help you aim you job search to the right/appropriate areas.
Kathleen M Kadow, Pediatrician
1990 - BS Zoology, UW-Madison
1996 – MD, University of Maryland at Baltimore
1999 - MPH, George Washington University
Advice: I have taken a fairly
standard path: UW-Madison graduate 1990 with a BS in Zoology after completing the Biocore curriculum
- then lived abroad for 1 yr and worked outside of my training. Then to Medical school at Univ of Maryland and residency training in NY in pediatrics. I am currently working as a General Academic Pediatric Fellow, focusing mostly on community issues and working on an MPH.
There is no "secret recipe" - at least that I've found!I enjoyed my time at Madison and wish that I could have realized at that time how many tremendous teachers there were and
are.I am now getting to the point where I am the "teacher", and it is much more difficult than I
anticipated. Biocore, as I recall, especially focused on the student-teacher relationship.It is not so much what you are learning/teaching, more importantly it is how you are teaching/learning. And the skills you are acquiring.These skills of BOTH learning and teaching will serve you well in whatever career path you choose.
Frederick Langheim, MD/PhD Student
19?? - BS Zoology/English, UW-Madison
1999 - NIH IRTA and graduate courses
Now - MD/PhD Minnesota
Advice:Following my interests paid off. There are remarkable under-publicized post-undergraduate
research opportunities at the NIH.
Dr. Joy Nystrom Mast, Professor of Biogeography
1989 - BS Zoology/Geography, UW-Madison
1991 - MA, University of Colorado-Boulder
1993 - PhD, University of Colorado-Boulder
Advice: By working on a undergraduate honors degree in zoology (and geography), I was able to design and implement original research working with individual faculty (Dr. Ed Beales and Dr Tom Vale).This year-long experience allowed focused attention with UW faculty and an opportunity to experience field work, data analysis, and scientific write-up of results. The Honors Program was a great preparation for graduate school, as well as professional exposure to zoology and the department's excellent faculty.
John A Rhude, High School Science Teacher
1989 - BS Zoology, UW-Madison
1992 - Teacher Certification, Northern Michigan University
Now - MS Environmental Science, UW-Stevens Point
Advice: Following graduation from Madison I moved to East Lansing, MI to pursue graduate studies in anatomy and or fisheries. Worked for Michigan State University fisheries department for a few months.Ended up with a Lab Tech job at Neogen Corporation, Lansing, MI.Worked for 2 years as a Biotech Lab Researcher.Went back to school,
Northern Michigan University, to get teacher certification. Now certified in Biology and chemistry.
While at Madison, I followed in two older brothers' footsteps and took comparative anatomy with Dr. William Burns.Dr. Burns is by far the best teacher I have ever had.His attention to detail was amazing.As he would often say in
"Burns words or no words."I became an undergraduate TA for Dr. Burns as were my two older brothers, and that
experience teaching eventually led me to pursue a teaching degree.The university needs more professors like Dr. Burns, those who take pride in their ability to teach as well as do research.
John A Rhude, High School Science Teacher
1989 - BS Zoology, UW-Madison
1992 - Teacher Certification, Northern Michigan University
Now - MS Environmental Science, UW-Stevens Point
Advice: Following graduation from Madison I moved to East Lansing, MI to pursue graduate studies in anatomy and or fisheries. Worked for Michigan State University fisheries department for a few months.Ended up with a Lab Tech job at Neogen Corporation, Lansing, MI.Worked for 2 years as a Biotech Lab Researcher.Went back to school,
Northern Michigan University, to get teacher certification.Now certified in Biology and chemistry.
While at Madison, I followed in two older brothers' footsteps and took comparative anatomy with Dr. William Burns. Dr. Burns is by far the best teacher I have ever had. His attention to detail was amazing.As he would often say in
"Burns words or no words." I became an undergraduate TA for Dr. Burns as were my two older brothers, and that
experience teaching eventually led me to pursue a teaching degree.The university needs more professors like Dr. Burns, those who take pride in their ability to teach as well as do research.
Wendy Istvanick, Systems Architech/Consultant
1988 -Zoology, UW-Madison
1993 - MS Computer Sciences, UW-Madison
Advice: Do what your heart most longs to do. Do not feel trapped by your degree field.
David R Farley, MD, General Surgeon
1982 - BS Zoology, UW-Madison
1988 - MD, UW-Madison
Advice: I did nine months of volunteer work with my uncle (a general surgeon) as a UW undergrad and have never looked back.
Peter J. Sheild, DDS, Dentist
1981- BA Zoology, UW-Madison
1985 - DDS, Marquette University School of Dentistry
Advice: My experience in the Zoology department was the foundation on which my dentalcareer was built. It provided me an opportunity to problem solve, interact with other students, and be challenged academically.I remember the faculty and staff as being patient,willing to offer help and assistance, and dedicated to bringing out the best in their students.The diverse curriculum aided me in my dental school years and I felt well-prepared because of my course load within the zoology department.Thanks.
David J. Rhude, Physician
1978 - BS Zoology, UW-Madison
1980 - MS Zoology, UW-Madison
1985 - MD, UW-Madison - Medical School
1990 - Rheumetology Fellowship - Hennepin County Medical Center
Advice: Great memories of Madison and great trainings! I have been fortunate to work and travel extensively, especially in New Zealand, Australia, SE Asia, China, and Mongolia.
Michail A Volz, M.D. Physician - allergy, asthma and immunology
1980 - BS Zoology, UW-Madison
1988 - MD Internal Medicine - University of Miami
1992 - Fellowship: Allergy/Immunology - National Jewish Hospital
Advice: My current career and interests center around critical thinking in determining how people develop clinical manifestations by considering the pathophysiology involved.This is important
in each individual, especially those with rare and unique immunologic disorders as well as in medico-legal cases, as well as work-related problems.The critical thinking necessary to understand this and consider treatments and order tests were fostered during my time at UW.An important piece of this thinking includes important consideration to
onsider, question, and evaluate for myself if their diagnoses are important to my work and if it is valid.I believe
his allows me to continue to improve myself and to be the best possible physician I can.
Dr. Henry E. Zimmerman, Dentist
1973 - BS Zoology, UW-Madison
1977 - DDS, Marquette University School of Dentistry
Advice: I had applied to 8 medical schools during my senior year of UW.Having not heard by Christmas a friend at Marquette encouraged me to apply to Marquette's Dental School.I was accepted there within the month.
Richard M Shore, M.D., Asst. Professor of Radiology, Northwestern University Medical School and Children's Memorial Hospital
1971 - BS Zoology, UW-Madison
1975 - MD, University of Michigan
Advice: Andrew married Sara in June of 1993.Their first child is due March 2001.He is now in private practice in Las Cruces, NM.
Catherine H. Ream, Consultant for outdoor recreation and Owner Venture West Vacations
1960 - BS, UW-Madison
1963 - MS, UW-Madison
1967 - PhD,UW-Madison
Advice: I feel very fortunate to have gotten a very strong Zoology/Ecology background from some of the best instructors at U of WI Madison in the 1960's.
Joel D Oppenheim, Associate Dean for Graduate Studies, NYU School of Medicine
1965 -
BS Zoology, UW-Madison
1968 - MS, Loyola University
1970 - PhD, Loyola University
Advice: My undergraduate advisor was Seymour Abrahamson who convinced me to follow a career in science (but not fruit fly genetics once he found out I was color blind).
Dr. Eugene R.Katz, Professor, Dept of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, and Associate Dean, College of Arts and Sciences SUNY at Stony Brook
1962 - BS Zoology, UW-Madison
1969 - PhD, Univ of Cambridge, England
Advice: After leaving Madison I began graduate school in the Biology dept of Brown University. After four years I was fortunate to be awarded a US Churchill Foundation scholarship to go to Cambridge University.I stayed there 2 ½ years and received my PhD from Cambridge,working in the laboratory of Dr. Sydney Brenner.I returned to the US and spent two years at Braudis University as a Post-Doc working in the laboratory of Dr. Maurice Sussman. After Brandis I took up a position as Asst. Prof at SUNY Stony Brook where I have remained the last 30 years.I am currently Professor in the Dept of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology. I also served 8 years as Dean of the Division of Biological Sciences and I am currently Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
Jerome F Wermuth, Executive Assistant to the Chancellor
1957 - BS, UW-Madison
1960 - MS, UW-Madison
1968 - PhD, Indiana
Advice:I am at the end ofa career and will be retiring soon from academia. Rule 1- Stay nosy.Ask questions.Lots of questions. Rule 2 - Take chances.I guarantee you will crash and burn some of the time, but not all of the time. Rule 3 - For godsake if you are not enjoying what you are doing - do something else! Rule 4 - Whatever you do, do it as best you can.Be passionate about what you do. Rule 5 - Ignore the carping critics. They will always be with you, but they're not worth a second of your time.
Nina Stromgren Allen, Professor of Botany, Director of Cellular and Molecular Imaging Facility North Carolina State University
1957 - BS Zoology, UW-Madison
1970 - MS, University of Maryland, College Park
1973 - PhD, University of Maryland, College Park
Advice: I believe I have done that before.I want to report that Robert Jackson Williams, BS 1953, MS 1959
(John Emlen), died October 1999 in Bethesda, Md. His career was spent as a cryobiologist - except for the hears he
worked for Dept of Botany, UW-Madison as a photographer.Bob worked for the American Red Cross for many years.He leaves Erik R Williams and Harriet Dudley -born in Madison and Kelsey Ballantine. P.S.I was married to Bob Williams from 1958-1970.
Dr. Thomas F Hartman IBM Research
1957 - Psychology/Zoology, UW-Madison
1961 - PhD Psychology, UW-Madison
Note: Tom died May 27, 1988
Bernhard J Schumacher, MD, Internal Medicine Physician (retired)
1950 - BS Zoology, UW-Madison
1954 - MD,Marquette University
Advice: I was accepted at Marquette University hile in my Junior year at UW. A role model was a family member who was a physician. While a student, I selected courses in the dept of zoology that would assist my future years in medical school i.e. Anatomy, comparative anatomy, histology,embryology, endocrinology,etc. All of which were taught by excellent faculty, including Dr. Noland who could sketch with both hands at once - unforgettable!! Medical school began in 1950 and I felt was more relevant because of my training in the Dept of Zoology.
The clinical years were challenging.Experiencing caring for diseases I had never
heard of in my fellow humans, and too often death!I did graduate as a doctor of medicine second in my class!
My wife is a graduate of UW Nursing school(1951), as was my daughter later.I am further blessed because my youngest daughter attended UW Medical School and now is a practicing Radiologist and mother!
Abraham Sunshine, MD, Physician - clinical pharmacology
- BA, UW-Madison
1949 - MA Zoology, UW-Madison
Advice: My research work with RK Meyer was the ____ to do clinical research as a physician and to evaluate critically information in the treatment of patients.
Dr. Donald F. Prehn, Dentist (retired)
1949 - BS Zoology, UW-Madison
1953 - DDS, Marquette University School of Dentistry
Advice: I used the education I received in getting my BS in Zoology
at UW-Madison as the excellent foundation in subsequently attaining my dental
degree.I have always appreciated that my undergraduate experience
had enough flexibility in electives to allow me courses for a well-rounded
education beyond my degree requirements that intense post-graduate education
could not permit. Being the second of three generations of University of
Wisconsin graduates who have post-graduate degrees in the medical field, I can
attest for all of them the value of our University of Wisconsin experience.During my career in dentistry, I have always been active in the community. Besides professional organizations, I have been active in boy scouts (from Scout Master to Council President), promoted community by belonging toChamber of Commerce and Central Wausau Progress, Advisory
Board to the University of Wisconsin Marathon Center, Performing Arts Foundation supporter, my church and other organizations.Even in retirement I enjoy serving on Boards such as the Marathon County Historical Society (Vice-President), Pine Grove Cemetery Board, and membership in American Legion to name a few.Community service gives back to my community what it has given to me.
Barbara Rogers Stinson, Teacher/Choral Director (retired)
1946 - BA, Smith College/UW-Madison
1948 - MA, UW-Madison
Joseph Antonie, High School Biology Teacher, Chairman Science Dept, Honor Coordinator, Athletic Director, Senior Class Advisor, Caps and Gowns Committee
1948- BA, UW-Madison
1951 - MA, UW-Madison
Advice: Before World War II I was an L&S student with the intention of becoming a teacher, so I had a few credits in the school of Education plus those in zoology and botany.In July of '41 I became an infantryman in the military.An opportunity came to take a test to transfer to the Air Corps, and go to school to become a pilot, navigator, or
bombardier.I passed the test and attended both bombardier and navigation school, earned a commission, and served
as the navigator on a B-17, flying out of Africa and Italy. At the conclusion of the war, I returned to the university
to take advantage of the 54 months of schooling I was entitled to for having served 4 ½ years in the military.Therefore, I had plenty of time to sample a variety of zoological and botanical offerings.So many in fact that I accumulated so many credits that I was close to satisfying the requirements for a MA.Dr Noland, bless his soul, advised me to stay on at the University to pursue my MA in Zoo and complete the credits needed for a teacher's certificate.In the process, I learned wonderful lessons from people like Aldo Leopold, James Crow, John Lilly and others on what a good teacher is.In addition, I was blessed with many intangibles that help one to relate to students and make them want to do well.Even to this day, twenty plus years after my retirement, I am asked to attend their class reunions, receive letters and pictures telling and showing events in their lives, and telling me that my influence played a major role in their selection of a career. I had numerous offerings of jobs that paid a great deal morethan teaching, but I'm glad that I stayed in theclassroom.I think I used my life to make a positive difference in the lives of a multitude of young people, gained many friends, and have lots of
wonderful memories.One in particular comes to mind. A potential drop out, to whom I gave a ";second chance" - on graduation night as he walked across the stage, came over to me, gave me a hug and whispered in my ear, ";If it wasn't for you, Mr Antonie, I wouldn't be here tonight." - Sorry this is so long.I do want
to thank the Zoology Dept for offering such a diverse course offerings, so that guys like me could become well trained to teach our young people.
Ruth L Hine, retired Department of Natural Resources
1944 - BA, Connecticut College
1947 - MA, UW-Madison
1952 - PhD,UW-Madison
Advice: Upon finishing my coursework for a PhD, I was hired as a Conservation Aid with the Wisconsin Conservation Department.I stayed with the Dept (which later became the DNR) 36 years gradually advancing from Conservation Aid through several positions within the Research Bureau, culminating in attaining title and responsibility of Supervisor of Research Publications, which involved conferences with biologists, editing manuscripts, preparing them for publication and distribution. A totally satisfying and enjoyable career!
Dorothy Lill Larson, MD, retired
1942 - BEd, Southern Illinois Normal University at Carbondale
1945 - MS Zoology, UW-Madison
1949 - MD, University of Illinois Medical School
Advice: Interned at US Marine Hospital in San Fransisco; then spent 1 year at US Marine Hospital in Galverton, Texas.Spent 35+ years in family practicein Mascoutah Il.Secret - don't expect help from faculty members - learn to be self-sufficient early in life.
Dr. Harry J. Wilkins, Dentist (retired)
1939 - BA Zoology, UW-Madison
1943 - DDS,Marquette UniversitySchool of Dentistry
Eugene R Grether, MD, Physician (retired)
1938 - BA Zoology, W-Madison
1943 - MD, UW-Madison
Advice: Intern California Hospital L.A.Resident Santa Monica Hospital.US Army 1943-1947, mostly Lt. Belvoir, VA. (no overseas service; luckily the war ended when the atom bomb stopped Japan, for I was Batillion Surg 373rd Engineers, scheduled for the invasion that never took place.)
