Biology

"Comparative Anatomy, the only dissection course offered at McDaniel, was my favorite class — not only because of the valuable skills I gained but also because of the meaningful connections I built. Working closely with Professor Katie Staab made the experience even more impactful, as her guidance and passion for the subject deepened my understanding and appreciation for anatomy. The course challenged me academically while also fostering a mentorship that I truly value."

A science major wasn’t originally in Sebastian Whipple’s plans. But through mentorship from faculty like professors Cheng Huang, Dana Ferraris, and Jessica Ford, he discovered the fun of Biology, Chemistry, and Kinesiology. Through student-faculty research in the lab and peer tutoring, Sebastian knows now that his future lies in the sciences.

"My Kinesiology capstone tests if personality can predict how athletes talk to themselves during sports. Basically, trying to answer if a person’s innate personality has anything to do with how they talk to themselves, hopefully helping coaches understand their athletes better."

Through her extensive laboratory experience at McDaniel, Nakayla Lawson advanced to become a mentor in the lab to her fellow researchers. After scuba diving on a Marine Biology Jan Term trip and volunteering at the University of Maryland Medical Center’s shock trauma and pediatrics department, she is graduating with a love for research and medicine. 

"I realized that research isn’t just something I enjoy — it’s something I need. Through reading primary literature, conducting benchwork, and writing lab reports, I discovered the thrill of uncovering new scientific knowledge. I know now that I wouldn’t be satisfied without research, and I truly can’t see myself in a career that doesn’t involve scientific discovery. Becoming a medical scientist is the only path that feels right to me."

As a Biology laboratory assistant, Mackenzie McCarter spent a lot of time in Eaton Hall during her four years at McDaniel. She was even there in the summer, when she spent time in the Student-Faculty Collaborative Summer Research program studying jellyfish with Professor Allison Kerwin. 

“Having an opportunity to dive into research experiences has been incredible,” she says.