Careers: Recent Graduates

Recent biology department graduates

Wondering what Calvin biology department students do once they receive their degrees? They go on to pursue all sorts of paths, from zoology and urban development to medicine and law.

Vonny Salim "07 Is a graduate student at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario studying plant-based cures for cancer. Read more about her work >>

Lindsey Walters '03 is a biology professor at Northern Kentucky University. She has a Ph.D. in Zoology and in Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, and Behavior from Michigan State University; 2008. Lindsey said, "I study reproductive behavior in cavity-nesting birds and I have banded over 1,400 wild birds since graduating from Calvin. I LOVE teaching; my classes at NKU include Animal Behavior, Ornithology, Evolution, and Introductory Biology."

Brandon Lingbeek '08 lives in Modimolle, South Africa where he is working as a research technician for ECHO (Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization). Brandon said, "My closest neighbors are a herd of giraffe that live across the dirt road from me."

Jennifer Goedhart Nietz '08 has her M.S. in Ecology from Ohio State University and now teaches introductory biology labs and recitations there. Jennifer said, "Recently appointed to my Township Board of Review and the Agricultural/Natural Resources board for my county- (dipping my toe into political waters to preserve our rural landscape)."

Jesse Antuma '11 is enrolled in the University of Michigan's School of Natural Resources and Environment's Conservation Ecology master's program starting this Fall 2012. He has been working as a Comercial Services Technicina for a real estate management firm since graduating from Calvin.

Jordan Scott '09 is working on her Ph.D. in biochemistry at the University of Notre Dame.Jordan’s research focuses in solving the molecular mechanisms of hijacking of the human Nedd4 family of proteins by an array of viruses. She uses biochemistry, biophysics, cell biology, and computational biology to understand the molecules and mechanisms that control new virion formation from human cells, to provide lipidome and proteome of virions to help identify targets for antiviral therapy.

Laura Holtrop-Kohl '07 received her coordinated Masters in Nutrition from University of Utah and is working as a community dietitian for Harmons Grocery Store in Salt Lake City. She enjoys the endless skiing and running trail out her back door.

Kelsey Bushhouse '10 is a student at the University of Wisconsin - Madison School of Veterinary Medicine. Kelsey said, "Veterinary school is amazing, everyday is a new challenge and God keeps opening doors to new opportunities! Just last summer I went on a veterinary mission trip to Honduras for 3 weeks working with veterinarians, doing surgeries, and sharing the Gospel with the local townspeople. It was an amazing combination of international experience, veterinary medicine, Spanish, and missions!"

Johathan LeCureux '09 lives in Fort Collins, CO where he is a 2nd year PhD student at Colorado State University.  Jonathan lists his job title as Research Assistant/Graduate Student/Science Slave. Jonathan loves living in Colorado because they have 300 days of sunshine every year.

Nicole (Roelofs) and Ben Johnson '11 live in Okemos, MI. Ben is a graduate student at Michigan State University in the PhD Microbiology program. After graduating from Calvin, Nicole attended Kendall College of Art and Design. She is now working for Neogen Corporation in the technical service-residues department where she runs ELISA tests for allergens and mycotoxins and travels around the US training people who use their products. Nicole said, “I love working there especially since I am back doing science. We still live in Okemos, MI and love the big university life.”

Other Alumni

Rebecca Vander Meulen '99 earned her MPH (Master of Public Health) in International Health, Emory University (Rollins School of Public Health). She is living in Lichinga, Mozambique and works for Diocese of Niassa, Anglican Church as Community Development Director. Rebecca said, I get to travel all around northern Mozambique encouraging and training community “Equipas de Vida” (“Life Teams”)—local groups that work to strengthen their own communities by tackling challenges related to HIV prevention and treatment, agricultural development, and water and sanitation."

Rick Skonks '84 lives in Dwight, Ontario Canada, and is a Park Ranger and Chief Park Naturalist at Algonquin Provincial Park. He manages the educational programs for one of the largest and busiest parks in Canada.  Algonquin Park is 3,000 square kilometres and gets about one million visitors a year. Rick says, “I have one of coolest jobs around...Algonquin Park is a naturalist's paradise...I have to avoid moose on my daily commute to work, I've crawled into a bear den to help change a radio-collar and I have to regularly howl at wolves.  Really, part of my job is to howl at wolves! We have a large interpretive program called a Public Wolf Howl in which we take people out to a location to hear wild wolves responding to our howls.  But we have to go out the previous nights to locate the pack - by howling.  And I get paid! "

Henry Willis '99 lives in Bonners Ferry, ID. He went to dental school at the University of Washington, Seattle, where he also completed a residency in Hospital Dentistry.  Hank is self-employed as a general dentist. Hank said, “I'm privileged to live in a beautiful part of the country where I can enjoy God's creation every day. There's an abundance of outdoor activities--hiking, skiing, hunting, etc. My job allows me the freedom and flexibility to devote quality time to my family. Looking back at my Calvin years I have too many fond memories to list. Excellent professors who helped foster a love of learning, uncompromising academics, lasting friendships, and fun study abroad programs are just a few. Calvin was a formative influence on my Christian worldview--something that pervades all areas of life.”