Daemen College : Admissions : Meet our Students : Megan Herr
Megan Herr
Natural Science Individualized Studies major, Chemistry and Biology minors
Daemen Trustee Scholar
Graduate 2009
Currently working on Ph.D. in Epidemiology at the University of Rochester
Like most college students, I have changed my major, but unlike many of these students, I have changed mine 4 times. I came to Daemen, like many, as a PT major. That idea almost lasted a semester. Although Daemen’s program is nationally recognized, I really only picked the major to please my mother. Sorry mom. After I decided PT wasn’t for me, I changed my major to biochemistry, which lasted 2 years. Although I never officially changed my major during this time, my career choices ranged from medical examiner to forensic anthropologist. Because of Daemen’s small size and their commitment to their students, I was able to test some of these ideas by participating in an independent study in cultural anthropology. I liked studying people and their cultures but I wanted something with more science.
The same semester, I was encouraged by the science faculty to apply for a REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) founded by the National Science Foundation. I was accepted to a REU program at Ursinus College studying behavioral sciences for the summer. Ursinus College is a highly selective school right outside of Philadelphia. I was chosen over people from MIT because of my background, grades, and letters of recommendation from Daemen faculty. During this internship I studied the effect of forest fragmentation on mice and ultimately Lyme disease. Although this was an amazing experience and I loved the research, it gave me the opportunity to realize that I really dislike poison ivy and tracking mice in a field. But, this experience was the first to pique my interest in studying disease and eventually helped me get into graduate school.
Continuing my search for a career choice, I spent a semester at Hampshire College through the CIEL program studying forensic anthropology. This program allowed me to pay Daemen tuition and get a whole new experience. Hampshire College doesn’t believe in tests or grades, which as a hard concept for me to grasp initially. But through Hampshire I was able to experience first-hand the job of a forensic anthropologist from someone who had excavated at Waco, TX. At the end of this semester, I realized I still wanted a degree with a little more math and science.
Upon my return to Daemen, I was all over the place with what I wanted to do: I had done research in biology, tried out PT, and just finished forensic anthropology. I was at the point where every week my mother would ask and I would have a different career idea. But Daemen has given me the opportunity to explore these areas and support while I was making up my mind. So to all of you who are nervous because you don’t know what to do with your life: its ok and let things fall into place because they will. And to you parents: you must have faith in the process and that it will all turn out alright.
After a quick major change to biology, I finally decided on a Natural Science Individualized Studies Degree. This degree, which is unique to Daemen, allows students to tailor the science degree to fit their individual needs. In my case, I finally realized, after taking other courses that I would like to attend graduate school for Epidemiology, the study and prevention of disease.
In the natural science department we are allowed to conducted research, working closely with the faculty. I chose to conduct my research on the proteins found in the temporomandibular joint. This research and presentation has greatly helped me prepare for graduate school. Through the Student Faculty Interdisciplinary Research ThinkTank I was able to complete my research and present it at a Regional Honors conference.
In addition to this conference, I have had the opportunity to travel and present at many other regional and national conferences with the Honors program, including those in Rhode Island, Texas, and New Jersey. At these conferences I not only presented my research but was introduced to new ways to build our honors program. I traveled with my fellow classmates and the director of the honors program, Dr. Marck and later Dr. Siedlecki – through this experience we were able to restructure our program and look for new ways to constantly improvement it.
Daemen gave me the support and opportunities to make the most of my academic career. My tips for success:
- Become a student leader
- Student association or
- Resident Assistant
- Get involved in the community – service learning
- Present research and build an academic resume – Academic Festival
- Possibilities for conferences
- Take advantage of Global opportunities
- Get involved with clubs
- Academic
- Special interest
- Greek organizations
- If we don’t have the one you are interested in you can make it
- Sports teams – including intramurals
Daemen gives you these opportunities to make anything you want out of your college career.
Because of these opportunities and the help of the faculty, I was accepted to a PhD program in Epidemiology at the University of Rochester in the fall with full tuition and a stipend. I wish you luck as you continue your college search and consider the opportunities Daemen provides.
Visit Us!
That’s the best way to really get a feel for what Daemen is all about! Daemen is located in suburban Amherst, New York just minutes away from the city of Buffalo. To schedule a weekday individual interview and tour the campus, email us admissions@daemen.edu or call 800.462.7652.