USI biology alumni have been admitted to all major health professions programs in the region and most major medical, dental, and allied health programs in the country. Our alumni have gone on to careers as academic, government, and industry scientists, professors, and technicians as well as physicians, veterinarians, dentists, attorneys, and other professionals.
Alumni Spotlight
Rachel Smith
USI Biology - 2016
Environmental Health Specialist
Honolulu, Hawaii
"I attribute a large portion of my academic success to the intimate size of USI. My professors knew me by name and challenged me to perform at my best. I also formed lasting friendships with other students in the USI Biology program and established a great base for networking."
Dr. Nathan Oakley
USI Biology - 2009
IU School of Medicine - 2013
Residency Family Medicine, Fort Wayne - 2016
Asst Director, Deaconess Family Medicine Residency Program
Evansville, IN
"The B/MD program was a great asset in my journey through medical education. The program allowed me to focus on education and personal growth without the worry and distraction regarding medical school acceptance. I also appreciated the comradery with fellow B/MD recipients throughout undergrad studies and medical school. I loved my time spent at USI. I had great experiences learning with my peers both in classroom and out. Faculty were passionate and challenging, which prepared me well to transition into medical school and beyond. "
Dr. Joseph Balda
USI Biology - 2013
SIU Dental School - 2017
Asst Dentist, Balda Dental
Effingham, IL
"USI is a unique gem. The professors genuinely care about their students and love helping them. The pre-professional program prepared me well for a successful dental school experience and gave me a passion for science. I honestly enjoyed going to class and learning, which is something I hadn’t really experienced before. USI is perfect blend of a small school family with big school benefits. I never felt like just a number. Many professors actually will know you by name, a claim that can’t be made by many colleges. In fact, most of my lab courses were taught by professors instead of teaching assistants. And class sizes were excellent, with many classes being small in size in order to give students the best chance to ask questions. I also enjoyed Evansville for similar reasons, such as a plethora of entertainment options while retaining a hometown mentality. I really discovered myself as a person in college and I have USI’s wonderful professors to thank for that. Students’ success was the main goal without any of the politics you see at many universities nowadays. If quality of education is the priority, I can’t think of a better choice than USI’s Pre-Professional program."
Payton Lykins
USI Biology - 2018
Assistant Project Manager
ACS Habitat Resotration
Ventura County, CA
"Much of my academic success can be attributed to the staff of USI’s biology department. My professors knew me by name and were always willing to answer questions or provide help if needed. I feel I really thrived in the small class setting because it allowed me to receive a greater amount of individual instruction and retain knowledge more efficiently. The faculty are extremely passionate about the classes they teach and have a way of inspiring students. I am proud to say that because of the exceptional education I received from the USI biology department, I have developed a strong base of knowledge and skills that I now use every day on the job."