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Lindsay Leikam and Emily Zurbuchen
Lindsay Leikam and Emil
“Lindsay and I met in Biochemistry 101 and soon discovered we lived in the same residence hall and were taking the same courses, although different sections in some cases. It was amazing to have an instant friend to study and hang out with.”-Emily
One of their favorite classes at Nebraska was BIOC 431: Biomolecules and Metabolism. Dr. Bailey, the primary instructor, has won national teaching awards and focuses each lecture around a big picture idea that is applicable to health concerns.
“We talked about cancer drugs, preventing heart attacks, vision, metabolism of fatty acids, cholesterol transport in the body, HIV mechanisms and more. The topic is great but Dr. Bailey made it engaging and exciting.” – Lindsay
“I really love having Lindsay as a study partner and friend. Our strengths complement each other and we push each other to achieve more together than we would have studying alone.” - Emily
Both women planned on a career in medicine and recently found out they were admitted to the medical school at the University of Nebraska Medical Center under their early decision program. Lindsay wants to be a Pediatric Endocrinologist and work with diabetic kids. Emily is interested in surgery and rural health with an older patient base.
“My favorite part of every summer is being able to be a counselor at two different camps for children with diabetes. I was a camper myself when I was younger, and being able to go back each summer and serve as a positive role model for young kids has been a wonderful opportunity. It is definitely the highlight of my year to go play with kids for a week and help them successfully manage and live with their diabetes like I was taught to do.”- Lindsay
“Teaching anatomy is an incredibly fulfilling opportunity to teach anatomy yet learn the material even deeper than when I took the class. Beyond the academics, it has strengthened my interpersonal and leadership skills.” - Emily
Emily and Lindsay have worked hard, but had fun over the past few years. They were even able to combine challenging coursework with outside activities and employment. Emily and Lindsay both work at Nebraska Internal Medicine in Lincoln, where Emily works as a phlebotomist and Lindsay works in the medical records department. Both are also completing the UNL Honors Program by working in faculty research labs and plan to write up the results of their inquiry as a senior thesis.
“Since I greatly enjoyed my high school art classes, I pursued an art minor which allowed me to explore and continue my art education. Art is fun and relaxing however it is also a form a discipline, requiring attention to detail and familiarity with the media. The classes also provided a refreshing outlet from the stresses of school and everyday life!” - Emily
“Working in a research lab has been a fantastic way for me to network and learn how science works in a practical setting. I have learned so much working with postdocs, graduate students, and other undergrads who share my passion for science. It’s a great way to get a hands-on application of what I learn in the classroom, and knowing that the results of lab experiments may have an impact on the medical field and my future as a physician is rewarding.” -Lindsay
Biochemistry is a great path to careers in health care and a wonderful place to meet friends who share your passion for science and people. We encourage you to explore Biochemistry and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for yourself. Join our community of student scholars!
Elizabeth Jaensch
Elizabeth Jaensch, a senior from Naperville, Illinois has been able to combine her scientific interests and global aspirations through Biochemistry at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
“I traveled a lot when I was young, and even lived in Germany for two years in elementary school. I’ve always enjoyed traveling, and have been eager ever since my return to America to take advantage of every possible opportunity of doing so.”
She pursued a French minor (along with English, Psychology, Chemistry & Math) and participated in summer research internships at the prestigious Max-Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research in Cologne, Germany both in 2011 and 2012.
“My two summers in Germany were invaluable to my development as a researcher. I loved every minute of my work in Cologne, and my time there made it clear that I definitely wanted a career in genetic research. I was even able to live in Europe again and reconnect with a lifestyle that I had not experienced in eleven years.”
This experience led to a desire to work abroad for a semester before entering a PhD program. The connections Elizabeth made abroad opened opportunities in France, England and even Singapore.
“Using my spring semester for research will allow me to gain valuable new work experience before beginning graduate school. I’m particularly excited to conduct research with a medical focus since I have worked almost exclusively with plants until now. I’m also eager to experience living somewhere new before I settle into graduate school.”
Study abroad is an opportunity we hope all students choose to take advantage of at Nebraska, including science majors! There are a variety of programs to choose from and Nebraska offers multiple scholarships to make this a reality.
“I was able to go to Germany to work because an advisor here at UNL acquainted me with the DAAD RISE scholarship program, which paid my stipend for my first summer of research. Through hard work, I was able to make connections that secured an offer to return to the Institute the next summer on a stipend.”
Besides her internship in Germany, Elizabeth has been able to take advantage of individualized research in several faculty labs (Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, Behavior Genetics, and a lab focused on Arabidopsis thaliana). The latter has led to an honors thesis. She is also involved with the UNL Swim Club, Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity, and volunteers at Lighthouse, a high school student support organization.
All of these experiences have combined to earn Elizabeth a prestigious Goldwater Scholarship for pursuit of a career in science. As Elizabeth finishes her Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry, she knows that her Nebraska education prepared her for global collaboration and success.
“UNL gave me opportunities to become involved in research and teaching on campus from my first year. By consistent communication with various advisors and professors, I was able to discover a wide range of opportunities, and become deeply involved in science while still allowing myself to pursue other interests. I am extremely excited to take my education to the next level, and am grateful to UNL for preparing me for a successful career early in my education.”
We encourage you to explore Biochemistry and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for yourself. Join our community of student scholars!
Zach Bailey
"With so many colleges to choose from, I can truly say that I am glad I picked UNL and specifically biochemistry. UNL has provided an endless amount of opportunities; it has been a perfect fit!”
Zach didn’t waste any time getting involved even in the midst of exciting and challenging science courses.
“As a freshman, I joined a couple pre-medical clubs such as NU Meds and AMSA, as well as the Climbing Club. These were great ways to make friends and meet other students with similar interests. I am so glad that I got involved.”
He also joined a faculty lab as a paid student researcher. Over the course of three years his involvement has grown and Zach’s contribution to prostate cancer treatment is recognized and appreciated.
“Working as an undergraduate research assistant has been one of the most rewarding college experiences. Research has solidified much of my science knowledge while providing a new learning perspective. I am also fortunate to have great faculty and graduate student mentorship which has contributed to the overall excitement of scientific discovery.”
As a senior, Zach is now preparing to apply to medical school. His multitude of activities like intramurals, study abroad, volunteer work at local hospitals, Arts and Sciences Student Advisory Board and being a biochemistry teaching assistant all combined to make Nebraska a rewarding college experience.
"Although college has been challenging at times, it has been an incredibly fun and exciting journey. UNL provided the opportunities and encouragement to get involved and become an active member of campus and the community. Their support has and continues to contribute to my overall success as a student. Ultimately, I have fulfilled many of my goals and UNL has prepared me as a competitive medical school applicant and aspiring physician."
We encourage you to explore Biochemistry and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for yourself. Join our community of student scholars!