"There are other things you can do besides medicine," said 2011 graduate Rebecca Hyatt, of the Aquinas College biology program. As a biology major and chemistry minor, Hyatt originally intended to study pre-med at Aquinas, yet soon discovered the myriad of possibilities available to a student of biology. After four years of undergraduate study, she will soon continue her education in Notre Dame’s doctorate program in molecular cell biology and looks forward to a future career in academic or corporate research.

Originally from Whitehall, Mich., Hyatt decided to attend Aquinas after a tour of the campus. “I liked the general vibe,” she said, of a close-knit environment in an urban area. Hailing from a rural community with a high school graduation class of approximately 150 students, Hyatt eventually chose the College for its safe campus and relative proximity to her home town. “I loved being at Aquinas because of the close atmosphere,” she said.

Though Hyatt intended to enter the College’s pre-med program, a unique summer research opportunity opened her mind to a different career in biology. After her sophomore year, Hyatt worked with Biology Professor Jennifer Hess, Ph.D., on a bacterial enzyme project funded through the Mohler-Thompson Summer Research Scholarship, which provides financial aid to those embarking on an in-depth research project during the Aquinas summer session. During this project, in which she and Hess worked to characterize an enzyme from a horse pathogen which is related to strep throat in humans, Hyatt realized her passion for research.

“I really kind of fell in love with working in the lab,” she said. This experience, coupled with her desire to choose a career which would allow for more flexibility than a medical doctor, focused her future goals on a job in a lab environment.

Hyatt also had the opportunity to participate in an internship with local Amway Corporation. In May 2010, she began working on method development in a quality assurance lab which tested sunscreen in cosmetics. “Basically, I had to make up a new procedure,” said Hyatt, in order to properly test each product. After the summer session had finished, she was asked to continue her work, and maintained the position through April 2011. “It was a great opportunity,” said Hyatt, who will continue working with Amway in the summer following graduation, in the formulation of new home care products.

In addition to internship and research opportunities, Hyatt also participated in Tri Beta Biological Honors Society, AQ Chemistry Society, Insignis Program for honors students, and student senate. As she looks back at the past four years, she also recalls the influential teachers in the biology department such as Dr. Hess, Hyatt’s research mentor. “She helped me a ton,” said Hyatt. Biology Chairperson and Professor Jeffrey McKelvey also made a lasting impression. “He’s just a great professor,” she said.

Now, as she prepares for the next five years of education, Hyatt will utilize the many lessons she learned while at Aquinas, and hopes to someday apply her knowledge and experience to research in a university setting, which will allow for the flexibility and creativity to achieve more for the scientific community.