Cassie Kersten, ‘16
Why did you choose to come to UMR? I started at UMR as a PSEO student during my senior year of high school. I wasn't originally planning to stay for the entirety of my degree, but after experiencing the unique learning environment and engaging with the faculty for a year, I couldn't imagine leaving!
What did your Capstone experience at UMR involve? My Capstone revolved around comprehending and communicating scientific ideas. I did this through coursework, working as a teaching assistant for science classes, working on a research project in gene therapy at Mayo Clinic with Dr. Ikeda and working on a research project in biochemistry education with Dr. Terrell.
How did your Capstone experience prepare you for your future in what you’re currently doing? My Capstone experience taught me the importance of contextualizing science and always keeping the bigger picture in mind. While conducting rigorous, methodical research is incredibly important, it is equally important to be able to communicate the goals and results of your project in order to make the desired change. This is especially important to remember in public health, where much of the research can make a major impact on human health if approached and communicated correctly.
What are you currently doing? I completed my Master of Public Health in Global Epidemiology at Emory University in May 2020. After supporting COVID-19 response at Georgia Department of Public Health (GDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), I began a new position as a Senior Consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton in the health market. My current project team supports a comprehensive medical readiness program for Department of Defense clients. As a public health subject-matter expert, I facilitate and assist in the development of trainings and exercises related to public health, disaster mental health, patient decontamination, and more. I also volunteer with the Atlanta-area Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) to support COVID-19 vaccination efforts.
Was there a faculty member that positively impacted your time at UMR and how? UMR faculty members are truly the best, and it is impossible to just select one who has made a large impact. Dr. Terrell was a fantastic research mentor who demonstrated what a strong female scientist looked like and pushed me to become one myself. The biology faculty, particularly Prof. Haines, Dr. Metzger, and Dr. Olson, made me feel like family and I knew that they had my back. Prof. Bright and Prof. Henderson Vazquez both gave great advice and encouraged me to follow my career goals, even when they were off the beaten track.