Student Voices

Adam Van Huis, '12

Meet Adam 

"Carthage offers the opportunity for students to gain experience in research."

Hometown: Winneconne, Wis.

Major: Biology

Minors: Chemistry and Spanish

Adam Van Huis has a deep desire to help others, and for him, a major in biology is the first step.

"I decided to study biology because understanding how the living world works allows me to bring about positive change in the world, whether it be through doctoring or research," he said.

So when it came to choosing a college, Adam focused on schools with strong biology programs. A swimmer, he also wanted a college with a competitive swim team. Carthage offered small classes, devoted professors, and a Division III swim team — a perfect combination, he said.

He said he truly admires his professors here. "Carthage provides the unique opportunity to develop close relationships with your professors. I knew that I would be able to rely on my professors for help when I needed it and for challenges when I felt up to it."

He had the opportunity to conduct research under the supervision of Prof. Deborah Tobiason, an experience that taught him to think like a researcher and allowed him to practice lab techniques.

"Carthage offers the opportunity for students to gain experience in research, something I have been privileged to be a part of," he said. "Many different topics classes in biology are offered that allow the student to gain knowledge in areas that aren't taught as frequently.

"The professors within the department work together to provide the best education possible for their students. They are constantly modifying the curriculum to keep up with the ever-changing world of science," he continued.

In June 2010, Adam traveled to Nicaragua for a summer J-Term trip. While there, he gained clinical experience, put his Spanish minor to use, and left feeling as though the trip had a greater purpose than giving students a glimpse at medicine.

"The trip opened my eyes to how much of the world lives," he said. "I left feeling fortunate to have learned as much as I did and determined to use my experience to bring about positive change to the world."

Favorite professor: "Choosing a favorite professor is like choosing a favorite child. While it may be possible, I would feel bad for limiting it to only one. Of the professors I've had, I appreciate what Dr. Tobiason, Dr. Pfaffle, Dr. Choffnes, and Dr. Burling have done for me. Each has opened my eyes to a new area of science. Through their collective teaching, I feel like I have become a well-rounded student."

Favorite class: "My favorite class has been Immunology with Dr. Tobiason. This is one of those specialty classes that I'm fortunate to have taken because it is a rapidly developing area of science."

Toughest class: "General Chemistry. As weird as it sounds, Organic Chemistry was much easier for me to grasp."

Favorite moments at Carthage: "My favorite memories have come from being a student athlete. It is very cool to be around teammates who put so much effort into school and then give everything they have left to their sport. We are, after all, student athletes and that's the beauty of Division III."

Biggest surprise so far: "After two and a half years of eating at the cafeteria, somehow it never seems to get old."

Advice for students considering biology as a major: "Get ready to work hard, learn a lot, and use what you've learned to improve our world."

— Elizabeth Reinhardt, '12

Student Voices

Adam Van Huis, '12

"Carthage provides the unique opportunity to develop close relationships with your professors. I knew that I would be able to rely on my professors for help when I needed it and for challenges when I felt up to it."
Read more ...

Kelsey Blumer, '13

Kelsey Blumer decided to study biology because she wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. "Carthage provided the opportunities and skills to help me succeed with that goal."
Read more ...

Andrew Straszewski, '14

"All of the professors have been extremely approachable and easily accessible. I have found that all of the professors in the science departments seem to have my best interests in mind."
Read more ...

Read student voices from graduated students.

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Carthage biology major Bri Birsa, '11, has been awarded a grant from the Racine Zoological Society for her research on bats, bat activity and their habitats. Read more.