Biology Success Stories

  • Biology Alumni Reaching Higher

    We are so proud of our alumni, students, faculty and staff! Here are a few of the success stories that we just had to share. How well does the Biology Department at Saint Francis University prepare the next generation of researchers, health care professionals, and educators? We'll let our recent graduates speak for us!

  • Eric Echard, Class of 2006

    “Saint Francis University is truly a first-rate, hidden gem as far as a collegiate educational experience is concerned. My personal dream was to become a dentist, and I can tell you that Saint Francis University provides the perfect learning environment for the dedicated student. I spent my freshman year of college and subsequent summer at two large universities before attending Saint Francis. This first difficult year of school really helped me to recognize just how special Saint Francis University is for a person who dreams of someday getting into a professional program. The professors at Saint Francis are teachers first-and-foremost; they are not researchers looking to advance their own personal careers like the majority of professors at larger universities. This, coupled with the fact that it is a small school, means that each student receives a higher degree of personal attention. The Biology department at Saint Francis is simply wonderful. They are kind, friendly and willing to do whatever they can to help a student reach his or her ultimate goal.”

  • Dr. Matthew Mastrine, Class of 2004

    “My educational experience at Saint Francis University prepared me immeasurably on a personal, academic, and professional level for my continuation in the optometry profession. Saint Francis gave me the confidence and support to seek a fulfilling career in optometry. My coursework was an excellent preparation and foundation for graduate school. My advisors and professors were among the best I have ever had. I am extremely grateful for the education, exceptional opportunities, and encouragement. I have no doubt that I would not be the person that I am today both personally and professionally without the education I received at Saint Francis University.”

  • Angela Mazzei, Class of 2007

    “I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at Saint Francis University, both academically and socially. The biology program adequately prepared me for pharmacy school at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM). The biology department at SFU is highly devoted to their profession and to helping students succeed beyond their stay at SFU. The faculty was always very supportive, and they helped me in choosing a career that best fit my goals and aspirations. The biology program at SFU provided me with an educational foundation necessary to be successful in pharmacy school.”

  • Holly Nadorlik, Class of 2005

    “Some undergraduates may come to college with plans to attend medical school, but in my case, I made the decision while I was a student at Saint Francis. Fortunately, I was at a university with an excellent academic reputation and a strong science curriculum. I can honestly say that my background as a biology major prepared me well for the rigors of medical school (Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine), and my basic science background from Saint Francis was an excellent foundation for the first two years of medical school. I can remember several occasions where I worked with faculty in their offices one-on-one to go over lab reports or classroom concepts. The faculty attention you'll receive as part of your education at Saint Francis is really second to none, and whatever your career aspirations may be, you will definitely leave Saint Francis prepared for any path you choose."

  • Matthew Stephens, Class of 2007

    “Saint Francis provided me with a fantastic education, both scholastically and personally, which contributed to my acceptance into and success in medical school (MD program at the Penn State College of Medicine). The preparation was extremely personalized and provided by faculty who were truly interested in my success. Given the choice to go to any undergraduate university in the country, I would choose Saint Francis again in a heartbeat.”

  • Dr. Jennifer Yonker, Class of 2004

    “I received a great education at St. Francis University. The small class sizes were wonderful for really getting to know my professors. The biology faculty were more than willing to help in any way. Their support and mentoring were invaluable for my being accepted to veterinary school at Ohio State University.”

  • Jesse Felts

    • Hometown: Baltimore, MD
    • Major: Biology, Pre-Professional
    • Minors: Philosophy, Religious Studies
    • Job/Grad Placement: Accepted into Penn State’s Medical School in Hershey

    Community. That’s the first word that comes to mind when I think of Saint Francis University. Since day one I have been accepted by my fellow students here, and that has freed me to accept and appreciate others who I’ve met over these past four years here. There’s a closeness here that I can’t quite imagine anywhere else. Everyone’s in it together—both the joys of a beautiful, fun weekend and the struggles of tests and papers amidst the snow storms. We support each other. There’s a great deal of mutual respect for everyone’s personal interests, activities, and future aspirations. I’ve been told to “dream big” by my mentors here, which fits right in with our “reach high and go far” motto. My college experience here has been one of exciting discovery and personal revelation. All aspects of this community experience have contributed to my realization of my calling to become a medical doctor. Saint Francis University has helped me discover the desire in my heart to serve “the least of my brothers” and to give back to my community wherever I am. Upper classman and faculty mentors instilled in me the confidence to pursue these aspirations no matter how “high” or “far” they may seem. I have come to realize that these passions are a gift from God—a calling, if you will—and to follow one’s passion in serving humanity in one way or another is to live the good life. I want to thank everyone in the Saint Francis Community who has made my journey here a memorable one. It truly is different up here. The Franciscan spirit of community, service, peace, joy, and love has changed my life. I am eternally grateful.

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