University News
WIU Biology Graduates Excel in Medical Fields
December 11, 2014
MACOMB, IL - Western Illinois University's Department of Biological Sciences provides its students with a strong base for pursuing a variety of career paths in medicine, dentistry, optometry, physical therapy, zoology, microbiology and botany.
Among the numerous graduates with solid academic backgrounds the department produces each year, the class of 2014 has produced many graduates who are furthering their education in the medical field.
Students who have moved on to pursue medical careers include:
• Haley Patterson, of Milledgeville, IL, will graduate next week with a bachelor's degree in biology with a medical sciences option and a minor in chemistry. Patterson will attend the Mayo Clinic Medical School in Rochester, MN, in Fall 2015.
At WIU, she was a member of the Centennial Honors College and was the Department of Biology's representative on the Arts and Sciences Student Council.
• Abigail Eckman, of Macomb, graduated in May with a double major in biology (medical sciences) and Spanish and a double minor in chemistry and mathematics. She began studying at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, in Springfield, IL, in August.
At WIU, she was a member of the Centennial Honors College.
• Abigail Davis, of Lakeville, IN, graduated in May with a degree in biology (medical sciences) and a triple minor in chemistry, mathematics and psychology. She began studying to be a physician assistant at Butler University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Indianapolis, IN, in August.
At WIU, she was a four-year member of the University's soccer team.
• Kara Chicoine, of Midlothian, IL, graduated in May with a degree in biology (microbiology) and a double minor in chemistry and philosophy. In Summer 2014, she began studying clinical lab science in the OSF at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL.
At WIU, she was a Spring 2014 Department of Biological Sciences Scholar and a member of the Centennial Honors College, Blue Key and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.
• Travis Hohenbery, of Macomb, graduated in May with a degree in biology (medical sciences) and a minor in chemistry. He began attending A.T. Still University in August and will continue on to Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, in Kirksville, MO, to become a doctor of osteopathic medicine.
At WIU, he was president of the Pre-Professional Health Club for two years and was a three-year member of Western's Emergency Medical Services (WEMS).
• Jeffrey Liles, of Lena, IL, graduated from WIU in 2012 with a degree in biology (medical sciences) and a minor in chemistry. He then received a master of science degree from WIU in August. He began attending Loyola Stritch School of Medicine at Loyola University - Chicago in August.
At WIU, he was a five-year member of the University's track and field team and vice president of the Student Government Association (SGA).
• Shelby Rogers, of Naperville, IL, graduated from WIU in August with a degree in biology (medical sciences) and a double minor in mathematics and chemistry. She began attending the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN, in August.
At WIU, she was a resident assistant for two years.
For more information about WIU's Department of Biological Sciences, visit wiu.edu/biology.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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