Student Testimonials
The faculty members of the Department of Biology at Illinois Wesleyan University are committed to the success of our students. Through diverse research interests, core courses that emphasize biological concepts, exposure to technical and complex areas of science, and experiential learning, we offer students foundational training for continued careers in health professions, research, teaching and public service, as well as in many other areas. While providing a strong education in Biology, we maintain the philosophy that a liberal arts education is conducive to the development of an ethical life of learning and critical thinking. Our mission guide students towards the realization of their potential, a life of independent thinking and continued intellectual development.
I was a person for whom a large university was simply not a good fit. I desired direct access with my professors and a more personalized approach to my education. From day one, I was provided opportunities to develop meaningful relationships with my professors. The biology department invested into my education and life to help me grow into the person I am today. I am currently a second-year medical student at Rush University, where I am involved in research, global health, community health fairs, and screening for social determinants of health – all of which have been influenced by the relationships and my time at Illinois Wesleyan.
- Abby Winters '18
My time at IWU helped me discover who I truly was: what inspired me, what motivated me, and what I could see myself doing for the rest of my life. My experiences with the biology faculty, in and out of the classroom, pushed me to my full potential and helped me matriculate to Rush Medical College, in Chicago, after graduation. It has been a long and difficult process but I wouldn't change it for the world, and Illinois Wesleyan was the foundation for it all. I will be graduating with my medical doctorate in 2020 with goals of becoming a physician-scientist in the field of neurology.
- Blake Beehler '16
In my search for a university, I was looking for an institution that would prepare me well for medical school and provide opportunities to grow in other areas of my life. I received a foundation of scientific knowledge in a personal environment where the main priority and passion of professors is teaching and I was able to engage and form relationships with my instructors and classmates. I pursued musical interests and researched in the Philippines for two months as a part of the IWU Freeman Asia Internship Program. I was also afforded the chance to shadow a physician in the community for 40 hours in a month as part of the medical externship program, which helped cement my decision to pursue a career in healthcare. Having now completed the preclinical years of medical school Loyola University Chicago's Stritch School of Medicine, I am very grateful for the valuable preparation I received through the biology program at IWU inside and outside the classroom.”
- Piotr Barnas '17
