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Event for those seeking careers in science fields

Feb. 19, 2009

KALAMAZOO--Got a question? Ask an expert.

That's the idea behind a career event on Wednesday, Feb. 25, at Western Michigan University that is open to the community and will help those transitioning into science-related fields.

Called Strategies for Success, the event is from noon to 2 p.m. in Rooms 208-210 of the Bernhard Center. It will feature presentations by four students who either graduated from or attended WMU and are pursing science-related careers.

The four presenters are: Ted Hunter, a fourth-year medical student at Wayne State University, who attended WMU and received a bachelor's degree in theology from West Indies College and a master's degree in education from Andrews University; Krystal DeClerck, a fourth-year dental student at the University of Detroit Mercy, who graduated from WMU in 2003 with a bachelor's degree in biomedical sciences; Emily Yonker, a certified physician assistant in neurosurgery at Bronson Healthcare System, who graduated from WMU in 2003 with a bachelor's degree in music; and Michele Galloway, a fourth-year pharmacy student at Ferris State University, who graduated from WMU in 2003 with a bachelors degree in biomedical sciences.

Bob Miller, WMU associate vice president for community outreach, will make opening remarks.

This is the third event of its kind and is again being organized by Dr. David Huffman, WMU associate professor of chemistry. It is presented with the help of a five-year grant Huffman was awarded from the National Science Foundation's Faculty Early Career Development Program, known as the CAREER Program.

"For the students making presentations this year, things didn't come together for them immediately," Huffman says. "They all struggled to discover their passion and didn't get immediate acceptance into their careers. That's especially true now of many students, because of the economy and other factors."

Huffman says each of the presenters will tell their stories. The event is structured somewhat informally to allow those who attend to interact with presenters.

No reservations are needed to attend. A light lunch will be served.

For more information, call Dr. David Huffman, WMU associate professor of chemistry, at (269) 387-2865.

Media contact: Mark Schwerin, (269) 387-8400, mark.schwerin@wmich.edu

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