"When I was at CBU I was given much opportunity to interact with the professors (unlike big schools). I am currently doing my doctorate degree in biochemistry, which I say was mostly due to courses that I took while at CBU."
Quick Facts
Program: B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Graduation Year: 2014
Current Job Title: Graduate Student
Hometown: Kigali, Rwanda
Current City: West Lafayette, IN
Life at CBU
Why did you choose your major? What interested you in this particular field of study?
In my country, I studied biology and chemistry. Since these were the two sciences
that I was most confident in I continued with them when I was in college. I got interested
in this field because I initially wanted to go to medical school and I wanted a course
background that would help me navigate medical school with ease. However, I started
getting even more interested in cell pathways.
What did you like about being in this program at CBU?
Most importantly, I would say I like the Christian atmosphere at CBU. One example,
would be praying before class (I really miss this). In addition, when I was at CBU
I was given much opportunity to interact with the professors (unlike big schools).
Moreover, I was given an opportunity to be a teaching assistant for chemistry labs,
which I would say was the spark for my passion and future career in teaching.
What did you think about your professors?
They were very close and monitored my progress. They gave me opportunities so that
I can better myself as a scientist. They showed me outside opportunities, which led
to my success as CBU alumni. One of them even suggested the church I had to go to
once I was in graduate school. Now this church has been a blessing for my life. In
brief they cared about my academic and spiritual growth.
Did you complete an internship?
I did, in my country in the King Faisal hospital. I was working in the department
of histopathology. I was able to experience first-hand what happens when diagnosis
of tissues and cell occurs.
Did you participate in anything else at CBU?
I was a student worker. This was a good opportunity for me to build my relationships
with people outside of class.
How did you grow (spiritually, socially, educationally) while in this program at CBU?
I became a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ while attending CBU.
Did your major help you figure out your purpose?
Yes, it did. I am currently doing my doctorate degree in biochemistry, which I say
was mostly due to courses that I took while at CBU.
Life after CBU
What have you done since graduating?
I am pursuing my graduate degree now and doing research in structural biology. While
at Purdue I received the Lynn Fellowship intended to recruit outstanding Ph.D. track
students to interdisciplinary graduate programs at Purdue University. I also received
the Purdue University Graduate School summer research grant. In addition to my academic
life, I am a worship leader at my church in the international ministry.
How has your major and time at CBU prepared you for your life and career after college?
I would say because of my teaching experience at CBU, I did not have a hard time being
a teaching assistant at Purdue University.
Is there anything you learned at CBU that you still use in your professional life
today?
During one the courses that I took at CBU, BIO430 Lab Techniques Molecular Biology,
I was able to learn cloning techniques, which I still use up to this date.
How are you making a difference in the world? How are you living your purpose?
I am making a difference by preaching the gospel to multiple fellow students who do
not know about Jesus Christ (Purdue has one of the highest Asian populations). I work
with the international ministry and teach English using the Bible.
Would you recommend CBU to others?
I would certainly recommend CBU to others because the professors are invested in the
students’ life and there is more opportunity for spiritual growth.