We asked a cross section of Otterbein Chemistry graduates to describe their job and give advice to students.
| David A. Vastine, Milford, Ohio |
| B.A. Chemistry, Otterbein College |
| Employed by The University Hospital-Health Alliance |
| Position: First Year Internal Medicine Resident |
What are your job duties? "My responsibilities include the admission of patients to the hospital and all aspects of patient care, such as ordering lab tests, x-rays, and CT scans. Eventually I follow up on these results and synthesize all data from the patient's history into a diagnosis and treatment plan. I also interact with patient families in both the hospital and clinic setting. I also attend clinical conferences and lectures to stay current about evolving ways to treat patients."
What is your advice to students? "A career as a physician requires interpersonal communication skills, writing skills, analytical and logical problem solving skills, and an inquisitive nature. I encourage any student to tutor others, serve as a teaching assistant, and help your colleagues. Some say that to teach is to learn twice over, and this is very true. In medicine, the key is to be able to talk to people to foster patient care. Otterbein College is a great place to develop these skills."
| Whitney Signoracci, Columbus, Ohio |
| B.S. Chemistry, Otterbein College |
| Employed by Roxanne Laboratories, Boehringer-Ingelheim |
| Position: Scientist II |
What are your job duties? "I am a scientist in analytical development. I assist formulators in their efforts to make generic pharmaceuticals. I develop methods to test different chemical and physical properties of drugs. This involves research, development of procedures, validation of procedures, writing of technical reports, and lots of communication with others. I also have the opportunity to attend classes and seminars to keep up to date with technology, and to learn new instrumentation. The skills gathered during independent study and research at Otterbein College prepared me for my current job. The experiences gave me the knowledge to think analytically and independently, as well as, gave me confidence in my work. I also had the opportunity to participate in some seminars while at Otterbein, and these experiences were life changing! I learned how to present data to peers, how to conduct research experiments, and how to write technical papers."
What is your advice to students? "I would advise prospective chemistry students to find the thing that makes them interested in chemistry and dive into it as deep as possible. Explore the topic that interests you, and use it as a learning tool for your life. I would also advise students to not give up when things are hard to understand. Otterbein College is small enough that you do not slip though the cracks. There is always help at hand. Also, students should become active with the Chemistry Department. I know I learned a lot by tutoring, being a teacher's assistant, and being a chemistry student representative."
| Michael Walsh, Columbus, Ohio |
| B. S. Chemistry, Otterbein College |
| Master of Science, Food Science |
| Employed by Abbott Laboratories/Ross Division |
| Position: Research Chemist |
What are your job duties? "I design and develop flavor systems for nutritional products. This process involves trouble shooting problematic ingredients and analyzing and studying the chemical composition of target flavor products. I also serve as a food science consultant. Analytical chemistry and a Master's in Food Science have provided me with invaluable skills for my work. Working in the food service business while I was in high school and college was helpful. The following jobs actually HELPED me start at Ross as an analytical chemist: Purchase Order Clerk (I had to purchase a lot of equipment); Baker (making food), Lab Assistant (working with chemicals) and Restaurant Work (working with diverse people)."
What is your advice to students? "Chemistry is an excellent stepping stone to a career in science. Corporations look for people with experience in more than one field. Double majors, internships, and previous employment are all important. Keep an open mind. Your ultimate career may not be in chemistry at all. Many people I know with undergraduate degrees in science, have MBAs or have taken other career paths where a background in science has been helpful."
| Anne Ciecko, St. Paul, Minnesota |
| B. S., Otterbein College |
| Master of Forensic Science, The George Washington University |
| Employed by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension |
| Position: Forensic Scientist |
What are your job duties? "As part of my career I examine evidence and report results to law enforcement and attorneys. I also testify in court proceedings as an expert witness. My job requires the ability to work with a variety of people, sometimes in stressful circumstances. I also have to be detail oriented and consistent in my work. I had two science-related positions before going into forensics that allowed me to gain very specialized and unique experiences working in laboratories. My experience with leading edge technology was helpful as well."
What is your advice to students? "My science education, which originated at Otterbein College, gave me a solid education that I needed to pursue my specialized career in forensics. An education in science, particularly in biology and chemistry, can bring you a variety of opportunities, some of which are pleasant surprises. When I was at Otterbein, I never would have imagined the career I have today."
