MMG Current Student Testimonials

“I applied to UVM originally as an animal science major. I knew I wanted to go into some form of medicine, whether it was animals or humans, and thought that majoring in some field of science would be fun and prepare me well. However, a few months before entering UVM as a freshman, I discovered the MMG department on some brochure and decided to check out the curriculum and courses. I found that it was just what I needed! I wanted to learn the intricate details of science and challenge my mind to its fullest in college. That very same day I changed my major and entered UVM as an MMGer. The whole summer before college, people kept saying to me, "are you sure you want to do that to yourself? That is going to be a hard route to take!" In the meantime I sat there knowing I would not regret it and could do whatever I put my mind to. I proved everyone wrong and ended up excelling in MMG and learning more than I could ever imagine. As a senior I now look back and there are no regrets! I look at how far I've come and how much experience and knowledge I have gained in the last four years. My learning style has become very efficient and not only have I developed superior laboratory techniques, but I have also been able to work with my own research projects and understand the real-life aspect of it. The excellence of MMG, however, does not stop at the education, but continues along the personal level. I have been able to learn and work among a small tight-knit community of devoted faculty and students who care. The people I have met display some of the most unique and incredible personalities I have ever come upon. I will truly miss the MMG community after I graduate, but know that I will be taking with me a huge chunk of knowledge and experience that few people could even dream of. I will enter medical school in the fall of 2007 and thanks to my MMG education, I have no doubts that I will succeed! Kudos to MMG!”

Janne, microbiology major graduating in May 2006

“I like many students came to UVM interested in science and the possibility of medicine. I started in the MMG department from my first year, and I never considered switching majors. The upper level labs are limited in size and are taught by faculty members that have years of experience in teaching techniques such as human tissue culture, DNA manipulation, and clinical microbiology. In addition to gaining hands-on real-world experience, the lectures are taught by clinical investigators both in the MMG department and the Medical College which highlights the practicality of the education. The same investigators are also looking for students to help with cutting edge research, and I had the privilege to work in a lab doing my own research on DNA mutagenesis where I earned a co-authorship in a scientific journal article. The department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics provided me with close faculty relationships and educational opportunities that prepared me to be a competitive medical school applicant. I am amazed with the skills I developed, and I am excited to be continuing my education at UVM College of Medicine in the fall.”

Joe, microbiology major graduating in May 2006

“There's not simple way to explain to family and friends what exactly my major is about when I mention things like Molecular Cloning Lab, Mammalian Cell Culture, and Eukaryotic Virology as coursework. To the outsider, it seems very complicated. To the rising student however, this becomes a body of knowledge based on current and ongoing studies. Other biological science degrees are akin to being just another face in the crowd after college. To be able to say you've majored in Molecular Genetics or Microbiology to a potential employer or during a grad school interview is something altogether unique, and generally receives an interested raised eyebrow. That's exactly the kind of response that can get you to your goals after your undergrad years.”

Josh, molecular genetics major graduating in May 2006

“I absolutely love the MMG department. Unlike other departments, MMG is truly dedicated to the success of the students. The classes are small and the labs are very challenging and bring the real world of research to your fingertips. It’s a great learning environment because the students are truly dedicated to their studies. The small class size is really nice because by the end of the semester classmates often end up being some of your best friends. The professors are excellent teachers. They are very insightful and willing to go out of their way to help you. They are dedicated to the students and their success. I know that I’ve relied a lot on my professors for advice about classes to take and how to prepare for the future. I don’t really think of MMG as a department but more as a community of individuals who help each other to tackle new challenges in our exploration of the molecular world.”

Nicole, junior majoring in microbiology

“The best part of MMG is that it feels like a family. Everyone there wants you to succeed and be happy. The courses challenge, but the teachers are always there to help explain things, they challenge us to help us learn and grow, not to break us down. The labs are a nice comfortable size that allows individuality and camaraderie at the same time, all while gaining invaluable experience. Although you are assigned a specific advisor, I have found that really every staff member there to be helpful in his/her own way, giving advice and reality checks when needed and asked for.”

Joy-El, junior majoring in molecular genetics

“If you want the edge of scientific research and technology, you want the UVM Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics. The MMG faculty, labs, equipment, and courses all reflect a philosophy of excellence. You'll take part in cloning experiments, learn intricate lab techniques, and earn experience that'll go a long way toward helping you with a career in a wide variety of related disciplines. And while you're at it, you can join our experienced researchers in conducting important and interesting experiments that could help shape the world just a little way down the road. If you want to find out what you're made of, join UVM MMG.”

JP, junior majoring in molecular genetics

"Being a part of MMG means having amazing research experience as an undergraduate, teachers and advisors who go out of their way to help you learn and plan, and tons of opportunities that you can't get anywhere else."

Erica, junior majoring in molecular genetics

“The great thing about the MMG department is since the department is smaller than most, it’s easy to get close to not only the faculty and professors, but to fellow MMGer's as well. Since Vermont's medical program is for lack of a better word, awesome, there are many openings to volunteer or help in a research lab. The experience and feedback given by the MMG program is amazing. Since it is a microbiology and molecular genetics department, of course most of the students doing the major are nerds, usually huge science nerds, but that's what makes us stand out. We are actively involved in other sports, or around campus, and being nerds, we know the nerd way to have fun, and get along (don't lie to yourself - you know what I'm talking about). You truly are not just another number in crowd, you are distinguished and recognized.”

Caroline, sophomore majoring in microbiology