Name: Cristi (Bialas) Engel, MSRS, (R) (CV)
Profession: Radiologic Technology School Program Director
Professional School Attended: Mary Lanning School of Radiologic Technology
Hometown: Columbus, NE
UNK Major: Radiography Comprehensive, Class of 2000
Five Fun Facts:
Advice to Pre-Health Students:"Enjoy your time in college, get involved on campus, and make new friendships or connections. These relationships will help you in your future professional career. Also, have fun while keeping up on your studies. It is a competitive process to get accepted into a professional health career program so always keep your goal in mind when making decisions."
Most Memorable Moment at UNK:"I was only on campus for two years because I was accepted into the Mary Lanning School of Radiologic Technology for my junior and senior year. At that time there wasn't an option to stay in Kearney for class and clinical making my time at UNK brief. So, I would have to say my most memorable moment was getting accepted into a Radiography program. I couldn't have done it without the guidance and help of Peggy Abels. My second most memorable moment was during a Summer class and we were in a Tornado warning. We had to go over to the basement of the library for about half an hour. It was scary, but I was actually grateful because we didn't have access to the basement in the house that I was living in!"
Name: Kendra (Harbison) Fink
Profession: Optometry
Professional School Attended: Southern College of Optometry - Class of 2018
Hometown: Cozad, NE
UNK Major: Biology Comprehensive Major with a Health Science Emphasis - Class of 2014
Five Fun Facts:
Advice to Pre-Health Students: "Work hard at UNK! Learn as much as you can in undergrad, and you'll
be ahead of the game in professional school. The faculty at UNK does an excellent job preparing you, so take advantage of it!"
Most Memorable Moment at UNK: "Most of my favorite memories at UNK include playing pitch in Men's
Hall until the early morning. I loved campus life!"
Name: Dr. Janae M. (Nienhueser) Greer
Profession: Physical Therapist at Crossroads Physical Therapy -- Lincoln, NE
Professional School Attended: University of Nebraska Medical Center (Class of 2013)
Hometown: York, NE
UNK Major: Exercise Science (Class of 2010)
Five Fun Facts:
Advice to Pre-Health Students:"Study, study, study! Good study habits are great going into professional school. BUT, don't live in the library. Please find time to have some fun in college!; Get involved on/off campus. It's all about balance."
Most Memorable Moment at UNK:"My freshman year, my Chancellor's leadership class hosted a Mud Volleyball tournament in April. It ended up being very cold, but so much fun! Afterwards, we all piled into the back of our professors pick-up and he drove us through the car was to clean off."
Name: Dr. Andy Craig
Profession: Family Medicine Physician
Professional School Attended: University of Nebraska Medical Center (Class of 2013)
Hometown: Minden, NE
UNK Major: Exercise Science, Biology Minor (Class of 2007) | Post Bacc KHOP Program 8/2008-5/2009
Five Fun Facts:
Advice to Pre-Health Students:"Work hard, get involved, collect experiences both in and out of medicine. These experiences will help you relate to your patients some day. Utilize the resources that UNK has to offer, get to know your instructors and staff."
Most Memorable Moment at UNK:"Not one particular moment stands out, however I had many fun times meeting friends that are now different types of healthcare providers. The small/tight-knit classroom environment allows for you to meet and get close with your classmates, many of which I am still friends with today."
Name: Dr. Peter Longo
Profession: DDS, MS, Certificate in Orthodontics
Professional School Attended: University of Nebraska Medical Center (Class of 2012), Masters of Science & Certificate in Orthodontics (2014)
Hometown: Kearney, NE
UNK Major: Biology (May 2008)
Five Fun Facts:
Advice to Pre-Health Students:"Perseverance is vitally important to success. School, classes, instructors and LIFE can be challenging and difficult - but you will be successful if you just keep moving forward to the next challenge. Never give up on your dreams!"
Name: Dr. Brett Schaepler
Profession: PharmD, Pharmacist
Professional School Attended: University of Nebraska Medical Center (Class of 2016)
Hometown: Kearney, NE
UNK Major: Biology (May 2012)
Five Fun Facts:
Advice to Pre-Health Students:"Don't be afraid to challenge yourself at UNK. Get involved, work hard, and try and get the most out of your education/experiences on campus. UNK has endless resources for you to become successful in your future health profession, take advantage!"
Name: Shelby (Lehmann) Uhrich, RN BSN
Profession: Nursing
Professional School Attended: University of Nebraska Medical Center - College of Nursing, Kearney Division
Hometown: Eustis, NE
UNK Major: Pre-Nursing (2004) Bachelors of Science in Nursing (UNMC 2006)
Five Fun Facts:
Advice to Pre-Health Students:"STAY FOCUSED AND BE DISCIPLINED! It takes excellent grades, an above average GPA, and a plethora of knowledge in your arsenal to be considered for admission to professional school. It is easy to get caught up in the freedom of college, open schedules and extracurricular activities! It's important to stay on top of your classes and homework. With that said, take time to get out of your comfort zone, meet new people and look for jobs that could help you in your professional future!"
Name: Matthew Wecker, RN BSN
Profession: Nursing, Student Nurse Anesthetist (Bryan College of Health Sciences: Lincoln, NE)
Professional School Attended: University of Nebraska Medical Center - College of Nursing, Kearney Division (2013)
Hometown: O'Neill, NE
UNK Major: Pre-Nursing at UNK, Bachelors of Science in Nursing (UNMC 2013)
Five Fun Facts:
Advice to Pre-Health Students:
"Become involved in student organizations. They are great for so many reasons – meeting people with similar interests, stepping outside your comfort zone, preparing you for professional interactions, and having fun while improving yourself. Also, as a nurse and while advancing my degree, as I look back on my notes from Anatomy and Physiology with Dr. Steele, there is not one thing in any of my notes that I either did not use, or have not needed in school."
Most Memorable Moment at UNK:"Giving tours every day as s student diplomat; it is very difficult to put into words the pride for which I possess for UNK knowing I was a part of something so successful and pivotal for the college’s advancement. On a non-sappy note, going for a show in the planetarium is a near life-changing event. To my understanding, there are very few like it and is more than worth the experience."
Name: Chris Deans
Profession: Orthopaedic Surgery Resident
Professional School Attended: University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine (May 2016)
Hometown: Hemingford, NE
UNK Major: Biology, Philosophy Minor (May 2012)
Five Fun Facts:
Advice to Pre-Health Students:
"It may seem like a long road ahead – pre-requisite classes, pre-health classes, other requirements, professional school, etc – and it is a long road. But we in the health profession have a really bad habit of always looking forward to the next thing. We say we can’t wait until this test is over, then this class is over, then this year is over, etc, etc. The next thing you know you’ve been looking to the future for so long that you can’t seem to enjoy the present. So my advice would be to plan for the future, but live in and enjoy the present. If you don’t enjoy the journey along the way you will look back and realize that years have gone by and you can’t really be sure what you did besides classes. Do human things – go get a beer with some buddies on a weeknight, make a spontaneous trip out to see family or friends, travel, make memories. It will make you a better student and future health care professional, too."
"I look back on my time at UNK with great pride, particularly the moment my good buddy Blake Cover and I won UNK snuggies and proceeded to wear them to class the next day. They are both stylish and comfortable."
Name: Allison Kleier
Profession: Medical/Surgical Nurse at Bryan West in Lincoln, NE | Doctorate of Nursing Practice (Family Practice Nurse Practitioner) Student at Creighton University
Professional School Attended: University of Nebraska Medical Center - BSN (May 2015) | Anticipated Graduation Date from Creighton University May 2019
Hometown: Council Bluffs, IA
UNK Major: Pre-Nursing
Five Fun Facts:
Advice to Pre-Health Students:
"It may be difficult at first to decide where you want to end up in medicine. Shadow as many different professions in health care as you can. Not only will that help you solidify what you want to do, but it will allow you to understand how everyone works as a team. It's also good to get in a good study groove that fits your lifestyle. Make sure you are spending time with family and friends, but also achieving your dreams. I was very involved on UNK's campus. From Dance Team, Student Ambassadors, and being President of Gamma Phi Beta, I was constantly busy, but had a blast doing it. Definitely get involved and have fun!"
"For two summers I was part of the New Student Enrollment team. Not only was it a fun way to get to know all of the new students, it was an honor to represent UNK!"
Name: Blake Cover
Profession: Family Medicine Resident
Professional School Attended: University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine (May 2016)
Hometown: Kearney, NE
UNK Major: Business Administration - Finance Emphasis | Biology and Public Health Minors (May 2012)
Five Fun Facts:
Advice to Pre-Health Students:
"My advice to current Pre-Health Students would be to truly enjoy the now by working your tail off and cherishing the small victories/moments. Plan ahead, but live in the now. Most importantly, be flexible and remember why you are studying and working your tail off in order to give back by serving others that are most in need. It is easy to get caught up in your grades/tests, but focus on the process and you will be successful regardless of the outcome. Do not hesitate to reach out to the people that have gone before you. Pray, Hope, Don’t Worry – Padre Pio."
"I cannot single out one moment. The first would be playing baseball for four years, dog-piling after winning conference, the relationships that were built and traveling to regionals, and all the late night hitting and running stairs at Memorial Field. My second was wearing UNK snuggies during class with Dr. Christopher Deans, fellow UNK’er."
Name: Megan (Schliefert) Wilson
Profession: Physician Assistant
Professional School Attended: University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Allied Health Professions (December 2013)
Place of Current Employment: ENT Physicians of Kearney
Hometown: Kearney, NE
UNK Major: Chemistry with Molecular Biology Emphasis (May 2011)
Five Fun Facts:
How/why did you decide to pursue the healthcare field you have chosen:
"I always knew that I wanted a career in medicine. While shadowing, I found that Physician Assistants had the exact balance I was seeking. As a PA, I am able to hold my own clinics, first assist in the operating room, diagnose, treat, write prescriptions and develop my own relationships with patients, all alongside a physician. We are a team and the learning never stops."
Advice to Pre-Health Students:
"The best advice I can give to pre-health students at UNK is to take advantage of your resources, find the balance between work and play, and to surround yourself with individuals who have similar goals to you! What’s neat about UNK is the size. To this day, I am still in contact with, not only past professors, but classmates who are now my healthcare colleagues. You may even meet your spouse!"
Most Memorable Moment at UNK:
"While at UNK, I had the opportunity to work in the lab under Drs. Darveau and Exstrom. This involved both hours during the summer and the school year working to improve the efficiency of solar cells. I will never forget the moment the Raman machine read back “CIBS!” Unfortunately, it was a false positive. But, this was the moment I not only realized how important research was, but that, even at UNK, you can change the world."
Name: Lance Wilson
Profession: Pharmacist
Professional School Attended: University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy (May 2015)
Place of Current Employment: Walgreens
Hometown: Grant, NE
UNK Major: Biology - Health Science Emphasis (May 2011)
Five Fun Facts:
How/why did you decide to pursue the healthcare field you have chosen:
"Careers in healthcare were always on the top off my lists of jobs I would like to have growing up. In healthcare, you get to help other people on a daily basis and you can make a huge impact on their lives. I eventually chose to pursue pharmacy because I was always interested in how certain medications worked to treat various ailments. Getting a job in a retail pharmacy during my freshman year at UNK helped confirm pharmacy was a good career for me."
Advice to Pre-Health Students:
"My biggest piece of advice would be to have fun and enjoy yourself when you can. As a Pre-Health student you are probably very busy trying to build your resume to get into a competitive school and that can be pretty stressful. Make sure to meet other people and experience life outside of the classroom as well. Also, make sure to research careers you are interested in well and try to do some job shadowing. I never knew there were so many different opportunities in my own profession until I got to pharmacy school."
"Too many single out! All the friends met (including my wife), professors/mentors that you build relationships with, countless hours spent in labs and on research projects, graduation, finding out I was accepted into pharmacy school, etc."
Name: Jillian Kongsjord
Profession: Dental Hygienist
Professional School Attended: University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry (May 2016)
Place of Current Employment: Parks Family Dental and Milford Family Dental
Hometown: Seward, NE
UNK Major: Biology
Five Fun Facts:
How/why did you decide to pursue the healthcare field you have chosen:
"I wanted to do something to help people and was interested in the connection between oral health and health of the whole body."
Advice to Pre-Health Students:
"Pay attention to the basics and it will make learning everything later much easier."
Most Memorable Moment at UNK:
"Cultural fairs in the Union!"
Name: Kole Kugler, D.D.S
Profession: General Dentistry
Professional School Attended: UNMC College of Dentistry, Lincoln, NE
Hometown: Eustis, NE
UNK Major: Biology, December 2007
Five Fun Facts:
Advice to Pre-Health Students: "Work hard, stay focused, and never give up on yourself or your goals. We all know that it is important to maintain a solid GPA, but becoming a well-rounded individual is what separates a good professional/applicant from a great one. Being able to relate and converse with your patients is an awesome skill and it greatly improves the patient experience. Get involved in something and begin the habit of staying informed on what is going on in the world around us.
The road to become a healthcare professional is a challenging one and can seem forever away, but believe me, it goes by fast. I can still remember walking to my very first class at UNK like it was yesterday. Take it a day at a time, live in the moment and know the sacrifice will be well worth it in the end. Lastly, do your research and make sure that whatever route you choose is something you could see yourself doing every day at the highest level for 30+ years."
Most Memorable Moment at UNK: "There isn't really one big moment that I could classify as "Most Memorable," rather I often think back at my entire time at UNK as memorable. I got to meet some great people, had an awesome time, and earned a top-notch education. UNK is a special place, take advantage of your time there."
Name: Kaylyn Rogers
Profession: Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)
Professional School Attended: UNMC
Hometown: Ewing, NE
UNK Major: Biology
Five Fun Facts:
Advice to Pre-Health Students: "Enjoy your time at UNK! Get involved in campus life, there are so many opportunities. Challenge yourself to get out of your comfort zone by trying new things, meeting new people and making connections with UNK faculty. Strive to do your best (GPA is important!), but don’t get caught up in exams and grades. Be sure you are taking time to learn how to study and are able to apply what you are learning to your future profession."
Most Memorable Moment at UNK: "There is not one specific moment that stands out as most memorable. I loved being a student at UNK. The class size really allowed me to get to know my classmates and professors. I see professors around Kearney and they still remember me from when I was a student at UNK! I met my husband at UNK and made many other lasting friendships."
Name: Dr. McKenzie (Wiese) Behrendt, OTD
Profession: Occupational Therapist at Family Physical Therapy
Professional School Attended: Creighton University
Hometown: Filley, NE
UNK Major: Exercise Science (Class of 2012)
Five Fun Facts:
Advice to Pre-Health Students:
Get out there and OBSERVE multiple professions, within and outside of your field of interest. It may confirm your passions and desires or steer you in another way you never considered.
Stay on campus during the weekends and be active in at least one organization, intramural, or club. You’ll create an identity and fall more in love with UNK and the friendships you create.
Take advantage of the student resources and have them critique your resume and conduct a mock interview. It can make or break your acceptance into professional school.
Most Memorable Moment at UNK:
One of my most memorable moments at UNK was during an intramural basketball game. I had my first blocked shot of the game… unfortunately it was my own teammate who I blocked. Don’t ask me how that happened.
Name: Kalen Farr, 2nd year Podiatry student
Profession: Podiatric Medical Student
Professional School Attended: Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine
Hometown: Cambridge, NE
UNK Major: Exercise Science (Class of 2016)
Five Fun Facts:
Advice to Pre-Health Students:
I encourage all pre-health students to job shadow your respective profession as much as possible! Being able to watch the day-to-day operations of someone currently in your field is a wonderful tool, and the health community in Kearney is top tier at giving UNK students those opportunities. If you’re not quite sure what you want to pick a career in but the health field is still appealing to you, do a variety of job shadowing!
Most Memorable Moment at UNK:
My most memorable moment(s) at UNK took place during the summer of 2015 as a New Student Enrollment Leader. It was awesome getting to see all the excited, nervous, and eager faces on the new freshman. They had no idea how much fun they were about to have in the coming 4 years. Took me all the way back to my enrollment day!
Name: Brock Stonacek
Profession: Funeral Director and Embalmer, Stonacek Funeral Chapel
Professional School Attended: Kansas City Kansas Community College
Hometown: Pierce, NE
UNK Major: Business Administration, Health Science Minor (Class of 2012)
Five Fun Facts:
Advice to Pre-Health Students:
Become involved and learn as much as you can from job-shadowing and volunteering because everything you learn and observe will help mold you into who you are in the profession that you choose.
Most Memorable Moment at UNK:
I have so many!! It would be hard to pick just one!
Name: Dr. Jami Schmidt
Profession: PharmD, Pharmacist at Hilltop Drugs Etc., Neligh, NE
Professional School Attended: University of Nebraska Medical Center (2004)
Hometown: Ewing, NE
UNK Major: Pre-Pharmacy (Bachelor's of Science in Health Science, 2001)
Five Fun Facts:
Advice to Pre-Health Students:
Study hard and take your classes seriously. Get involved in everything that you can, not only academically but also
community service activities. It is also very beneficial to get a job in the field that you are planning a career
in. If you don’t get a job, be sure to do a lot of shadowing.
Most Memorable Moment at UNK:
Meeting my future husband!
Name: Adam Liess, DPT
Profession: Doctor of Physical Therapy, Kearney Physical Therapy
Professional School Attended: University of Nebraska Medical Center (2016)
Hometown: Kearney, NE
UNK Major: Athletic Training (May 2013 BS in Athletic Training)
Five Fun Facts:
Advice to Pre-Health Students:
Make sure to get involved in activities outside of academics. Everyone applying to professional schools have great GPAs, so you need something that sets you apart. Most often, this is through extra-curricular activities. Also, study hard, but still have fun! You only have once opportunity to be a college student, so make sure you make some good memories with friends.
Most Memorable Moment at UNK:
I have many good memories from UNK, but the one that stands out the most to me was being able to work the Division 2 wrestling national championship matches as an athletic training student. During the championship, I was able to be right next to the mat, and that was really cool.
Name: Alli (Fuller) Koester, PA-C
Profession: Physician Assistant (PA-C), General Surgery Associates in Lincoln, NE
Professional School Attended: UNMC (2013) and then Wichita State University (2016)
Hometown: Kearney, NE
UNK Major: Pre-Radiation Sciences
Five Fun Facts:
Advice to Pre-Health Students: "Be involved in as much as you can - shadowing, volunteering, working, activities on campus, the more the better! Don't be afraid to explore many different health care career options. Keep an open mind and pursue what you are passionate about!
How/Why did you pursue the Healthcare Field you have chosen: Prior to PA school, I was an X-Ray Tech. I loved the math and science behind the imaging, but wanted more interaction with patients. Being a PA lets me develop a deeper connection to my patients and help them on a more intimate level.
Name: Lindsey Zeboski
Profession: Dentist (D.D.S), White House Comprehensive Dentistry, North Platte, NE
Professional School Attended: Creighton University
Hometown: North Platte, NE
UNK Major: Business Administration
Five Fun Facts:
Advice to Pre-Health Students: "Find your passion and do not let anyone or anything get in your way! If you really want something, you will find a way to get there!"
How/Why did you pursue the Healthcare Field you have chosen: "I was always interested in healthcare but unsure what I wanted to do when I started college. I decided I could not go wrong with a Business Degree and later chose to pursue dental school. It seemed like it was the perfect fit as it combined all of my interests. I would be able to work in healthcare, do something with my hands (I love art) AND be a business owner. Perfect fit. I have found my calling - I love what I do and helping give people their smile back!"
Name: Leah Stade
Profession: Occupational Therapist
Hometown: Kearney, NE
UNK Major: Park and Recreation Managment with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation
Five Fun Facts:
Advice to Pre-Health Students: "Get involved in campus activities, as well as community activities. It is important to have a group, professional, business, athletic, or hobby, that you can connect with and engage in! Get to know your professors and other campus staff, they will be a great asset in finding your place in life. The great thing about Kearney is that it is a larger community that maintains a small town feel. The community loves to support UNK students!"
How/Why did you pursue the Healthcare Field you have chosen: "In looking for a career, I knew I wanted to work in a field that did not require a large amount of time in a desk and that interacted with people. I liked Medicine, but want to be able to spend a large amount of time with each patient. Physical therapy seemed like a natural fit with my athletic background, but deep in my heart I knew I wanted to meet people in the most important setting of their days. This is where I found Occupational Therapy and the role that we play in people's day to day functions and occupations!"