Drawing on our expertise and research, we serve the diverse needs of the community. Our faculty is dedicated to enabling students to use scientific approaches to discovery.
New breakthroughs
Drawing on our expertise and research, we serve the diverse needs of the community. Our faculty is dedicated to enabling students to use scientific approaches to discovery.
New breakthroughs
Drawing on our expertise and research, we serve the diverse needs of the community. Our faculty is dedicated to enabling students to use scientific approaches to discovery.
New breakthroughs
Drawing on our expertise and research, we serve the diverse needs of the community. Our faculty is dedicated to enabling students to use scientific approaches to discovery.
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:
Favorite Musician or Group: Currently, Thomas Rhett, Old Dominion and Sam Hunt, but I will always love listening to '90s alternative and hip-hop.
Favorite Restaurant: El Toro, The Cheesecake Factory and Fuji
Favorite Movie: 16 Candles
Favorite UNK Instructors: Dr. Steele (Anatomy & Physiology) and Dr. Amstutz (Physics)
Hobbies: golf, jogging, and camping with my family
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 haveto 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:
Favorite Musician or Group: Colbie caillat
Favorite Restaurant: Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken (a Memphis delicacy!!)
Favorite Movie: Good Will Hunting
Favorite UNK Instructors: Dr. Shaffer, Dr. Glass, Dr. Simon, Dr. Reichart (How can anyone decide?)
Hobbies: volleyball, basketball, pretending to know how to cook
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 doesan 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:
Favorite Musician or Group: Eric Hutchinson
Favorite Restaurant: Toast or Leadbelly in Lincoln
Favorite Movie: Serendipity
Favorite UNK Instructors: I had a lot of great instructors, but a few of my favorites were: Dr. Greg Brown, Mary Iten and Dr. Janet Steele
Hobbies: Well, I just had my first child, so he's currently my favorite and only hobby. But I also enjoy crafting, exercising and baking.
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:
Favorite Musician or Group: Walk Off The Earth and Garth Brooks
Favorite Restaurant: Dave Craig's Kitchen (my dad's)
Favorite Movie: The Grinch (Jim Carrey version)
Favorite UNK Instructors: Peg Abels, Paul Twigg, Kim Carlson, Darby Carlson, Julie Shaffer
Hobbies: playing guitar, woodworking, sports, working, spending time with family
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:
Favorite Musician or Group: Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bob Marley
Favorite Restaurant: Flippin Sweet Pizza
Favorite Movie: Good Will Hunting
Favorite UNK Instructors: too many to name, but if I had to pick a few...Dr. Keith Geluso and Dr. Paul Twigg
Hobbies: family!
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!"
Most Memorable Moment at UNK:"Graduation Day. Not because I was ready to leave UNK, quite the opposite actually. Rather because I felt so proud of that UNK degree and I truly understood that my education from UNK set the foundation for success in life."
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:
Favorite Musician or Group: The Black Keys, Alt-J, Alabama Shakes
Favorite Restaurant: Suwanee Thai Cuisine
Favorite Movie: Lord of the Rings: Return of the King
Favorite UNK Instructors: I had all great professors at UNK, but a few of my favorites are Dr. Janet Steele, Dr. Keith Geluso and Dr. Annette Moser.
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!"
Most Memorable Moment at UNK:"My most memorable moment at UNK was getting to work with Dr. Janet Steele in the animal research laboratory. It was challenging and interesting on a daily basis and I am grateful that I had the opportunity to work in the lab. Graduation day was also one of my most memorable moments. It was a nice reminder that hard work pays off in the end!"
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:
Favorite Musician or Group: Dave Matthews Band
Favorite Restaurant: The Cellar
Favorite Movie: Steele Magnolias
Favorite UNK Instructors: Dr. Steele
Hobbies: spending time with my family, golfing and scrapbooking
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!"
Most Memorable Moment at UNK:"ALPHA PHI BID DAY! I absolutely loved the connections I made going Greek! The support I received throughout my UNK career from my A-PHI sisters, as well as other Greek brothers and sisters, was out of this world! Many of those connections are still a vital part of my adult life today."
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:
Favorite Musician or Group: You can never go wrong with Dave Matthews Band
Favorite Restaurant: Red Lobster
Favorite Movie: Forrest Gump
Favorite UNK Instructors: Dr. Janet Steele, Biology
Hobbies: Watching Husker football, hunting, playing with my 1 year old daughter
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:
Favorite Musician or Group: Right now...Chris Stapleton
Favorite Restaurant: I love me some Mongolian BBQ.
Favorite Movie: Tombstone
Favorite UNK Instructors: Dr. Thomas Martin was always a favorite. Dr Trantham helped me through a rough physics class. And of course the always amazing Peggy Abels and Elizabeth Stout.
Hobbies: Spending time with the wifey - cooking, staying active, exploring, reading non-medical literature, hunting
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."
Most Memorable Moment at UNK:
"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:
Favorite Musician or Group: Tim McGraw and Faith Hill
Favorite Restaurant: Blue Sushi
Favorite Movie: Anything from Disney, Up, Jurassic Park, Star Wars
Favorite UNK Instructors: I had great professors both at UNK and UNMC, but I have to say my favorite would be everyone in Academic Advising and Career Development. I worked there for four years and I had a wonderful support system!
Hobbies: I love to read books, run and craft.
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!"
Most Memorable Moment at UNK:
"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:
Favorite Musician or Group: Dave Matthews Band
Favorite Restaurant: All restaurants that serve tasty food.
Favorite Movie: The Pistol
Favorite UNK Instructors: Dr. Kenneth Trantham, Dr. Karl Borden, Dr. Suzanne Hayes, Peggy Abels
Hobbies: spending time with my wife Sarah and two sons, Luke and Micah along with our extended family. Going to mass and Eucharistic adoration - learning more about my faith. Hunting, backpacking/hiking, snowboarding, athletics - baseball, basketball, football, golf, and running. Drinking coffee.
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."
Most Memorable Moment at UNK:
"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:
Favorite Musician or Group: Currently Brett Eldrege, but Garth Brooks has always been my favorite.
Favorite Restaurant: I love Chinese food!
Favorite Movie: Favorite movie is too hard, but The Voice is my favorite show.
Favorite UNK Instructors: Drs. Wubbels, Steele, Twigg, Darveau and Exstrom
Hobbies: In our free time we love to travel, even if it is a short weekend trip to Omaha or to see family. We also love spoiling our dog, Knox, and have recently spent time preparing for our newest addition, arriving in June.
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:
Favorite Musician or Group: Eric Church
Favorite Restaurant: Texas Roadhouse, but I really enjoy eating at new places and trying new things.
Favorite Movie: No favorite movie, but favorite TV series would be Game of Thrones
Favorite UNK Instructors: Dr. Kim Carlson, Dr. Dawn Simon, Dr. Janet Steele
Hobbies: Traveling, golf, football, basketball
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."
Most Memorable Moment at UNK:
"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:
Favorite Musician or Group: Lindsey Sterling
Favorite Restaurant: Red Robin
Favorite Movie: Marvel movies
Favorite UNK Instructors: Mr. Carlson and Dr. Reichart
Hobbies: sleeping, spending time with family and friends, movies and video games
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:
Favorite Musician or Group: Eric Church, Shinedown, Florida Georgia Line and Chris Stapleton
Favorite Restaurant: The Speakeasy
Favorite Movie: Caddyshack
Favorite UNK Instructors: Dr. Geluso and Dr. Twigg
Hobbies: My kids, golfing, running, hunting and cooking
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:
Favorite Musician or Group: No one specific group...anything from the 90's to current pop/country music
Favorite Restaurant: Anything Italian
Favorite Movie: Meet the Parents
Favorite UNK Instructors: Dr. Twigg (Cell Biology), Dr. Lind (Genetics) and Dr. Kaufman (Chemistry)
Hobbies: Spending time with family, going to my children's activities, being outdoors
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:
Favorite Musician or Group: Cody Johnson
Favorite Restaurant: The Cellar
Favorite Movie: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
Favorite UNK Instructors: Dr. Ken Tantham and Dr. Greg Brown
Hobbies: Volleyball, Sports, Lake time and enjoying the outdoors!
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:
Favorite Musician or Group: George Strait
Favorite Restaurant: Town Talk (hometown steakhouse)
Favorite Movie: Tommy Boy
Favorite UNK Instructors: Dr. Krista Fritson
Hobbies: Being outdoors, sports!
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:
Favorite Musician or Group: I enjoy listening to Classic Oldies music from the 1960's through the 1980's
Favorite Restaurant: El Mezcal in Norfolk
Favorite Movie: Hacksaw Ridge
Favorite UNK Instructors: Dr. Krista Fritson
Hobbies: Spending time with family, hunting, fishing and camping
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:
Favorite Musician or Group: Pearl Jam
Favorite Restaurant: Pitch
Favorite Movie: Beauty and the Beast
Favorite UNK Instructors: Dr. Don Kaufman and Dr. Paul Twigg
Hobbies: Fitness, Nutrition, Golf, Boating and Camping with family, chasing around my two boys in all of their activities!
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:
Favorite Musician or Group: Eric Church
Favorite Restaurant: Hy-Vee Market Grille
Favorite Movie: Inception
Favorite UNK Instructors: I had many great professors while attending UNK, but my favorite class was sports psychology with Coach Tom Kropp. His stories were amazing, so I'd say he'd be my favorite professor.
Hobbies: I really enjoy reading, hunting, fishing, playing board/card games with friends and family, and most importantly spending time with my wife and new son.
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:
Favorite Musician or Group: Sam Smith
Favorite Restaurant: Blue Sushi
Favorite Movie: The Notebook
Favorite UNK Instructors: Dr. Steele (Anatomy & Physiology) and Dr. Trantham (Physics)
Hobbies: Reading, Group Fitness, Spending time with friends and family
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:
Favorite Musician or Group: Aerosmith
Favorite Restaurant: The Oven (Lincoln, NE)
Favorite Movie: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
Favorite UNK Instructors: Dr. Seshadri and Dr. Burkink
Hobbies: Spending time with family, cooking, and yoga
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:
Favorite Musician or Group: Michael Jackson (circa 1980's)
Favorite Restaurant: Anywhere with good sushi or a great salad!
Favorite Movie: Footloose
Favorite UNK Instructors: Dr. Julie Shaffer or Dr. Nita Unruh
Hobbies: Watching my kid's activities, volunteering in the community, and exercise
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!"
New breakthroughs
New breakthroughs
New breakthroughs
New breakthroughs
