In this article, Abbegail Bowers, who transferred from Southeast Community-College-Lincoln (SCC-Lincoln) to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, shares her experiences in the STEM field and involvement with the STEM-CONNECT partnership. Abbegail was an STEM-CONNECT scholar at SCC and is now senior at UNL majoring in Physics and minoring in Mathematics. This interview is a glimpse into the inspiring journey of a dedicated student.
1. If you were not a Physics major what would you be?
If I was not a physics major, I would be either a geology or mathematics major.
2. Who is your favorite STEM character in a book, movie or TV show?
My favorite STEM character is Dr. Walter Bishop from the TV show Fringe.
3. What inspired you to get involved in STEM-CONNECT?
My advisor reached out to me and urged me to apply for the STEM CONNECT program, even though I was worried I did not meet all the requirements. I applied anyway, as I thought it would be a great resource to help me succeed in my computer science and mathematics courses.
4. What skills or knowledge are you learning throughout the program that you find most useful in your academic journey?
I am learning that research opportunities are important. The research I have done has given me a competitive edge in my classes, as I already have some idea of hands-on application. I am also learning that building a fruitful network is important.
5. What advice would you give to students who transfer from 2YC to 4YC?
I would advise academic transfer students to reach out to an advisor both at the current and prospective institutions to ensure all courses transfer appropriately. Additionally, I would encourage them to take all introductory and general education courses at the community college. Typically, the class sizes will be smaller which allows for more personable communication with the instructors.
6. What skill do you think is most valuable for students considering a STEM career?
A strong foundation of mathematics is important, but experience in coding and computer science is becoming a necessity.
7. Tell us about the most rewarding experience that you have had during your transfer transition.
The most rewarding experience I had during my transfer transition was the completion of a three-year research project that I did with SCC-Lincoln’s Geology department. Through this I was able to gain more research experiences and internships while at UNL.
Abbegail Bowers made a presentation titled “One Transfer Student's Reflections on the Importance of Undergraduate Research Experiences at the Community College” at the NEBMATYC conference at SCC. She presented her research experience along with the field of study and how it motivated her career path.
You can access Abbegail's PowerPoint presentation here.