Eastern’s Department of Biology welcomed three alumni to present a special career panel on Feb. 28. Natalie Cummins ’19, Scott Forbes ’24, and Jessica Tyrrell ’18 gave career advice to students and discussed their diverse professional experiences.

The alumni represented a wide range of career paths available to Eastern’s biology graduates. Cummins works as a biopsy grossing technician for Connecticut GI Alliance, Forbes as a research and mentoring scholar, and Tyrrell as a fisheries observer for Accuracy Integrity Service (AIS).

Working on commercial fishing vessels, Tyrrell gathers environmental and population data for sailors and other organizations. She emphasized the importance of learning about observer bias and how crucial it is to avoid it in her role.

“[Fishing companies] have a vested interest in my data,” Tyrrell said, explaining that her observations directly affect fishing quotas and changing regulations. “They want it skewed a certain way.” Some of Tyrrell’s most impactful experiences at Eastern include studying marine biology, including a research trip to the Bahamas.

Cummins, on the other hand, noted the utility of lab experience for biology students. “Being in that laboratory, I think, is helpful,” she said. “You’re really going to need those skills anywhere you go.”

Nontraditional paths of study were another topic discussed. “Some larger companies will either pay for a master’s degree or at least for part of the cost,” said biology Professor Amy Groth, the event’s coordinator, who pointed out that a master’s degree doesn’t have to be earned immediately after a bachelor’s.

“Having a master’s is helpful in management positions in laboratories, which is a lot of what I’ve done,” said Cummins. Before pursuing a master’s, she became certified by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), which gave her a competitive edge and better pay with her bachelor’s degree. Although a higher degree is helpful in the job market, the panelists discussed diverse opportunities available with a four-year degree and the importance of networking for career growth.

Forbes, also a nontraditional student, completed his bachelor’s after a decade-long hiatus. He credits networking with biology Professor Barbara Murdoch for helping him earn his current position at UConn.

“I was a teaching assistant for a biology class with Dr. Murdoch,” he said. “In our downtime, we would chat, where she told me about the [opportunity] at UConn and helped me fill out the application.”

Cummins recommended utilizing online networking sites like LinkedIn to form professional relationships. “Connect with people who have the jobs you might be interested in,” she said. In Tyrrell’s case, she learned about the fisheries observer position from a fisherman at a dock, explaining that in-person networking is still prevalent in the digital age.

Cummins, Forbes and Tyrrell gave insightful answers to student and faculty questions, highlighting the versatility of a biology degree from Eastern. Throughout the semester, the Department of Biology will host various alumni seminars showcasing the diverse career paths in the field of biology.