Sun Prairie, WI
Hobbies and interests
Advocacy And Activism
Baking
Biomedical Sciences
Cooking
Coaching
Global Health
Mentoring
Public Health
Hiking And Backpacking
Travel And Tourism
Reading
Mental Health
Skydiving
Aviation
Architecture
Aerospace
Volunteering
Tutoring
STEM
Rock Climbing
Foreign Languages
Finance
Stocks And Investing
Reading
Academic
Anthropology
Fantasy
Health
History
Science Fiction
Travel
Cultural
Languages
I read books multiple times per week
Dana Schmidt
3,555
Bold Points1x
FinalistDana Schmidt
3,555
Bold Points1x
FinalistBio
My journey has been driven by a passion for learning, service, and making a meaningful impact. A key milestone was earning a master’s degree in biohazardous threat agents and emerging infectious diseases, opening doors for me to contribute to strengthening the United States' health security against biological threats. This field requires expertise, but also a deep sense of responsibility, which motivates my work.
With this academic foundation, I’m committed to using my skills to address public health challenges, despite the financial burdens of student loan debt. I’m determined to continue advancing health security and preparing for future threats.
In addition to my professional goals, I’m passionate about traveling the world to experience diverse cultures and learn new languages. These experiences have broadened my understanding of global health challenges and further fueled my desire to contribute to health security on a global scale.
I believe I am a strong candidate for this scholarship because my life experiences have shaped me into a resilient leader, coach, and mentor. I’ve developed the skills needed to navigate complex challenges with integrity and compassion, and my dedication to service and positive change drives me forward, even in the face of obstacles.
Education
Georgetown University
Master's degree programMajors:
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
GPA:
4
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Human Biology
GPA:
3.4
Miscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Master's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
- Public Health
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
- Homeland Security
Career
Dream career field:
Biodefense
Dream career goals:
Biological Threat Agent Microbiologist Researcher
Laboratory Assistant - Set up and dismantled human biology and biology departmental laboratory courses, made microbiology media and reagents, and maintained laboratory equipment and chemical inventories
University of Wisconsin - Green Bay2012 – 20142 yearsMicrobiologist III - Performs, develops, evaluates, and prepares testing services within a microbiology laboratory for diagnostics, surveillance, screening, environmental monitoring and to report clear and concise testing results
Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene2018 – Present7 yearsTier-1 Select Agent Microbiologist - Responds to biological threat agents discovered in the state of Wisconsin
Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene2022 – Present3 yearsStudent Tutor - Helped students study, prepare for exams and provide resources for them in Microbiology and Anatomy & Physiology courses
Moraine Park Techincal College2011 – 20121 yearMicrobiologist I - Performed food safety and environmental testing to detect pathogenic bacteria within food products and manufacturing processes and report results to customers
Covance2014 – 20162 years
Sports
Ultimate Frisbee
Intramural2006 – 20082 years
Softball
Junior Varsity2004 – 20051 year
Awards
- Co-Captain of the 2004-2005 JV Team
Mixed Martial Arts
Club2008 – 2008
Aikido
Club2006 – 20082 years
Awards
- Yellow Belt
Volleyball
Intramural2006 – 20082 years
Skydiving
2020 – 2020
Awards
- Jumped at 20,000 feet recognition!
Research
Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
WSLH and SHOW — Test specimens for SARS-CoV-2 (N) and (S) regions to see if patients had antibodies developed due to covid-19 exposure or immunity through vaccination.2020 – 2022Food Microbiology
Covance — Assist the Lead Scientist to discover why a company had mold contamination in their food product and where the mold came from.2015 – 2015Microbiology
UW-Green Bay — Student- Investigate the level of antibiotic resistance of various bacterial strains2014 – 2014
Arts
Beaver Dam High School
DrawingWisconsin State Fair Poster Winner, Drawing became the State Fair Poster Flyer for the following year.2005 – 2006
Public services
Volunteering
US Peace Corps — Volunteer Trainee/Science Teacher in Namibia, Africa2016 – 2016Volunteering
FFA - Washington Leadership Conference — Vegetable Picker - Picked vegetables to feed the homeless and low income families.2005 – 2005Volunteering
Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene — Educator- show students what you can do at the lab if they pursue and earn a bachelors degree2022 – PresentAdvocacy
Coach and Mentor - Provide resources and guidance to individuals who need assistance or advice about education, personal and professioinal development.2008 – PresentPublic Service (Politics)
American Legion Auxiliary Badger Girls State — Elected Dewey County Board Supervisor - conduct county business on behalf of our constituents with the guiding principles of racial equity, preparation, collaboration, sustainability, and decorum2005 – 2005Volunteering
Air Force ROTC — Cadet/Twin Cities Regional Science Fair Judge2006 – 2008Volunteering
Beaver Dam Community Hospital — Volunteer in the ER, Surgery Welcome Center and Front Desk2010 – 2012