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Dana Schmidt

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Finalist

Bio

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 program
2023 - 2024
  • Majors:
    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
  • GPA:
    4

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

Bachelor's degree program
2012 - 2014
  • Majors:
    • 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
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • 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 Bay
      2012 – 20142 years
    • Microbiologist 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 Hygiene
      2018 – Present7 years
    • Tier-1 Select Agent Microbiologist - Responds to biological threat agents discovered in the state of Wisconsin

      Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene
      2022 – Present3 years
    • Student Tutor - Helped students study, prepare for exams and provide resources for them in Microbiology and Anatomy & Physiology courses

      Moraine Park Techincal College
      2011 – 20121 year
    • Microbiologist I - Performed food safety and environmental testing to detect pathogenic bacteria within food products and manufacturing processes and report results to customers

      Covance
      2014 – 20162 years

    Sports

    Ultimate Frisbee

    Intramural
    2006 – 20082 years

    Softball

    Junior Varsity
    2004 – 20051 year

    Awards

    • Co-Captain of the 2004-2005 JV Team

    Mixed Martial Arts

    Club
    2008 – 2008

    Aikido

    Club
    2006 – 20082 years

    Awards

    • Yellow Belt

    Volleyball

    Intramural
    2006 – 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 – 2022
    • Food 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 – 2015
    • Microbiology

      UW-Green Bay — Student- Investigate the level of antibiotic resistance of various bacterial strains
      2014 – 2014

    Arts

    • Beaver Dam High School

      Drawing
      Wisconsin 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, Africa
      2016 – 2016
    • Volunteering

      FFA - Washington Leadership Conference — Vegetable Picker - Picked vegetables to feed the homeless and low income families.
      2005 – 2005
    • Volunteering

      Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene — Educator- show students what you can do at the lab if they pursue and earn a bachelors degree
      2022 – Present
    • Advocacy

      Coach and Mentor - Provide resources and guidance to individuals who need assistance or advice about education, personal and professioinal development.
      2008 – Present
    • Public 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 decorum
      2005 – 2005
    • Volunteering

      Air Force ROTC — Cadet/Twin Cities Regional Science Fair Judge
      2006 – 2008
    • Volunteering

      Beaver Dam Community Hospital — Volunteer in the ER, Surgery Welcome Center and Front Desk
      2010 – 2012

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Politics

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy