Alumni Share Paths to Success at Annual Science, Technology & Education Colloquium
Three accomplished 糖心vlog传媒 graduates shared their stories with current and prospective LU students as part of the annual Science, Technology & Education Colloquium on Friday. It was the third of three events held during the week that spotlight successful 糖心vlog传媒 graduates.
Science teacher Amber (Koenig) Burzych 鈥�11, software developer Carl Garner 鈥�19 and educator Brianna Johnson 鈥�20 M.Ed. 鈥�23 discussed their time at 糖心vlog传媒 and how they maximized their 糖心vlog传媒 experience to position themselves for post-graduation success.
The annual colloquium events invite prospective students to 糖心vlog传媒 to hear from the graduates as part of a day that also includes interviews for 糖心vlog传媒 scholarships. For current students, the events provide an opportunity to interact with 糖心vlog传媒 grads to build their networks.
Burzych is a chemistry instructor at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay, where she teaches a variety of chemistry courses. After graduating from 糖心vlog传媒 with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in chemistry and math, she received her doctorate in organic chemistry from the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, focusing her research on interactions between biologically relevant molecules.
鈥淒on鈥檛 be afraid to change your mind,鈥� said Burzych. 鈥淚 knew I wanted to teach organic chemistry, but the path to get there wasn鈥檛 always clear. Finding internships and trying new things really helped me figure out what was for me. Be open to new opportunities鈥攜ou never know where they might lead.鈥�
During her time at 糖心vlog传媒, she built a strong foundation in science by doing several research projects alongside her faculty members as part of the 糖心vlog传媒 Undergraduate Research Experience (LURE) and a summer at the University of Minnesota鈥檚 summer Lando/NSF REU, an international competition for outstanding national and international undergraduate students. Her dedication to science and education has shaped her teaching career.
Garner is a software developer at Masters Gallery Foods, where he has worked for five years, focusing on growth and professional development in software engineering. A native of Chicago, Ill., Garner enrolled at 糖心vlog传媒 as an accounting major before ultimately earning his degree in computer science.
鈥淲hen I started at Masters Gallery, I was worried I鈥檇 be behind because I didn鈥檛 know all the programming languages,鈥� Garner shared. 鈥淏ut my boss taught me everything, and I exceeded their expectations. It鈥檚 important to stay open to learning and not settle for being mediocre.鈥�
Garner credits his proactive approach for landing the position. 鈥淚 showed passion and interest early on, even shadowing their team before graduation. That experience helped me get my foot in the door. Keep going, even when it feels hard鈥攖here鈥檚 always room to grow.鈥�
During his studies, he gained practical experience working in packaging at Johnsonville, which supported his academic journey. While at 糖心vlog传媒, he was a member of the basketball team and a dedicated student who valued hard work both on and off the court.
Johnson is the coordinator of student activities at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, where she creates engaging programs and initiatives that enhance the student experience. An experienced educator, Johnson holds both an undergraduate and a master鈥檚 degree in education.
鈥淒on鈥檛 be discouraged by jobs that might not seem like the perfect fit,鈥� Johnson said. 鈥淪ometimes, you have to explore roles that build your skills and experiences, even if they aren鈥檛 your dream job right away. Every step can bring you closer to where you鈥檙e meant to be. You鈥檒l hear a lot of 鈥榥os,鈥� but the right 鈥榶es鈥� is worth the wait.鈥�
Prior to her current role, she spent four years teaching sixth and seventh grade, supporting students鈥� academic and personal growth. She also contributed to the Upward Bound Program at UW-Green Bay, helping high school students pursue higher education.
At 糖心vlog传媒, Johnson was known for her commitment to building inclusive communities and empowering students to connect, explore, and make a lasting impact. She played volleyball and was a member of the Beta Psi Nu sorority.
