Alumnus Ben Sajdak ’13, of Winneconne, came to the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh with two main interests—writing and science. With the help of biology professor Dana Merriman, Sajdak carried both passions on with him to graduate school.
Sajdak was curious about the neurosciences and how people think.
“It seems so little is understood about how we understand,” he said. “My interests stemmed from wondering how something as simple as thinking happens. It turns how it’s not simple at all.”
Sajdak joined the McNair Scholars Program and received aid for research under Merriman to study the damage responses of ground squirrels’ visual system. Merriman not only introduced him to research, but also to wet lab techniques and fundamental communication skills for writing and presentations.
“Merriman trains her students to be as prepared as possible for the future, and adjusts that training depending on the aspirations of the student,” Sajdak said. “She didn’t just prepare me for what’s beyond UWO, she taught me how to become a scientist.”
The McNair Scholars Program provided Sajdak with the tools and guidance he would need to enter a doctoral program after UWO, even though he didn’t realize that he would want to continue his education after earning his bachelor’s degree.
He also attributed his success to the opportunities the biology program opened for him, explaining that his time at UWO was essential to where he is today at the Medical College of Wisconsin.
“The program makes up for its small size with great people and great networking,” Sajdak said.
UWO offers facilities for work and play, such as study areas in Sage Hall and programs at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, which Sajdak said he put to good use. He remembers the flexible hours of Polk Library and the Writing Center.
“I used the Writing Center not only for my advice about my personal statement for the application to graduate school, but also for professional emails, which are essential to getting people’s attention,” Sajdak said.
Coming from a small town to a bigger city, Sajdak was at first afraid to talk to professors. He realized that making the effort to approach professors opens doors for careers.
“If you’re in a class that you enjoy, just talk to the professors and get to know them,” Sajdak said. “See what they’re working on and see if you can contribute or learn more about the subject. That drive and that motivation to learn more is what everybody is looking for, whether it’s an employer, a graduate program or a medical program.”
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