“When I was younger I thought science would just be about working hard, doing experiments and the answers would just fall out,” said Prince, who works for the Air Force Research Laboratory in Kirtland, New Mexico. He credits IC for helping him to develop expertise in chemistry, physics, computer science and mathematics, which he uses in his day-to-day work, and also the strong critical thinking, problem solving and communication skills. 

“I've generally been amazed at how many times the skills, or more properly, thought processes, I learned in a class that wasn’t chemistry have translated to a different way of thinking about how to solve problems,” he said. Prince recalls a BreakAway trip to Spain to study religion and a minor in political science as helping him become well rounded. He says his experiences at IC also taught him to embrace diversity. 
“I think the days of a rogue scientist discovering all of this and that are becoming fewer. Today, we work in multidisciplinary teams of talented individuals, all contributing something in some way,” he said.

Prince works as part of a team consisting of aeroengineers, mechanical engineers and other scientists within various chemistry disciplines. Beyond learning to value teamwork and become a team player, Prince encourages aspiring scientists to learn more by getting outside of their comfort zones by taking on a new project or internship. He says being a scientist means being a lifelong learner who is always open to new perspectives and new ways of doing things, a must to succeed in the dynamic world of science. 

Prince was recently recognized as a winner of the prestigious 2018 Air Force Research Laboratory Early Career award — he calls the honor a high point in his career. Prince is also proud to be one of the few to receive both a teaching and a research award while at Iowa State University, where he earned his Ph.D. 

Cassie Jarvis ’13 also found her home after IC in the lab. She is currently finishing her Ph.D. in chemistry at MIT, and hasn’t forgotten her roots at Illinois College.

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“My passion for science really flourished during my time at Illinois College, primarily due to the professors who made the coursework so engaging,” said Jarvis. She recalls that her IC education molded her both as a student and an independent thinker while positioning her for success. In her graduate research, she works to harness the immune system to better fight off infection and diseases like cancer. 

“Through both classes and research at Illinois College, I had many opportunities to learn how to effectively communicate scientific concepts – a skill that has often set me apart from my colleagues,” she said. She also credits her experiences on the volleyball court at IC with showing her the value of teamwork and playing to your strengths. 

“The skills I learned playing volleyball are essential for the collaborative nature of research,” she said. “On a personal level, while at IC I forged many lasting friendships that have richly added to my life.” 

Another IC graduate whose work in the lab could change the way we fight disease is Emma Reuschel ’07. She is developing DNA vaccines and immune therapies against infectious diseases and cancer as a postdoctoral fellow at The Wistar Institute in Philadelphia. 

“I’m really excited by the potential for a vaccine I helped develop to eventually get approved and start preventing disease in the real world,” said Reuschel. When she thinks back to IC, she recalls having a strong support system, which she credits for helping her get where she is today. 

“I would have never gotten into grad school without the encouragement and recommendation letters from my professors who I got to know so well thanks to the small classes at IC,” she said.