Beamlak Hiltework '26
Animal Care Techinician | Turner Scientific
When Beamlak Hiltework ’26 arrived at Illinois College as a nursing major, she wasn’t sure what direction her future would take. Everything changed when she discovered student-faculty research.
“I realized research was something I was really passionate about,” Hiltework said. “That experience completely changed my path.”
Hiltework switched to biology and added a chemistry minor, eventually building extensive laboratory and research experience through faculty mentorship and conference presentations.
After graduation, she will work as an animal care technician at federally-funded research laboratory Turner Scientific while preparing to pursue a doctorate in biological sciences.
“The biology program gave me practical skills, communication skills and confidence,” she said. “Presenting research at conferences really helped me grow professionally.”
Hiltework says one of the defining parts of her experience was the opportunity to collaborate closely with professors on research projects.
“At IC, faculty want students to succeed,” she said. “They push you while also supporting you.”
As an international student from Ethiopia, Hiltework also found community and connection on campus. “Being far from home can be difficult, but I found people here who supported me academically and personally,” she said.
Looking toward the future, Hiltework says Illinois College prepared her for graduate-level work and scientific research. “My time at Illinois College taught me how to communicate, research and solve problems independently,” she said.