features
People Profiles
Sean McAllister
- Hometown: Eagle River, AK
- Major: Biology, Cellular emphasis
- Minor: Chemistry
Why Western?
When I first came to Western I had intended to enroll myself into the Marine Biology program. At the time, Shannon Point Marine Center and opportunities for undergraduate research attracted me here, not to mention the stunning campus. Over time, however, I became more interested in the molecular aspects of biology, and have found the superb chemistry and biology curriculum very rewarding.
A Fascination with the Molecular World
Professors Donald Pavia and David Leaf have had the most influence on my educational journey here at Western. While taking their classes—Organic Chemistry & Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology, respectively—I gained a new appreciation for the molecular world. It was this fascination that led me to declare my major in Cellular Biology.
Hands-on Science
With Professor Craig Moyer's mentorship and guidance I have been able to work on several undergraduate research projects, these projects focusing on the microbial ecology of hydrothermal vents and permafrost deposits. The project that I completed for my Honors senior project involved using molecular tools to examine the microbial diversity--Bacterial and Archaeal--of a Siberian permafrost core, and how that diversity changed (or didn't) with sample depth. The second major project that I worked on involved using essentially the same molecular tools to examine the Bacterial communities, and changes therein, of recently colonized artificial containers at Loihi seamount, Hawaii. Dr. Moyer's guidance on the molecular techniques, experimental design, and the interpretation of results was necessary for my successful completion of and cooperation in these projects. The research experience that I have gained here at Western will be invaluable to my future career as a research scientist.
The Value of Honors
I believe that my involvement in the Honors Program has added greatly to my Western experience.
Being a Biology major, I never expected to be reading Dante's Inferno, Ovid's Metamorphoses, or Proust's Swan's Way, but I found them to be engaging, and the experience broadened my literary repertoire and helped me to work on my writing skills. Not all of the courses in the Honors curriculum are outside of the scientific disciplines, either. Many of the General University Requirements (GUR) are advanced introductions to the various sciences and quite a few of the seminars have been geared similarly (I was fortunate enough to take a seminar on the "Darwin Controversies," a historical perspective to Darwinian evolution).
Supportive Professors
For all the time that I have been here, I have rarely had a teacher who was unwilling to discuss confusions, problems, or clarifications with me outside of the classroom. Teachers are always there to help and I find myself continually being amazed at the importance that they place on my education.
A Passion for Music
One of my greatest joys is music. I started playing the trombone in 6th grade, and I wasn't about to let going to college end my musical career. When I came to Western I was welcomed with open arms into the band program, and I have had a wonderful time ever since. For all of you out there who think that college bands will only let in music majors, think again. Western has a place for you in the music program.
After Graduation
I will be working to earn my Master of Science degree at Western with Dr. Craig Moyer as my advisor. After finishing this degree I plan to pursue a doctorate and then start my scientific career in microbiology.