Her Story : Katie Shmitz the Microbiology Major

For Katie Shmitz, there was never any question of pursuing anything that wasn’t a science topic. “I’ve always loved science,” she said. “My ‘what I want to be when I grow up’ has evolved from doctor, to psychologist, to psychiatrist, to neonatologist.’” Now studying for a Bachelor of Science at the University of Wisconsin-La Cross, with a major in Microbiology with a biomedical focus, and a Chemistry minor, the topic never fails to fascinate her. “I want to help others, directly or indirectly, and show love to anyone in need.” 

 Early Science Influences 

Katie has always fostered a love for mathematics and science, but her inspiration for taking the science path came from her mother. Katie’s mom works in nuclear medicine technology, and also graduated from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, but Katie has been able to forge her own path and follow her own passions. 

 What it is Like to Be a Female Microbiology Major 

A program like Microbiology isn’t easy, let alone when you also minor in Chemistry. Katie has a full day of classes from 9am to 4pm, and typically spends hours in the library every week day, seeking help from teaching aids when necessary. Katie said, “science requires so much active reading. You must understand what you are absorbing as you read it.” You can’t let your mind wander, or you may misunderstand or have to go back and start the section over again. 

Often, Katie stays at the library into the night, and sacrifices time with friends and family to ensure she stays on top of her program and excelling. Of course, taking such a difficult program has meant she has sacrificed her student social life, but she knows she has to focus and put all her dedication into her program. 

Fortunately for Katie, she’s seeing a high percentage of other women taking science classes. “In some of [my] chemistry classes, half of the students have been women – science is no longer a space reserved for men.” Katie doesn’t believe she’s faced many external obstacles in her time at university. “If I’ve received discrimination, I’m oblivious to it. To an extent, I’m sure it happens, but it’s not something I place attention on.” 

Instead of paying attention to any possible discrimination, she’s focused on improving herself, rather than paying attention to how others may be trying to push you back down. 

 Dealing with Negative Feelings 

Of course, with all that dedication and long hours in the library, Katie – like anyone – has had feelings of wanting to quit. “I think that’s a natural feeling,” Katie said. “To not be intimidated at least a little by a degree is lying to yourself. College is tough. It brings a lot of unanticipated challenges. Long days and nights can be draining and overwhelming. [But] just being able to see the bigger picture helps me stay focused.” 

 Why Science Continues to Excite Her 

Science is constantly evolving and impacts us all on a daily basis. Katie says that to study science, you’ve got to be curious about how things work and want to seek answers to difficult questions. 

For example, next semester she’s going to be taking classes in epidemiology and disease prevention, and next year (2021), she plans to take a virology course. In the light of recent events, she’s more interested than ever in how communicable diseases are tracked and how viruses affect us. She recently finished classes on the global impact of infectious diseases and pathogenic bacteriology, so there’s still a huge amount to be explored in those fields, among many other areas that she’s interested in. 

 How Science Shapes Her World View 

If there’s one thing science has impressed upon her, it’s that there’s always more to learn, and she’s determined to help others with her knowledge. “[Science] has definitely created a really open mindset for me. It made me think of all the possibilities the world holds.” Even with the current circumstances, Katie feels excited for the future, “I’ve been really inspired recently; I’ve developed an interest in working in developing nations. My degree is in microbiology; so, specifically, in areas impacted by preventable and communicable bacterial diseases.” 

While Katie isn’t exactly sure yet which career path she’ll ultimately pursue, she knows that wherever she ends up, it will be somewhere she is able to help others.