Otterbein’s biochemistry and molecular biology program has prepared many students for graduate school outside of Westerville. Otterbein alumni Hannah Bailey and Brodie Ranzau are both continuing their studies over 2,000 miles away.
Bailey, an Otterbein graduate of 2018, currently attends the University of California, Los Angeles. She has taken her knowledge of biochemistry and applied it to her graduate studies. She now works to link human development and infertility with fruit flies to gain an understanding of egg development.
John Tansey, program director of the biochemistry and molecular sciences at Otterbein, influenced Bailey to pursue a graduate degree and a career in the sciences.
“I was able to dive right into Dr. Tansey’s lab the first year that I was at Otterbein, and spent my first summer doing research in his lab.” Bailey said. “I really gained a passion for independent research."
Ranzau, a graduate of 2017, now studies biochemistry and biophysics at the University of California, San Diego. “A lot of the techniques, and molecular biology techniques I learned at Otterbein were stuff that I still use everyday now,” he said.
As an undergraduate student, he knew he did not want to pursue a career as a doctor in the medical field. Ranzau is currently studying a relatively new field of Biochemistry called base editing. His lab uses the CRISPR protein to make small mutations in genes. Working in gene editing allows him to help people behind the scenes, making discoveries to cure genetic diseases.
When asked about their continued connections to Otterbein, both graduate students mentioned their close relationship with Tansey.
“He still sends me memes on Instagram,” said Bailey.
The two still maintain relationships with students from their graduating class at Otterbein, and both revealed that they are engaged to each other, and will be getting married after completing their studies at their respective universities.
