Name: Ella Vander Zee ’26
Hometown: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Major: Neuroscience
Involvement on campus: Volleyball team, General Biology lab assistant, Organic Chemistry lab assistant and grader, genetics tutor, Phi Eta Sigma, Tri-Beta, co-president of BRAiNs (neuroscience club)
Research: I studied the effects of blue light on spatial memory and anxiety in female mice alongside my research partners. I have also had many mini-research projects as a part of my other classes that increased my experience with the research process.
Study abroad: I went to the Bahamas as a part of an Island Ecology course. While there we spent time exploring the island’s local hypersaline lakes, caves, sea life, and plant life, and conducted a behavioral study on the local bird species.
Plans after graduation: I will be taking a gap year, where I will be applying to medical school, traveling to different places across the country, and running a half marathon!
Why did you choose Wartburg?
I chose Wartburg because of it’s location and remarkable STEM program. Being from Cedar Rapids, I wanted to remain close to my family, and Wartburg allowed me to do that while also giving me the opportunity to play collegiate volleyball. As an incoming student who wanted to attend medical school after undergrad, I knew I wanted to attend an institution that would prepare me well for my future plans. With that, Wartburg is known for preparing their students well for their post-graduate studies and for having unique experiences, like research and study abroad trips, that other colleges didn’t have.
What sparked your interest in your field of study, and how has your perspective on it changed since your first year?
I originally started my first year as a biology major, but switched it to neuroscience my second year. What initially sparked this was having an assignment in my first-year seminar class that asked us to write an essay about what other major we would choose besides our current one, and I chose neuroscience. Neuroscience had always interested me, and after digging deeper into the requirements, I realized it enabled me to take many other courses outside of the biology field, including classes in psychology. After switching to this field of study, I realized it gave me a well-rounded education from multiple fields of study, as I was also able to obtain psychology, biology, and pharmacology minors on top of all of my required courses because so many overlapped. I think switching to neuroscience as a result has prepared me well for future graduate programs, and I am very glad I switched it.
Can you describe a specific moment when you knew you made the right decision in choosing Wartburg?
I wouldn’t say I had a specific “a-ha” moment, because I think Wartburg felt right all along from the first day of classes. With the smaller class sizes, I was able to form many personal relationships with my peers and professors, which have helped me grow both as a student and a person. These relationships formed through a small college environment have also provided me with a stable support system that I wouldn’t have otherwise developed at a different institution.
Is there a faculty or staff member who made a significant impact on your journey? What is the best piece of advice they gave you?
My advisor, Dr. (Samantha) Larimer, made a significant impact on my journey as she helped me with my transition of majors and navigating my way to medical school. She was able to remind me of all that I had accomplished throughout my undergraduate degree, despite being unsure of it myself. She recommended taking a look back on my past time at Wartburg to evaluate all that I had done, and to be proud of what I had accomplished. She served as a supportive faculty member and reminded me that no matter how big or small successes seem, they are something to be proud of.
Which co-curricular activity defined your college experience?
Participating in college athletics definitely shaped my college experience. When first arriving on campus, being a part of the volleyball team provided me with a close network of girls that I could lean on for support, especially with such a big adjustment. Throughout my time at Wartburg, being a part of the team also allowed me to form new relationships with new teammates who joined the team, and through this sport I have made relationships that will last a lifetime. The many research opportunities I was able to participate in at Wartburg also defined my college experience. Throughout my past four years, I have been a part of numerous research opportunities, even as a first-year in my introductory level courses. Wartburg has numerous opportunities to engage in research, in all types of fields, that are hard to find at any other institutions. Through my research, I have been able to further my knowledge in interesting areas, while also contributing to those fields and building my resume for graduate school applications.
What is the one thing you never imagined you would/could do before coming to Wartburg?
Before coming to Wartburg, I never imagined getting to spend three weeks in the Bahamas studying abroad with some of my closest friends. It was a wonderful and unique opportunity to participate in due to the remoteness of the island and was definitely an experience I am very grateful for.
What advice do you have for prospective or first-year students?
Be willing to try new things and embrace the changes that will occur because they could lead you down amazing roads. It is okay to come into college and not have everything figured out right away either. Whether it is not knowing what major you want to pursue, what career you want, or what classes to take next semester, there are many opportunities for you to take at Wartburg that will help you sort out where you need to be. These opportunities will not only help you discover where your true passions lie, but will also connect you with more people that can be very influential for your journey through college.
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