Name: Rachel Beers, M.S.
Job Title and Current Employer: Clinical Coordinator at Medical College of Wisconsin and Associate Professor of Microbiology at Bryant & Stratton College
Home Town: Delavan, WI
Current Location: Milwaukee, WI
Short Description of your time in the Bacteriology MS Program:
I had an extremely positive experience in the program. I was incredibly nervous about matriculating into the program because I wasn’t sure my academic background was strong enough to successfully complete the degree but I knew that I had 2 years of experience as a Microbiologist would be a great benefit. I decided to join the Research pathway of the degree due to my background and experience with research and this track allowed for me to experience a lot of different courses and classes to complete the degree. Courses spanning between Bacterial Physiology, Food Microbiology, and Physician Assistant Microbiology, I was able to experience many subfields of the general subject. I became a Teaching Assistant for Microbiology Lab 102 and that was the highlight of my graduate school degree; I learned so many transferable skills and it opened a door and led me to what I do today. This program was the necessary step I needed to launch my career in the field.
MS Degree Received in: 2019
Describe your career path from graduate school to your current position.
I struggled at my first job post-grad in Chicago due to COVID and a toxic PI but after some soul searching, I found my way to Milwaukee which was an unexpected surprise. It wasn’t without about 20 different interviews to get where I am today.
I love where I’m exactly right now. I have a hybrid position where I get to work on research projects AND projects in the clinical world where we focus on advancing MRI sequences for clinical use all over the world. I didn’t know I’d be working in Radiology but the position of Clinical Coordinator is absolutely where I thrive. I’ve worked in labs (both human & animal, clinical & research, biochem & micro) which I love but stepping into more of the behind-the-scenes of academic research is a very rewarding role. I have a dynamic team with all different academic and clinical backgrounds which also helps expand my own knowledge. I get to work with patients in vulnerable populations but also have plenty of “paperwork” or “desk work” too. Best of both worlds.
I have been teaching Micro since 2019 as well when I moved to Chicago for a nursing school on top of my full time lab job. We went online due to COVID which was a huge challenge. When I moved to Milwaukee for my current job, I made the switch to another nursing school (BSC). I have taught there since Fall 2021 and I love it. Teaching is so rewarding and I have some wonderful leadership that guides us to ensure we are providing a healthy learning environment. Definitely my passion project and this opportunity was Jumpstarted by being a TA for Micro102.
Describe a “day in the life” of your current job.
I coordinate clinical patients and subjects to participate in MRI research at an imaging research center, regulate studies to ensure compliance and ethical practices, manage study databases and patient files. Along with a dynamic team, we collaborate with research staff, industry sponsors, and clinicians for projects that help us advance the missions of MRI optimization. I work with teams in many disciplines including oncology, orthopedics, and neuropsychology to utilize systems for better MRI and imaging output.
How did your experience in the Bacteriology MS Program shape your career?
Of course the academics and coursework helped me develop a well-rounded understanding of the field, but it was also the transferable skills that made a huge difference in how I work, collaborate, and teach today. Teaching others is an integral part of your own learning, so being able to be a TA while also obtaining my degree taught me a lot about myself in terms of how I learn, communicate, collaborate, and problem solve with students AND other professionals.
What challenges did you face in your graduate degree, or in launching your career?
IMPOSTER SYNDROME! I struggled with knowing my worth and giving credit to myself where it was due. I was extremely nervous entering into the program after attending a very small college with a very broad Biology degree. I didn’t believe I had the experience necessary to be successful in such a highly sought out program that is highly ranked in the U.S. for Microbiology academics. Looking back, I absolutely did. I worked under an incredible mentor and P.I. in college and also worked with her when I was a Microbiologist for 2 years at the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Lab. In those 2 years of experience, I gained an overwhelming level of knowledge in Veterinary Microbiology which absolutely and undeniably helped me hit the ground running as I began the program.
What do you like best and what do you find challenging about your current job?
The trust, collaboration, and innovation we have as a department (Research Radiology). The world of research is extremely challenging, considering the moving parts and personnel and sheer level of work it takes to write proposals, grants, set up studies, get funding, and develop workflows that benefit not only the research, but create a positive patient/research subject experience. We work with vulnerable populations which can be a challenge but we are here to make the experience as positive as possible while also achieving our research missions.
What is your favorite story/memory from your time in the Bacteriology MS Program?
Exam grading parties while we were TAs for Micro; we all got together, ordered pizza, and made it more of a fun experience while we got to spend time together, go over exams, and brain storm for next semester. It was a daunting experience that we were able to make very positive and also productive! We created some great relationships together as students working with Professors, it helped us get to know each other on a personal and casual level.
What is the most important lesson you have learned throughout your career?
Give yourself credit. Know your worth. Do not doubt yourself, you HAVE to have confidence in the work you’ve done, what you’ve completed, and your success. Don’t ever sell yourself short.
What is your best piece of advice for current graduate students preparing for their careers?
Get advice, letters of recommendation, and keep in contact with Professors/PIs/Advisors /etc or those you’ve worked with closely. They’ve been through a lot in their career too, they can offer a lot of advice or words of wisdom and career assistance as you move forward.
What person, course, or experience most influenced you?
Dr. Thomas, Dr. Randon, Dr. Kurtz, Dr. Roll, & Dr. Paustian – they were incredible to work with and I respected their guidance throughout the challenging program. I was fortunate enough to keep in contact with them as I moved forward into my career.
What are some skills that have served you well through your career?
Transferable skills for teaching; time management, organization, study skills, tutoring, communication, collaboration, problem solving, curriculum development.. truly what I learned at UW, I still build on TODAY.
What is one of your favorite memories, classes, professors, or activities while in the Bacteriology MS Program?
Bacterial Physiology with Dr. Thomas – it was by far the most difficult class I had ever taken in my LIFE….but…it was honestly the most rewarding. Hard work truly pays off for that class! He taught such a difficult subject in a way that was very clear and concise but also prepared us well for assessments. Truly it was the most in depth understanding of the Kreb’s Cycle I’ll ever have in my lifetime and *TO THIS DAY* I still teach this to my own students….
What is one of your proudest professional or personal accomplishments?
Completing this degree and actually using it for my career. I am so proud that I accomplished such a challenging program AND it opened up so many opportunities for me. I got to meet some life long friends, esteemed professors, and I am so proud to be a UW-Madison alumni!
What extracurriculars were you involved in during your time?
….Studying and grading. I sacrificed a lot to ensure I stayed on track but that said, Madison has so much to offer so of course I enjoyed Badger Saturdays, the lake, restaurants, music, and creating memories in the greatest college town.
What are your interests outside of work?
I’m a competitive sailor and grew up on the lake so my entire summer is dedicated to the water. We travel throughout the Midwest to sail and it was something my late father and I shared so closely.
I also have a dog who keeps me company here in Milwaukee, I love to travel and visit friends across the US, staying active, enjoying Milwaukee and the surrounding areas, and spending time with my coworkers and friends at Brewers/Admirals/Packers/Bucks games! On Wisconsin!