Opportunities abound for all majors at Biology Career Day

"It's an educational event as opposed to a career event," said Roxie Catts, program coordinator for molecular and cellular biology.

She said the department expects about 450 people this year. Career Day is scheduled for March 1.

"We're planning to double the attendance from the first time," Catts said. The first Biology Career Day was held in April 1995.

Elizabeth Vierling, professor of biochemistry and a member of the planning committee, said there are more uses for a biology degree than many students know.

She added the event is for everyone. Graduates as well as undergraduates are encouraged to take advantage.

"We don't want to turn anyone away," Catts said.

Teri Suzuki, biochemistry graduate student and a moderator for the event, said, "I need to figure out what to do next."

Catts said the event will consist of panel discussions and workshops on research, regulation and technology transfer, allied health professions, education, conservation, resource management, business and science writing.

"Previous speakers have said they love what they're doing," Catts said, "but they never thought they'd be doing (it when they were in college)."

Robyn Nishimi, executive director of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans' Illness, will be one of the career professionals who will speak at Career Day.

Nishimi will speak about how scientists can affect government policy. She has directed or contributed to 15 policy reports in bioethics, biomedical research, human genetics and biotechnology.

Suzuki admits she does not know a lot about the industry angle of her degree and hopes to learn what avenues of employment exist.

"It's important for me personally to learn how to write a research grant to get funding," Suzuki said.

Kimberly Suedkamp, a senior in renewable natural resources, wants to ask, "How do you get a job? How do you succeed? How do you make contacts?"

Suedkamp is one of about 40 student volunteers helping to organize the event.

"I'm doing what I can to make sure students get the most out of it," Suedkamp said.

Volunteers have met every two weeks for several months working out the "smallest to biggest details," she said.

Everything from inviting the panelists to who will pick them up at the airport has been considered.

A survey taken at the first Biology Career Day in 1995 showed 91 percent of the students felt the information presented would help them plan their education and/or meet their career goals.

Catts said students interested in participating in this year's Biology Career Day need to pre-register.

They can register at the department's World Wide Web site, http://worm.biosci.arizona.edu/BCD/home-x.html, or pick up a registration form in Life Sciences South Room 248.

Registration is now open on a first-come, first-served basis.

Funding for Biology Career Day 1997 was provided by several department and administrative units on campus.

The University of Arizona Foundation, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and several other companies are also providing funding and speakers.

Catts said a complete list of the speakers can be accessed on the Web site.