Sharad Shrestha ’08
Scientist
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
“Exposure to research during my undergraduate studies at SCSU helped me discover my passion for science. I was fascinated by the idea of building a career in scientific research while working on a project related to Type 1 Diabetes in Dr. Marina Cvrlie-Cetkovic’s laboratory.
Suggestions, advice and the nurturing nature of Dr. Cetkovic allowed me to better understand the workings of scientific research, develop technical skills, as well as soft skills such as how to integrate collaborative and individual work for project completion.
This helped me determine my area of interest in science which jump-started my career as a researcher. Inspired by this experience, I went on to pursue my Ph.D. in immunology in collaboration with the University of Tennessee and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Since completing my graduate study in 2016, I started working in the immuno-oncology field as a scientist at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.”
Kylie Bruner
’14 Research Associate 2
Bio-Techne Brand
“SCSU and research prepared me well for a successful career in the biomedical field (I feel especially proud that because of SCSU’s affordability compared to other universities I had my student loans paid off in less than a year after graduation). I currently work at R&D Systems (a Bio-Techne Brand) as a research associate 2 in Minneapolis and my manager and supervisor are also SCSU alumni (circa 2003).
My lab isolates proteins from different sources (naturals, serum, e.coli, CHO, etc.) that are used in research at universities, pharmaceutical companies, and other institutions like NIH to understand diseases, create vaccines, and develop new treatments.
When they were hiring for my position they told me that when they saw SCSU on my resume that they knew that meant I had applicable lab experience as a part of my education, a great foundation from my course load and mostly likely a great work ethic.”
Michelle “Mickey” Moran ’15
University of Minnesota- Duluth Medical School
Mickey Moran, a 2018 St. Cloud State graduate from Eden Prairie and now a student at the University of Minnesota Duluth Medical School had this to say about Professor Marina Cvrlie-Cetkovic, whom students affectionately call Dr C:
“Working in Dr. C’s research lab taught me not only about the intricacies of research, but also how to adapt to an ever changing plan.
This has helped greatly as a medical student where the plan for a patient may change by the minute. She advised me not only on research and what classes to take but also on life as she helped me pick a medical school that fit my personality and values.
She was always willing to help guide me over whatever hurdle I was experiencing at the time. Dr. C is a great principal investigator, teacher, advisor, and role model.”
Joe Hobbs, ’07
Sr. Clinical Research Specialist
CRHF Clinical Research – Medtronic
“My time spent in Marina’s lab was a huge asset for my work post-graduation. The ins and outs of working in a molecular biology environment were very useful, the most important tool I got in her lab was problem solving.
Marina would allow us to figure things out on our own, and in “real” research almost nothing goes according to plan, it was our job to figure out why.
This experience can’t be learned in the traditional lab or lecture class, and has given me a huge leg up working in industry.”
More SCSU Graduate to Know
14% Continued their education at 122 institutions
90%+ Employed in fields related to the college or school they belong
95% School of Education
94% Herberger Business School
92% School of Health and Human Services
91% School of Public Affairs
90% College of Liberal Arts 90% College of Science and Engineering
