Newtonian Society presents Swedes in STEM - Mackenzie Callison '20

Mackenzie Callison, an alum of Bethany College from the Class of 2020, graduated with a degree in Biology. During her tenure, Mackenzie played on the soccer team and was a Key Club and FCA member.

After graduating, Mackenzie became a lab technician in a forensic toxicology lab doing fetal and infant drug testing. After several months of lab experience, she obtained her dream position as a histotechnologist for Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, Ill. In this role, Mackenzie works with pathologists to help diagnose diseases at the tissue and cellular levels. Mackenzie is also considering graduate school to become a pathology assistant and further her involvement in the field.

As Mackenzie explains, the skills she developed at Bethany College, such as organization and prioritization, helped set her up for success in her professional career. In addition to mastering subject-specific knowledge, exposure to invaluable life lessons learned from her professors and other members of the Bethany College community was a big part of her education.

The foundations that Mackenzie had the opportunity to build at Bethany and the connections she made have been beneficial beyond her time as a student. Whether it's a classmate for networking, a professor for advice, or local people for support, Mackenzie advises current and future Bethany Science and Math majors to take advantage of the college's resources. 

Mackenzie emphasizes the importance of gaining as much experience and exposure to the field you are interested in as possible, which will give you a better understanding of the job and be beneficial during interviews. 

Ultimately, Mackenzie encourages current and future science and math students to use Bethany College's resources and create long-lasting relationships with students and professors that will benefit their professional lives.

Swedes in STEM was created by the Bethany College Newtonian Society (Math and Science Club) to spotlight Bethany Alumni with a Math/Science Degree. Our goal is to recognize our Alumni's achievements post-graduation, as well as provide a valuable resource to students currently pursuing a degree in STEM. A display is also located outside of Nelson Lecture Hall.