Līga Astra Kalniņa ’20
Ph.D. Student in Plant Pathology & Plant Microbe Biology at Cornell and Adjunct Instructor of Plant Biology at Fisher
Līga Astra Kalniņa started at Fisher as a pre-med track student. After acclimating to the new academic environment, she discovered passions in other fields. “After taking a plant biology course, I realized a pre-med track might not be my path. I was drawn to plants and fungi and decided to pursue fungi research opportunities with my professor.”
This undergraduate research helped Kalniņa to flourish. Inspired by her professor’s example, she pursued her Ph.D. in Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology from Cornell while teaching as an adjunct professor at Fisher.
Kalniņa believes that double majoring in biology and philosophy at Fisher was critical to her success, equipping her with many of the skills that help her to be successful in her field. “Philosophy opened my eyes to the world, and it continues to push me to never stop questioning and never give up, and the fundamental skills I learned during my time when taking classes or doing research have been instrumental in my success working as a lab tech and now doing research for my Ph.D.”
Kalniņa explained that her time on campus was a major factor in helping her to develop professionally. “You will make lifelong relationships not only with your peers, who will go on to do great things, but also with your professors. Whether you decide to pursue medical school, graduate school, or enter the workplace, Fisher will prepare you very well and provide unconditional support.”
C.J. Wild ’20
LTJG in the U.S. Navy and Seminarian for the Diocese of Buffalo
C.J. Wild has been pursuing wisdom since he can remember. This pursuit drew him to study philosophy and religious studies at Fisher. Now, he is preparing for service as a Naval Officer and Roman Catholic priest.
He attributes his strong preparation for these roles to what he describes as the gift of his coursework at Fisher. “The courses provided me with the skills necessary to ask intelligent questions, think critically, form coherent and rational arguments, and understand the vastly different philosophies that undergird so many corners of Western society.”
He also believes his interaction with faculty formed a foundation for “a way of being in the world as a disciple, a servant, a leader, and a thinker.”
Wild is an advocate for philosophy studies, and he encourages anyone who wants a “greater understanding of what it means to be human and what it means to live in society” to consider this program. “The program will challenge you, but it will strengthen you.”