Introducing our first MCDB Alumni Spotlight! With this series, we hope to shine some light on our awesome alumni, as well as giving our current students some advice from previous MCDB students!
Our first MCDB Alumni Spotlight is Monica Blatnik! Dr. Blatnik is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Oberlin College. She graduated from MCDB in 2023.
We asked Dr. Blatnik some questions about her time in MCDB, as well as her career after graduating. You can read our full interview below:
What is your current job and what does that entail?
I am currently an Assistant Professor in the Biology Department at Oberlin College and Conservatory (a primarily undergraduate university). My job is a mix of teaching and research; on average I teach 4-5 courses per year, both introductory and upper-level biology classes. When I’m not teaching (or prepping lectures or grading!), I mentor undergraduate students on independent research projects during the school year and over the summers. I also serve on various committees, help oversee departmental duties, and advise students with their class schedules. There are lots of unofficial parts of my job that I do as well – but those are the highlights!
How does your work relate to your time in the MCDB program? How did your time in MCDB prepare you for this job?
As a graduate student in the program, I held various positions in the MCDB GSO, which helped develop important leadership skills that I still use today! I attended workshops on fellowship writing and public speaking, which helped during grad school and beyond. I was a TA for Molecular Genetics classes, which gave me an opportunity to get an idea of what it would be like to teach undergraduate students! I also had the chance to take a class that was focused on developing biology courses using evidence-based pedagogy through the Drake Institute for Teaching and Learning. In addition to learning about pedagogy, I learned how to prepare lectures, adopt inclusive teaching practices, and write a teaching statement. For anyone interested in teaching, there are so many excellent resources available for graduate students and post docs through the Drake – I highly recommend using them!
What is your favorite memory that you have of MCDB?
My favorite MCDB memories were the Halloween parties! It was a blast getting to hang out with peers and faculty in MCDB (costumed and not) outside of a professional setting. The dessert contest never disappointed either (Dawn’s desserts were always the best!).
What's something fun or interesting that you've done recently?
Well, I am a mom of an on-the-go 18-month-old, so any free time I have I spend with family (which means lots of baby books, silly songs, and Sesame Street).
Is there anywhere online where students can learn more about your work or connect with you?
If anyone is interested in learning more about the ins and outs of teaching at a primarily undergraduate university, you can connect with me on LinkedIn or reach out via email (mblatnik@oberlin.edu)!
Thank you again to Dr. Blatnik for agreeing to participate in our kickoff MCDB Alumni Spotlight!