Katherine (Katie) Schumacher ’18
Name: Katherine (Katie) Schumacher ’18
Hometown: Baldwinsville, N.Y.
Academic focus: biological sciences and French double major; pre-health
Proudest accomplishment at MHC: My proudest accomplishments at Mount Holyoke are my two medical school acceptances, which are the result of all of my hard work at Mount Holyoke, and all of the help and support that I have received from my professors; and the Coaches vs. Cancer tennis fundraiser that I organized for colorectal cancer to honor my mom, who is currently fighting the disease. This fundraiser has raised $1,275 so far for colorectal cancer research.
How a close connection with a faculty member has shaped you: Rachel Fink (chair of biological sciences and Ida and Marion Van Natta Professor of Biological Sciences) is not only my research and major advisor, she is a support system and a great person to talk to about my life outside of academics as well. I have done independent study with Rachel for the past three years, and I am writing a senior honors thesis in biology with her that focuses on the impact of light on zebrafish hatching and development. Rachel has always been there for me, through the ups and the downs, and she has greatly influenced who I am today.
I have also been very blessed to have developed a strong relationship with Sister Annette McDermott (dean of religious and spiritual life). She has helped to guide me through difficult times this year. I am a member of the Mount Holyoke Catholic community and the Abbey Singers at Sunday mass, and I am so grateful for all of the love and support from Sister Annette and all of the wonderful students in our Catholic community.
Favorite courses you thought you might not like: Physics 100 and 150 with Kerstin Nordstrom (Clare Boothe Luce Assistant Professor of Physics). I had not had a great experience with physics in high school, so I had not been looking forward to taking it again in college for pre-med. However, Kerstin's teaching made the concepts click for me and I not only enjoyed the class, I excelled in it.
Best takeaway from internship or research experiences: I interned at Orthopaedic Associates of Wisconsin the summer after my sophomore year. Orthopaedics is a very male-dominated field of medicine and all of the doctors at the practice were men. Most of these surgeons were very welcoming and encouraging towards me, but there were a few who did not believe that women should be in a surgical specialty. Instead of allowing their comments to discourage me, I studied and worked hard, helped in the clinic and scrubbed in for surgeries in the OR. By the end of my internship, I had earned the respect and support of all of the doctors that I worked closely with. This internship helped to increase my passion for orthopaedics, along with teaching me how to face adversity and have my own voice.
Favorite Five College experience: As a pre-med student and a member of both the varsity tennis team and the symphony orchestra, it was never possible for me to take an off-campus, Five College class. That being said, I have still been able to have some great Five College experiences. My tennis team plays Smith, so I have met new friends through this interaction. My friends and I like to go into Amherst or Northampton for dinner or shopping.
Future plans: I will be attending SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York, in the fall. My goal is to become an orthopaedic surgeon and specialize in hand and upper extremity, orthopaedic oncology and/or sports medicine. I will be conducting research in orthopaedic oncology at Upstate during my time in medical school.
Mount Holyoke was the best decision I ever made! I have been so lucky to have been able to pursue my passions for medicine and science while still participating in research, orchestra and tennis.