For Serena Baird, an SBU education was a valuable investment because she not only
received the academic training needed for her career but she also was encouraged to
grow in her faith.
“SBU is a good value because you will get an individualized education. The professors are readily available and students aren’t just a number like at large universities,” Serena said. “More importantly, SBU has a great environment which encourages students to grow in their faith.”
Serena now works for Quest Diagnostics as a group lead forensic scientist, engaging in research and experiments such as testing biological specimens for illicit and prescription drugs. Serena is quick to credit SBU for preparing her for her master’s degree program in chemistry completed at the University of Kansas and equipping her to succeed in her unique career path.
“The academics at SBU established the background in chemistry I needed to succeed at being a forensic scientist,” Serena reported. “Additionally, the seminar courses I took as a junior and senior helped expose me to different career opportunities.”
Small class sizes for both her lecture courses and her science labs enabled Serena to get to know her professors on an individual basis. This individualized education has proven to be invaluable to Serena as the connections have remained past graduation and into her career as a forensic scientist.
More than just academic preparation, when looking back at her SBU experience, Serena is especially grateful for the ways she grew spiritually and the friendships she formed. While she may have taken for granted some opportunities while she was a student, such as attending SBU chapel services, Serena says she often misses the close-knit, Christ-focused community at SBU.
“Being on my own for the first time, SBU helped me keep my faith on the right track through various opportunities to pursue God such as Bible studies, mission trips, chapel services, and engaging in the SBU community environment,” Serena said. “I had the privilege to go on four mission trips with SBU, which helped me open up to others about my life experiences with Christ and grew me into a better witness for the Gospel.”
Through her years at graduate school and now working as a forensic scientist, Serena has maintained many of the relationships formed during her time at SBU, both with faculty and classmates.
“From the first moment of Welcome Week to walking across the stage at graduation, I had the opportunity to meet many wonderful and interesting people who I am blessed to still call my friends,” Serena said. “We still encourage and support each other today, even as we pursue different career paths and are building our own families.”