Holly Hale

Although we may not have a specific premed program, biochemistry and molecular biology is perfect because it satisfies most of the requirements medical schools are looking for.

Holly Hale BA '19

Pronouns

she/her

Degree and Class Year

BA ’19

Hometown

Stevensville, Montana

Major

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Extracurriculars

Softball, research in Greg Hermann’s lab

Overseas study

London, England

Job Title, Organization

Director of Operations and Physician Collaboration for a group of Montana pediatricians

What three words would you use to describe L&C?

Green, Academic, Safe

Life After L&C, May 2020 Update

What have you been doing since graduation?

I have been working as the director of operations and physician collaboration for a group of Montana pediatricians aiming to improve access to care for families across the state using telemedicine technology. It has been life changing to contribute to securing more equitable healthcare resources for rural and medically underserved populations across Montana.

How did Lewis & Clark prepare you for your job?

Lewis & Clark prepared me for this phase of my life by helping me develop a strong work ethic. I was a softball player during my time at L&C. Through being a student-athlete, I learned to wear many hats and balance responsibilities accordingly. My job now is very dynamic and I am grateful to already have the skill set needed to manage different roles and tasks.

Now that you’re out of college, what would you say is the most important thing you learned at Lewis & Clark?

The most important thing I learned at Lewis & Clark was how to be a good team member. Whether it was in the lab or at practice, inclusively supporting others while also learning from them always provided the best outcome. This lesson has become invaluable to me in the collaborative work I’m doing now.

What are your career goals?

I was accepted into the University of Washington School of Medicine this fall, and will be focusing on rural and underserved medicine during my time there. I aspire to be a rural pediatrician and alleviate some of the health disparities that isolated communities face due to limited access to care for their children.

Life at L&C

What’s your favorite class? How has it expanded your knowledge?

Investigations in Cell and Molecular Biology with Professor Greg Hermann. This class taught me a lot, both in lecture and in lab. From glycolysis to HIV, the class was an overview for what I would learn in depth in the next couple years. It was awesome to see what was in store for me. The lab was also hands-on and was my first experience with a semi-independent project.

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

I loved the campus. I came in the fall when it was already winter in Montana and the entire campus was still so lush and green. It was like walking through a park, and I wanted that to be a part of my college experience.

You’re a biochem major, but you chose a humanities-focused overseas program in London. What was your reasoning?

My roommate loves London and she definitely sold the trip for me. I also knew I wanted to go to Europe, so it seemed like the perfect fit! Plus it was interesting to see what it was like to experience a humanities based curriculum being a lab sciences major.

What did your time in London add to your L&C experience?

My time in London was the next step in my independence that I’ve learned while going to LC. Coming from a rural part of Montana, most of my family lives within three hours of me. When I came to LC, I had to learn how do live without my family close, and London was the next step in the process. I went from living three hours from my family to nine hours in Portland to across the ocean in London. Now I feel like I could live anywhere.

What’s your favorite spot on campus?

My favorite spot on campus is Watzek library. It is a place to study but it’s also a place to see people you know who are trying to accomplish the same goal—whether it’s doing homework or studying for finals.

How did you decide on a major?

I want to go into the medical field and the BCMB major lines up nicely with premed. Although we may not have a specific premed program, biochemistry and molecular biology is perfect because it satisfies most of the requirements medical schools are looking for. Plus its just an interesting major in general, with classes in all areas of biology and chemistry.

Have you had the opportunity to do research with a professor? If so, please describe the project and the experience.

Yes, I will be participating in the Rogers Science Research Program in Greg Hermann’s lab during summer 2018. Although I don’t know exactly what I will be working on, the lab works with the model organism C. elegans to study cell-type specific organelles.