Graduate Student Alumni Spotlight

Biology MS

Student Name:  Derek Draper

Program: Master's of Science in Biology

Hometown: Kerrville, TX

Undergraduate Institution: Schreiner University

Graduation Year: 2014

Why did you choose to attend UT Tyler?

UT Tyler offered me an opportunity to work with a professor I knew from my undergrad. He actually called me on the phone and personally asked if I would like to attend the university as his graduate student and be a Teaching Assistant. I couldn't pass up the opportunity.

What are your career goals and how does your graduate program support them?

I'm in the application process for medical school - specifically, I would like to be in either oncology or pediatrics. This program offered me invaluable experience in research and the techniques to understand various treatments in the health field. At all my interviews, this program is something that is mentioned and the interviewers always want to know more about my research and how it's impacted my view on medicine. Further, as a Teaching Assistant for Anatomy and Physiology I have increased my knowledge base for my future career goal and for when I studied for the MCAT.

What do you like most about UT Tyler?

UT Tyler allows you to develop personal relations with fellow students, future colleagues, professors, and the faculty and staff. That isn't something you necessarily get to do at larger universities. Also, the campus is small and easily accessible which makes commuting an option.

Find out more about our Master of Biology