Congratulations to our May 2024 Graduates

Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Health Science

Kathryn Jane Bloodworth
Alexis Hoopman

Master of Science in Biology

Alexis Addotta
Zachary Lee Thomas Bunch
William Terrence Mann

Bachelor of Arts or Science in Biology

Graduation Speech by Dr. Karen Katula

First, I want to thank Tri Beta for inviting me as the speaker and McKayla for the nice introduction. It is an honor.

Good afternoon students, family, friends and biology faculty and staff. This is a special day that calls for much celebration, reflection, maybe relief. Yes, you are graduating and are ready to move on.

As Dr. Shug stated:Biology is one of the most difficult majors at UNCG.

Yes, folks this is so true. The biology degree requires lots of hard work, perseverance, and smarts. Be proud!

You now know that I will be retiring after 31 years as a member of the Biology faculty at UNCG. Let me begin by saying that one of the highlights of my 31 years in the Biology Dept. has been all the students that have passed through my courses and research lab.

• Thank you for keeping me young (er),
• Thank you for sharing your stories,
• Thank you for working hard in my courses, and
• Thank you for contributing to my research efforts.

It has been a pleasure and honor to interact with you.

Now, let me tell you some about myself, how I got to this point, and what I’ve learned along the way. I hope this story has some relevance for you as you travel along in your life journey.

I grew up in Cleveland, OH to first generation parents. My grandparents emigrated from eastern Europe and worked in the coal mines of West Virginia and Pennsylvania. It’s hard to imagine but my paternal grandparents were illiterate. But I remember my grandmother as being strong and having a sharp memory. She also loved of JFK.

Both my parents were veterans serving in WWII. My mother as an Army Flight Nurse in the Pacific and my father as an Army communications specialist in Europe. These were defining experiences for my parents, that I was profoundly aware as a child and throughout my life. And which still matters to me: Commitment, sacrifice, and service.

Science came from my mother’s side. As a child I was in awe of my Uncle Gus, who was an aerophysicist. My love of nature started with my mom who took my brother and I on outings to explore the parks that surround Cleveland. We often waded in the streams and looked for salamanders.

It was in 8th grade that I decided to become a biologist and I set my mind to it. From that point my path included college, graduate school, postdocs, and then a faculty positions. Hard to admit, but I have more or less been in “school” my entire life.

During these years I was married, had two boys, and now have a 4 year-old granddaughter, who I adore. I feel very fortunate. I know to you it sounds so easy. But you know nothing in life can be that easy. I faced disappointment and challenges: Experiments that didn’t work. Grants not funded, papers rejected. Designing meaningful and successful courses. (You all know the challenge of designing a cell biology course that everyone can pass.)

And, this list doesn’t include the challenges of children and family. Yes, life is full of ups and downs but in the process you learn, grow, adapt, and move forward.

Now let me a provide a few words of advice based on my life journey. It was hard to narrow the list, but here they are:

1. Each of you have a unique family history. Embrace it and learn from it. Family is central.

2. Don’t be afraid to try something new. Don’t limit yourself. You may not get the job you dreamed of. But believe me, there are many other opportunities waiting.

3. Admire and appreciate other people. Find meaningful role models or mentors throughout your life journey.

4. Enjoy nature. Take a hike. Get outside. It will nourish your mind and body.

5. Think beyond yourself and ask how you can contribute. Climate change, hunger, world conflicts, public health, homelessness. These are happening NOW!

6. Don’t stop learning. Keep informed. We all are responsible for our future. And, as you all know, the future is arriving faster than expected. Just consider how it seems that AI has suddenly taken over. (How many of you believe this talk was AI generated?)

7. And importantly, as biologists you are in a special category – scientifically literate. Continue to use this knowledge to educate and inform, particularly about the process of science. Our society needs you!

Finally, I say embrace your new challenges and unknowns with confidence, excitement, and some humor. You are creating your own life journey. Cherish every moment.

Congratulations