Krista Kirkham, M.S. ’05; Laura Zimmerman, M.S. ’09 Ph.D. ’13; and Sandrine Clairardin ’09, M.S. ’12, will return to the Illinois State to participate in Alumni Career Day. All students, alumni, and faculty are invited to this event. The trio will tell us about their time at the University and how this led them to successful careers. This will be followed by an informal social where all will be encouraged to meet them and ask questions to gain insights into their success. This event will be held from 10–11 a.m. Friday, October 23, in 314 Williams Hall. Snacks will be provided.
They will also be honored the same day at the Alumni Day Luncheon. That event will be held from noon–2 p.m. in the Bone Student Center’s Brown Ballroom.
These alumni were chosen because they are working in diverse areas and are demonstrating the value of their training in biological sciences. Tickets to attend this event are available by calling Alumni Relations at (309) 438-2586.
Krista Kirkham
At Illinois State Kirkham worked with Associate Professor Bill Perry and earned her master’s in the conservation biology sequence. Her thesis examined algal dynamics in streams to determine if land-use changes led to alteration in water quality. Now Kirkham works for The Nature Conservancy. She focuses on the assessment of mitigation efforts at reducing nitrate loading to streams.
Sandrine Clairardin
Clairardin teaches biology at Romeoville High School. She has a long-standing interest in science education and works to promote an enthusiasm for science in all students. Clairardin received her bachelor’s degree in the School of Biological Sciences’ teacher education sequence. She received a prestigious Science to Achieve Results fellowship from the Environmental Protection Agency.
Laura Zimmerman
After completing her doctorate, Zimmerman spent a semester as a visiting assistant professor at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, before returning to her undergraduate alma mater, Millikin University, where she is now a full-time assistant professor of biology. She teaches immunology and volunteers with the women’s basketball team.
