Olivia Weaver
Lewis & Clark gave me the solid foundation that I needed to pursue my passions in biology.
Pronouns
Degree and Class Year
Hometown
Current City
Major
Minor
Extracurriculars
Job Title, Organization
Internship
What three words would you use to describe L&C?
What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?
I was initially drawn to the areas of study and the golf program at Lewis & Clark, but what really solidified my decision was the campus and location. The campus is serene with the perfect balance of studious and social capabilities all while being secluded but not far from the happenings of Portland.
What have you been doing since graduation?
Since graduation, I took a gap year to relax and focus on my next steps. I stuck around Portland and got a job as a nanny (for the family of an L&C alum at that!) for the summer. I then transitioned back into an academic setting, where I worked in a microbiology laboratory. Now that my gap year has ended—and on the one-year anniversary of graduating L&C—I moved to the island of Oahu to research and conserve Hawaiian Monk Seals, the most endangered mammal in the United States.
How did Lewis & Clark prepare you for your job?
Lewis & Clark gave me the solid foundation that I needed to pursue my passions in biology. My focus and interest at L&C had always been ecology, but with the addition of labs, electives, and my math minor, I had the freedom to go wherever I pleased within the field.
What would you say is the most important thing you learned at Lewis & Clark?
I would say that the most important thing that I learned at Lewis & Clark was that success doesn’t happen alone. Meaning that you don’t have to rely solely on yourself to do well and that it’s okay to struggle and ask for help. While at L&C I utilized SAAB tutors, my friends, and numerous office hours with professors to succeed. I’m so thankful to have been in an environment with the resources to do that.
Why did you major in biology?
I majored in biology because I have always had a passion for science and the environment. It’s both what I care about and what interests me, and I’ve felt that way for as long as I can remember.
Why did you minor in mathematics?
I decided to minor in math to give myself an edge as a biologist. My goal with my math minor was to add something into my education that would assist with my career goals and coincide with my interests. At the end of the day, I just really liked math and I really liked the math department at L&C.
How do you stay connected to Lewis & Clark as an alum?
As an alumna, I always keep up with all the Lewis & Clark social media accounts. L&C has an Instagram account for all its organizations, but of course my favorite is LCpiosgolf to see what the golf team is up to.
Who was your mentor on campus? Why do you consider this person your mentor?
I would say my mentor on campus was Associate Professor Anne Bentley. I met Dr. Bentley in the first semester of my first year in general chemistry, and she remained a supportive figure for the rest of my four years at L&C. Aside from being my professor, I was also Dr. Bentley’s teaching assistant. She also sponsored the Gender Minorities in STEM club and served as the Athletic Academic Coordinator during my time as a student-athlete. The involvement that Dr. Bentley has with the student body was really what solidified her as my mentor. Both in and out of the classroom, she has been a welcoming presence and has given me crucial guidance and wisdom that helped to ensure my success at L&C and beyond. I feel grateful to have been taught by and work with a professor like Dr. Bentley.
