Jessica Doan
L&C taught me how to effectively work with others and that you should never be afraid to ask questions! This really prepared me for my current job.
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What three words would you use to describe L&C?
What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?
What made me want to come to Lewis & Clark is how at home I felt when I first came for a visit. From the people I met to seeing the classrooms and the nature surrounding the campus, it all made me feel at home and that I could thrive at L&C.
What have you been doing since graduation?
I am currently working as a laboratory technician for Long Beach MemorialCare in Long Beach, California, while working on getting my clinical laboratory science certification. In between work, I’ve also made time to travel around the U.S.! I went to New York to watch the Phantom of the Opera before it closed, and I currently have plans to go up the coast of California for a trip!
How did Lewis & Clark prepare you for your job?
As a chemistry major, we often did labs in groups and learned to work with each other on different assignments. Through this, I was able to learn how to work collaboratively with others. L&C taught me how to effectively work with others and that you should never be afraid to ask questions! This really prepared me for my current job because asking questions and getting another set of eyes decides what type of care a patient receives.
What would you say is the most important thing you learned at Lewis & Clark?
This is a tough one! I’ve learned so many things at L&C that it’s hard to choose but I would say the most important thing, especially since COVID, is that you ask questions! Always ask questions! You will never find out the answer until you ask questions!
Why did you major in chemistry?
I always knew I wanted to major in some sort of science/math. What made me decide to major in chemistry was when I would spend time studying in Olin and everyone was so open to helping each other and enjoying conversations together. Everyone treats each other just like family. I knew then that I wanted to be a chemistry major.
How do you stay connected to Lewis & Clark as an alum?
Like most people, I receive the alumni emails and follow L&C on various social media platforms. I’ve also gone to visit L&C since graduating and stay in touch with professors and faculty.
Who was your mentor on campus? Why do you consider this person your mentor?
I have two people I consider to be my mentor. One is Anne Bentley, associate professor of chemistry. I met her my first year in the 8 a.m. general chemistry class, but I really got to know Dr. Bentley when I became her lab assistant. Immediately, Dr. Bentley welcomed me into her lab and really took me under her wing. She guided me throughout my time at L&C both academically and personally. Her door was always open to meet and talk about anything!
Another person I consider to be my mentor is Jessica Daniel, the chemistry lab director. From the moment I met Jessica, she always welcomed me into her office for anything, whether it was an academic-related topic or a life topic. She always made time for me. I don’t know how I would have made it through college without her as a mentor!
