Sam Helms-Galbraith

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

I decided on Lewis & Clark as it offered outstanding academic programs and an opportunity to continue my baseball career. After visiting the breathtaking campus that is located next to vibrant Portland, Oregon, I knew L&C was the place for me.

What have you been doing since graduation?

Since graduating in May 2021, I have worked as a medical scribe in multiple emergency departments across the Portland area. This position has allowed me to immerse myself in the healthcare system and observe firsthand how physicians engage with patients and form their diagnoses. In January 2022, I accepted the COVID Care Manager position at Lewis & Clark. I sought this position to both respond to the public health emergency of COVID and to support the L&C community.

How did Lewis & Clark prepare you for your job?

Earning a liberal arts degree has given me the foundation to understand the social sciences and humanities on a broader scale. My education has transcended all aspects of my life. It has allowed me to embrace my social responsibility, reason with critical thinking skills, contribute to and impact lives through effective and meaningful communication while understanding the intricacies of cultural backgrounds. My professors and baseball coaches in particular went above and beyond to ensure I had the tools to be successful after graduation.

What would you say is the most important thing you learned at Lewis & Clark?

At Lewis & Clark I learned the power of making mistakes. I truly believe that Lewis & Clark cultivates an environment that supports an intellectual curiosity to learn. The strong connections I formed with my professors and coaches added to this support network. Not only did I overcome the fear of failure, but I learned to use it to motivate me to become a better independent thinker and ask more questions.

How do you stay connected to Lewis & Clark as an alum?

Given that I am now working in the Health Promotion and Wellness office, I am quite involved in on-campus events. Outside of work, I enjoy attending the L&C sporting events to cheer on the Pios!

Have you been to Alumni Weekend or other programming, like Homecoming, etc.? What did you enjoy about the event(s)?

I have participated in the baseball alumni game twice now! It is a great opportunity to reconnect with old teammates and build connections with the new generation of players.

Why did you minor in neuroscience?

I have been interested in neuroscience since I found out I had a rare tumor in my sinus cavity. It was this unique experience that helped me to find my love for the nervous system and my desire to pursue a career in medicine. Naturally, I was drawn toward taking as many neuroscience courses as I could. The neuroscience minor was closely connected with my biology major and allowed me to take unique courses, such as Neurobiology!

What was your favorite class? How did it expand your knowledge?

Either Cellular Biology with Professor Greg Hermann or Neurobiology with Associate Professor Tamily Weissman-Unni. It was clear that these professors were invested in the course material. In these courses, I learned and developed logical problem-solving skills and scientific methodology, which allowed me to undertake independent research projects. In the lab, I was able to design and conduct multiple research projects by applying the course material.

Who was your mentor on campus? Why do you consider this person your mentor?

It is truly difficult to name just one individual that I looked to for guidance on campus. I was able to build and still maintain close relationships with many of my professors, such as Paulette Bierzychudek, Mark Duntley, Greg Hermann, and Tamily Weissman-Unni, and my baseball coach, Matt Kosderka.

Biology Neuroscience Health Promotion and Wellness Baseball