Finding wonder in the small things
Landon chose Northwestern for its small-school environment and the unique opportunity to major in genetics and participate in hands-on research even before graduate school. A member of the Raider cross country and track and field teams, he is in the Honors Program and has served as a tutor, student ambassador, discipleship group leader and resident assistant. He says NWC has shown him how looking closely at something—or someone—can reveal God’s hand in the world. Unlocking complexity
I’m fascinated by life’s ability to adapt to constantly changing ecosystems, and genetics is a primary driver of that process. Additionally, DNA is what distinguishes but also unites us to every other organism we share the world with. Northwestern is one of the few institutions of its size that offers an independent genetics major. Northwestern’s genetics program is also active within the SEA-PHAGES and SEA-GENES research programs, where students have the opportunity to discover bacteriophages, annotate their genomes and identify their gene functions.
More than a number
Northwestern’s faculty prioritize the person you’re becoming. Professors here do a phenomenal job of dissociating their students’ worth from their academic performance—they reaffirm for students that their identity is not defined by a statistic or grade. As someone who has struggled with academic pressures, I’ve been incredibly grateful that Northwestern’s faculty emphasize such a person-oriented approach.
Living out love
Besides an education, Northwestern has given me a deeper understanding of how we should love our neighbors. My professors, my teammates and the men in my residence hall have shown me that all people are uniquely created in God’s image and, as a result, we should look for the very best in them.