Congratulations to Julie Wagner, College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Student Achievement Award recipient for January 2021.
Wagner studied Biology at CWI, she was an INBRE Scholar, then an INBRE Fellow earning an NIH-sponsored Bridges to Baccalaureate Fellowship, a partnership with Boise State University.
"When I moved to Boise, I wanted to go into the medical field. Dr. Suzanne Oppenheimer, Assistant Professor of Biology, suggested I apply for the INBRE Scholars program,” says Wagner. Without her support, I wouldn't be where I am today, and without support from Dr. Brian McClain, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, and Holly Paquette, Assistant Professor of Biology, I wouldn't have found my love for research and microbiology."
Wagner’s dedication and hard work were evident early in her educational journey at the College.
“Julie was an exceptional student in my Anatomy and Physiology class and an inquisitive and productive member of my summer research team. Later, she served as an assistant in my teaching lab,” said Oppenheimer. “I have watched her grow from a hesitant student into a confident biology major and research biologist.”
Wagner is currently a student at Boise State University on the B2B track and works in a research laboratory. She plans on attending graduate school for microbiology. She was also recognized in January by Idaho INBRE for her work in the program.
“Julie is amazing,” continued Oppenheimer. “She has the inquisitive mind of a scientist and just needed a bit of encouragement and a few opportunities to really fly!”
