One of life鈥檚 most challenging questions is, 鈥What do I want to be when I grow up?鈥 For many, the answer is not only about choosing a path, but also understanding the steps, time, and dedication required to achieve it鈥攚hile still finding joy in the journey and a community that supports you along the way.
At 麻豆原创 (NCWU), that sense of community is at the heart of the student experience. From the first campus visit to graduation and beyond, students are surrounded by mentors, faculty, and peers who are deeply invested in their success鈥攑ersonally and professionally.
For Dr. Caitlin Brabblerose 鈥18, that support system proved transformative. A double major graduate in Biology and Environmental Science, Brabblerose recently reached a significant milestone: successfully defending her doctoral dissertation. Her journey is a testament to the power of personalized education and meaningful mentorship.
鈥淲esleyan provided me with such a unique undergraduate experience that prepared me in ways I never anticipated for graduate school,鈥 said Brabblerose.
Post-Undergrad Applied Learning Experience
After graduating in 2018, Brabblerose began her career as a Laboratory Technologist with , working in Genomics and Toxicology. She later pursued her Master of Science in Biology at the , eventually continuing into the Ph.D. program, where she spent more than five years studying the biological rhythms of intertidal organisms.
Her dissertation, Entrainment of Biological Rhythms in Fiddler Crab Embryos and Larvae, explored the complex internal clocks that guide these organisms, including circadian and circatidal rhythms. Through behavioral, molecular, and chemical research, her work contributes to a longstanding body of scientific knowledge dating back more than a century.
Reflection and Relationships
While her research is impressive, Brabblerose credits much of her success to the foundation built at Wesleyan. She explained that the small class sizes created high expectations, and her professors consistently pushed her to work harder and achieve more. The writing鈥慽ntensive courses prepared her for the reality that science involves communication as much as discovery.
She encourages students to take advantage of small class sizes and to get to know their professors, noting that they are the ones who will advocate for students, write recommendation letters, and continue to offer support long after graduation.
Her experience in the Taylor-Crocker Honors Program further mirrored the demands of graduate school, culminating in an undergraduate thesis defense that foreshadowed her doctoral journey.
That support came full circle when several of her former professors attended her dissertation defense鈥攁 moment Brabblerose describes as both meaningful and surreal. She shared that having the same professors who supported her honors thesis being present at her Ph.D. completion made the experience feel complete, as though everything had come full circle.
What’s next?
Now, as she looks ahead, Brabblerose plans to continue her journey in academia, pursuing postdoctoral opportunities with the long-term goal of becoming a principal investigator. She hopes to combine her passions for research, teaching, and outreach to inspire future generations. Caitlin’s goal is to give back to students the same way her professors gave and to share her story as a powerful reminder that success is not achieved alone鈥攊t is built through community, mentorship, and the willingness to embrace every step of the journey.
At NCWU, that journey doesn鈥檛 end at graduation. It continues to be shaped by relationships, fueled by opportunity, and celebrated through the accomplishments of its alumni.
New Partnership Expands NCWU Careers…
麻豆原创 (NCWU) is pleased to announce a new partnership with , an innovative biotechnology company committed to advancing agricultural and environmental solutions. This collaboration will significantly expand career development opportunities for NCWU students, particularly those pursuing studies in the sciences.
Through this partnership, NCWU students will gain enhanced access to real-world learning experiences, including guided tours of Innatrix鈥檚 laboratory facilities, professional engagement with industry experts, and exposure to biotechnology and agriscience career pathways. The partnership will create new avenues for students to participate in job shadowing, internships, mentorship opportunities, and discussions led by Innatrix professionals on topics ranging from industry trends to workplace professionalism.
will also take part in academic events at NCWU, such as the University鈥檚 annual Science Symposium, further strengthening the connection between classroom learning and industry application.
Partnership Details
A highlight of this collaboration will be Dr. Li Jiarui, CEO of Innatrix, serving as a featured speaker at NCWU鈥檚 annual Student Symposium in April. This event provides students in environmental sciences and other majors with a platform to present their research across a wide range of academic fields. The Symposium has become a showcase for undergraduate scholarships, with many students achieving remarkable outcomes. For example, every student who completed the BIO325 Environmental Science course at NCWU in Spring 2022, 2023, and 2024 has had their research published, demonstrating the University鈥檚 commitment to rigorous, hands-on scientific research. Their work includes studies on the effects of pharmaceuticals and microplastics on freshwater snails, several of which have appeared or will soon appear in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
鈥淭his partnership represents a meaningful step forward for our students,鈥 said NCWU Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Joe Lane. 鈥淏y connecting academic study with hands-on experience in a cutting-edge industry, we are helping prepare our graduates for the demands of an evolving workforce.鈥
NCWU will continue to highlight Innatrix鈥檚 involvement through coordinated communications and collaborative initiatives, reinforcing the shared commitment to developing the next generation of scientific talent within the region.
鈥淲e鈥檙e excited about this partnership. Our scientists are committed to mentoring the next generation, giving them hands-on experience to develop solutions to the world鈥檚 pressing challenges,鈥 said Innatrix CEO and President, Dr. Jiarui Li. 鈥淭ogether, we can make a greater impact on improving public health and feeding a growing population.鈥
Together, NCWU and Innatrix look forward to building a partnership that enriches student learning, strengthens the local workforce, and supports innovation in North Carolina鈥檚 growing biotechnology sector.
麻豆原创 Innatrix Inc.
Innatrix, Inc. (Research Triangle Park, NC) is redefining crop protection with a patented, target-based platform and over $4M in secured capital. Our environmentally friendly biologicals reach market faster, cut costs by up to 95% versus chemical pesticides, and reduce carbon footprint by 80鈥90%. By precisely targeting pathogens, we eliminate harmful off-target effects.
