AMCC 25TH ANNIVERSARY DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI SERIES: DR. JENNIFER BENNETT, LA ROCHE UNIVERSITY

Dr. Jennifer (Rush) Bennett graduated from what was then La Roche College in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. She later went on to receive her Master of Science and PhD from Duquesne University. 

Dr. Bennett is now the Chair of the Department of Biology and Earth Science at Otterbein University in Westerville, OH. She teaches and practices as a molecular microbiologist. She teaches microbiology, cell biology, and bioinformatics. She also instructs overseas undergraduate research. 

She chose La Roche because of the environment. Dr. Bennett said, “La Roche has a very tight knit community of professors and students that make you feel welcomed. I also felt like I would have a strong education, while being able to participate in a variety of activities that were especially interesting to me, including athletics. I definitely chose a great college!”

Dr. Bennett said that her experience at La Roche helped her immensely to prepare for the career she has earned. “As a scientist and professor I rely on laboratory skills, critical thinking, mathematics, creativity in experimental design, writing, and speaking. Being a double major in Biology and Chemistry allowed me to excel in the areas of biochemistry and molecular biology in grad school". She also mentioned how having a libertal arts education allowed her to view different perspectives and to think in a multidisciplinary way in order to solve problems. 

“I also benefited from the extracurricular activities at La Roche such as: undergraduate research, internships, student clubs, and science outreach. I also wrote for the La Roche Courier,” said Dr. Bennett. 

Education runs in the family, as Dr. Bennett’s mother was a microbiology professor at La Roche and in fact taught Dr. Bennett herself. Her father was also a college professor, and supported her aspirations when she decided she wanted to continue her career into education and research. Once Bennett decided the veterinarian path wasn’t for her, she decided to try molecular biology research at Duquesne and was able to play on their tennis team. She found from this experience that she loved research and wanted to continue in education. 

Being a student-athlete at La Roche ultimately helped shape her into the successful scientist and professor she is now. Her time as a student-athlete taught her the skills such as the ability to balance a variety of activities, striving for her personal best, teamwork, grace under pressure, and sportsmanship. 

“My students in my research lab work individually and as a team to improve their skills.They practice at lab meetings and then travel to large scientific conferences where they essentially compete in poster competitions and talks. Mentoring research and teaching in the classroom are really forms of coaching,” Dr. Bennett explained. 

Dr. Bennett mentioned that she played many sports during her time at La Roche. Mainly Tennis, and cross country, but she also played a season of volleyball and basketball. What she remembers more than anything was the long runs with the cross country team and the enthusiasm and motivation from Coach Driscoll. She even remembers how one night before a big meet he made the team a great Italian dinner as a pre-meet fuel. Dr. Bennett now takes the same enthusiasm and fun to her own cross country team that she coaches at a K-8 school in Ohio. 

Dr. Bennett leaves this advice for fellow student-athletes: “Never listen to those who say you cannot be both an athlete and a student. You will use the skills that you develop as a student-athlete throughout your lifetime. Sports can also help you become a better student, provide stress relief, and also provide a network of close friends for support, as well as the exercise that you need to perform better on tests and assignments."

The Distinguished Alumni Series is part of the AMCC's 25th anniversary where the conference will be recognizing former AMCC student-athletes who have excelled in their area of study. The Distinguished Alumni Series will run every Thursday throughout the academic year.