Alexandra Nash '17
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Senior biology major from Lebanon, Illinois
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Intern and full-time dental assistant at Markarian and Diliberto Endodontics
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President of Sigma Zeta Beta and member of Phi Eta Sigma
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Winner of the National Sigma Zeta Honor Award
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President’s List and Dean’s List
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Member of the American Student Dental Association
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Laboratory Assistant
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Tutor in the Academic Support Center
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Student worker in the Office of the President
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Volunteer at Lebanon Elementary School
by Stephanie (Coartney) Dulaney '10
A native of Lebanon, Ill., Lexi Nash ’17 found the path to her dream job in dentistry right in her own backyard. Now half
way through her senior year, she remembers the unique McKendree experiences that helped
shape her into the person she is today.
Whether it was the time she organized a national math and science convention, helped
her professor research Northern Copperhead snakes in the field, or worked alongside a professional dentist, Lexi spent her time at
McKendree soaking up every opportunity to try something new. “It was important to
me to attend a university where I would receive a strong education in the biological
sciences needed to prepare me for the challenging curriculum of dental school,” she
said.
It started her first year when she was offered the chance to assist her professor
in researching the spatial ecology of the Northern Copperhead. After many hours of
field work searching for and trapping the snakes to study their hibernation habits,
she and three other students presented their findings at McKendree’s annual Academic Excellence Celebration. “The experience taught me how to conduct credible research and apply classroom knowledge
in a real life setting,” she said.
In her junior year, Lexi took on a major leadership role organizing and running the
National Sigma Zeta Convention, a three-day event bringing in hundreds of math and science students from across
the country to share their research. “From setting up online registration and arranging
accommodation, to assembling welcome packages, arranging an evening banquet and keynote
speaker, and planning daytime and evening activities, the whole experience gave me
an opportunity to strengthen my ability to lead,” she said.
While developing her skills in the classroom and on campus, Lexi began job shadowing
professional dentists as well. Her passion for exploring the real life aspects of
her field led her to not only intern at Markarian and Diliberto Endodontics in Swansea,
Ill., but also earn a position as a full-time dental assistant. Over the summer, she
volunteered with her coworkers at the annual Illinois Mission of Mercy, a charitable
event providing free basic dental care to patients in need. “Besides the technical
experience, I especially enjoyed conversing with the patients and listening to their
remarkable stories of triumph over hardship,” she said. “I was moved to hear that
some people had traveled over five hours and waited more than 18 hours for dental
treatment! Being an active part of this further motivates me to work hard for my dental
education so that one day I can give back as a dentist.”
Lexi’s long list of accomplishments as a student have led her to dream even bigger
goals for her future: to provide dental care to underserved populations locally and
abroad, sponsor events that raise money for children’s school supplies, raise a family,
become a certified yoga instructor, and travel the world.
“At McKendree, I’ve been given numerous opportunities to explore and discover newly
found interests in addition to pursuing my passion for biology and the field of dentistry.
It has been the highlight of my undergraduate education to experience the love and
support of the McKendree community.”
Learn more about McKendree University and the Biology program.
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