University of Arizona students and faculty met with professionals from all over the country to swap information and questions regarding biologically related careers. The occasion -- Biology Career Day (BCD) -- a biannual conference exploring opportunities in biological science and related fields. Panelists, including patent attorneys, entomologists, genetic counselors, science writers and high school educators (to name only a few), spoke to eager students about their college experiences, backgrounds and employment highs. Questions darted across the rooms as students inquired about salaries, grunt work, the availability of internships and the overall satisfaction people felt in their particular profession.

Lunch was served outside as students and panelists mingled, discussing career choices. Unexpectedly, 300 extra lunches remained and a benevolent UBRP faculty sponsor suggested the lunches be donated to one of the local Salvation Army units, who gladly accepted the generous contribution.

Following the third session of talks, participants and speakers headed to the Arizona Desert Museum for a stroll around the grounds, followed by cocktails and dinner. Everyone appeared to have a good time as panelists, coordinators and students departed with full stomachs and smiling faces.

BCD was a valuable learning experience for all who attended. Undergraduates benefited most from the event, as they learned about the availability of jobs as well as the applicability of their biology degrees in the working world. If you didn't make it this year, shame on you! Reserve a spot on your calendar for two years from now -- it's an activity worth attending!

Kimmey Hardesty, UBRPer in Dr. McNaughton's lab, Neural Systems, Memory and Aging