How lasting mentorship and community prepared graduates for careers in medicine, research, technology and beyond
The College of Sciences and Mathematics hosted its first-ever Career Day, Oct. 1, bringing together alumni from across diverse fields to connect with more than 120 current students. The response exceeded organizers' expectations, with over 60 alumni eager to give back to the community that shaped their professional journeys. 
"Every time I reached out to alumni, they were thrilled to help current students," said Dr. Beth Bowman, assistant dean of CSM and a 2008 chemistry graduate. “Some even traveled to Nashville for the event!”
The event featured concurrent panel discussions on career sectors ranging from health care and research to technology and business, followed by panels on professional competencies like leadership, critical thinking and communication. Students then gathered for intimate roundtable discussions with alumni in their fields of interest.
Students jumped at the opportunity to learn from those who'd recently walked in their shoes. One attendee shared that she wasn't sure what career options were available after graduation and hoped the panels would provide clarity. She also appreciated seeing recent graduates — from 2024 and 2025 — already making their mark professionally. Throughout the panels, students asked thoughtful questions about specific career paths, the role of AI in various fields and practical advice about their majors.
Paying It Forward
For many alumni, the decision to return wasn't just about giving career advice, it was about paying forward the mentorship that transformed their own lives.
"I remember how difficult it was during my senior year to figure out how to take that next step into the workforce,” said Patrick Haller, a 2016 computer science graduate and now a senior business intelligence developer at Belmont. “I wanted to provide the kind of answers I would have wanted during my time in school."
Below, alumni share their stories of how Belmont shaped their journeys — and why they felt compelled to return.
Jordan Murray: From First-Gen Student to Radiologist
- Biology, Class of 2012
- Breast Radiologist, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Jordan Murray came to Belmont as a first-generation college student who didn't even know what "credit hours per semester" meant. His senior summer research project studying creek ecosystems with Dr. Darlene Panvini evolved into a meaningful mentorship that shaped his trajectory.
"Those long days in the field and the conversations we shared became far more than just part of a class," Murray recalled. "She encouraged me to look at the world with curiosity and openness, and to embrace new opportunities even when they felt unfamiliar."
Beyond academics, Murray met his wife in a genetics class. "We spent countless hours together in classes, labs, study sessions and eating at Chago's navigating the challenges of being biology majors side by side," he said. "Those shared experiences became a defining part of my Belmont journey."
His advice: "Take the time to learn your 'why.' Understanding the deeper reason behind why you're pursuing your career is what will carry you through the more challenging times of your academic journey."
Karly Kammann: Building Confidence Through Community
- Neuroscience, Class of 2025
- Microbiology Research Assistant, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
As a recent graduate, Karly Kammann represents the swift transition from student to professional. Now on the path to achieving an MD/PhD, she credits Belmont with transforming her self-doubt into confidence.
"I came into Belmont experiencing a lot of academic self-doubt and confusion about my career goals," she said. "Each professor and peer poured into me, allowing me to gain confidence and clarity on my passions. I truly mean it when I say I would not be striving for the career I am today without the leadership, guidance and support I experienced at Belmont."
Her biology class with Dr. Rebecca Adams helped her identify her love for understanding life on a biological level, while Bowman helped her create a career path combining science and service.
Her advice: "Never stop being curious! Explore the classes that sound exciting, join the extracurriculars that fill you up and don't be afraid to ask for help. Working in health care and research is incredibly collaborative."
Arielle Manabat: Mentorship That Endures
- Neuroscience, Class of 2020
- PhD Candidate, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Even as Arielle Manabat moved from Belmont to research positions at Vanderbilt, then Purdue, and finally to UAB for her PhD, her Belmont mentors remained her compass.
"At every step, despite going off to other universities, I was still turning to my Belmont mentors," she said. "I cannot emphasize enough how important Belmont has been in my life and career. I would not be where I am or be the same person I am today without the support and care of my Belmont mentors." 
She credits Dr. Danielle Garrett with teaching her essential qualities of good scientists and leaders, including the ability to communicate clearly and never be condescending when teaching. Dr. Kimberlee Entsminger's organic chemistry class fundamentally changed how she thinks critically about synthesizing ideas and hypotheses.
Her advice: "Do not be consumed with the idea of perfection, because perfection, especially in science, does not exist. Some of the best qualities a scientist can have are grit and resilience. Also, always work with integrity and professionalism. The world is pretty small, and the best opportunities are passed along by word of mouth."
Seth Adelsperger: Balancing Athletics and Academics
- Environmental Science, Class of 2020
- PhD Candidate in Hydrology
Seth Adelsperger's Belmont experience required balancing a demanding course load with Division I basketball — a challenge that taught him invaluable time management skills and prepared him for the rigors of graduate school.
He credits Coach Rick Byrd and Coach Brian Ayers as "strong proponents of their players performing well in the classroom, which is not the case for many other D1 basketball programs. Their support enabled me to pursue more difficult courses which better prepared me for graduate school."
The mathematics courses he took at Belmont proved essential for graduate-level hydrology work. He called Dr. Ryan Fox and Dr. Garrett "the two best educators I have had the opportunity to learn from in my academic career," praising their ability to distill complex information and their genuine care for students.
His advice: "Start assessing your options earlier rather than later. Getting an internship or volunteering at organizations you're interested in is really useful. You might find you enjoy the work, or more importantly, that you don't, and you can cross that off your list."
A Well-Rounded Education
Mary Rockouski, a 2022 biology graduate now working as a research assistant, appreciated how Belmont's approach to general education extended beyond her major.
"Since leaving Belmont, it's become apparent how differently other universities treat general education courses," she observed. "I've felt like I received a very well-rounded education that encourages me to grow and learn as a person, not just in my career. This directly feeds back into my career by helping me think more creatively."
When she graduated, Rockouski didn't know what career paths existed beyond graduate or medical school. That's precisely why she returned for Career Day.
"I wanted students to feel how the culture of Belmont persists even after graduation," she said.
Looking Ahead
The inaugural Career Day is just the beginning.
"We are experimenters in our college, so we saw this first Career Day as our first trial, and we are excited to improve from here," said Bowman, who organized the event with support from the Office of Career and Professional Development, Office of Alumni Relations and Development.
For Murray, participating connected back to a dream he'd had long before returning to Belmont. "After leaving Belmont, every once in a while, I would imagine being able to come back to share my story with students and support them along the way," he shared.
That dream — multiplied across 60+ alumni who showed up to invest in the next generation — is a testament to the community that Belmont builds. Their success and willingness to give back tells the real story of what CSM creates: not just skilled professionals, but a lasting community committed to lifting each other up.
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