As a biology major at Wooster, Nicole McFarlane feels that Wooster equipped her with the tools necessary to utilize the education that she received. Independent and critical thinking along with initiative and the ability to meet deadlines are skills that she acquired and fine-tuned while at the College. Besides these practical skills, transitioning to the working world was made easier by having worked so closely with faculty. This gave her the chance to not only to think independently but also collaborate with great and experienced minds, which allowed her to become more open-minded and develop as a scientist. As a research assistant at the College, McFarlane believes her intellect and opinions were challenged thus enhancing her curiosity and passion. This, along with her experiences post-graduation, has heightened her desire to continue in research and attain a PhD in Pathology.