A transfer to the College of Education and Human Sciences opened the door to opportunities that would shape alum Seth Eveland’s (NHS ‘26) future. After starting at Southeast Community College, Eveland found his place in CEHS, where a connection with a faculty mentor led to hands-on research experience and a path to graduate school. In this Q&A, he discusses the mentors, research experiences and connections that helped him find his place at UNL.
Can you share a little about yourself, including your background, time in CEHS, and what you have been up to since graduating with your undergrad?
I am originally from Ogallala, Nebraska, a smaller town on the western end of the state. I attended school there up until my junior year of high school, when my dad took a job in Lincoln, Nebraska, and brought the family along. I completed my last two years at Lincoln East High School before attending Southeast Community College as a pre-nursing student while working part-time.
Over the summer, between my second and third year, I took the initiative to join the College of Education and Human Sciences at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). It was there that I was able to connect with Dr. Sathish Kumar Natarajan, who guided me into his laboratory and familiarized me with an opportunity called the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources Agricultural Research Division (IANR ARD) Undergraduate Student Research Program. With his support, I was granted funding that allowed me to begin work on a study topic that has since evolved into graduate research. Now that I have completed my undergraduate degree in nutrition science, I am able to pursue a master’s degree in biomedical and molecular nutrition under the direction of Dr. Natarajan.
Before completing your undergraduate degree with CEHS, you started at Southeast Community College. What made you decide to transfer?
The largest promoting factor to transferring to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln was the tuition assistance provided to me. My interest in nutrition science stemmed from my time as a certified nursing assistant at a long-term care center. My employment in a health care position and choice of degree opted me into tuition assistance through UNL.
What was your experience like transitioning from SCC to UNL/CEHS?
Initially, making the jump to UNL was a big change, but not necessarily one I hadn’t already experienced. The process was very similar to transferring schools in high school, going from a relatively small class size to lecture halls of over 100 students. What really made the difference for me during my transition were the professors. Their dedication and excellence are what really allowed me to feel comfortable at UNL. Every professor that I’ve spoken with has provided incredible support in the same manner that I came to expect as a student of Southeast Community College.
Was there a particular class, professor, or experience at CEHS that helped you feel like you had found the right place?
In undergraduate life, the first professor that comes to my mind is Dr. Linda Young and her medical nutrition therapy courses. Dr. Young is not only an expert in her field, but also cares deeply for each and every student in her class. Her courses provide a unique experience and several important lessons that are compacted by her compassionate personality.
You were an undergraduate researcher for Dr. Natarajan’s Lab. Can you share more about that experience, how you got involved, and how it shaped your education?
Dr. Linda Young is the professor who recommended I get in touch with Dr. Natarajan for pursuing lab work. I first volunteered in the lab beginning in August of my senior year learning lab procedures from his graduate students. As I developed my skills, Dr. Natarajan showed me an opportunity in the form of the IANR ARD. While the application itself was a learning process, what transpired after receiving funding helped to shape my future. Funding from the IANR ARD allowed me to begin working on my own experiments, and guided me to learn more about the research that would become part of my graduate schooling goals.
What skills did you develop through your undergraduate research experience that you still use today?
The greatest thing that I learned from my time as an undergraduate researcher was the ability to connect with others. Being a part of Dr. Natarajan’s lab has filled my calendar with chances to meet all sorts of professionals and other upstanding individuals that lift my abilities as both a student and a researcher.
You’re now pursuing a master’s degree in biomedical and molecular nutrition. What led you to continue your education at UNL?
My involvement in a master’s degree in biomedical and molecular nutrition mostly came from my involvement in the Natarajan lab. While I was interested in post-secondary education before attending the lab, it was the confidence that Dr. Natarajan supplied that brought me to where I am today.
What would you tell a student who is considering transferring to UNL but isn’t sure whether they belong at a four-year university?
You belong anywhere you choose to be. What’s most important is intention and a growth mindset. Anybody is capable of great things. How you get there is a combination of your own tenacity and the support of the people you meet.
What does being a Husker alum mean to you?
Being a Husker means community. It is because of the people around me that I am where I am today. There are so many wonderful people at UNL, and meeting them is perhaps the greatest part of being a student.
What’s next for you? Are there specific goals or initiatives you’re passionate about?
Becoming a professor is what I would most like to do after finishing my education. Just as I have experienced many wonderful things during college, I would like to supply that to the next generation of students.
College of Education and Human Sciences
Nutrition and Health Sciences
AlumniNews
