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Growing up in Sudan, Yohanes Tot was already making plans to be a doctor. He came to Omaha in 1999 with two brothers and a sister.

During his freshman year at UNO, he planned to major in biology. When his adviser told him about an emerging field called biotechnology — a science that uses biology to make advances in agriculture, food science and medicine, he was hooked.

Today, Tot spends a lot of time in the biology lab, performing research and helping other students with theirs. He plans to go to medical school after he graduates. He also volunteers on campus and in the community.

"When I first came to Omaha, I didn't know anyone," Tot says. "But when you get to know the community, you can do a lot of things."