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Student Highlight: Jennifer Rivera

  • published: 2018/09/24
Jennifer Rivera

Full name: Jennifer Rivera

UNO Degrees(s) by 2020: Bioinformatics and Social Work

Hometown/Country: Omaha, NE

Q: Why did you choose to come to UNO?

I came to UNO because it was the closest thing to home and one of the few places that offered my major and a full ride. I saw here I could get my 4 year degree without having to major in multiple things.

Q: Bioinformatics is a pretty up-and-coming industry. How did you select that as your major?

I picked my major because I have always been fond of research. With Bioinformatics I am able to do everything I enjoy and anything I could dream doing within a career which with other majors you cannot.

As the first to go into STEM in my family I just want to say it isn’t easy but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I am so grateful for all the opportunities UNO has given me I only hope more women pursue degrees in STEM.

 Jennifer Rivera

Q: Describe Bioinformatics to us, what’s the major like?

My major means to me that anything is possible, as a woman in STEM I feel empowered. With my major I hope to go into research.

Q: What class have you learned the most in?

The class I learned the most from was my bioinformatics class because it just opens your mind to so many new things I was left in awe in all the things bioinformaticians can do.

Q: Let’s talk financial aid! Have you received any scholarships? How has UNO supported your journey to earning a degree?

I did receive scholarships for the college of IS&T, I received a scholarship for my academics and I received another one specifically for women in IS&T. They are helping me achieve my degree by not letting me worry about taking out loans and just fully dedicating my time to school.

Q: IS&T offers a 4+1 path through graduate school – where you can earn your master's degree in just 5 years. Will you be pursuing a master’s degree in Biomedical Informatics next?

I will take advantage of the 4+1 graduate degree because school is so important and I want to be able to learn as much as I can with my time here.

Q: Anything else you’d like us to know about you?

As the first to go into STEM in my family I just want to say it isn’t easy but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I am so grateful for all the opportunities UNO has given me I only hope more women pursue degrees in STEM.