This is Dr. Karen Swanchara’s first year teaching the principles of Biomedical science course at Briar Woods High School. Prior to teaching this course she taught AP biology for 15 years, Dr. Swanchara enjoys being a teacher, stating that, “Being able to engage with students is really important.” Being a mentor to students and helping them appreciate and explore the field of science is very important to her as well.
This is the first year that the course ‘Principles of Biomedical Science’ is being offered at Briar Woods and according to Dr. Swanchara “is a very unique and interesting program that not a lot of students have access to” She mentions how this is one of the few classes that provides students with the opportunity to experience health and biomedical science skills.
When asked if she has any advice for a student who may be interested in the Biomedical field she emphasized to, “Make sure that you are passionate about the career and that you have practical expectations so you know what to expect.”
She mentions how many people that change majors do so because they don’t fully understand what to expect with this field. “That’s what is so interesting about science, it’s always changing and developing and new advancements are being made,” Swanchara adds.
Originally, Dr. Swanchara wanted to explore the Veterinary sciences field, and was an animal science major but switched to get her masters degree. As education is very important to Dr. Swanchara, she went to Virginia Tech for her bachelors degree, Clemson University for her masters degree in animal physiology where she did research on pigs, she went to NC state university for her PHD and did her postdoctoral work and research work at UNC Chapel Hill. She states, however, that out of all these schools, Virginia Tech is definitely her favorite and that she’s “a Hokie at heart.” She spoke briefly about Tech’s ability to offer students unique and interesting experiences, stating that “they are very good at offering opportunities to work with professors in labs, which really helps.” She also tells that her son is the fifteenth member of her family to go to Virginia Tech.
She taught at Riverside High school for eight years and started the IB program at Heritage High school, “I think all schools are unique and you find wonderful students at every school.”
In the evenings Dr. Swanchara teaches a Biology Course at NOVA Community College, after a busy day or week she likes to unwind by playing golf, reading any nonfiction book, and spending time with her family, saying “I love to play golf, and I’m a really good gardener, I have a good green thumb.” She’s played golf since she was twelve after her dad taught her. She also enjoys traveling and mentions they travel extensively, as she shares “We went to Portugal and Copenhagen, Sweden this summer.” She also lived in Lund, Sweden for three years.
To conclude, a message for Dr. Swanchara’s students and all students interested in this field, “There are so many things you can be besides a doctor, there’s so many different avenues and directions to go in, and lots of variety for you to pursue.”
