Connecting the Dots, in the Lab and Beyond

Jordan Matosky ’16, lab technician at Eurofins, was able to take her time exploring the sciences while also majoring in Russian and studying abroad.

Matosky recommends the general science major to anyone who thinks they might want to explore different sciences, meet people with different interests, or get a big-picture sense of how things work. 

“The general science major was unique in that it allowed me to experience a variety of science paths without locking me into the schedule requirements of just one science major,” says Matosky. “It helped me explore the bigger picture of how many fields of science are connected in history and explain how the world works.”

While she was originally drawn to Grinnell for its biology program, she soon discovered that her real passion was organic chemistry. The general science major gave her the freedom to dive deeper into organic chemistry and enhance her education with mentored research. 

As a double major in Russian and general science, Matosky also appreciated that the major gave her space to fully embrace Grinnell’s globally informed, individually advised curriculum. “I was able to maintain a normal number of credits each semester while also majoring in Russian, studying abroad for a semester in St. Petersburg, Russia, doing work-study, volunteering, and playing basketball and softball for Grinnell.”

Since graduating, Matosky has been working for a company that specializes in nutrition testing. She is now helping start up a new laboratory in her hometown of Lafayette, Colorado, that specializes in microbiology testing of food products. 

“I could never have predicted the way everything has come together and the way my experiences have contributed to everything I currently do,” says Matosky. “One thing I do know is that I am extremely thankful to all of the professors, academic advisers, and people who have helped me and believed in me.”