W.I.S.E. Wednesday: Insight from Undergraduate Jessica Mciver

Introducing our next W.I.S.E. Wednesday Highlight. Jessica Mciver is a second-year undergraduate at the Ohio State University. She is majoring in Health Sciences with a minor in Child Development on the Pre-Occupational Therapy pathway. Jessica hopes to attend Graduate School to one day practice Occupational Therapy. 

Jessica shares insight on her undergraduate journey as a Health Sciences student at The Ohio State University, share her passions for her career of choice, her setbacks in her professional and academic life, and gives her advice on how anyone can pursue a STEM career if they have the confidence and the mindset to do so.

Interview Transcript

Question #1: Can you introduce yourself, your major, and STEM related involvement on and off campus?

"My name is Jessica, and I am currently majoring in Health Sciences with a minor in Child Development. This combination reflects my passion for understanding both the physical and developmental aspects of health, particularly in children. On campus, I am actively involved in the Pre-OT/Pre-PT Club, which has provided me with valuable opportunities to learn more about the fields of occupational and physical therapy through guest speakers, workshops, and peer networking. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy volunteering in settings that support children’s growth and well-being, which has deepened my interest in pursuing a career that blends healthcare with developmental support. Being part of a STEM field has inspired me to continue exploring how science and compassionate care can come together to make a positive impact in people’s lives."

Question #2: What inspired you to pursue a STEM major?

Question #3: How do you handle failure or setbacks in STEM-related work?

Question #4: Has there been a STEM-related project you have worked on that made you feel rewarded? If so, could you describe it?

Question #5: Can you explain a challenging project you worked on, and how you overcame the obstacles?

Question #6: What is a common misconception people have about your STEM major?

Question #7: Where do you see yourself in the next five to ten years in your STEM journey?

Question #8: What is a piece of advice you would give someone who is struggling on whether or not to go into STEM?