Notable Alumni

As a neurosurgery resident at Saint Louis University Hospital, Michael Prim uses the skills he cultivated in SFA’s Department of Biology to perform complicated, lifesaving procedures. Originally intending to pursue a career in dentistry, Michael decided to pursue a career in medicine after a comparative biology class at SFA piqued his interest. He received a bachelor’s degree in biology and went on to receive a master’s degree in medical science, later attending medical school at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.

Fall 2017 Sawdust Magazine feature story

Julia Gaona – a first-generation college graduate – earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from SFA in 2008. After she left SFA, Julia attended The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) – Galveston, where she earned her B.S. in respiratory care. Today, Julia is a member of the Kangaroo Crew, a team of pediatric nurses, respiratory therapists and EMTs who travel by jet to provide critical emergency care to infants and children – sometimes hundreds of miles away. Fun fact: In 2007, Julia was elected SFA’s homecoming queen!

Fascinated by hospitals and the medical field since childhood, Lori Drew holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from SFA. During her time as a Lumberjack, Lori worked as a peer counselor, admissions assistant and note-taker for disabled students. Lori puts education and skills to great use at Fort Worth’s Moncrief Cancer Institute, where she oversees a breast and cervical cancer screening program and is responsible for community outreach, physician relations, marketing advertising and communications.

Spring 2017 Sawdust Magazine
cover story

Cliff Shackleford earned a BS and an MS in biology from SFA, and he has worked as a professional biologist for more than two decades. He has been in his current position with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department since 1997. Cliff has also taught as an adjunct faculty member in SFA’s biology department.

After earning his degree in biology from SFA, Joel Wilson found a job in a perfumer’s lab, where he developed a love for the craft and developed a nose for combining scents in new ways. Joel and three partners co-founded Houston-based Clarity Fragrances, where they create fragrances for a variety of personal and household products such as scented candles, potpourri, shampoo and tiki torches. 

Dr. Coleman received his bachelor’s degree in biology from SFA and he earned his doctorate degree in dental surgery from the University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston. He is a former member of the SFA Board of Regents and a clinical adjunct assistant professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. Dr. Coleman is also a member of the American Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Academy of General Dentistry, Texas Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgeons, American Academy of Dental Practice Administrators, Academy of Dental Facial Esthetics and Greater Houston Dental Society. He is past president of the Academy of General Dentistry and past board member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.