Meet Professor Shelli Waetzig, a dedicated faculty member at FSU since 2013 and current Chair of the Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Food Science Department, as well as leader of the Pre-Health Advising Program.
 

HEAL 100: Orientation to Health-Related Professions

This course prepares students for the next step in their healthcare journey. From crafting standout personal statements and resumes to developing strong interview skills, students gain the tools they need to navigate graduate school applications (MCAT, DAT, GRE) and secure meaningful internships.

A highlight of the course? Learning directly from FSU alumni currently working in healthcare or enrolled in professional programs—and participating in a mock interview day with faculty, administrators, and alumni panelists.
 

Community Engaged Learning

Through hands-on community projects, students build essential communication and interpersonal skills critical to healthcare. Activities have included:
• Playing bingo and trivia with local residents
• Providing tech support to seniors
• Decorating cupcakes and building connections
• Creating food safety pamphlets for local food pantries
• Assembling goodie bags for community members
 

Student Spotlight:

"I had so much fun playing trivia and decorating cupcakes with the residents of Hastings House! We had some good laughs, and the environment was warm and lively."
 

Professor Waetzig’s work—supported by her participation in the Community Engaged Learning Institute—helps students connect classroom learning to real-world impact, emphasizing the power of communication and community in healthcare.