Christopher Carter
Graduation year: 2013
Majors: Neuroscience, pre-medicine
Activities: Sigma Xi (International Scientific Research Society), Honors Program, Honor Council, Alumni Board, Student Alumni Council, National Residence Hall Honorary, Residential Life and Mortar Board
Post-grad plans: Attend graduate school at Indiana University to study philosophy/bioethics.
Why did you choose to attend Augustana?
I attribute my decision to attend Augustana to Drs. Rose and Geedey, along with my dad; if not for my dad, I would never have applied to Augustana. After talking to both Drs. Rose and Geedey, it became evident that Augustana's community, support and commitment to education were right for me.
Are you where you thought you’d be four years ago?
Absolutely not. I entered as a pre-medicine and biology student ready to go to medical school. Today, I find myself studying a field that crosses the sciences and philosophy: bioethics.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
This is not a fair question. I could not identify all the faculty, family members and friends who have supported me through this journey. However, Drs. Storl and Harrington have certainly made an impression on me by exposing the fields of neuroethics and bioethics.
A peak experience?
My time serving as a student member of the Alumni Board truly has brought many great memories and experiences. Seeing alumni of all ages expressing their love of Augustana by dedicating their time on the Alumni Board and its endeavors have allowed me to embrace a true Augustana experience. This was confirmed during my junior year while during a board meeting, I was asked my opinion about a matter, and the entire Alumni Board listened to my suggestion. Later that meeting, the members asked me to head an initiative to create a student group bringing alumni and current students together (Student Alumni Council). I felt privileged by these and many other interactions.
How did you use your Augie Choice?
I went to Houston where I interned in the Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy at Baylor College of Medicine. During this internship, I spent the majority of my time collecting data for my project at Methodist Hospital on ethical and medical challenges as it relates to death by neurological criteria.
What did you learn about yourself in these past four years that surprised you?
Contrary to all the planning I had done, I learned sometimes you just have to go where life may take you. I surely never expected that I’d be going to graduate school for philosophy/bioethics, but here I am. Also, you cannot fret over the small things; sometimes you will get a C on a test.
What will you miss the most?
I have made some wonderful friends, and I will miss them greatly.
Advice for the Class of 2017?
Get active early; the closest friends you will make will come from the activities you are involved in.
"When I first met Christopher Carter, he scared me. This was a student who was full of unrealized potential; he was at the tipping point of doing great things. As the months and years went by, he blossomed into the terrific person he has become. His years at Augustana have nurtured and nourished his accomplishments in the sciences and biomedical ethics, and as an ambassador of the best gifts a liberal arts education has to offer."