Josh Eisenberg
Graduation year: 2014
Major: Biology-pre-medicine
Minor: Biochemistry
Activities: Varsity track and field (NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship recipient), Beta Beta Beta National Biology Honor Society, Athletes Giving Back
Post-grad plans: I will be attending Loyola Stritch School of Medicine in the fall.
Why did you choose to attend Augustana?
What really drew me to Augustana was the small class sizes. I knew I would be able to obtain the professors’ attention if needed, while also building close relationships with the professors.
Are you where you thought you’d be four years ago?
When I first attended Augustana, I did not see myself competing in athletics. When I joined the track team, it opened many opportunities and it also contributed to my personal growth.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
I would not be where I am today without the constant support of my family. Close relationships with professors have provided excellent mentoring, while also opening an abundance of learning opportunities. I owe my success in track and field to my coaches, who have invested countless hours into bringing out my full athletic potential.
A peak experience?
Spending the summer in Houston, Texas, while completing the Texas Medical Center Summer Research Internship at Baylor College of Medicine. During this experience, I was completely surrounded by the medical culture, language and lifestyle, which truly confirmed that I was on the correct career path to become a physician.
What did you learn about yourself in these past four years that surprised you?
I have discovered my unique ability to thrive under a heavy workload. Balancing both a rigorous academic load, along with the demands of competing in athletics, Augustana has successfully prepared me for the life of a physician.
How did you use your Augie Choice?
I used Augie Choice during the Texas Medical Center Summer Research Internship.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss the Augustana community — a group of people who truly care about one another’s well being. And of course, Whitey’s ice cream.
Advice for the Class of 2018?
Take advantage of the wealth of opportunities that Augustana has to offer.
"Josh has been a great student to work with both in and out of the classroom. He has been consistently dedicated to high academic and athletic performances, excelling in his major and as a decathlete. Over the course of the past year, Josh has made important contributions to my research lab, helping provide evidence for the roles of two genes involved in retinal development. He is an insightful scientist, accomplished athlete and outstanding student."