Biology student on his way to medical school with $50,000 in scholarships

Purdue University Calumet graduation candidate in biology Robert Cagle performs DNA comparison in a university lab.

Purdue University Calumet's Robert Cagle is on his way to medical school with some $50,000 in his pocket-that is, $50,000 in scholarship money.

Set to graduate with a bachelor's degree in biology at Purdue Calumet Commencement Exercises at the Radisson Star Theatre in Merrillville, May 21, Cagle, 25, has been accepted to the Indiana University School of Medicine.

His scholarship is based on his coursework, straight-A grade point average, extracurricular activities related to medicine and his top 3 percent MCAT score.

"My experience at Purdue Calumet has been excellent," the Valparaiso resident said. "I have been offered numerous scholarships and grants from the university to help with my tuition. Opportunities such as research, clinical experience in the medical field and tutoring abound at Purdue Calumet. The opportunity to shadow a physician and have the experience appear on my college transcript is invaluable."

Since his second semester at Purdue Calumet, Cagle has served as a tutor/supplemental instructor in introductory biology, introductory chemistry, anatomy and physiology, biochemistry and organic chemistry. He also has served as teaching assistant to Purdue Calumet Professor of Biology Charles Tseng in an introductory genetic course for three semesters.

Cagle has worked off-campus, too, as a pharmacy technician for Walgreen's Pharmacy, 2002-05. Since 2004, he has attended to cadaver prosection at the medical center at Indiana University Northwest every August to prepare cadavers for incoming first year medical students.

"Since I did not live with my parents for any of my college experience, I had to work full-time while attending school," Cagle said. "Purdue Calumet offers classes that can fit around a busy schedule, so I could still receive my degree in four years."

Cagle graduated from high school in 1998 and worked as a contractor installing high speed data networks for various companies until he was laid off in 2001.

"I decided to go back to school in the beginning of 2002, because I realized that I would have to get an education if I wanted to make a difference with my life," he said.

According to Cagle, Purdue Calumet faculty members were a great help to him, but success depends on the student, too.

"The professors offer study sessions to help, and they allow time aside to help with difficult topics during their office hours. I appreciate all the help I received," Cagle said. "If all the resources of the school are utilized, success and graduation with a high GPA are goals that are far from impossible."

Cagle was named outstanding student of the year in the Department of Biological Sciences his junior and senior years.

He hopes to serve his residency as an orthopedic surgeon.