Student Spotlight: Eyes on Erin!

Erin Eickman is a Microbiology major at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She is excited about her future travels to Sicily and can't wait to embark on this new adventure. She is particularly interested in how the field of biology crosses over with the analyses of mummies. We tracked Erin down to ask her about taking part in the UNL Mummy Studies Field School this summer.

Hey, Erin! How did you hear about our program?
I heard about this program on the education abroad website.

What made you interested in our program?
I was really interested in this program because it involves a lot of unique courses that apply to biology but that I wouldn’t normally take for my major. And of course, I want to see Italy!

What are you most looking forward to about our program?
I’m really looking forward to the adventure! I will get to experience so many new things from food to class work, and I’m just looking forward to doing new things that might be a little outside of my comfort zone!

What are you most worried/anxious about your upcoming adventure in Sicily?
I’m a little worried about international travel. I’m also not a huge fan of bugs so I’m a little scared to go into the catacombs.

What are your goals after you finish your undergraduate degree?
My goals after my degree are to attend pharmacy school to become an oncology pharmacist!

Is this your first time out of the country?
This is my first time out of the country, and I’m so excited that Italy will be the first country I get to visit!

Do you know any Italian words or phrases yet?
I’m still working on learning some Italian before I go, but I think it’s important to be polite no matter what you are doing so I have one word down: Grazie (thank you).

Who is your favorite mummy?
I really don’t know much about mummies (which is part of why I think this trip will be so interesting!) so I can’t say I know enough mummies to have a favorite yet. I’m sure I will form an opinion once I see some! I’m definitely looking forward to seeing Rosalia Lombardo because she is probably one of the most famous mummies of all time!