Why Choosing Saint Mary's Was Her Best Decision
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NADIA MUNEZ '24
BS in Neuroscience
Current Role: R&D Rotational Associate, Pfizer
When Nadia Muniz '24 arrived at Saint Mary’s College, she knew she’d be part of a strong science program. What she found was something bigger: a campus community that felt like home, professors who pushed her to be her best, and research opportunities that helped launch her into a highly competitive role at Pfizer.
In this Q&A, Nadia reflects on discovering Saint Mary’s, the sisterhood that shaped her, and how hands-on research and strong professional preparation set her up for success.
What first drew you to Saint Mary’s, and when did you know it was the right fit?
When I was doing my college search, I actually didn’t really know about Saint Mary’s at all—even though it’s close to where I’m from (St. Joseph, Michigan). My mom suggested it and said, “There’s this Catholic school near us—you should go see it.” So I did.
The day I visited was a Senior Preview Day, so I got to spend the morning with a Saint Mary’s student. I sat in on classes, went to her on-campus job with her, and experienced what a real day looked like. Then I walked around campus and was like, “Oh my gosh, it’s so pretty here. I can really see myself being here.”
Up to that point, I thought I wanted a giant school, but Saint Mary’s was the first small school I visited, and I realized immediately that it was what I wanted. I committed that same day. That’s how much I loved it.
How did the all-women college environment shape your experience?
I don’t have any sisters, so for me it really did feel like a sisterhood. My roommate, my whole friend group—we ate dinner together every single night. We did everything together. We were always in each other’s rooms. Always laughing.
But it’s bigger than just your friend group. At Saint Mary’s, people always say, “No Belle gets left behind.” If you’re out somewhere and you see another Saint Mary’s student—another “Smick”—that’s your person. You look out for her, and you know she’s going to look out for you too.
Tell us about your academic path and how it led to your current role at Pfizer.
Coming into Saint Mary’s, all I really knew was that I liked science. I didn’t want to do patient care, so I had to figure out what that path could look like.
Fortunately at Saint Mary’s, there are a lot of opportunities to do research. I always liked lab work, and because the school is small, I had a really good network with professors and other students—helped connect me to a research opportunity.
The summer between junior and senior year, I took part in the National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (NSF REU) program through Notre Dame. It’s competitive, but because of the mentors I had at Saint Mary’s—and the letters of recommendation I could get because professors really knew me—I was able to get into the program. That’s when I realized: I really love research.
Senior year, I completed a year-long independent research project for my senior comp. project and started applying to all kinds of research opportunities. That led me to Pfizer, where I’m now in a two-year rotational program for early talent. Every six months, I rotate into a different department or area of the company.
That’s impressive! Do you love it? What have you been researching?
My first rotation was in neuroinflammation—working in preclinical research on a neurodegenerative disease. It was really cool because I got to apply what I learned in my neuroscience undergrad in a real industry setting.
I’ve also worked in clinical development for a product Pfizer already has on the market, and right now I’m in a cardiovascular group, also preclinical. A lot of what we do is developing assays to screen drug compounds.
This is like my dream job. I really think that without the experiences I had at Saint Mary’s—especially the full year of independent research, which is so unique—I wouldn’t have stood out the way I did. Most people don’t get to do that in undergrad.
How did Saint Mary’s help prepare you professionally—beyond the classroom?The Career Center was huge. Because Saint Mary’s doesn’t have a huge student body, they really can dedicate time to each individual student. They’ll look at your cover letter and résumé as many times as you want. You could go in every day, and someone would sit with you.
And the professors really know you too. I relied heavily on my neuroscience professors. I would tell them what I was thinking about, and they helped me shape it into real next steps—like, “You should look into this.”
I was also very academically driven at Saint Mary’s, and I was valedictorian of my class. Standing in front of that many people was definitely scary, but Saint Mary’s coached me for months leading up to graduation. I had a speech coach, I rehearsed constantly, and they helped me with everything—how to tell the story, how to emphasize words, how to speak into a microphone.
That’s helped me professionally too. I love giving presentations at work.
What do you wish more people understood about the value of a Saint Mary’s education?
One of the most important things about Saint Mary’s is that you’re valued as a person. It’s not just about learning knowledge and getting a degree. Saint Mary’s focuses on its values.
You learn how to build community. You’re valued not only for academics, but also for your faith and spirituality. And you’re taught to care about others—something that is so needed—and to be a voice for justice. People see the whole student, not just what’s on the outside.
What advice would you give to prospective students—and their parents—considering Saint Mary’s?
Take a chance and go on a tour. You’ll feel called if it's your place. You'll just know. Saint Mary's was probably the best decision I've ever made. You just have to go and see.
QUICK TAKES
Favorite dining hall meal: Thanksgiving Dinner
Favorite tradition: Late Night Breakfast
Favorite class: Neuropsychology