News Article

FSW Alumna Manages College’s Upgraded Science Labs

Jun 24, 2016

When Science Lab Manager Jessica Slisher graduated from Florida SouthWestern State College in 2007, her intention was to become an orthodontist, not a researcher. That all changed after she took a Chemistry class with Dr. Kurt Donaldson.

“I absorbed everything with him and he made such an impact on me,” said Slisher, who later transferred to the University of Central Florida to complete a Bachelor of Science in Biology with an emphasis in Chemistry. “I picked up everything so fast with him and he inspired me so much that when I finished my associate’s I applied to chemistry programs instead.”

A native of Southwest Florida, Slisher said it was easier to attend FSW and finish her general education courses while living at home and working multiple jobs to ensure she didn’t fall behind. When not donning a white lab coat and organizing equipment or chemicals, she works as a model and actress under her maiden name Jessica Tyus. Slisher has appeared in newspapers, magazines, calendars, local modeling competitions and she even represented the state of Oklahoma for the 2015 Miss United States National Pageant. As an actress, she appears on the weekly show “SW Florida Out and About” on ABC7. Each of her side gigs help pay the bills and cover the tuition for her master’s degree in Biology from Clemson University.

Transferring from FSW to UCF was intimidating at first, Slisher explained, given the sheer size and scope of UCF’s facilities. Yet with the confidence and experience she developed at FSW, she excelled and worked in the lab through the rest of her time at the university. In 2012 she published research on nanomaterials for use in bioimaging and drug delivery, and then took a job as a technician at FSW. While she didn’t start as lab manager, her hard work and an infectiously positive attitude ensured she climbed the ranks quickly to eventually oversee around 100 sections of classes in nine different rooms between Leonhardt Hall and the Gresham Annex (Building H and C).

As manager her goal is to facilitate more research at the college, aided by the recent renovation of Leonhardt Hall, FSW’s scientific research hub. With support from the college and faculty, students will also engage in more hands-on research than ever before.

“Research at the college has been increasing and this will bring a great name to us,” she said, pointing out how there were no student lab assistants when she started. Today, there are four. “I take the students under my wing and instill values that will last a lifetime. I want to motivate them and tell them to go for what they want to do.”

The FSW School of Pure and Applied Sciences is responsible for all introductory and advanced math and science classes at the college. Besides boasting new lab facilities and an emphasis on widening research opportunities, the academic school is exploring new programs in pre-engineering and technology. Learn more at www.FSW.edu/academics.

Last Updated: June 24, 2016