HOW TU PREPARED BRIDGET ODELL FOR A REACTIVE CAREER IN CHEMISTRY Like many young people beginning their search for the right college, Bridget Odell knew she wanted to be more than just another number amidst an endless sea of undergraduates. Despite still being in high school at the time, she recognized the many benefits of receiving the quintessential true college experience, where one can further their education within a supportive, closeknit community of peers and mentors. Bridget wanted people to know her name when she set foot on campus, and wasn’t satisfied with the notion of going to class before heading straight home. She wanted the opportunity to become involved extracurricularly, to form long-lasting relationships with those who have her best interests at heart. This is why she was initially drawn to TU, not only for our wonderful science programs, but for a chance to feel the true sense of belonging only Dragon Family members can.
“The program gave me an excellent scientific and critical thinking background necessary for any role in a laboratory setting. Tiffin’s professors truly care about each student’s success, and make a point to be there for everyone. It’s never about just getting through the material, but ensuring that everybody truly understands the theories and can apply them to solve larger, realworld problems.” “I was also a Student Ambassador while at TU, and would give tours to prospective applicants. I’d always tell them that ‘college is what you make of it,’ and I think this saying is also true for anybody’s career. As a professional, I continue to challenge myself and yearn to grow each day. I could come in, do my job and go home, but choose to involve myself with special projects. I want to provide the best in customer service for our clients, and have TU to thank for giving me experience in various leadership roles. As a student, I served on the executive boards for both
Bridget graduated from TU in 2011 with a Bachelors of Criminal Justice in Forensic Science, and has spent the last decade employed by The Lubrizol Corporation. She began her professional career with Lubrizol as a Laboratory Technician while also pursuing a second bachelor’s degree through Lake Erie College in Painesville, Ohio. Shortly following her graduation from Lake Erie, she was promoted to the title of “Chemist,” though Bridget describes the work she does a little differently. “I like to refer to myself as a ‘Technical Influencer,’ even though ‘Chemist’ is my official title,” she says. “I work in the Blend Test Services department where we test specialty chemicals for potential uses in the automotive industry (think engine oils and transmission fluids). I collaborate with my immediate colleagues and our management team to ensure the safety of my fellow employees. I also oversee the attainment of high quality test results and their prompt delivery to our customers both internal and external.” Bridget commends the TU community for having afforded her the best of both worlds during her time on campus. She notes how fulfilling it was to participate in and help shape our then-budding Forensic Science program, while simultaneously involving herself in extracurriculars. As it turns out, she still chooses to do more than the bare minimum in her current line of work, and claims she formed this habit and others of importance through the volunteering she did as an undergrad.
the Student Council and Criminal Justice Club(s). I also worked as a Peer Leader and Lab Assistant. These roles required me to serve as a mentor to underclassmen, and learning how to work with others proved useful. It is a skill that continues to bring value to my career.” When asked about a standout memory from her time as a student, Bridget had this to say. “I was a member of the university choir, and I loved being able to make friends with people from all majors or backgrounds. I loved representing Forensic Science in such a diverse environment. Some of my best friends were in choir or the music program, and we’re still close to this day.”
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