Ivy Tech Valparaiso Spotlights School of Arts, Sciences & Education & Biology Program Student Ben Nielsen

Ivy Tech Community College continues its commitment to highlighting the achievements of its students by spotlighting biology major Ben Nielsen. Recognized by Dr. Ahmad Nooraldeen, the Dean of the School of Arts, Sciences and Education, Nielsen has shown outstanding academic dedication and infectious curiosity. Brett Gawel, the Life and Physical Sciences Department Chair for the Valparaiso and Michigan City campuses, notes that Nielsen’s presence has significantly enriched the classroom dynamic.

“I had the pleasure of having Ben Nielsen in my cellular and molecular biology course,” Gawel said. “He was always the first to class and was genuinely excited to be there. His infectious personality encouraged more student engagement and interaction, and his thoughtful questions made it apparent that he was deeply invested in the material, both in and out of the classroom. Ben truly is a wonderful student and individual, and I know he is going to have a successful future in biology after his time with Ivy Tech comes to a close.”

Ben Nielsen knows the value of returning to education for a second chance. After earning an associate’s degree in media and audio engineering from Vincennes University in 2019, he spent five years working in phone sales for a musical instrument company. Despite success in the workforce, he found himself drawn back to the childhood dreams he once held of pursuing a career in the sciences. Nielsen is currently thriving in his second semester at Ivy Tech in Valparaiso as a biology major. 

“Why not take the leap and do something particularly challenging?” Nielsen said. “When I was growing up, I never told people I wanted to be a salesman. I wanted to be a marine biologist, biologist or a veterinarian. After I talked to my parents and family about it, they were all supportive, so I decided to transfer to Ivy Tech.” 

Nielsen attributes his success in rigorous courses like cellular and molecular biology to a proactive and genuine curiosity. He approaches the most challenging material with an investigative mindset. Every lecture is an opportunity to uncover how the building blocks of life interact to create complex systems. The study of organisms and their function at a molecular level is deeply rewarding and beneficial. Nielsen views this foundational knowledge as a vital requirement for his professional future as a successful biologist. 

“Cellular and molecular biology is the coolest thing in the world,” Nielsen said. “It is super cool to learn about how organisms work and get to study animals.”

Nielsen maintains momentum through careful time management and stays active to balance his heavy science curriculum. He fills his free time playing the banjo, which he mastered while touring the country as a professional musician in West Virginia and North Carolina. He also enjoys skateboarding and exercising his energetic, long-coated shepherd. Nielsen believes a well-rounded lifestyle is critical to his long-term success and mental clarity.

“I know college can be extremely difficult for anyone,” Nielsen said. “I do feel my time management has allowed me to exercise, play music, go skate every once in a while, and walk my dog. I think it is extremely important to still live your life while you’re studying. You should enjoy being yourself.” 

Ivy Tech’s supportive culture serves as the backbone of Nielsen’s academic experience. He credits his academic advisor, Byron Hooper, for providing essential guidance during his transition back to college. Hooper ensures his path toward a biology degree remains clear and manageable. Within the classroom, instructors Brett Gavel and Heather Delaney foster an environment where complex scientific concepts are accessible. 

“Brett and I spend a lot of time together over the course of three and a half hours once a week,” Nielsen said. “She is a great academic colleague and professor, and someone I would consider a friend. She has probably the best type of personality that you could possibly ask for in a professor.”

Nielsen’s educational journey will continue at Purdue University Northwest, where he plans to finalize his undergraduate requirements. He intends to enter a graduate program after completing his bachelor’s degree. North Carolina State University remains his top choice because of its specialized research opportunities in forestry, ecology and wildlife conservation. He remains open to new opportunities, yet hopes for a career that combines research, teaching and working within the fields of biochemistry and ecology. 

“When I first came back to school, my idea was really to try and become a veterinarian, and then as time has gone on, I’ve become more curious about biochemistry and ecology,” Nielsen said. “I don’t want to limit myself, but ideally, I want to be able to get into a PhD program and do research in either forestry, ecology, fisheries or wildlife conservation.” 

Nielsen views Ivy Tech as an ideal stepping stone that offers an affordable, accessible environment to transition into the workforce or transfer to a four-year university. He values the college’s efficiency, noting that administration and faculty collaborate to eliminate hurdles like financial aid complexities or scheduling confusion. This efficient process allows him to remain focused on his studies and academic exploration, and he looks forward to his final semesters.

“I love that everybody’s been extremely encouraging and they made the whole process of being able to learn very easy,” Nielsen said. “It’s been easy to get the ball rolling, so that I can focus on what’s important, and that is studying and reading.” 

For more information about the biology program or to explore other academic opportunities at Ivy Tech Community College, visit ivytech.edu Prospective students can also learn more about the School of Arts, Sciences & Education and how to begin their own journey toward a four-year degree or a new career.