One of life’s most challenging questions is, “What do I want to be when I grow up?” For many, the answer is not only about choosing a path, but also understanding the steps, time, and dedication required to achieve it—while still finding joy in the journey and a community that supports you along the way.
At North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU), that sense of community is at the heart of the student experience. From the first campus visit to graduation and beyond, students are surrounded by mentors, faculty, and peers who are deeply invested in their success—personally and professionally.
For Dr. Caitlin Brabblerose ’18, that support system proved transformative. A double major graduate in Biology and Environmental Science, Brabblerose recently reached a significant milestone: successfully defending her doctoral dissertation. Her journey is a testament to the power of personalized education and meaningful mentorship.
“Wesleyan provided me with such a unique undergraduate experience that prepared me in ways I never anticipated for graduate school,” said Brabblerose.
Post-Undergrad Applied Learning Experience
After graduating in 2018, Brabblerose began her career as a Laboratory Technologist with LabCorp, working in Genomics and Toxicology. She later pursued her Master of Science in Biology at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, eventually continuing into the Ph.D. program, where she spent more than five years studying the biological rhythms of intertidal organisms.
Her dissertation, Entrainment of Biological Rhythms in Fiddler Crab Embryos and Larvae, explored the complex internal clocks that guide these organisms, including circadian and circatidal rhythms. Through behavioral, molecular, and chemical research, her work contributes to a longstanding body of scientific knowledge dating back more than a century.
Reflection and Relationships
While her research is impressive, Brabblerose credits much of her success to the foundation built at Wesleyan. She explained that the small class sizes created high expectations, and her professors consistently pushed her to work harder and achieve more. The writing‑intensive courses prepared her for the reality that science involves communication as much as discovery.
She encourages students to take advantage of small class sizes and to get to know their professors, noting that they are the ones who will advocate for students, write recommendation letters, and continue to offer support long after graduation.
Her experience in the Taylor-Crocker Honors Program further mirrored the demands of graduate school, culminating in an undergraduate thesis defense that foreshadowed her doctoral journey.
That support came full circle when several of her former professors attended her dissertation defense—a moment Brabblerose describes as both meaningful and surreal. She shared that having the same professors who supported her honors thesis being present at her Ph.D. completion made the experience feel complete, as though everything had come full circle.
What’s next?
Now, as she looks ahead, Brabblerose plans to continue her journey in academia, pursuing postdoctoral opportunities with the long-term goal of becoming a principal investigator. She hopes to combine her passions for research, teaching, and outreach to inspire future generations. Caitlin’s goal is to give back to students the same way her professors gave and to share her story as a powerful reminder that success is not achieved alone—it is built through community, mentorship, and the willingness to embrace every step of the journey.
At NCWU, that journey doesn’t end at graduation. It continues to be shaped by relationships, fueled by opportunity, and celebrated through the accomplishments of its alumni.
