“I heard about Miami University from every family member that I had, my entire life, anytime anyone talked about their college experience,” says Jack Fazio ’25. In other words, he always knew Miami was the school for him. He also knew exactly what he wanted to pursue when he enrolled: With a passion for helping others, he majored in Microbiology and Premedical Studies. He even knew, from talking to Miami alumni who went on to medical school, that RedHawks get hands-on experience that makes them uniquely equipped to thrive in the premed field. The only thing he couldn’t have predicted was how many exciting adventures he’d have on the road to graduation!
Getting on Board
At the end of his first year at Miami, Jack was nominated by a student government committee to serve on the university’s Board of Trustees. As one of two student members appointed by Gov. Mike DeWine, Jack attended all the public board meetings in his 18 months of service, offering a student perspective on important decisions and facilitating projects between students and administrators.
“I had never seen issues so big or so complex as the people on the Board of Trustees were considering,” he says. “So the very first thing that I did was sit back, listen, and try to learn as much as I could about how these very successful and influential leaders make decisions and think about problems.”
During his service, Jack even got to be part of a search committee for a new dean of students. Being on the inside of the interview process gave him unique insight into how professional hiring practices work and the many considerations that go into filling a position.
“It felt like the opportunity of a lifetime,” he says, “like I skipped ahead 40 years and got to see and do things that people don’t usually do until they’ve proven themselves.”
Code RedHawk
But Jack has already proven himself in many ways. Even before graduating, he not only has the Board of Trustees on his resume; he also holds the proud title of volunteer EMT! As part of a student program with the Oxford Fire Department, Jack provides additional coverage for the department’s full-time staff. His typical schedule? 7 p.m.-7a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. In his own inspiring way, Jack is making classic college memories of staying out all night on the weekends!
“It’s a great opportunity to help in ways I never would have thought I’d have the chance to here in Oxford,” he says. “And it’s great that I get to work with all the people that I get to work with, and learn from professional paramedics.”
Yes, when Jack applies for medical school, he’ll already have firsthand knowledge about best practices for patient care. But he’ll also have other, incredible hands-on experience: conducting his very own research! Working for a professor in the Department of Microbiology, Jack studies why chlamydia breaks down a molecule called ceramide (the same one found in skincare products). Since ceramide is involved in immune signaling, the fact that chlamydia targets it could reveal a new way to help the immune system respond to certain infections.
Between his late-night EMT outings and his important in-lab research, Jack has a lot to be proud of. But somehow, it was another opportunity that proved to be the most rewarding of all.
His Experience Goes South (In the Best Way)
On a two-week study abroad trip for Nursing and Premedical students, Jack and his peers brought health care to underserved communities in Belize. On the first day in each village, the group went door to door to gather public health information and spread the word that medical help would be available the next day. Then, they worked alongside local doctors and pharmacists to take vitals, assess symptoms, and help with treatment.
“We saw a lot of uncontrolled blood pressure, uncontrolled diabetes, and infectious diseases that are common to the area,” he says. “I even had a chance to treat someone with dengue fever — which was a little scary, but it was a super cool experience!”
It wasn’t all just work, though. During his trip, he also got to explore the beautiful South American country, visiting an ancient Mayan city, relaxing on a resort island, and soaking in the local culture.
Jack’s Prescription for Success
It’s safe to say that Jack has made the most of his time as an undergraduate, and he’s set himself up for a bright, rewarding future. How did he manage to learn about these incredible opportunities at Miami? If you ask him, that was the easy part!
“It’s hard to go anywhere on campus without finding an opportunity,” he says. “Sometimes, they fall right in your lap or smack you right in the face. It’s hard to walk through the Student Center without seeing a poster. It’s hard to get through a class without a professor making a plug for some colleague or student organization. The opportunities really are just everywhere.”
