Attending Little Chute Career Pathways Academy as a high school student gave Jon Vissers a unique perspective into the medical field and confirmed his interest in the sciences. Now, he is pursuing his career aspirations as a biology major and chemistry minor at Viterbo University.

“I would like to work in a hospital laboratory or go on to earn a master’s degree in public health,” said Vissers, a junior from Little Chute of his plans after graduation in May 2026. “I might also become an epidemiologist one day.”

Vissers chose to attend Viterbo because of the beauty of the La Crosse area and the opportunity for unique connections made between faculty and students.

“The professors here really want to get to know their students and help them learn,” Vissers said. “They challenge you, but also support you. I really enjoy it here and I am learning a lot.”

Every science student at Viterbo conducts a faculty-mentored research project, and this semester Vissers is “searching for new antibiotics within the gut microbiome” under the guidance of assistant professor of biology, biochemistry, and neuroscience Luke Bussiere.

“So far, so good,” Vissers said. “I’ve found some antibiotic producers in my sample, and now I’m working to identify the bacteria.”

Vissers’ favorite science courses so far have been immunology and molecular and cellular basis of life. He found the sociology course death and dying to be very interesting and with a longtime affinity for the performing arts, he greatly enjoyed a stage lighting theatre course.

Outside of the classroom, Vissers is active in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) club and works as a tutor in the university’s Academic Resource Center and as a campus tour guide. He also enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time with friends in his spare time.

Catherine Wright, Viterbo’s STEM laboratory manager, is very confident that Vissers will excel, no matter which specific career path he chooses.

“Jon is a wonderful person and student who is great to be around,” Wright said. “I have enjoyed his positive attitude, determination, and his passion for people and learning. When experiments don’t go as expected, he remains positive and figures it out. He also reads a book every week! Jon makes a significant impact on the Viterbo STEM community now and will continue to do so in the field after he graduates.”