Where Are They Now?: Recent Alumni Share Their Post-Mac Experiences

Where are Mac grads now? We caught up with three recent alumni for a retrospective on their time at Mac, their post-college careers, and the advice they’d share with current seniors.

Erin Franke ʼ23 (Chicago), statistics, with minors in computer science and economics

What was your favorite class that you took at Mac and why?

Projects in Data Science with Professor Brianna Heggeseth best represents aspects of everything I enjoyed from various mathematics, statistics, and computer science (MSCS) classes. The focus of the class was an open-ended project, which allowed a friend and me to analyze PFAS [also known as “forever chemicals”—harmful, man-made chemicals that don’t break down over time] in Superfund sites in the Twin Cities. It was also helpful to hear from experts in data science, practice teaching skills by creating lessons on a data science topic of our choice, and talk about the ethics of working with data. 

Where do you work currently, and how did you get there?

I am currently a statistical programmer at Mayo Clinic. I knew I wanted to work to apply statistics and data science to a cause benefitting a larger community. Specifically, I became interested in biostatistics after taking Statistical Genetics with Professor Kelsey Grinde in the fall of my senior year. I enjoyed the statistical challenges that came with working with big and correlated data, and wanted to explore that further in my career. In the future, I am interested in pursuing a PhD in statistics, biostatistics, or data science. 

What lessons did you learn at Mac? 

I learned to seek out what makes you happy, even if that means changing your original goals. During my junior year at Mac, I switched sports and joined the cross country and track team because I missed pushing myself and running with friends. I also dropped a major that wasn’t bringing me the joy that statistics and data science does. While these decisions were difficult at the time, I was so much happier with the changes I made and felt at home in the communities I was a part of.

If you had to give one piece of advice to a college senior, what would it be? 

To find joy in coming to class everyday and in your work. It’s super fun to reframe learning into a “want to” instead of a “have to.” Be curious and excited to explore a new topic instead of working solely in pursuit of a grade, especially as a senior when you have additional freedom to take classes that interest you. Adopting this type of attitude enhanced my work and made me a lot happier in the process.

Jackson Henningfield ʼ20 (Knoxville, TN), physics and applied mathematics/statistics

What was your favorite class that you took at Mac and why? 

While I had many great experiences in my two majors, I took several art history courses with Professor Serdar Yalcin during my time at Macalester, namely Art and Architecture of Ancient Egypt. Learning about the symbolisms behind many ancient works of art and architecture expanded my appreciation of history and culture. Being able to take these kinds of courses along with my major studies solidified a well-rounded academic career at Macalester. 

Where do you work currently, and how did you get there? 

I am currently a professional basketball player overseas in Bruay-La-Buissière, a town in Northern France. After four years of playing at Macalester, I went to the University of West Florida to obtain my master’s in engineering and play one more year of college basketball. I completed my degree this past summer, and the opportunity arose to play overseas. After my professional basketball career is over, I plan to come back to the United States to pursue a career in civil engineering that focuses on transportation and renewable energy. 

What lessons did you learn at Mac?

From Macalester men’s basketball head coach, Abe Woldeslassie, there were and still are three rules to live by: control what you can control; have passion; and be a great teammate. 

If you had to give one piece of advice to a college senior, what would it be? 

You’re not going to have everything figured out by the time you graduate. Allow yourself to be open to many opportunities with the focus of following your passion and dream. Dreams are meant to be pursued wholeheartedly. 

Boo McCaleb ʼ19 (Minneapolis), media and cultural studies

What was your favorite class that you took at Mac and why?

Texts and Power with Professor John Kim. This really propelled my direction at Mac entering the Media and Cultural Studies Department. I was at a crossroads studying sociology during the early years of my undergrad, and I was searching for social and intensive applications for cultural theory. John guided my thinking and strategy for developing projects culturally specific to social engagement, art, and most importantly the world through forms of media. I wouldn’t be where I am today without it.

Where do you work currently, and how did you get there?

I currently run my own business as a creative consultant in the sector of public art and audio/visual services. I am also a professional projection designer known in the Twin Cities for mesmerizing installation art, interaction design, and community building. Currently, I am building a collective of like-minded creative tech enthusiasts under the name Luminary Visions.

What lessons did you learn at Mac?

I learned that connections to people and place are what matters most in academic pursuits for social enterprise. What you learn about yourself as an undergrad stays with you forever.

If you had to give one piece of advice to a college senior, what would it be? 

There are many places you’ll go and people you’ll meet after graduating that might not have been a part of your plan. Invite change in your life as a dear friend and as you grow, you will forever be successful and abundant.