Alumni Share Paths to Success at Annual Science, Technology & Education Colloquium
Three accomplished Lakeland University graduates shared their stories with current and prospective LU students as part of the annual Science, Technology & Education Colloquium on Friday. It was the third of three events held during the week that spotlight successful Lakeland graduates.
Science teacher Amber (Koenig) Burzych ’11, software developer Carl Garner ’19 and educator Brianna Johnson ’20 M.Ed. ’23 discussed their time at Lakeland and how they maximized their Lakeland experience to position themselves for post-graduation success.
The annual colloquium events invite prospective students to Lakeland to hear from the graduates as part of a day that also includes interviews for Lakeland scholarships. For current students, the events provide an opportunity to interact with Lakeland grads to build their networks.
Burzych is a chemistry instructor at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay, where she teaches a variety of chemistry courses. After graduating from Lakeland with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and math, she received her doctorate in organic chemistry from the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, focusing her research on interactions between biologically relevant molecules.
“Don’t be afraid to change your mind,” said Burzych. “I knew I wanted to teach organic chemistry, but the path to get there wasn’t always clear. Finding internships and trying new things really helped me figure out what was for me. Be open to new opportunities—you never know where they might lead.”
During her time at Lakeland, she built a strong foundation in science by doing several research projects alongside her faculty members as part of the Lakeland Undergraduate Research Experience (LURE) and a summer at the University of Minnesota’s summer Lando/NSF REU, an international competition for outstanding national and international undergraduate students. Her dedication to science and education has shaped her teaching career.
Garner is a software developer at Masters Gallery Foods, where he has worked for five years, focusing on growth and professional development in software engineering. A native of Chicago, Ill., Garner enrolled at Lakeland as an accounting major before ultimately earning his degree in computer science.
“When I started at Masters Gallery, I was worried I’d be behind because I didn’t know all the programming languages,” Garner shared. “But my boss taught me everything, and I exceeded their expectations. It’s important to stay open to learning and not settle for being mediocre.”
Garner credits his proactive approach for landing the position. “I showed passion and interest early on, even shadowing their team before graduation. That experience helped me get my foot in the door. Keep going, even when it feels hard—there’s always room to grow.”
During his studies, he gained practical experience working in packaging at Johnsonville, which supported his academic journey. While at Lakeland, he was a member of the basketball team and a dedicated student who valued hard work both on and off the court.
Johnson is the coordinator of student activities at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, where she creates engaging programs and initiatives that enhance the student experience. An experienced educator, Johnson holds both an undergraduate and a master’s degree in education.
“Don’t be discouraged by jobs that might not seem like the perfect fit,” Johnson said. “Sometimes, you have to explore roles that build your skills and experiences, even if they aren’t your dream job right away. Every step can bring you closer to where you’re meant to be. You’ll hear a lot of ‘nos,’ but the right ‘yes’ is worth the wait.”
Prior to her current role, she spent four years teaching sixth and seventh grade, supporting students’ academic and personal growth. She also contributed to the Upward Bound Program at UW-Green Bay, helping high school students pursue higher education.
At Lakeland, Johnson was known for her commitment to building inclusive communities and empowering students to connect, explore, and make a lasting impact. She played volleyball and was a member of the Beta Psi Nu sorority.
