About
When Landen Conner arrived at Carroll College from Corvallis, Montana, he knew he wanted to become a physician. What he found at Carroll was much more than a pre-med education. Through undergraduate research, Army ROTC, athletics, faith-based community, and leadership opportunities, he developed the skills and values that continue to shape his path today.
Since graduating in 2025 with a degree in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and minors in Chemistry and Leadership Studies, Landen has joined the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as a Post-Baccalaureate Research Fellow at Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Hamilton, Montana. He also serves as a commissioned Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army through Carroll's nationally ranked Army ROTC program. In July 2026, he will begin medical school at Wake Forest University School of Medicine through the U.S. Army Health Professions Scholarship Program.
"I chose Carroll because it offered the rare combination of academic excellence, meaningful mentorship, faith-based values, and opportunities for leadership," Landen said. "As a student interested in medicine, research, athletics, and military service, I wanted a place where I could grow in all of those areas rather than being forced to choose one."
One of Landen's proudest accomplishments has been earning acceptance to Wake Forest University School of Medicine, a highly competitive program, while also receiving the Outstanding Poster Award at NIH Postbac Poster Day 2026 during his research fellowship.
He credits Carroll's rigorous academics and hands-on experiences for helping him reach those milestones.
"Presenting research at Carroll's Student Research Festival gave me experience communicating scientific concepts, defending my work, and engaging in meaningful scientific discussion," he said. "Whether it was challenging science courses, undergraduate research, ROTC leadership responsibilities, or competing in track and field, Carroll consistently pushed me to develop discipline, resilience, and confidence."
Landen also found himself well prepared during his first year after graduation. Carroll's emphasis on critical thinking, communication, and hands-on learning helped him transition smoothly into a professional research environment, while ROTC strengthened his leadership abilities and decision-making skills.
"The close relationships I built with professors and mentors taught me how to seek guidance, ask thoughtful questions, and continue growing as both a scientist and leader," he said.
One of the most meaningful examples of the Carroll network impacting his journey began with a classroom assignment. During a senior seminar course taught by Dr. Travis Almquist, Landen invited the late Dr. Byron Caughey, a principal investigator at NIH's Rocky Mountain Laboratories, to speak on campus.
That connection introduced Landen to the NIH Post-Baccalaureate Research Fellowship program and ultimately led to the position he holds today.
"What began as a classroom assignment became a career-defining opportunity," Landen said. "I'm incredibly grateful to Dr. Almquist for creating experiences that extend beyond the classroom and encouraging students to build meaningful professional connections."
While Carroll's academics prepared him for a career in medicine and research, Landen says some of his greatest growth came through the challenges and opportunities he encountered across campus.
"Through Army ROTC, undergraduate research, athletics, Chi Alpha Ministries, and service opportunities, Carroll challenged me to grow in ways I never expected," he said. "The experiences taught me resilience, discipline, confidence, and a deeper understanding of service and leadership."
Looking back, Landen believes Carroll's greatest strength is its commitment to helping students become the best version of themselves.
"I would recommend Carroll to students who want more than just a degree," he said. "The professors know your name, genuinely care about your goals, and challenge you to become the best version of yourself. Carroll provides the foundation, mentorship, and community needed to succeed long after graduation."
