For Jessica Casazza, earning her Bachelor of Science in Human Biology at Logan University was more than an academic journey. It was a life-changing experience filled with support, growth and discovery.
Jessica describes her time at Logan as “an experience like no other.” From her first courses to her final capstone, she found herself immersed in a community that always put students first.
“Help was available in every single department, and I never felt alone on my degree plan,” she recalled. “From admissions to advising, financial aid to faculty, Logan never treated me like a number. They knew me by name, cared about my goals and supported me every step of the way. There is truly no place like Logan.”
The program’s online format was especially impactful for Jessica, who found it both flexible and highly effective.
“Compared to other online courses I’ve taken in the past, Logan’s format was laid out perfectly. The classes were never rushed and even in the seven-week format, the workload was manageable and easy to navigate.”
One of the most meaningful parts of Jessica’s experience was through Logan’s mentorship program with associate professor Sarah Luderer, PhD. Having already admired her as an instructor, Jessica eagerly selected Dr. Luderer as her mentor.
“She never pushed me toward what she thought I should do,” Jessica said. “Instead, she helped me find my own way.”
As a non-traditional student, Jessica worried that she didn’t have her career path mapped out as clearly as her classmates. But Dr. Luderer’s steady encouragement helped her explore options, weigh pros and cons, and gain confidence in her own decision-making. When Jessica discovered her passion for public health late in her program, she worried she had wasted time. Instead, Dr. Luderer assured her that every step of the process mattered.
“Having an instructor who could help me consider future career paths in a supportive way was invaluable,” Jessica said. “She gave me the confidence to move forward with my goals.”
Jessica is applying to Master of Public Health (MPH) programs and plans to begin graduate school soon. Long-term, she hopes to combine her passion for holistic healthcare with her interest in public health to make a difference both at the individual and community level.
“My passion is treating the whole person, not just their symptoms,” she explained. “Logan’s bachelor’s program gave me the foundation I needed to pursue that goal.”
Jessica’s hard work and leadership at Logan did not go unnoticed. At the August 2025 Awards Ceremony, she was honored with:
-
Summa Cum Laude, for earning a 4.0 GPA
-
President’s Honor Roll, for consistent academic achievement
-
Leaders Made Award, recognizing students who exemplify leadership and positively impact their peers
While the academic awards made her proud, the Leaders Made Award touched her most deeply.
“It wasn’t about grades, it was about helping others and knowing that was recognized by my peers and faculty was truly an honor,” Jessica said.
Originally from North Merrick, New York, and currently living in Hicksville, New York, Jessica plans to relocate in the future to pursue her career goals. Though she looks forward to the next chapter, she says leaving Logan is bittersweet.
“It’s the most incredible community, and I’ll deeply miss it—even though it was all online,” she said. “Logan will always be part of my story, and I’ll forever be thankful for the opportunities, the mentorship and the support that changed my life.”