Formulas, Friendships and Finding My Place at Central
Hometown: Carlisle, Iowa
Major: Chemistry
Scholarship: Journey Scholarship
Campus Activities: Men’s soccer, Student-Athlete Advisory Council, Student Senate and tutor/research assistant.
Research experience: Since summer after his first year, Brady has completed research on ring-shaped molecules and cambiarenes with Jay Wackerly, associate professor of chemistry, and a National Science Foundation grant. Birkenholtz’s summer research is also funded by the Moore Family Foundation endowment.
As a Central College chemistry major on the pre-med track, Brady Birkenholtz ’27 chose to pursue a Bachelor of Science because it offers a more intensive, hands-on experience that prepares him well for medical school. His advisors encouraged this route not only for its academic rigor, but also because it aligns closely with the research he is doing and the medical career he is working toward. It’s one of many examples of how Central helps students tailor their paths for future success.
Before coming to Central, Birkenholtz had some hesitation about choosing Central.
“I worried that I wouldn’t get the same level of education or opportunities as I might at a larger university,” Birkenholtz shares. “But within my first week on campus, I knew I had made the right decision. Central is a place where professors know your name, your interests and how to support your growth — not just in class, but as a whole person. The relationships I’ve built here have shaped my entire college experience.”
Working with Jay Wackerly, associate professor of chemistry, on research funded by the National Science Foundation has been one of the most impactful opportunities for Birkenholtz.
“I’m studying cambiarenes — ring-shaped molecules that fall under the field of supramolecular chemistry. It’s a relatively new area of study focused on how molecules interact, and it has big-picture potential in areas like drug delivery and environmental sensing,” he says.
Birkenholtz began this research as a first year, which is rare at large schools, and it gave him an early start in applying what he is learning in class to real lab work. He presented findings at Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York.
“The support I’ve received goes beyond academics. When my mother passed away, the Central community showed up for me in ways I’ll never forget,” he remarks. “My advisor attended the visitation, and my professors were already adjusting my schedule before I even asked. That kind of compassion — real, not just promised — sets Central apart.”
“As a student-athlete, I’ve also been amazed by how much support we get balancing athletics and academics,” Birkenholtz says. “My coach, Garry Laidlaw, and others on staff genuinely prioritize the ‘student’ in student-athlete. When I have an exam or a major project, I know I can communicate with my coaches, and they’ll be understanding and flexible.”
Beyond the classroom and the lab, Birkenholtz stays involved in Student Senate, coaches youth soccer in the Pella community and was vital in bringing back intramural sports on campus.
“I love how easy it is to get connected here — not just with other students, but with the broader community,” Birkenholtz notes. “Pella takes pride in Central and really values the students here.”
“At Central, I’m growing as a scholar, a leader and a person,” he says. “I’m learning how to think critically, communicate effectively and take initiative. I wouldn’t trade that for anything.”