Chris Keener, right, in the company of his medical internship mentors, Dr. Dan Ruggles and RN Sue Ruggles, at the Santo Domingo Hospital during summer 2016 in the Dominical Republic
By Tetyana Dovbnya & Jayse Rednour
Originally from the small town of Blacklick, Ohio, Chris Keener may seem like an average college student, but only at first glance.
He studies on the fourth floor of Alden Library, stops at the Union Street Diner frequently enough that his order is known by the staff, and—like many other students—he came to college without having his entire life planned out. Yet, Keener’s immense amount of drive and ambition, as well as his unique combination of interests—music and medicine, make him stand out.
OHIO has brought Keener transformational hands-on education, experiences and self-discovery.
“I am capable of a lot more than I thought I was,” he says.
Dual Degrees in Biology and Music
Keener has played violin since he was 7 years old, “but the goal was always to be a doctor.” When the School of Music offered him an amazing scholarship, he chose Ohio University over Ohio State and Miami. With a passion for music and a desire to help people, the best solution for Keener was to pursue and study both—biological sciences and music. This spring, he will graduate with a dual degree—Bachelor of Sciences in Biological Sciences and Bachelor of Arts in Music.
Keener’s journey at OHIO has been overwhelmingly positive and extremely organic. “College is a place to explore your interests and discover things you are good at, and not so good at,” he reminisces. “I discovered I am good at learning and get bored and stagnant when I am not learning something new all the time.”
Chris playing violin while on a Summer Mission with Cru in Ljubljana, Slovenia
Among faculty who have played an important role in his academic success at OHIO, Keener notes genuine support from his adviser, Ann LaComb, and encouragement from Dr. Dawn Wohn, his violin professor. They both pushed him to do better, believed in him, and always “had his back.”
“Do what brings you joy,” says Keener about his biggest piece of advice to other students, because for him caring about what he does makes the extensive amount of work worth it.
Service with CURE International in Dominican Republic
With support and faith as his guides, Keener spent six weeks in the Dominican Republic during the summer of 2016 while interning for CURE International, a worldwide faith-based medical organization. Keener said the experience solidified his intent to be a doctor.
“Career or money is not a goal,” Keener comments on his medical path. His belief and motivation for wanting to be a surgeon is and always has been, “helping people and getting to know them. The more you know about your patients, the more you can help them. Plus the human body is pretty cool.” His genuine interest in people also echoes through his approach to musical performances. He likes being on stage, interacting with his audience and fellow musicians, and “looking past notes and techniques” to deliver music he and his audience will truly enjoy.
At the end of last semester, Keener won the 2017-18 Student Soloist Competition held by the School of Music at Ohio University. He will participate in yet another upcoming Ohio University School of Music concert on March 6, at 7:30 p.m.
What does the future look like for Keener? During his last semester at OHIO, he is working with Dr. Soichi Tanda, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences, on proteins in compound eyes in flies. These proteins are the same proteins found in hair cells of the inner ear in humans that are a part of coordinating balance and orientation in space.
After graduation, his life may go one of many different routes. He may go straight into medical school or potentially take a year off while in Slovenia or South Asia sharing his faith with Cru (Campus Crusade for Christ) while he still has the time. In the more distant future, he dreams of being a full-time surgeon while playing in a symphony orchestra or Broadway pit orchestra on the side, and living near a beach.
Editor’s Note: Every College of Arts & Sciences student has accomplishments worth sharing, and we want to help you do just that as we feature profiles on A&S students who are doing great things. If you would like to share the accomplishments of yourself, your friends, your students, or your colleagues, please contact Tetyana Dovbnya.
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