Two 2023 College of Saint Benedict graduates are among a number of recent CSB and Saint John’s University alums gaining hands-on experience in their fields in the U.S., thanks to STEM OPT (Optional Practical Training).
STEM OPT is a benefit that allows international students on an F1 student visa to continue working in the U.S. in the science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) fields for 24 months after the post–graduation 12 months allowed during their initial OPT period.
Hikaru Nakagawa is now a laboratory technician at Fairfax Cryobank in Roseville, while Teniesha Ferguson is a pathology technician at Regions Hospital in St. Paul.
“STEM allows you the ability to work in America as an extension of your degree,” said Ferguson, a student from The Bahamas who graduated with a degree in biochemistry. “You have to work in some sort of field related to what you studied. But getting those additional two years really allows you the chance to get hands-on experience in your chosen field.”
Ferguson started at Regions in April. Prior to that, she’d been working as a biopsy technician at Hospital Pathology Associates in the Twin Cities.
“My background was in biochemistry, but I took a lot of biology and chemistry classes that were very helpful in preparing me for the work I’m doing now,” she said earlier this year. “Being involved with the Multicultural Center was really big, too. I was able to get involved with Advocates for Inclusive Mentoring and a lot of other different clubs. That allowed me to meet people and improve my communication skills.
“Part of my job in the lab requires being involved with a lot of different people. Learning how to collaborate and network at CSB and SJU provided me with skills that have been really valuable.”
Nakagawa, who graduated from Okinawa Shogaku Senior High School, majored in biology at CSB. She started her current position last January. Prior to that, she was working as a microbiology laboratory technician at Minnesota Valley Testing Lab in New Ulm.
“I’m still really exploring what I want to do,” said Nakagawa, who may attend graduate school when her STEM period is up next summer. “Originally, I came to CSB and SJU expecting to major in nursing. Then I was drawn to the environmental side of things through ecology.
“I took a class memorizing trees, and for a lab we went to Lake Sagatagan every week. I love being out in nature. I’m from Okinawa (a prefecture of Japan) so I’m close to the ocean all the time. During my time at CSB and SJU, one of the professors recommended me for a trip to Mexico to do marine biology research my senior year. That was amazing. I had the chance to camp at the beach for a month. So that’s an area I’d like to eventually get back into.”
For now, though, Nakagawa said she is getting professional experience she will continue to draw on.
“Even in grad school, there’s always going to be laboratory requirements. So these are important skills to have.”
Skills STEM-OPT helps Nakagawa, Ferguson and others obtain.
“OPT and STEM-OPT are vital visa benefits for international students and CSB and SJU,” CSB and SJU Director of Multicultural Student Services Malik Stewart said. “These work opportunities are part of what attracts international students to the U.S., and STEM-OPT, specifically, was created to retain skilled workers in high demand areas.
“By law, they cannot replace a U.S. worker.”