Evan Chaney

By Nancy Thorne
MC Public Relations Director

When he graduated from Greenwood High School in 2001, Evan Chaney, like many high school graduates, was not exactly sure of what he wanted to study in college. He just knew he wanted to continue his education. Eight years later, Evan has a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, a Master of Science (MS) in Food Science/Food Microbiology and Food Safety (his thesis work is entitled “Influence of Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) on Escherichia coli O157:H7 Growth, Survival, Shiga Toxin Production and Biofilm Production”) and has just begun his Ph.D. under his MS advisor, Dr. Mindy M. Brashears, in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences, part of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at Texas Tech University.

This young man who “did not have a specific area of study that I wanted to pursue” evolved from an uncertain, but committed youth, to an accomplished scientist and successful adult by starting out at Midland College. Evan took the basic core course requirements at MC, where he found “every class beneficial and a great learning experience.” He enjoyed the smaller class sizes which allowed for personal interaction with the instructors. “If students are easily distracted by the inevitable ‘college life’ of a large university, or are uncomfortable by the size and limited availability of instructor/student interaction at larger universities, they can often become discouraged or lose focus on their educational goals,” Evan said. “At MC I was able to complete core course requirements and maintain a GPA that contributed to a smooth transfer to Texas Tech University,” he continued. Every semester Evan was at MC — right up to earning his Associate of Science Degree with Honors in 2004 — he made the Dean’s list, a trend he continued throughout his junior and senior years at Texas Tech.

More importantly, however, it was at Midland College that Evan found his focus, the path towards his future as a research scientist, in Microbiology (BIOL 2421) with Biology Instructor Ethel Matthews. “That particular class influenced my life and the direction that I chose to take. Mrs. Matthew’s wonderful personality, love for microbiology and care towards her students sparked my interest in microbiology, which has led to my current position as a graduate research assistant and Ph.D. candidate,” he said.

In addition to the rigors of graduate school and his research position, Evan has made voluminous professional accomplishments: he has two patent concepts pending with the Texas Tech University offices. He has co-authored two papers, one published, the other in review, and is the primary author of four published abstracts. In the past three years, he has made seven presentations at food industry and microbiology conferences across the nation, and is a member of six professional organizations, such as the American Society of Microbiology and the Institute of Food Technologists.

He also serves on the board of directors for the Lubbock Chapter of Safari Club International, from which proceeds benefit wounded warriors, humanitarian outreach, the Texas Boys Ranch and conservation efforts. He is a big believer in volunteer activities, and aids in educational outreach, with his department, to local elementary and FFA youth. And, somehow, he was able to earn his blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and make time for fun, which means working on his hot rods, and going mountain biking, hunting, camping, and traveling.

“It was starting at MC that has made all of this possible,” he said.

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