Sitting in the St. Ambrose library, surrounded by books and helping fellow students track down research, Nazaria Almanza-Gustafson ‘26 found herself exactly where she was meant to be, even if it wasn’t where she originally expected.
“I didn’t realize that I was really gaining a love for the library until my junior year,” she said.
Now, as she prepares to graduate from St. Ambrose University, Almanza-Gustafson is taking that passion one step further. The biology major from Moline, Illinois, will attend the University of Illinois to pursue a career as a medical librarian – a path that blends science and a desire to help others access knowledge.
Her journey to that moment wasn’t about leaving one path behind, but about discovering how her interests could come together in a new and meaningful way.
A foundation in biology
When she first arrived at St. Ambrose, Almanza-Gustafson had a strong interest in health care and a clear sense of direction.
“I was going to go to medical school, I was going to be a doctor, and I was hoping to work with kids,” she said.
That passion for science quickly found a home in the biology program, where she was supported by faculty who encouraged both curiosity and confidence.
“The professors are so enthusiastic about what they’re teaching – it makes you enthusiastic about it,” Almanza-Gustafson said.
Through small class sizes and close mentorship, Almanza-Gustafson engaged deeply with her coursework. In one project with biology professor Brenda Peters, PhD, she focused on memory retention in terrestrial slugs, examining how odor-based stimuli and natural compounds affect how long they retain information.
“Being able to do one-on-one research and then go to all these conferences and present it – the support and the kindness from the professors is the best part of that department,” she said.
BS in Biology or BA in Biology?
As Almanza-Gustafson’s experience in the program grew, so did her understanding of what she wanted from a career in health care. Through shadowing and hospital work, she began to realize that her strengths and interests might be better suited to a different role.
“I loved studying biology, but I didn’t know if I really wanted to do pre-med,” she said.
At St. Ambrose, that realization wasn’t a setback – it was part of the process. With guidance from her advisor, she explored new possibilities that still aligned with her passion for science.
“My advisor asked me, ‘Have you ever thought about being a medical librarian?’ And I was like, ‘That’s a thing?’” Almanza-Gustafson laughed.
That conversation helped her see how her interests in biology, research, and learning could come together in a new way. From there, Almanza-Gustafson made the decision to switch from a BS in Biology to a BA in Biology.
Discovering a passion in the library
By then, Almanza-Gustafson had already been building experience in the St. Ambrose library, where she worked throughout her time as a student. What started as a job gradually evolved into a deeper passion as she connected with librarians and took on new responsibilities.
Through her internship at the St. Ambrose library, she worked on projects that improved access to library resources and even led workshops to help other students navigate research tools. These hands-on experiences gave her a clearer picture of what a future in librarianship could look like and how her biology background could play a role in it.
“The whole point of being a librarian is being that support and guidance for people to get that access to knowledge,” Almanza-Gustafson said.
Building community through books
Her work in the library also inspired her to create something of her own. As a first-year student, Almanza-Gustafson co-founded the SAU Book Club, focused on making reading and library resources more accessible to students across campus.
“We really focused on the inclusivity of it all,” she said.
Over time, the club grew into a thriving campus organization, helping students feel more connected to the library and to each other.
That impact extended beyond campus when Almanza-Gustafson had the opportunity to present on the book club’s success at a national library conference in Denver. Sharing her work with librarians from across the country was both exciting and affirming.
“I was so proud,” she said. “I loved showing all that we have to offer.”
Experiences like that, she said, reflect what makes St. Ambrose unique.
“As a small university, it’s crazy what opportunities are available. To be so connected with these librarians. The support, the kindness from the professors, and all the friends I've made are the best part,” she reflected.
Becoming a medical librarian
Now, as she prepares for her next chapter, Almanza-Gustafson is ready to continue her education. She has been accepted into the University of Illinois’ top-ranked library program and earned a graduate assistantship that will cover nearly all of her tuition.
“It was such a relief,” she said. “I didn’t think it was possible, and I can afford it.”
Looking back, she sees her time at St. Ambrose as one defined by exploration and support, especially from faculty who encouraged her to pursue a path that felt right for her.
“Being curious, being kind, those are the main things that I’ve learned,” she said.
At St. Ambrose, Almanza-Gustafson didn’t just prepare for a career – she discovered how to combine her passions and create a future that is uniquely her own.
Interested in where a biology degree can take you? Explore the St. Ambrose University biology program and start building your future.
