DECATUR, Ill. — For Aaron Zoellner, a junior Biology major at 91ӣƵ, the path to becoming a physician began far from the lab — on a farm in southeast Missouri.
Raised in a rural community near Cape Girardeau, Zoellner grew up surrounded by livestock and long days of work. His family managed hundreds of sheep, cattle, alpacas, chickens and more, and daily chores were simply part of life.
“It’s tiring, but I love the work,” Zoellner said. “Growing up on a farm taught me a lot of good lessons, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
That upbringing continues to shape his future. At Millikin, Zoellner is pursuing a career in medicine, focusing on addressing healthcare disparities in rural communities like the one that raised him.
“As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized how much of a gap there is in healthcare access in rural areas,” he said. “I want to go back and serve communities like mine and give back to the people who helped shape who I am.”
A Legacy Connection, A Life-Changing Opportunity
Millikin was not unfamiliar to Zoellner. His grandfather, a 1967 graduate, introduced him to campus early on, bringing him to Homecoming as a child and sharing stories of his own experience.
When it came time to choose a college, that connection — combined with Millikin’s welcoming, close-knit environment — stood out.
“You’re treated as a person here, not just a number,” Zoellner said. “The professors are very kind, and you build real relationships with them.”
But it was a life-changing phone call that ultimately sealed his decision.
After interviewing on 91ӣƵ Day, Zoellner learned he had been selected as a Presidential Scholar.
“It felt like a huge weight off my shoulders,” he said. “College is expensive, and that scholarship made a big difference for my family and me.”
He is also an Honors Scholar and recipient of the Leighty-Tabor Science 91ӣƵ, which has enabled him to fully pursue his academic and professional goals.
Through Millikin’s Performance Learning opportunities, Zoellner has gained hands-on research experience that is already shaping his future in medicine.
Last summer, scholarship support enabled him to remain on campus and work in the lab full time, rather than take an outside job—an opportunity that proved transformative.
“It gave me the chance to focus entirely on research and strengthen my application for medical school,” he said.
Working alongside faculty mentors, Zoellner has conducted research on plant-based compounds known as alkaloids and their effects on cancer cells. His work involves extracting compounds from plants and testing their effects on the growth and viability of thyroid cancer cells.
“Basically, I’m studying how these plant compounds affect cancer cell growth — whether they slow it down, stop it, or potentially help us find new treatments,” he explained.
The experience has deepened his scientific understanding while reinforcing his passion for medicine and research.
Outside the lab, Zoellner is actively involved across campus. He is a member of the Big Blue Men’s Soccer team, serving as a goalkeeper, and values the strong sense of camaraderie among his teammates.
“We have a very family-oriented team,” he said. “We have people from all over the world, and it’s really interesting to learn about different cultures and backgrounds.”
Zoellner has also taken on leadership roles within his fraternity and previously served on the Student Honors Advisory Council as a philanthropy co-chair, helping lead initiatives that support the campus community.
These experiences, combined with his academic work, reflect a well-rounded Millikin experience grounded in leadership, service and collaboration.
Zoellner recently completed the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and plans to apply to medical school, with hopes of remaining in Missouri. While he is still exploring specific specialties, he is particularly interested in cardiothoracic surgery and critical care.
No matter the path, his long-term goal is clear.
“I want to practice somewhere like where I grew up,” he said. “That’s where I feel like I can have the biggest impact.”
