Kaitlynn Pfeifer
For Kaitlynn Pfeifer, Ohio State Marion’s small class sizes and close-knit campus community was the perfect environment.

Launching her career from a regional campus

By Jamie Hoelscher

March 6, 2026

Kaitlynn Pfeifer, a graduate of The Ohio State University at Marion, is proving that big dreams grow from regional campuses.

With a biology degree in hand, Kaitlynn is fast-tracking her way into the world of in vitro fertilization (IVF), a field she’s passionate about for its power to bring hope to families struggling with infertility.

“I wanted a career where I could bring happiness and hope to others, and IVF does that,” says Kaitlynn.

Her journey to becoming an embryologist began at Ohio State Marion, where the small class sizes, supportive faculty and close-knit campus community gave her the space to grow and the encouragement to chase her goals. Coming from the small town of Mount Gilead, Ohio, Kaitlynn found comfort in the familiar atmosphere. For her, it was the perfect environment to build confidence, focus her interests and take the first step toward a meaningful career.

With advancements in technology and increased accessibility, the demand for IVF is rising, creating a strong need for trained embryologists, like Kaitlynn, who is now well on her way to meeting that need.

<meta charset="utf-8">At Ohio State Marion, there is a palpable sense of pride in being part of such a well-known and respected university.<meta charset="utf-8">Kaitlynn Pfeifer<meta charset="utf-8">Ohio State student in biology

She is headed to ARTLAB in North Carolina, a specialized training program that offers hands-on experience in embryology. Usually, fertility clinics require someone with a bachelor’s degree and up to  five years of training — time a fast-growing industry just doesn’t have. By attending ARTLAB, the program will allow Kaitlynn to quickly gain the practical skills needed to become an IVF specialist and begin her career in this growing field.

“I can fast-track this training in just 10 weeks,” she says. “Additionally, ARTLAB offers job placement assistance which will make me a strong candidate for positions in the field.”

Kaitlynn on her Ohio State experience: “No matter where you go — a grocery store, a restaurant, or even out of state — you will encounter the pride and excitement people feel about being part of Ohio State. This culture extends even to the regional campuses. At Ohio State Marion, there is a palpable sense of pride in being part of such a well-known and respected university.”

Her advice to students: “The most valuable aspect of attending Ohio State Marion has been the strong connections I have built with peers and professors. Their support has been invaluable. While the coursework was challenging, it provided me with the knowledge and skills I need to confidently enter my career field.”