Vogel loved science as a kid, but it was only after an informational college visit in which she toured a microbiology department that she realized what kind of science she wanted to pursue: “Studying diseases was a way to be involved in healthcare without becoming a physician. The science behind the physician interested me more.”
Currently, Vogel is working on several on-going research projects. Her favorite project is the one in collaboration with Dr. Charles Thompson, Professor of Biological Sciences, and Dr. Scott Sakaluk, Distinguished Professor of Biological Sciences to determine the relationship between immune system strength and mate selection in birds. The group is gathering data by visiting field sites to collect blood samples from birds living in nest boxes. The blood samples are then measured to determine how the immune systems in these birds are working. Vogel said, “If the bird has a good immune system, they can spend more energy making a better song or brighter feathers instead of fighting off disease. Females choose these males with the better song or brighter feathers in order to pass those genes on to offspring.”
In addition to her passion for research, Vogel also loves teaching, whether it is one-on-one or a class of almost 100 students. “My goal is to teach in a way that everyone in the class can understand while also keeping everyone excited and engaged, which can be a real challenge at times.” Vogel also feels it is very important to incorporate technology into the classroom. “Computer and the Internet are good tools for students to better understand current research as well as drive discoveries.”
Vogel has two sons, ages two and seven, to whom she devotes her time outside of researching and teaching. When she does have a free moment, she enjoys reading and scrap booking.
Vogel earned her Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology at the Medical College of Ohio in 1995. She also holds a B.A. in Microbiology from Miami University in Ohio. She joined Illinois State’s Department of Biological Sciences in 1999. Vogel has been widely published in scholarly journals such as Modern Aspects of Immunobiology and Microbes and Infection. In 2003, Vogel won both the Illinois State University Research Initiative Award and Teaching Initiative Award. In 2002, she also won the Pfizer Medical Futures Award. Vogel has also served as the President of the Illinois State University's and Illinois Wesleyan University’s Chapter of Sigma Xi.