‘The Alliance’ in focus – Meet Kevin Harkins

Fifty-five members of the UNMC High School Alliance are among the students taking classes at UNMC.

The alliance students come from high schools around the Omaha area and take college-level classes at UNMC to prepare for health careers. Once each month, UNMC Today will profile an alliance student to let us get to know more about these young learners.









picture disc.

Kevin Harkins
Today we meet Kevin Harkins, a junior at Omaha South Magnet School.

Name: Kevin Harkins

High school: Omaha South Magnet School

Year: Junior

How did you get involved in the alliance?

My favorite teacher told me about the program during my freshman year. I talked with South students that were involved in the program. They loved it and said it was an experience of a lifetime.

What sparked your interest in science?

What truly sparked my interest was my freshmen biology teacher, Mrs. Point. Before being in her class I wanted to be a businessman. She constantly exposed me to interesting and challenging topics related to science. And, she:


  • Explained DNA and the cell cycle – I was amazed at how complicated our cells were and had to know more.
  • Let us dissect fetal pigs.

What are your career aspirations?

I would love to be a pediatric surgeon. I see kids with cancer or other issues and just wish I could do something to help them. If I was a pediatric surgeon, I could help make a little kid feel better.

What has been the best part of your alliance experience?

I really enjoyed pathology class and the subjects we covered. Dr. Talmon was a great teacher and made every day exciting.