Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Cleveland
Hi Sarah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hi there! I’m so excited to share my story with you all! My name is Sarah Cleveland and I grew up in River Falls, Wisconsin. I started dating Jackson Cleveland, my now husband, during our junior year of high school. We did semi-long distance during our undergraduate studies. I went to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls (UWRF) and he went to Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota. I had a great experience at UWRF where I competed for both the volleyball and track teams while double majoring in Biomedical and Health Sciences as well as Mathematics. My faith is the center of my life, so I spent a lot of time participating and leading Bible studies through Athletes InterVarsity, a ministry of Christian fellowship that aims to spread the good word of Jesus to athletes, coaches, and athletic departments as a whole. I also took on many volunteer opportunities through the UWRF Honors Program including packaging and delivering meals to those in quarantine and coaching youth track camps. I graduated from UWRF in Spring of 2023. Jackson and I got married that summer in June (it was magical) then started our journey at the University of Minnesota (UMN) pursuing doctorate degrees in Material Science and Biomedical Engineering respectively. Around this time, I also started posting more on Instagram (@immeatball). At the start it was just for fun to document my life but quickly evolved into brand deals and collaborations which have brought some fun and unique opportunities into our lives! Currently, we are in our second year of graduate school, our last year of classes! We both love our studies and research and are so grateful to get to do what we love every day. Outside of school we play lots of sports including intramural softball and recreational volleyball. We also spend a lot of time with our family and friends, enjoying meals together and in the summer, boating on the St. Croix River. We are so thankful to be near the people we love and look forward to what the future holds!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
We have really been beyond blessed to not face any significant challenges. The hardest time during this journey was waiting to hear back from each graduate school regarding admittance. We were hoping to attend the same school especially since we were going to be married. We were also hoping to both get into the UMN specifically because it had the research that we were most interested in and also happened to be near our families. Luckily, the UMN accepted both of us and we ended up getting into our preferred labs as well.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As I mentioned I am a PhD Researcher at the University of Minnesota. I am co-advised by Dr. Authur Erdman and Dr. Matthew Johnson. I feel so blessed to have them as my advisors. They are very encouraging, supportive, and incredibly talented mentors. I have three aims I am working on towards my thesis. They all revolve around ophthalmological devices and improving healthcare options for those with central vision loss. I have grandparents with age-related macular degeneration, a central vision loss disease, so I am very passionate about making a difference in this field.
What makes you happy?
My greatest happiness comes from God! He has surrounded me by others of faith who have been incredibly encouraging throughout my life and I am so grateful. To be more specific, my friends and family make me happy. They always know how to make me laugh and are there for me when my studies seem overwhelming. My husband pushes me to be my best every day and I adore him more than words can express. My parents are beyond supportive, giving their time and energy without thinking twice – the definition of selfless. My sister is quick to lend a helping hand or a listening ear and has been my best friend from the start. My in-laws are another bright light of this family tree. My mother-in-law and father-in-law are the best that have ever existed (not up for debate). My brother-in-laws always put a smile on my face though they can still push my buttons when they want to, especially during family game nights. My little sister-in-law is a true joy in my life and shows me what it means to be brave, ambitious, and determined. Lastly, my grandparents who find any excuse to spoil us and make their love for us obvious every day.
Aside from the wonderful people in my life, there are some other things that make me smile. I love a good matcha or boba tea. I workout at least three days a week with running being the focus. I am a major foodie; I would try anything once. Shopping (especially with my mom) is one of my favorite activities. I think frogs and toads are extremely cute. I love getting my nails done and try to never get the same thing twice. My research is very fulfilling and I can’t believe I get paid to do it. I love dogs – shoutout to Lance, Futon, Oakley, Dozer, Tiki, and Bear! I think connecting with others on Instagram is so fun and allows me a creative outlet. I will dress up any chance I get. I always try to keep a bouquet of pretty flowers in our home. I could puzzle and drink hot tea all day long and I adore family vacations. Lastly, I love anything pink, butter yellow, or forest green.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/immeatball?igsh=MWtoN2c1ZHZraDUyMg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-langlois-2b535322a
