For the Rubietta-Nissen family, studying biology at the University of Minnesota’s College of Biological Sciences (CBS) is more than an academic choice — it’s a shared foundation that has shaped their perspectives, careers, and family stories across generations.
Tom Nissen (’97, microbiology) and Tracy Rubietta (’94, genetics and cell biology; ’96, microbiology) met in a medical microbiology lab as undergraduates — a partnership that grew from lab partners to life partners. Their children, Grant (‘23, biology) and Isabella (’25, biology), followed in their footsteps, each forging their own path while building on the same scientific foundation.
For all four, the decision to attend the University of Minnesota wasn’t just a logical choice; it was a place that felt like home from the start. Tom’s father and all four of his brothers attended the U, making it a natural place for him to go to school. Likewise, the U was an obvious choice for Tracy, who was particularly drawn to the CBS for its strong academic reputation and an interest in pursuing medical school. Years later, Grant chose CBS because he wanted an education that had a practical application and would prepare him for both dental school and public health. Isabella’s decision felt almost instinctive. After seeing how CBS had shaped her family, she knew it was the right fit for her.
Early and lasting connections
Long before Grant and Isabella became students, the University of Minnesota was already a part of their lives. As children, they wandered the hospital corridors while visiting their grandmother during her cancer treatments, explored campus during Grant’s summer swim camps, referenced pollinator research conducted at the U for their Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts service projects, and enjoyed family outings to nearby restaurants. At every point in their lives, there has always been this strong connection to the University of Minnesota.
“There’s a lot of pride in being a family of Gophers,” says Tracy. “It’s exciting, meaningful, and cool to be part of the history and traditions.”
Dr. Peter Southern in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology has been a thread of continuity across generations for the family. Tom worked as an undergraduate in his lab. In fact, Dr. Southern’s daughter was a flower girl in Tracy and Tom’s wedding. When the family visited campus, they would often stop by his lab — and on one memorable visit, Dr. Southern showed young Grant stained liver cells under the microscope, sparking an early fascination with biology. Isabella even had the opportunity to take his immunology class last fall, but unfortunately couldn’t make the class fit with her schedule. Much more than a mentor, Dr. Southern is a close family friend whose influence remains deeply woven into their personal story at almost every milestone.
The family’s time at the University is marked by shared experiences. While buildings have changed — Tracy and Tom remember Diehl Hall and studying in the Biomedical Library, whereas Grant and Isabella frequented Bruininks Hall and Walter Library — all four share the experience of moving between East Bank and St. Paul, traveling between different part of campus on the inter-campus bus, and navigating campus life.
The power of a biology degree
With varied career paths — from Tom’s decades-long career at Delta Airlines to Tracy’s leadership in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, Grant’s path toward dentistry, and Bella’s emerging focus on healthcare law and bioethics — their shared background in biology provides an essential toolkit for success.
"Having the experience in CBS teaches you to look outside the box," says Tom. "It trains you to approach decisions from multiple perspectives, to be disciplined and data-driven. That mindset doesn't just apply to science. It applies to life."
Tracy says, "CBS teaches you to be curious — not just to accept things at face value, but to ask the 'why' behind them. That ability to think critically, to question, and to dig deeper has been at the core of my personal and professional life."
Grant says, "Scientific writing, critical analysis, and understanding data came naturally to me while pursuing my Master’s of Public Health from George Washington University because of the skills I developed while in CBS. It has made everything I’ve done since graduating easier and more meaningful, and I anticipate it will do the same when I start dental school at the U this summer."
As she prepares to graduate, Isabella reflects on the value of her CBS education. “Studying biology has given me a unique lens to look at issues,” she says. “I’m studying abroad in Stockholm this May and am excited to apply my learnings for my next adventure studying the intersectionality of healthcare and law.” –Christy Hazuka