Samantha (Willens) Behrends '12'

Samantha (Willens) Behrends ’12 has built a career dedicated to advancing healthcare and improving lives through clinical research. A graduate of Loyola Academy’s O’Shaughnessy Program, Samantha credits the program with helping provide the confidence and support she needed to pursue her goals in science and healthcare. Reflecting on her experience, she shared that she is grateful to the O’Shaughnessy Program for “giving me the confidence to not only get my degree, but to start my career.”

After graduating from Loyola Academy, Samantha earned a Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Illinois State University, where she was actively involved in undergraduate research, leadership opportunities, and service organizations. Today, she serves as a Clinical Trial Manager at Amgen, overseeing research efforts that contribute to the development of new medical treatments and therapies. Her professional journey has included progressive leadership roles in clinical research and trial management, reflecting a strong commitment to scientific excellence, collaboration, and patient care. Samantha’s journey reflects the mission of the O’Shaughnessy Program and Loyola Academy through her perseverance, leadership, and dedication to making a meaningful impact in the lives of others.