For two recent Biomedical Physiology (BIPH) graduates, Lee Fongeallaz and Tyler Holley, their time in the program fostered not only strong academic preparation but also mentorship, innovation, and entrepreneurial thinking. Both will begin the next chapter of their academic journeys at the Dental College of Georgia in June 2026, bringing with them the support and guidance of faculty mentors who helped them navigate the dental school application process. 

Their experience in the BIPH program also sparked an unexpected business venture. In their first physiology course, VPHY 3107, Dr. Karen Wells introduced the role of calcium in memory formation and discussed how hypocalcemia can contribute to cognitive dysfunction, including memory loss. Inspired by the connection between physiology and everyday wellness, Fongeallaz and Holley began developing the concept for a calcium-enriched energy drink using milk as the core ingredient. 

During their gap year before dental school, that classroom inspiration became a reality with the launch of Dr. Cal’s Energized Milk Beverage, a chocolate milk–based energy drink designed to combine nutrition with sustained energy. The product will soon be available on campus at the Tate Student Center and Joe Frank Harris Commons markets. 

At the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, the Biomedical Physiology undergraduate program is devoted to comprehensive training in physiology—the study of how the body functions—while preparing students for successful careers in healthcare, biomedical, and life-science fields. Housed in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, the program features a broad catalog of coursework that allows students to tailor their academic experience to interests in areas such as human healthcare, veterinary medicine, and the life-science industries. By building a strong foundation in body systems physiology, the program equips graduates with the knowledge and skills needed for the modern biomedical workforce.