As mentioned before, my junior-year research has been the highlight of my education. All my optimism, fervor, and intrigue for a career in developmental biology has been vindicated! It is obvious I have chosen the correct occupation for me. Since my first day there, I've been encouraged to join the more meta activities offered beyond simple lab work. One goal of mine entering the lab was to become something beyond just a simple lab technician. The Cebrian Labratory has spared no expense in ensuring the only barrier between my stated goals and I is effort. So far, the lab has manifested these goals in a few ways: an amazing mentor, meaningful intra-lab work, and opportunity beyond the lab.
My mentor, Christina Cebrian-Ligero, is amazingly intelligent, dedicated, and friendly; I am very lucky to be able to learn from her. During the portion of the interview with her where I ask questions, I had stated my goals and asked what aspects her lab will enable me to achieve them. She was able to reassure me that she expects me to grow beyond a lab tech, and that she feels personally responsible for providing any help she can to that end. After officially becoming part of the lab, she has not given any reason to doubt her.
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It was held at the Biomedical Science Research Building (BSRB) this last year. There, I was treated to talks from eminent scientists from surrounding states. I had been to scientific talks before, but none were quite as interactive as this. After the high profile discussions concluded, researchers from all developmental labs in the BSRB presented posters and gave small talks about their current research. Socratic discussion is inevitable in such a meeting, and is always the most engaging way to learn. Realizing that the rest of my scientific career could be so engaging was a rapturous
I learned significantly a lot more than I would have previously. The example of lactose intolerance was very interesting; it really did give prime reasoning to human adaption. The concept of current human evolution was surprising to me; it is shown through evidence that I would not have connected to before. I found value in the talk by how well it relates to real life events and how these examples give confirmation to this theory. Pobiner left the audience with the indecisive question that left me wondering: is this adjusting or adapting? Only the future will
Gerta is clearly interested in helping me grow as a Graduate Assistant, she is one of those rare supervisors who also serves as mentor for the Graduate Assistants. Gerta is very helpful supervisor, whenever I have questions or concerns, Gerta responds right away—and even follows up later to make sure my issues have been resolved. Her patience and willingness to help have made me motivated to do the best job I can.
There were hurdles , bumps , and people lost along the way, but the strong persevered. A biology degree requires extra long days of research and study . However, it was Croix's parents support and love that motivated her each step along the way. Her mom , a former student of Howard University encourages her to do what makes her happy. On the other hand , Mr. Coix pushes her to also be successful. With a great student comes get time management . While pursuing her degree, she is an active member of Alpha Kappa Phi, a service organization , student ambassadors , and Globemed
Surprisingly, she answered yes right away. She and I then talked and finalized that my project was to determine the timing of germ cell proliferation in the temperature-influenced red-eared slider turtles and to compare the data between males and females. I took charge of the project under the guidance of the mentor. It was extremely interesting and fun working on the project because I wanted to gain new knowledge and leadership skills in the lab where I worked independently for most of the
I sat in my child development class in a “brick and mortar” classroom setting. What was I doing there? I was extremely interested in what the professor was speaking on and what was being discussed. However, I was beginning to doubt whether I wanted to continue in my current field of study, Speech/Language Pathology. I no longer felt I was being fulfilled. There was something lacking. I talked to a few of my friends who mentioned how much money I would make as a Speech/Language Pathologist. I heard what they were saying, but somehow it just did not matter. I had to find the missing link…….
My first research experience took place from the Fall 2012 – Summer 2013 in a neurobiology laboratory (Dr. Daniel Plas) focused on Parkinson’s Disease. In this project an undergrad student and I were tasked with optimizing a cellular medium for neural growth of the model organism Lymnaea stagnalis. This was comprised of following established protocols and altering certain variables within the formulas (differing concentrations of ions, pH, et al.) to observe growth pattern differences in vitro.
My goal since my toddler years has been to be a hero. Today, I cannot envision myself doing anything else. My long-term goal since the beginning of high school has been to contribute to the biomedical sciences, whether it is as a researcher, a surgeon, or a clinical physician. I aspire to make change, even the smallest improvement in anyone’s life.
Through this program I had first-hand access to some of the brightest young minds in both the United States and the world. The sharing among students of ideas and experiences in science, and in other areas as well, was enlightening. I felt like I had the chance to absorb knowledge from those around me. This environment spread beyond the students and also included the faculty and speakers. We had access to incredible faculty who were able to give much to the experience and share their own science insights. The program also brought in speakers and other science professionals from around the world who were at the top of their respective fields. This festival gave me real access to the movers and shakers of the science world, an experience beyond any available to me anywhere else.
The cultural event that I went to and reviewed was the Remembering Yuri Kochiyama Through Grassroots Art exhibit that was held in Cross Cultural Center. The event was basically a tribute to Yuri Kochiyama and how she helped contribute greatly to both African American and Japanese American liberation movements through some artwork displayed in the exhibit. Yuri Kochiyama was a Japanese American activist who spoke out against the harms against not only the Japanese Americans but to also African Americans. The event itself was not as big as I expected, as it was only one table of some artwork in the center but, those few pieces of art was just enough for me to learn more about who Yuri Kochiyama really was and what she believed was right or wrong.
On February 9th I went to event help on campus called Mocktail Hour. I chose this event because it was suggested by the teacher, and it had to do with STEM majors. I am currently going to school for engineering and this event had relations to my major. I thought it would be the perfect event to take advantage of because it was the closest one to me and lots of information about my major. The drinks they offered also were a great bonus.
On October 25th I attended the Janet A. Sipple lecture on South Campus. The lecture was based on the opioid epidemic. There were most of the nursing majors, other health majors, and many professionals from the community and beyond that attended the lecture. The lecture was given by a professor from the University of Pennsylvania. She did a study on opioid and all of its affects and why people develop an addiction.
Over the years, I have developed an innovative approach to teaching and conducting research with undergraduates through creating and presenting course materials in both laboratory and classroom settings. In my experience, the best teaching involves concrete, hands-on examples, so I engage students in my courses by encouraging the maximum laboratory participation possible.
When it comes to working in a stressful environment while maintaining efficient, human, and profession-al conduct, I’m highly competent. In addition, my communication skills are sharp, as is my abil-ity to retain information and remember people. Thanks to my schooling and my keen interest in the industry, my research skills will keep my knowledge of the industry and practices up-to-date. In fact, taking in new material is a joy. The Clinical laboratory science field is vast and ever-changing, something I’m both excited and prepared to deal with. For this reason, I intend to re-main on top of advances in the field.
That is the reason I was selected to be a mentor three consecutive years, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grade. Every year, I get assign four students from different grade levels to help them improve academically and support them emotionally. Being a mentor has motivated me to be the best version of me; to offer a hand to those in need. Following my mother’s footsteps, I want to change and save lives through a medical career. I hope to hold that ability someday. I hope one day I become someone who inspires others to keep going, and to never give up until they accomplish their
All the students were really active in every activity we did; everyone tried to participate by raising their hands to give out ideas. I was surprised by their inspiring little mind; they did not fear to give out opinions, and that made me think of why I should be more open to people around me regardless of any factor. After the event, I started to change my reaction whenever I want to express my idea; I am more confident and concise in the speech I give.