Kayla Elias ’25 Conducts Research at the Elahi Lab</h1> <article> <h1>Kayla Elias ’25 Conducts Research at the Elahi Lab</h1> <p>lcurtis2 — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 17:58:03 +0000</p> <span>Kayla Elias ’25 Conducts Research at the Elahi Lab</span> <span><span>lcurtis2</span></span> <span><time datetime="2024-08-27T13:58:03-04:00" title="Tuesday, August 27, 2024 - 13:58">Tue, 08/27/2024 - 13:58</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><strong>Describe what you’re doing this summer in your internship.</strong></p> <p>I am researching how brain vascular pathology can contribute to cognitive impairment and dementia. The Elahi lab investigates how core features of vascular pathology potentiate or accelerate neurodegenerative disease pathologies. For my project, we are focusing on the pathogenesis of a monogenic form of disease called CADASIL which is caused by mutations in the NOTCH3 gene. People affected can suffer from migraines, ischemic strokes and cognitive impairment. I am growing and differentiating induced pluripotent stem cells with the goal of modeling the blood brain barrier and how it can be compromised in disease. In addition, I am learning in silico bioinformatics techniques to analyze dysregulated gene expression in CADASIL based on transcriptomics data.</p> <p><strong>How did 91ֱ�� shape or influence you to pursue this internship? </strong></p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-left"> <figcaption>Photo credit: Todd France</figcaption> </figure> <p>In Spring 2023, I took Neurobiology of Disease and Neurotoxicology and Neurodegeneration Lab with <a href="/node/6061">Professor Gunnar Kwakye</a>, as well as Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology, and Biochemistry with <a href="/node/5206">Professor Laura Romberg</a>. I loved these three classes, especially in tandem, because they inspired me to think about how a biochemical interaction can cause a series of molecular biological events leading to macroscopic symptomatology that impacts a patient’s quality of life. Therefore, they inspired me to pursue research questions such as those being addressed in the Elahi Lab about how molecular biological signaling pathways can be targeted to understand and treat neurological diseases.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>How does pursuing this internship align with your post-college life and career goals? </strong></p> <p>This is the exact kind of research I aspire to pursue in my own career. I hope to study the molecular pathogenesis of neurological disease, neurodegeneration and/or cancer, while pursuing Neurology or Neurosurgery as a physician-scientist. Dr. Elahi is a physician-scientist with an MD/PhD and I have been able to witness how she balances research and clinic. I’ve performed research, shadowed patient visits, and witnessed how the lab has set up an observational study of CADASIL patients, both remote and in-person, to assess samples for possible diagnostic biomarkers, while in parallel building mechanistic models to identify therapeutic targets.</p> <p><strong>How has the liberal arts education and way of thinking shaped how you approach science and research?</strong></p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-right"> <figcaption>Photo credit: Todd France</figcaption> </figure> <p>Medicine and research are, by nature, interdisciplinary, combining numerous approaches and perspectives to problem-solving. Medicine alone combines STEM and social science with communication skills, emotion and empathy with strength and resilience, and studied knowledge with adaptability. The cornerstones of research are also communication and organizational skills culled in multiple subjects, as well as creativity in developing an approach to a research question. For example, it is best to think about organizing research in terms of a story with a beginning–research question, middle–organized experimentation, and end–results and conclusions. 91ֱ��’s liberal arts education encourages a breadth of training, preparing students to acquire these useful transferable skills. Also, science and medicine are both team sports and involve working with others who may think differently, and each contributes a unique set of ideas to problem-solving. 91ֱ�� is certainly an environment where unique individuals with their own sets of interests and backgrounds merge to create a multifaceted community which thus exposes students to different perspectives.</p> <p><em>If you're interested in a summer internship, connect with the <a href="/node/4521">Career Exploration & Development</a> team to learn more about exploring career interests, gaining real-world experience, and developing a professional network.</em></p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2024-10-11T12:00:00Z">Fri, 10/11/2024 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Communications Staff</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Kayla Elias ’25 knows exactly what she wants to do after college, and is setting herself up perfectly via her <a href="/node/460136">Internship+</a> program placement at the Elahi Lab at the Friedman Brain Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York. At 91ֱ��, Kayla is on the <a href="/node/322681">pre-medical</a> track, majoring in <a href="/node/3411">neuroscience</a> and <a href="/node/25246">biochemistry</a>. As an aspiring physician-scientist, she is following Dr. Fanny Elahi, who does just that, and is learning how Dr. Elahi balances research and clinic work.</p> <p> </p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4097">Internship+ Program</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4096">Summer Internships</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4265">Biochemistry</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4075">Neuroscience</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3830">Pre-Medicine</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2403">Career Exploration & Development</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/gunnar-kwakye" hreflang="und">Gunnar Kwakye</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/laura-romberg" hreflang="und">Laura Romberg</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/chemistry-biochemistry" hreflang="und">Chemistry and Biochemistry</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/neuroscience" hreflang="und">Neuroscience</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/pre-medicine-and-health-careers" hreflang="und">Pre-Medicine and Health Careers</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Kayla Elias ’25 at her internship at the Elahi Lab in New York City, NY.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Todd France</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>All About Balance</h1> <p>tapplega — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 14:49:37 +0000</p> <span>All About Balance</span> <span><span>tapplega</span></span> <span><time datetime="2023-07-20T10:49:37-04:00" title="Thursday, July 20, 2023 - 10:49">Thu, 07/20/2023 - 10:49</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Christopher Ayoub got his first taste of research in the <a href="/node/3346">biology</a> labs of 91ֱ��. By the summer after his sophomore year, he had secured an internship researching circadian rhythms at the University of Texas Health Science Center. The following summer, he was investigating bone formation at Washington University in St. Louis. </p> <p>Each time, he returned to 91ֱ�� to push his research further under the guidance of biology professor <a href="/node/5196">Maureen Peters</a>. Their work together led directly to Ayoub’s first job after graduation: as a research technician at Baylor College of Medicine. </p> <p>Today the 2015 grad from Houston, who completed 91ֱ�� majors in <a href="/node/3436">anthropology</a> and biology, is pursuing two more degrees that span both disciplines: a PhD and MD at Ohio State University. </p> <p>We caught up with Ayoub to learn more about his journey since 91ֱ��.</p> <p><strong>You pursued two majors at 91ֱ�� and were a varsity athlete on the swimming and diving team. What was it like balancing all of that?</strong></p> <p>Balance is the key word. Each one of those gave me a break from the others, such that doing all of those things helped me not to get burned out. I was also in the <a href="/node/70541">College Choir</a>, which added a little music to the mix too! </p> <p>I actually came to 91ֱ�� with no clue what major I wanted to pursue. I created a giant spreadsheet every time class registration came around because I wanted to make sure I kept my options open. Over the course of several semesters, I realized I loved biology—thank you, [Emeritus Professor] Yolanda Cruz—and I wanted to balance the natural science with a social science. I had narrowed it down to English and anthropology, but Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology with Professor <a href="/node/5006">Erika Hoffmann-Dilloway</a> really drew me in—not to mention Human Origins with Professor <a href="/node/5011">Amy Margaris</a>, which merged the two subjects! Then there was swimming, which gave me an escape from academics, alternative goals to focus on, exercise for endorphins, and a team that was my family away from home. The <a href="https://goyeo.com/sports/mens-swimming-and-diving">swim team</a> was a vital support system for me to maintain my sanity and to find joy at 91ֱ��.</p> <p><strong>What inspired you to pursue a career in medical research?</strong></p> <p>As I was figuring out what to do with a biology major or an anthropology major, I knew a lot of peers who had research positions. Molecular biology was particularly captivating to me because many of its techniques, like PCR [polymerase chain reaction] and Western blotting, elegantly take advantage of naturally occurring biological mechanisms. While I was at UT Health, my first research mentor, Dr. Seung-Hee Yoo, was also the first to suggest the double-major pathway to me. </p> <p>As this simmered at the back of my mind, I began to think of it as a way to continue both of my majors. There were 13 programs around the country that would allow me to continue anthropology as a PhD and biology as an MD. However, I was doing more biology research at 91ֱ�� with Professor Peters and more the next summer at Washington University, and I realized that I love biology research, which would not be continued through a PhD in anthropology. I also realized that the MD could just as easily be the extension of my anthropology major, as I would be working with patients and other medical professionals from all walks of life. </p> <p>With that perspective in mind, I started to see how the two degrees would work together—where medicine informs the gaps in understanding and care that need to be addressed through research, and where research inspires changes that advance the standard of care. Pursuing medicine and research together constantly keeps the other in perspective. For me, it’s very motivating to know that my research has the potential to have a real impact on people’s lives by improving health outcomes. Good health is fundamental to so much of our lives.</p> <p><strong>What sort of research did you do at 91ֱ��?</strong></p> <p>In Maureen Peters’ lab, I studied the defecation motor program in C <em>elegans</em> [a type of roundworm], a tightly controlled, repetitive behavior that occurs roughly every 50 seconds. More specifically, I was part of investigating the permissive conditions that allow the expulsion contraction to take place at the end of every 50 seconds. The independence and freedom Professor Peters gave me to follow my observations really allowed me to develop my scientific curiosity. The technical skills she taught me in handling worms also helped me snag my first job after 91ֱ��, where I was a research technician in a C <em>elegans</em> microbiome lab at Baylor College of Medicine.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Christopher Ayoub finds the sweet spot between his love of medicine and research.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2023-07-31T12:00:00Z">Mon, 07/31/2023 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Tyler Applegate</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2360">After 91ֱ��</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3830">Pre-Medicine</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2358">Undergraduate Research</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2771">Athletics</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=24656">Anthropology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25251">Biology</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/maureen-peters" hreflang="und">Maureen Peters</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/amy-margaris" hreflang="und">Amy Margaris ’96</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/anthropology" hreflang="und">Anthropology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/biology" hreflang="und">Biology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/pre-medicine-and-health-careers" hreflang="und">Pre-Medicine and Health Careers</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/global-health" hreflang="und">Global Health</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">courtesy of Christopher Ayoub</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-flex-content field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden vertical-spacing--basic field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div id="obj-32099" class="paragraph paragraph--type--pb-el-bq paragraph--view-mode--default"> <blockquote class="blockquote--quotemark" data-text-color-red data-text-size-large> <p>The hallmark of an 91ֱ�� education is an open-ended, lifelong curiosity and passion for learning that will be fundamental to my success as a physician-scientist.”</p> </blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div id="obj-27760" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-copy paragraph--view-mode--default o-flex--basic-copy basic-copy"> <p><strong>Did others at 91ֱ�� help shape your career goals? </strong></p> <p>I had so many wonderful mentors at 91ֱ��. Maureen Peters was my research advisor, but she has been so much more than that to me. She also taught me genetics—one of the most elegant and inspiring fields of research, which certainly primed me for a PhD project in bioinformatics. She wrote letters of recommendation that helped me get into my dual-degree program. Professor Peters also advised our chapter of Colleges Against Cancer, for which I was treasurer, helping us brainstorm and plan engaging programs that would reach as many students as possible. Above all, Maureen Peters has been a role model for the relationships I want to build with future trainees and for the work-life balance I want to achieve, where I prioritize my family as well as my work.</p> <p>I also had several other mentors in biology, anthropology, and on the swimming and diving coaching staff whom I owe many thanks. </p> <p><strong>What sort of work are you doing at Ohio State?</strong></p> <p>I’m a student in the <a href="https://medicine.osu.edu/education/dual-degree/mstp">Medical Scientist Training Program</a>. I recently completed my PhD work in [biochemistry], studying gene expression in the context of Alzheimer's disease tauopathy [neurodegenerative disorder], and now I am returning to the clinical years of medical school.</p> <p><strong>How might your research affect our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease?</strong></p> <p>I think the main contribution of my first author paper is that it provides a new approach for dissecting gene expression according to the differential vulnerability of different brain regions to tauopathy. In doing so, we see that some aspects of the brain’s response to Alzheimer’s are shared between regions, and other aspects are unique to each brain region. This provides insight into what biological processes promote vulnerability and what processes promote resistance to Alzheimer’s tauopathy and degeneration. These are all potential targets for future study and development of disease-modifying therapies, which remain elusive for Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative tauopathies.</p> <p><strong>What comes next after your PhD and MD?</strong></p> <p>Next up will be medical residency! As I return to medical school, I am keeping an open mind as to what specialty to pursue; however, as I begin to look into residency programs, I am certainly interested in those that incorporate time for research. My end goal for all of this training is to become a physician-scientist, balancing research and clinical practice. I like to think that this path has all been an extension of my double major at 91ֱ��, where the PhD research has been a continuation of my biology major, and medicine will be a continuation of my anthropology major as I engage patients and other medical professionals from all walks of life. The hallmark of an 91ֱ�� education is an open-ended, lifelong curiosity and passion for learning that will be fundamental to success as a physician-scientist.</p> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Health for All</h1> <p>tapplega — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 14:55:35 +0000</p> <span>Health for All</span> <span><span>tapplega</span></span> <span><time datetime="2023-06-20T10:55:35-04:00" title="Tuesday, June 20, 2023 - 10:55">Tue, 06/20/2023 - 10:55</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Annie Griffith found her passion for reproductive health issues stoked by ongoing conversations soon after she arrived in 91ֱ��. Those campus connections inspired her to become involved on a national level—and this year led her to an Obie mentor in a somewhat unlikely place.</p> <p>In January, Griffith completed a Winter Term internship at All Families Healthcare, a reproductive health clinic in rural Whitefish, Montana, where she worked under the guidance of nurse practitioner <a href="https://www.allfamilieshealth.org/about-us">Helen Weems ’91</a>, the clinic’s director. A former <a href="/node/3196">environmental studies</a> major at 91ֱ��, Weems was celebrated locally for rebuilding All Families after its original location was intentionally destroyed, then for successfully suing the state of Montana to expand abortion access. Inspired by Weems' monumental victory—and with key support from biology professor <a href="/node/5196">Maureen Peters</a>—Griffith secured an internship at Weems’ clinic during Winter Term of her junior year.</p> <p>Now a rising senior with majors in <a href="/node/3366">psychology</a> and <a href="/node/3426">gender, sexuality, and feminist studies</a>, Griffith gained unique insight into the clinic’s day-to-day operations and the lives of the people who depend on them. "I was exposed to all aspects of a small, community-engaged, reproductive health-care clinic,” she says. “This included learning about administrative and clinical facets, research projects, continuing education, and community outreach." </p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Annie Griffith turned to Montana to serve in an 91ֱ�� alumna’s reproductive health clinic.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2023-06-20T12:00:00Z">Tue, 06/20/2023 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Tyler Applegate</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2402">Winter Term</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3897">Internship</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3830">Pre-Medicine</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3898">Stem</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25361">Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25286">Psychology</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/maureen-peters" hreflang="und">Maureen Peters</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/sara-verosky" hreflang="und">Sara Verosky</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/gsfs" hreflang="und">Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/psychology" hreflang="und">Psychology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/global-health" hreflang="und">Global Health</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Annie Griffith (right) with Helen Weems ’91, director of All Families Healthcare in Whitefish, Montana, where Griffith served as an intern.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">courtesy of Annie Griffith</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-flex-content field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden vertical-spacing--basic field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div id="obj-32093" class="paragraph paragraph--type--pb-el-bq paragraph--view-mode--default"> <blockquote class="blockquote--quotemark" data-text-color-red data-text-size-large> <p>One of the things I find both interesting and disheartening about the health-care industry is the amount of medical gaslighting and trauma people experience upon entering a doctor’s office.”</p> <p style="text-align: right;"><em>— Annie Griffith</em></p> </blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div id="obj-27737" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-copy paragraph--view-mode--default o-flex--basic-copy basic-copy"> <p>But the impact of Giffith’s experience extends far beyond the daily tasks she performed. From her clinic co-workers, and particularly Weems, she came away reassured by a field that had previously left her feeling discouraged. “One of the things I find both interesting and disheartening about the health-care industry is the amount of medical gaslighting and trauma people experience upon entering a doctor's office,” she says. </p> <p>Nuances of human interaction are central to Griffith’s 91ֱ�� studies too. She is a psychology research assistant under professor <a href="/node/6336">Sara Verosky</a>, with whom she has worked on experiments that focus on how people make judgments about one another based on facial perceptions.</p> <p>The compassion she witnessed at All Families turned her passion into a drive to pursue a career that supports reproductive rights, and she credits 91ֱ�� with fostering that devotion. She considers campus a safe space for students to express their beliefs, grapple with societal issues together, and expand their understanding and expertise. She trained to be an abortion doula with the 91ֱ�� Doula Collective, where she learned how to care for people experiencing abortions. During spring semester, she presented at 91ֱ��’s <a href="/node/453552">Reproductive Justice Symposium</a>, joining fellow students in detailing practical implications related to abortion access in Ohio since the overturning of <em>Roe v. Wade</em>. Her presentation included resources currently available as well as those no longer available as a result of the Supreme Court decision.</p> <p>Griffith believes that academic institutions are the perfect place to cultivate sexual and reproductive health advocacy. “The best way for 91ֱ�� to be supportive of their students who are passionate about these topics would be to support, advocate for, and fund the organizations that are already in place,” she says, emphasizing the importance of the Sexual Information Center (SIC) and Survivors of Sexual Harm and Allies (SOSHA), among other groups.</p> <p>To Griffith, the simple things—such as donations of time, money, and activism—go a long way in alleviating the challenges faced by citizens in regions that are restricted in their access to reproductive health care. “Vote in local and national elections, call your representatives, talk to your older relatives who may have different opinions, and share your story,” she says.</p> <p>Perhaps more than anything, Griffith’s journey underscores the transformative power of a dedicated community. </p> <p>“Working at the clinic reinforced my passion for reproductive justice and health care equality,” she says, “and reminded me how important this work is.”</p> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Alli Roshni Wins Nexial Prize for 2023</h1> <p>eburnett — Tue, 16 May 2023 13:15:45 +0000</p> <span>Alli Roshni Wins Nexial Prize for 2023</span> <span><span>eburnett</span></span> <span><time datetime="2023-05-16T09:15:45-04:00" title="Tuesday, May 16, 2023 - 09:15">Tue, 05/16/2023 - 09:15</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Alli Roshni, a fourth-year <a href="/node/3346">biology</a> and <a href="/node/3386">economics</a> major from Delhi, India, has been named the winner of 91ֱ��’s 2023 Nexial Prize, which is presented to an outstanding science student with aspirations for interdisciplinary research.</p> <p>The prize includes a $50,000 cash award to be used in any way the recipient wishes.</p> <p>Beginning this summer, Roshni will devote a year to <a href="/news/toiling-margins">working with patients, practitioners, researchers, and grassroots organizations</a> in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Indonesia in the battle against pediatric HIV and AIDS. The experience was made possible by a Thomas J. Watson Fellowship earned by Roshni this spring.</p> <p>“I have been passionate about social justice for as long as I can remember, but it was at 91ֱ�� that I learned how impossible it is to address the problems of our world without unwrapping the underlying socioeconomic and cultural contexts that have caused them,” Roshni wrote in an essay for the Nexial Prize. “I went to college to eventually become a doctor, and at 91ֱ�� I have marveled at the pinball machine-like nature of biological mechanisms, written about how pathogens hijack natural immune processes, and studied how air pollution enhances the antibiotic resistance of pneumonia bacteria.</p> <p>“But here I have also studied the joys and failures of society: translating a beloved short story from Hindi to English and writing about colonialism and race for literature and history courses; gaining intermediate fluency in Spanish; learning about music as a tool for resilience through the Gospel Choir and about the fallibility of human behavior in Social Psychology.”</p> <p>At 91ֱ��, Roshni completed research on the effects of epidemic obesity on heart disease; racial disparities in heart transplant and homeownership rates, remittance payments, and tuberculosis infections among migrant workers in India and the U.S.; environmentally derived cancers; measuring and anticipating climate patterns; learning outcomes among low-income students; and food insecurity. She volunteered at pediatric COVID-19 vaccination clinics, founded a campus organization dedicated to increasing student engagement with public health, and collaborated with the local health department to organize a sexual-health community clinic and mental health hotline, among numerous other initiatives.</p> <p>One of her mentors was Associate Professor of Biology <a href="/node/5206">Laura Romberg</a>.</p> <p>“Alli’s work in my upper-level class on bacterial pathogens demonstrated how skilled she is at understanding and designing health-related research,” says Romberg. “Her work also revealed that she is an excellent communicator, takes ownership of any project that she takes on, and is motivated to learn beyond what is required for school assignments. </p> <p>“Alli never lets personal or global obstacles stop her from reaching her goals. She’s intellectually talented and driven and is passionate about working to relieve public health inequities. I look forward to seeing what she will achieve in the future.”</p> <p>Roshni intends to pursue graduate studies in cardiovascular medicine and eyes a career with Médecins Sans Frontières or in medical research.</p> <p>Presented annually, the Nexial Prize honors a member of the graduating class whose science studies are complemented by a profound interest in the study of culture and who demonstrates excellence in the pursuit of interdisciplinary research. The prize was created by an alumnus to recognize the influence of 91ֱ��’s liberal arts education on his successful career as a scientist and manager and his intellectual and cultural growth. The winner is determined by a faculty panel.</p> <p>The first Nexial Prize was presented in 2017. Following is a complete list of past winners:</p> <p><a href="/news/college-awards-first-ever-nexial-prize">Adam Chazin-Gray ’17</a> (biology)</p> <p><a href="/news/emilie-lozier-18-wins-50000-science-prize">Emilie Lozier ’18</a> (chemistry and French)</p> <p><a href="/news/jane-sedlak-19-studies-chemistry-wildfire-smoke">Jane Sedlak ’19</a> (chemistry)</p> <p><a href="/news/monica-dix-receives-2020-nexial-prize">Monica Dix ’20</a> (geology and politics)</p> <p><a href="/news/janet-wu-21-earns-oberlins-nexial-prize-2021">Janet Wu ’21</a> (neuroscience, biology, and piano performance)</p> <p><a href="/news/marwan-ghanem-22-receives-nexial-prize">Marwan Ghanem ’22</a> (biology and neuroscience)</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">$50K award honors a graduating science student with a passion for interdisciplinary research.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2023-05-19T12:00:00Z">Fri, 05/19/2023 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Communications Staff</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2373">Awards and Honors</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3830">Pre-Medicine</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25251">Biology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25416">Politics</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/biology" hreflang="und">Biology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/economics" hreflang="und">Economics</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Tanya Rosen-Jones '97</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Toiling in the Margins</h1> <p>eburnett — Mon, 08 May 2023 17:19:31 +0000</p> <span>Toiling in the Margins</span> <span><span>eburnett</span></span> <span><time datetime="2023-05-08T13:19:31-04:00" title="Monday, May 8, 2023 - 13:19">Mon, 05/08/2023 - 13:19</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Alli Roshni wants women to be able to give life and sustain it without passing along potentially deadly infections. She also wants children stricken by infection to get the treatments they need to survive.</p> <p>“HIV is one of the diseases that most affects marginalized populations,” says Roshni, a senior at 91ֱ�� majoring in <a href="/node/3346">biology</a> and <a href="/node/3386">economics</a>. “It’s really tragic for a child to have to grow up with the disease.”</p> <p>Starting in August, Roshni will devote a year to working with patients, practitioners, researchers, and grassroots organizations in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Indonesia who deal with pediatric HIV and AIDS, which are often contracted during pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, adolescent sexual contact, or injectable drug use.</p> <p>Roshni’s work is made possible by a <a href="https://watson.foundation/fellowships/tj">Thomas J. Watson Fellowship</a>, a highly competitive honor that allows recipients to pursue original, independent projects outside the U.S. Named for the longtime leader of IBM, Watson Fellowships include a $40,000 stipend and a year’s worth of college loan payments.</p> <p>Watsons for 2023 have been awarded to 42 graduating college seniors from 20 states and four countries. Two of the fellows are from 91ֱ��: Roshni and fellow graduating senior <a href="/news/survivor-mentality">Emma Hart</a>, who will venture to South Africa, Spain, Australia, and New Zealand to observe programs that create dialogues with males to promote emotional vulnerability and reduce violence.</p> <p>Roshni comes from Delhi, India, where her parents have worked in social service and social justice causes for many years. “I’ve been interested in public health since middle school,” says Roshni, who devoted a year to volunteering with mobile health-care teams in remote parts of India after completing high school.</p> <p>She says that 91ֱ�� biology professors Mary Garvin, Yolanda Cruz, and <a href="/node/5206">Laura Romberg</a> helped her not simply to better understand health problems, but also to empathize more deeply. During Winter Term, she observed cardiac surgeries and researched the field at Massachusetts General Hospital. Now she’s finishing up an honors thesis on heart disease—another illness especially common among marginalized groups.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Watson Fellow Alli Roshni guards underserved populations from illness.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2023-05-08T12:00:00Z">Mon, 05/08/2023 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Grant Segall</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2373">Awards and Honors</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2583">College of Arts and Sciences</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3830">Pre-Medicine</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25251">Biology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25341">Economics</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/laura-romberg" hreflang="und">Laura Romberg</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/biology" hreflang="und">Biology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/economics" hreflang="und">Economics</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Alli Roshni will devote a year-long fellowship to fighting the spread of HIV and AIDS in regions of South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Indonesia.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Tanya Rosen-Jones '97</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-flex-content field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden vertical-spacing--basic field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div id="obj-32084" class="paragraph paragraph--type--pb-el-bq paragraph--view-mode--default"> <blockquote class="blockquote--slicer" data-text-color-red> <p>“I’ve had a lot of opportunities to do student organizing, working with other people to accomplish common goals. I’ve been inspired by my peers.”</p> </blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div id="obj-27689" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-copy paragraph--view-mode--default o-flex--basic-copy basic-copy"> <p>Away from the classroom, Roshni has supported numerous health-justice causes. She was a sexual-harm information liaison for the <a href="/node/349696">91ֱ�� Student Cooperative Association</a>. She co-founded the Reproductive Justice Alliance and the 91ֱ�� Public Health Society, which recruits volunteers for Lorain County Public Health and other outside organizations. She has canvassed for pro-choice candidates on behalf of Planned Parenthood and discussed mobilizing for choice at a White House forum with Vice President Kamala Harris.</p> <p>“I’ve had a lot of opportunities to do student organizing, working with other people to accomplish common goals,” she says of her 91ֱ�� experience. “I’ve been inspired by my peers.”</p> <p>To apply for the Watson, Roshni contacted clinics, labs, and other organizations that fight HIV and AIDs internationally. Now she plans to work with many of them to learn more about promoting detection, treatment, and compassion.</p> <p>In a post on the Watson website, she writes: “I will explore the challenges and opportunities that exist in pediatric HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment: ranging from pregnancy to adolescent care and including the impacts of status, gender, race, and stigma.”</p> <p>Upon completing her fellowship, Roshni plans to take part in medical research for a year, then proceed to medical school. After that, she will likely pursue a specialty in infectious disease or oncology. She also hopes to continue research and treat patients in underserved parts of the world with Doctors Without Borders.</p> <p>She notes that HIV and AIDS treatments such as antiretroviral therapy—a combination of medicines—greatly reduce the disease and the odds of transmission, even during pregnancy or breastfeeding. She realizes that marginalized countries struggle to fund such care, but she believes it’s neither humane nor affordable to neglect their needs.</p> <p>As she puts it: “The consequences are a lot more expensive.”</p> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Paul Kamitsuka Earns Goldwater Scholarship</h1> <p>ygay — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 18:47:38 +0000</p> <span>Paul Kamitsuka Earns Goldwater Scholarship</span> <span><span>ygay</span></span> <span><time datetime="2022-06-13T14:47:38-04:00" title="Monday, June 13, 2022 - 14:47">Mon, 06/13/2022 - 14:47</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Now the fourth-year student from Avon Lake, Ohio, is the recipient of a 2022 <a href="https://goldwaterscholarship.gov/">Barry Goldwater Scholarship</a>, which will support his final year of undergraduate studies at 91ֱ��.</p> <p>Established by the U.S. Congress in 1986, the Goldwater Scholarship is a highly competitive, merit-based award offered to college sophomores and juniors preparing for careers in the natural sciences, engineering, and math. Many winners have gone on to earn prestigious postgraduate honors, including <a href="https://www.nsfgrfp.org/">National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships</a>, <a href="https://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/scholarships/the-rhodes-scholarship/">Rhodes Scholarships</a>, and <a href="https://www.marshallscholarship.org/">Marshall Scholarships</a>.</p> <p>Kamitsuka, who paired his neuroscience major with a minor in <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/chemistry-biochemistry">chemistry</a>, is interested in further studying what can go wrong with cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate nerve cell function in the brain, as well as the ways disruption in energy production affects other seemingly separate biological processes to cause diseases.</p> <p>“Although neurodegeneration is the progressive loss of nerve cells, and cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells, the metabolic characteristics between the two diseases are strikingly similar,” he explains. “Brain cancer is particularly fascinating because of the strict metabolic regulation that is needed to provide sufficient energy for the brain, the practical challenge of dealing with this balance, and the challenge of drug delivery to the brain.</p> <p>“These factors, the lack of a cure or efficacious treatment options, and my interests in studying cellular metabolism have led me to want to pursue a career as a medical scientist in neuro-oncology.”</p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-right"> <figcaption>Paul Kamitsuka with neuroscience professor Gunnar Kwakye. (photo by Tanya Rosen-Jones'97)</figcaption> </figure> <p>At 91ֱ��, Kamitsuka works in the lab of Biggs Professor of Neuroscience <a href="/node/6061">Gunnar Kwakye</a>, whose research team studies the impact of environmental pollutants on the development and progression of various neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and multiple system atrophy diseases, which are characterized by selective loss of nerve cells, motor incoordination, and altered involuntary functions such as breathing and blood pressure.</p> <p>Ongoing research conducted by Kamitsuka and other members of Kwakye’s lab examines the effects of the heavy metal cadmium—which is abundant in our environment and in tobacco plants—on the development and severity of Huntington’s disease. The lab also undertakes ongoing collaborative research projects aimed at using innovative drug discovery through computer-aided drug design, genetic editing, and chemical synthesis of small molecule probes to interrogate human biology processes and disease states in neurodegenerative diseases and breast cancer, toward the goal of developing new therapeutics.</p> <p>Kamitsuka and Kwakye are coauthors on a collaborative research paper under review that demonstrates the efficacy of a novel small molecule in altering energy function in triple-negative breast cancer cells and mice.</p> <p>In addition to his studies, Kamitsuka serves as a student coordinator for 91ֱ��’s <a href="/node/4406">Center for Learning, Education, and Research in the Sciences</a> (CLEAR) and is a member of the American Medical Student Association. He is involved with 91ֱ��’s <a href="/node/322681">Pre-Medicine and Health Careers</a> program, which offers the support of a collaborative community and specialized guidance from advisors dedicated to careers in health care. He has also volunteered for the local retirement community Kendal at 91ֱ��, engaging with residents—even during the height of the pandemic—through the creation of intellectually stimulating videos and through phone conversations with those experiencing dementia.</p> <p>“The immense support of my research mentor, Professor Kwakye, and other mentors within the department of chemistry, neuroscience, and CLEAR have made my academic and experiential learning here at 91ֱ�� exceptional,” he says.</p> <p>Kwakye extends gratitude to <a href="/node/31851">Nick Petzak</a>, 91ֱ��’s director of fellowships and awards, for his guidance in promoting Kamitsuka’s candidacy for the Goldwater honor. “Paul’s dedication and enthusiasm for science and medicine is inspiring and commendable,” he says. “I am elated by the news that he has received this well-deserved award.”</p> <p>In addition to the Goldwater Scholarship, Kamitsuka is a 2022 recipient of the <a href="https://www.toxicology.org/">Society of Toxicology Undergraduate Research Award</a>, which fosters interest in graduate studies in the field of toxicology and adjacent scientific fields.</p> <p>“I am incredibly excited to continue my academic and professional journey and explore the many paths within medicine and science,” he says. “Specifically, I look forward to meeting many like-minded individuals and growing as a learner, researcher, and medical provider.”</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Fourth-year neuroscience major eyes graduate school and advanced research in neuro-oncology.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2022-06-13T12:00:00Z">Mon, 06/13/2022 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Yvonne Gay</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>In his first three years at 91ֱ��, neuroscience major Paul Kamitsuka conducted research aimed at establishing and understanding nature-nurture interactions in brain disorders—studies that illuminated a path toward graduate research of brain cancer and other diseases.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2363">Academics & Research</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3830">Pre-Medicine</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2373">Awards and Honors</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=4861">Neuroscience</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/gunnar-kwakye" hreflang="und">Gunnar Kwakye</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/neuroscience" hreflang="und">Neuroscience</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/chemistry-biochemistry" hreflang="und">Chemistry and Biochemistry</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/pre-medicine-and-health-careers" hreflang="und">Pre-Medicine and Health Careers</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Tanya Rosen-Jones '97</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Local Partnership Provides Hands-on Experience for Students Interested in Healthcare</h1> <p>swargo — Wed, 11 May 2022 14:08:20 +0000</p> <span>Local Partnership Provides Hands-on Experience for Students Interested in Healthcare</span> <span><span>swargo</span></span> <span><time datetime="2022-05-11T10:08:20-04:00" title="Wednesday, May 11, 2022 - 10:08">Wed, 05/11/2022 - 10:08</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>91ֱ�� College’s Pre-Medicine and Health Careers Program has entered into a partnership with Welcome Nursing Home that will provide students interested in a career in healthcare with an opportunity to gain clinical knowledge and grow their interpersonal skills. </p> <p>Located in 91ֱ��, just a few minutes from campus, Welcome is a long-term care facility with nearly 100 residents. This past Winter Term, Aaron Ho ’23, Brielle Lam ’25, Cortny Robinson ’23, Youssaf Rouiha ’22, Revanth Sudhireddy ’25, and Michael Verret ’25 worked as temporary State Tested Nursing Assistants (STNAs) at Welcome. To participate in this experience, they had to complete an eight-hour online course approved by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. </p> <p>“This collaboration allows pre-healthcare students to engage deeply with the systemic challenges associated with supporting people dealing with age-related and other health conditions that require full-time residential care,” said Professor of Biology and Pre-Medicine and Health Careers Program Director Maureen Peters. “The students interacted with a wide variety of health professionals who work to ensure that residents' physical, mental, and emotional needs are met.”</p> <p>Students spent their days alongside nurses, psychologists, and psychiatrists, as well as physical, occupational, and speech therapists. Shadowing these employees gave them an inside look into the daily routines and tasks of healthcare professionals. Welcome Nursing Home Vice President Heidi Freas values the importance of the students’ involvement. “I believe this partnership with 91ֱ�� College could really grow into a powerful tool to help students on the pre-med track gain hands-on knowledge and skills as they navigate their education and future career.”</p> <p>Aside from gaining essential clinical knowledge, the students learned to apply values of empathy and compassion to their work. At Welcome, the students worked with the activities program team to assist residents with crafts and games. These bonding experiences emphasized the importance of getting to know the residents and their lived experiences. </p> <p>First-year Brielle Lam says she has learned a lot through this partnership. “Learning how to interact with residents and see the importance of an empathetic bedside manner is critical to developing well rounded healthcare employees.” </p> <p>Amani Green, assistant director for career readiness in the college’s Career Development Center, describes the project as mutually beneficial. “91ֱ�� students were able to receive quality pre-medical training, Welcome Nursing Home appreciated more help in caring for residents, and residents were able to form bonds with passionate students,” said Green.</p> <p>This partnership serves as an example of the many career-related opportunities 91ֱ�� provides. Peters initiated the partnership in close alignment with 91ֱ�� College’s tradition of labor and learning. “91ֱ�� students provided hands-on support to enrich their own knowledge but also brightened the lives of local community members.” </p> <p>Several of the students have followed through on the opportunity to keep working at the facility after their Winter Term experience was completed. In the future, the Pre-Medicine and Health Careers Program and the Career Development Center will continue to cultivate opportunities that support the goals of students interested in healthcare while working to forge strong connections with the 91ֱ�� community.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2022-05-11T12:00:00Z">Wed, 05/11/2022 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Ava Miller ’25</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3830">Pre-Medicine</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2402">Winter Term</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2403">Career Exploration & Development</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/maureen-peters" hreflang="und">Maureen Peters</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/pre-medicine-and-health-careers" hreflang="und">Pre-Medicine and Health Careers</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Clarissa Heart '20</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Pre-Med Student Gets on the Road Training</h1> <p>ygay — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 16:06:01 +0000</p> <span>Pre-Med Student Gets on the Road Training</span> <span><span>ygay</span></span> <span><time datetime="2021-11-03T12:06:01-04:00" title="Wednesday, November 3, 2021 - 12:06">Wed, 11/03/2021 - 12:06</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Slebonick, a fourth-year <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/biology" target="_blank">biology</a> major and <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/chemistry-biochemistry" target="_blank">chemistry</a> and <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/economics" target="_blank">economics</a> minor, is in 91ֱ�� College’s <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/pre-medicine-and-health-careers">Pre-Medicine and Health Careers Program</a>. Although her work as an emergency medical technician (EMT) is not a requirement, the direct patient care she experiences has proven to be a valuable asset.</p> <p>“The most meaningful part of my job is forming a rapport with patients,” says Slebonick, who began her work as a volunteer EMT in 2020 before becoming a full-time employee this past summer. </p> <p>“In emergency medicine, you have very little information about the patient prior to arrival. It is important to quickly form a meaningful relationship in order to learn about the patient’s condition and medical history. I learned how to show empathy while asking the right questions, which helped me successfully care for and treat patients. Establishing trust is an essential skill as a healthcare provider.”</p> <p>Emergency medical situations are something to which Slebonick has had a lot of exposure.</p> <p>While growing up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, her brother had severe milk and nut allergies, which meant her family had to be very conscious of not only what they ate, but how food was prepared and what they touched after eating. The experience put a lot of stress and pressure on her parents. </p> <p>“As I got older, I realized how much of an impact my brother’s allergies had on our family,” she says. “Once it came time to think about college and possible careers, helping those who go through the same struggles that my brother and my family did felt very fitting.”</p> <p>During her course of study at 91ֱ��, Slebonick’s interest in medicine deepened as she explored the sciences through research.</p> <p>In the fall 2020 <a href="/career/set/junior-practicum-program" target="_blank">Junior Practicum Program</a>, she was mentored by <a href="/joyce-babyak" target="_blank">Associate Professor of Religion Joyce Babyak</a> on a project that investigated technology, ethics, and privacy related to genetic testing—a topic of her choosing. </p> <div class="obj-center"> <figure class="captioned-image"> <figcaption>“There are classes that have intense workloads, but being a student athlete helped me develop time management skills,” says Slebonick. Photo credit: Tanya Rosen-Jones ’97</figcaption> </figure> </div> <p>After reviewing scholarly articles, recommendations written by medical organizations, and privacy policies of direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies, “I learned that clinical pediatric genetic testing raises less ethical and privacy concerns than direct-to-consumer genetic testing on children,” she explains. “The final product was a research paper that argues clinical pediatric genetic testing upholds more validity than direct-to-consumer genetic testing on children.” </p> <p>Slebonick’s recent research paper with Babyak explores the ethical issues with preimplantation genetic diagnosis and cross-border reproductive care. The paper “argues that using preimplantation genetic diagnosis and participating in cross-border reproductive care for nonmedical purposes contributes to the commodification of reproduction.” </p> <p>Slebonick maintains a busy schedule this academic year—while in 91ֱ��’s pre-med program she continues to be on-call as an EMT and is a member of 91ֱ��’s <a href="https://goyeo.com/sports/softball" target="_blank">softball team</a> but—she says, it can all be managed with a healthy respect for time management.</p> <p>“My best advice [to students interested in pre-med] is to face uncomfortable situations. It might feel intimidating starting new academic research or clinical experiences, but once you face the initial discomfort, you can learn so much about yourself and your interests. Entering new experiences is almost certain to open new opportunities to grow both professionally and personally.”</p> <p>After graduating from 91ֱ�� in the spring, Slebonick plans to take a gap year before entering medical school, where she will prepare for a career as an allergist. During her break, she plans to work either in research or as an EMT. </p> <p>“Right now, continuity of care interests me the most. As EMTs, we only see patients for a brief period of time. I found myself wondering what happened to my patients after we brought them to the emergency room. I’m excited for my career to have that continuity of care aspect and form longer-lasting relationships with my patients.”</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Anna Slebonick ’22 Gains Valuable Experience as a Pre-Med Student and EMT</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2021-11-03T12:00:00Z">Wed, 11/03/2021 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Yvonne Gay</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Anna Slebonick spent most of the summer forging quick relationships with patients while the emergency unit she worked in raced down the road.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2363">Academics & Research</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2771">Athletics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3830">Pre-Medicine</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3846">Engaged Liberal Arts</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25341">Economics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25306">Chemistry</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25251">Biology</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/joyce-babyak" hreflang="und">Joyce Kloc Babyak</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/economics" hreflang="und">Economics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/pre-medicine-and-health-careers" hreflang="und">Pre-Medicine and Health Careers</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/biology" hreflang="und">Biology</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Anna Slebonick ’22</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Tanya Rosen-Jones '97</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>A Well-Rounded Med Student: Mia Bates ’18</h1> <p>swargo — Fri, 22 Oct 2021 13:22:38 +0000</p> <span>A Well-Rounded Med Student: Mia Bates ’18</span> <span><span>swargo</span></span> <span><time datetime="2021-10-22T09:22:38-04:00" title="Friday, October 22, 2021 - 09:22">Fri, 10/22/2021 - 09:22</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p> </p> <hr> <p><strong>What inspired your interest in the medical field? </strong></p> <p>I grew up in a small town called Corning, New York, in a restaurant family—my parents own restaurants and I'm the second youngest of six kids. I was raised in the service industry and didn't want to do that, but really liked public service. I also really liked science, so when I started developing an idea of what I wanted to do with my life, medicine seemed like an interesting option to combine science with being a public servant, activism, and humanitarianism. It also involves problem solving which frankly ended up being what I was good at.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>How did your time at 91ֱ�� impact your post-grad experiences? </strong></p> <p>91ֱ�� was very important in the path I chose to take. I majored in neuroscience and did honors in psychology. The small, liberal arts atmosphere was fantastic for me. I like to talk and am not a big fan of lectures, so the smaller class sizes allowed me to get into the sciences and complete my pre-med track, but I wasn’t interested in only doing that. I think the best physicians are well-rounded people and 91ֱ�� really supports that. Also, the faculty were phenomenal—Lynne Bianchi, Gunnar Kwakye, and Al Porterfield were big mentors for me. Because it’s such a small school, the faculty really want you to succeed. Professor Kwakye got a research job for me during my gap year after I graduated. I also ran cross country and track, which I loved. At 91ֱ��, I got to be a well-rounded individual and see new things. Meeting people with different viewpoints and different backgrounds from myself was really important. I had a lot of success in my application process to med school and I attribute that to 91ֱ��.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>What has your experience in med school been like so far? </strong></p> <p>After a long application process, I ended up at Albert Einstein in the Bronx. The Bronx has the worst access to healthcare of any New York state counties. It’s a very in-need and diverse population. It’s been a tough experience because of the pandemic. My first year, I got six months of a “normal” semester, getting to meet new people. The first two years at Einstein are mostly in-class work in basic sciences and medicine. When the pandemic hit, we had to go home, and learning at home is tough, especially in medicine. My third year started this past June, and I’m now in the hospital treating patients. I’ve always been a very hands-on learner, so it’s been really great. I’ve done my obstetrics/gynecology services and pediatrics rotations, and I’m on family medicine now.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Do you have a particular area of interest? </strong></p> <p>I’m starting to settle on adolescent medicine. I like reproductive health, abortion care, and teaching people about their bodies. That’s a big part of it: teaching about consent, asking them about their sex practices, and making sure they’re being safe. I like the idea of being a trusted adult for kids in that age group to ask questions. I really love the stimulation of in-patient work.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>What advice would you give to students planning to attend med school and pursue a career in the medical field? </strong></p> <p>I think connections are really important. 91ֱ�� professors are at a small liberal arts school to connect with students, they're not there to teach 500-person lectures. If you’re interested in medicine, get as involved as you can. It’s difficult in COVID times, but you have to enjoy it, too. You don’t want to just be checking off boxes because you might get to medical school and realize you don’t actually like this career. Keep doing the things you love because those will be the things that get you through med school, prevent burnout, and ultimately become a better doctor.</p> <p><br> </p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2021-10-22T12:00:00Z">Fri, 10/22/2021 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Kyra McConnell ’22</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Neuroscience major and cross-country team alum Mia Bates ’18 is studying at the Albert Einstein School of Medicine in Bronx, New York. She reflects on her time at 91ֱ��, and how the liberal arts model allowed her to become a well-rounded student and explore her passions.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2360">After 91ֱ��</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3830">Pre-Medicine</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2771">Athletics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3846">Engaged Liberal Arts</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=4861">Neuroscience</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/gunnar-kwakye" hreflang="und">Gunnar Kwakye</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/neuroscience" hreflang="und">Neuroscience</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/pre-medicine-and-health-careers" hreflang="und">Pre-Medicine and Health Careers</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Mia Bates ’18 and her husband, John McCarthy, are students at the Albert Einstein School of Medicine.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Courtesy of Bates</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Biology, Baseball, and Med School: A Conversation with Lawrence Hamilton ’21</h1> <p>swargo — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 16:55:43 +0000</p> <span>Biology, Baseball, and Med School: A Conversation with Lawrence Hamilton ’21</span> <span><span>swargo</span></span> <span><time datetime="2021-09-27T12:55:43-04:00" title="Monday, September 27, 2021 - 12:55">Mon, 09/27/2021 - 12:55</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Biology major and 91ֱ�� baseball team alum Lawrence Hamilton ’21 is finding success as a student at the Boonshoft School of Medicine at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. His post-91ֱ�� endeavors are a testament to his hard work and passion for the medical field.</p> <p><strong>What brought about your interest in the medical field?</strong></p> <p>I was born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida. Growing up, my mom was a Broadway dancer and my dad was in Human Resources. It felt like the best of both worlds. When I was seven, my mom passed away from breast cancer. That was what got me into the medical field, going with her to appointments and her chemotherapy. I've always been interested in medicine since then.</p> <p><strong>How did your experiences at 91ֱ�� inspire or inform your post-grad trajectory?</strong></p> <p>When I got to campus, I really wanted to play baseball, which I did for four years, but then I saw the Science Center and all the labs inside. I was really interested in all that. [91ֱ�� Baseball Coach Adrian Abrahamowicz] gave me a lot of flexibility to explore what I wanted to do after I graduated, maybe coming to practice late because I had a lab. I really thank him for that and still keep in touch with him. One of my med school advisors, Maureen Peters, was really helpful with my application process. That kind of camaraderie with the coaching staff and my professors helped propel me towards what I wanted to do. I also spent three months before junior year shadowing Dr. Frederic J. Guerrier at the Roser Park Medical Center in St. Petersburg, Florida, for shadowing hours as a pre-med student. It really helped me shape up my interpersonal skills by interviewing patients, seeing what they’re going through, and why they’re coming to the doctor for help. I was able to meet a wide range of people in Florida.</p> <p><strong>What has it been like so far at Wright State?</strong></p> <p>It’s been an interesting experience, but I’m enjoying it so far. People say the hardest part of medical school is getting in, and I can definitely see why. Right now, we’re reviewing a large volume of information in one to two weeks. It’s my first year, so we're mostly in the classroom, but when third and fourth years come around, I’ll start my clerkship where I’ll explore internal medicine, obstetrics/gynecology services, and other areas to see what I really want to do. I’m excited for that, but right now I’m in the pediatric and family medicine interest group.</p> <p><strong>What advice do you have for 91ֱ�� students who would like to pursue a career in the medical field?</strong></p> <p>Definitely get involved in both the lab and also in your community. Med schools are looking for someone who’s not just in the classroom. If you’re in school getting all As, that’s great, but they want somebody who is reaching out to their community as well. You’re going to be a people person talking to patients, so that’s what really helped me. My people skills really flourished at 91ֱ�� because I met people from around the world, so I can relate to different types of people whom I meet. </p> <p><strong>What are your plans post-med school?</strong></p> <p>Right now, I’m just trying to get through, but I definitely plan to graduate and get a residency somewhere, possibly still in Ohio or maybe back in Florida or somewhere on the east coast. Right now, I’m between family medicine and pediatrics for my interest, so we’ll see what I end up doing. The ultimate goal is to match with a residency and become an intern there.</p> <p><br> </p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2021-09-27T12:00:00Z">Mon, 09/27/2021 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Kyra McConnell ’22</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2360">After 91ֱ��</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2771">Athletics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3830">Pre-Medicine</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3846">Engaged Liberal Arts</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/biology" hreflang="und">Biology</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Courtesy of Lawrence Hamilton</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> </main></body></html>