My interest in biology was evident from a young age, as some of my favorite memories are from time spent at the Discovery Place, interacting with the displays of animals and plants. In middle school, I qualified to attend a Duke TIP Summer Studies Course focused on biochemistry. As a part of the three-week course, I was introduced to lab techniques for the first time at Davidson College. I chose DNA cloning as my final project for the course and explored various contemporary cloning methods. At NCSSM, I have participated in many new opportunities that fuel my interest. This past trimester I took a molecular genetics course, which provided me with a strong understanding of DNA and the processes involving protein-synthesis. The labs we performed
Dr. Ava Morrow received a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Morgan State University in 1980 and in the same year, began her career at Gallaudet University, working in the biology department as a laboratory technician. She majored in microbiology at Howard University and earned a Master of Science degree (1988) and a Ph.D. (2004). After completing her master’s degree, Dr. Morrow become an instructor in the biology department at Gallaudet. She retired from Gallaudet in January 2013, as a full professor of microbiology, after completing 32 years of service at Gallaudet. Dr. Morrow is a passionate advocate who promotes science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) by speaking to elementary, middle
This article caught my eye because I recently finished a book by the same author, Lab Girl by Hope Jahren. Her memoir detailed how she became a research biogeochemist, and how the struggles she faced have never stopped. Completing the necessary education was easy for her, but receiving the funding to sustain herself, her lab, and her employees is still a challenge.
Along with this, he volunteers at a local hospital in the city, helping to improve the Calgary community. Science and biology have been an integral part of his entire life and have served as a source of inspiration. Over this past year, iGEM has provided him with the chance to further explore the field of synthetic biology along with connecting him with like minded people and peers.
Kendall’s experience as a researcher is not the only thing which makes her the amazing person she is today. She has experienced so many different work environments that it is mind-boggling. Dr. Kendall was a waitress while attending high school, was chair of a Senate Executive Committee, and taught math to prisoners. Through participating in so many different kinds of work opportunities, Dr. Kendall was able to realize that her true passion lay in the field of biochemistry. The first pull towards science was evident in the books that interested her as a child. And one might even say that her parents were what helped to ignite that spark for her thirst for knowledge in the field of biochemistry. Those science coloring books from Filene’s Basement department store and the Time Life science book series that her mother bought her are a very important part of Dr. Kendall’s early inspiration, and it is clear to anyone who listens to her talk that she loves doing research and helping young people figure out what they should do with their
Throughout my college career, I have been fortunate to experience many opportunities to immerse myself in the field of genetic counseling through phone interviews, job shadows and internships with a variety of genetic counselors. As a sophomore still seeking to learn more about genetic counseling, I arranged a telephone interview with Patricia Arscott, a cardiovascular counselor from the University of Michigan. Patricia answered all of my questions involving the average job duties, responsibilities and aspects of being a genetic counselor and gave me advice about suggested college courses to take and resources for more information about the genetic counseling profession. By the end of the phone call, the zeal with which Patricia described her career firmly cemented my belief that I wanted to become a genetic counselor and feel just as passionate about my career too.
Through my current experiences serving the less fortunate, volunteering at Etobicoke General Hospital, and participating in the Syrian Refugee Committee, the importance and benefit of scientific research has become clear. I enjoy challenges because it is through these trials that our motivation and intellect are improved. I would greatly accept the challenge The Helix Summer Science Institute offers, because I would have the opportunity to develop an understanding of the effects of genetic mutations in conserved human disease genes, and the importance and use of C. elegans as a model organism. This program is an exceptional foundational opportunity for the preparation process towards medical
The Integrated Life Sciences Honors program (ILS) is a distinguished two-year living-learning program for students with exceptional academic talents that focuses on preparing students in all aspects of biological research and biomedicine. ILS offers accelerated and advanced education in the life sciences while also emphasizing nationally recognized innovations to the training. Participating in ILS has allowed me to live and work closely with many intelligent and incredible peers, each bringing a different perspective. Furthermore, the unique approach and exclusive courses offered by ILS have helped me to develop a more holistic understanding of the multidisciplinary nature of the
Discoveries in DNA, cell biology, evolution, biotechnology have been among the major achievements in biology over the past 200 years with accelerated discoveries and insights over the last 50 years. Consider the progress we have made in these areas of human knowledge. Present at least three of the discoveries you find to be most important and describe their significance to society, health, and the culture of modern life.
In addition to completing my undergraduate and graduate education, I was participating in cellular and molecular research conducted by Professors at CUNY-Brooklyn College. I have worked with Graduate Deputy of Biology Department studying gene(s) that are involved in the fusion process of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, a single celled green algae. Currently, I have the pleasure to work as a research assistant with Dr. Juergen Polle, a leading expert in microalgae biotechnology. Our research focuses on photosynthesis, secondary carotenoid biosynthesis, and biofuels production of various microalgae. These experiences remind me of the reason why I have a great appreciation and love for science. And that is precisely what my ideal biology class would look like; a place where concept are learned through research. From preforming experiments and critiquing the scientific work of others to attending seminars, students should experience it all.
The “Whispers from the Walls” is a primitive style home in the 1920’s. It is a home of an African-American family of that time period. There are old plank walls and floors with simple furnishings. The quilt on the bed and the rug next to it would have been handmade, probably by the woman of the house. There is a large trunk at the foot of the wooden bed, and it probably held family heirlooms and personal items. A small table to the side of the room has one short leg that is held up by a book. The images of a man and woman in the room represents what an African- American family would have looked like at this time. The home would also have had a musky sent because of lack of insulation. I see a lot of history in this artwork. Everything is tidy, but worn and adequate, but small.
In the course, we discussed different aspects of biology such as photosynthesis, evolution, and, most importantly, genetics. During this unit, my fascination with the inner working of the body increased exponentially. All I could think about was the relationship between gene mutations and diseases. Thoughts of alleles, DNA, and how mutations of them can wreak havoc on the body ran through my head during and after class each and every day. As I continued to learn more and more about genetics the realization came to me that I was meant to study the human genome. The strong feeling that it was also my calling to help those affected by the possible negative effects of gene mutation began to surface. However, as I began to delve into genetics I started to worry that there would not be a career available that would match the criteria I hoped that my future job would possess. As if my biology teacher, Mrs. Barro, knew of the turmoil running rampant inside of my head, days after these concerns first came to pass she gave a lecture during class about the careers that were available if we were to continue our education in the field of science. One of those careers was genetic counseling. After Mrs. Barro explained in class what the job entailed, I ran home and researched it for myself. Soon, I discovered that this career path was perfect for what I wanted to accomplish through
From a very young age, I have had a great interest in natural science. Learning about the biological world around us and in us fascinates me to no end; that is why I am very interested in the Life Sciences First Year Program at NC State University. I selected my First Choice Academic Program choice as Biochemistry Intent with the intention of pursuing a career as a Forensic Laboratory Technician. While this plan may change, I will be confident in my decision to enter NC State as a student in the LSFY Program, as the courses I take would prepare me for a variety of other careers I may find more interesting over the course of my time in the program.
DNA testing has overthrown the way police collect evidence in a number of criminal cases, especially rape and murder and consequently had a large impact on many past cases. However there are many disadvantages to DNA testing, such as a challenge of accuracy, the costs of DNA testing and the possible misuse of DNA. The prospect of a national DNA database in Australia has been heavily criticised with complaints of invasion of privacy and stigma against those with terminal diseases.
Imagine a future where humans are manufactured, a future where humans are created by science, a future where humans are the new lab specimen. Human cloning is like opening Pandora's Box, unleashing a torrent of potential evils but at the same time bringing a small seed of hope. No matter how many potential medical and scientific benefits could be made possible by human cloning, it is unethical to clone humans.
I am in the Biotechnology program here at GTCC. I chose this program because I am seeking to become a biotechnology engineer and be involved in the research and development of new medical technology.