University: Delaware State University
Hometown: Pikesville, MD
NIH Research Project:
A Genomic Approach for Identifying Mitotic Regulators in Budding Yeast
Mentor: Orna Cohen-Fix, Ph.D.
Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
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I recently graduated from Delaware State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. My ultimate career goal is to become a biomedical scientist contributing to molecular genetic research related to diabetes. This interest originated early in my life when I recognized the prevalence of diabetes in my family and the African American community. While learning about diabetes, I discovered the many opportunities available in the biomedical sciences.
I completed my first internship at the University of Maryland at Baltimore under the supervision of Alan Shuldiner, who studies genetic variations associated with the occurrence of leanness and diabetes among African Americans. This laboratory experience helped me to develop an appreciation and passion for biomedical research.
I am very appreciative for the privilege of being a UGSP Scholar. This program has enhanced my undergraduate education and given me a sense of focus toward my long-term goals through financial support and research opportunities.
My mentor at NIH is Dr. Orna Cohen-Fix in the Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology in the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. During my first summer at NIH I used yeast as a model to understand the molecular basis of accurate chromosome transmission, which is often defective in cancer cells. This summer I plan to use the application of yeast genetics to learn more about diabetes.
In the fall I will begin doctoral studies in molecular genetics and microbiology at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey.
The more I learn about science, the more devoted I am to contributing to disease-oriented research. |
