University: Alderson-Broaddus College
Hometown: Slatyfork, WV
NIH Research Project:
Role of HIV Reservoirs in Infected Patients: Implications for Eradication of the Virus and Therapeutic Strategies
Mentor: Tae-Wook Chun, Ph.D.
Laboratory of Immunoregulation
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
|
|
 |
I have always been interested in medicine but thought that the career was beyond my abilities and economic means. After becoming the parent of two wonderful and special little boys, I realized that I had the responsibility to make my dreams come true for them as much as myself. Participation in the achievement of an educational goal is one of the greatest gifts a parent can give. I learned that from my mother who attended law school while I was in elementary school.
Currently, I am a rising senior at Alderson-Broaddus College in Philippi, West Virginia. I am pursuing a B.S. in biology and chemistry. My previous interest has been focused on cancer research, specifically leukemia. I participated in the West Virginia Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network Program in the lab of Dr. Laura Gibson, Department of Pediatrics, West Virginia University School of Medicine. My study focused on the potential role of a particular enzyme, matrix metalloproteinases, in the progression of leukemia.
This summer I have shifted gears and am working in the lab of Dr. Tae-Wook Chun in the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. I am examining possible mechanisms in the suppression of HIV.
I aspire to practice highly translational research-research that bridges the gap between laboratory discoveries and patient care-as a physician scientist specializing in internal medicine and infectious diseases. I am a resident of a chronically medically underserved area, and I would like to contribute to an increase in the quality of medical treatment in the global community. To that end, I plan to enroll in an M.D./Ph.D. program after graduating. |
