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Why did you choose Mesa State College?
I chose Mesa because it has the best
biology program of the small colleges. The staff and professors
were so friendly when I came during my visit.
What are some of the opportunities
you have taken advantage of at Mesa State?
At Mesa State I joined the Biology Club
and have been inducted into the Tri-Beta Biology Honor Society.
I am a Q-Crew leader. I have worked in the research lab with
Dr. Tony Schountz on the deer mouse gene lymphotoxin beta.
Also, Dr. Ed Bonan-Hamada introduced me to a summer research
program at Cornell University where my team made a mathematical
modeling for the spread of hanatvirus through the deer mouse
population.
What kind of research are you working
in?
I am working with Dr. Schountz, who
has focused his research on deer mice and the hantavirus.
I worked on cloning and sequencing the lymphotoxin beta gene
of the deer mouse. We are missing the 3' end of the gene and
after we get that, Dr. Schountz will use the sequence to eventually
see if the gene is expressed in an infected deer mouse.
Who are your favorite professors and
why?
I have many but here are a few of my
favorites:
Dr. Ed Bonan-Hamada: I met him as a freshman and he took me
under his wing. He introduced me to Dr. Schountz and helped
me get a start with research. He has supported me and helped
me get into summer research programs. He has been a great
friend, shares advise, and helps me with life. The things
you never learn in the classroom. I would not be where I am
right now if it wasn't for him.
Dr. Tony Schountz: He gave me my start with research and helped
me find my love of the lab. I have been able to learn many
different techniques and skills from him. I have also been
able to travel and go to conferences that have helped me out
so much.
Dr. Joseph Richards: He teaches the most difficult class on
campus and has impressed me more than any professor. He is
an amazing lecturer and his knowledge is astounding. I have
learned so much from him because he always answers your question
with another question. I am so happy that I took one of his
classes.
What do you hope to do when you graduate?
I hope to go to graduate school and
focus on infectious disease. I am looking at different schools
and I feel confident that I will be accepted into a good program.
I want to go into biomedical research and hope to do research
on something that will benefit many people in our lives. That
is very important to me and I just can't wait to continue
on my journey.
What are some of your more memorable
accomplishments?
I have received many different scholarships
through the college. I received third place for my presentation
at the Tri-Beta Regional Conference. I have also been accepted
to many different summer research programs.
 What
does your education/degree mean to you personally?
It means everything to me! I have worked
really hard doing what I love to do and I can't wait to get
to the next level.
What would you recommend to a freshman
just starting out at Mesa State?
Get to know your professors and make
sure that you go into their office to introduce yourself and
take advantage of their time.
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