Sitting back, I think about the old saying “high school is the best time of your life”. I laugh and think to myself “ the only fun times were during science class. When other students became frustrated and bored by science, I was always filled with desire in addition to an interest for science. From earth science, to natural science and even physical science, each class was enjoyable even if it was somewhat difficult. In high school, I realized my love for science and knew that my future career had to be filled with it.

Upon graduating high school, I choose to attend Fayetteville State University (UNCFSU) to pursue an undergraduate degree. Currently, I am entering my senior year and my major is Biology. Fayetteville State University has provided me a vast amount of professional development. The greatest amount of growth occurred when I was selected for the Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement (RISE) my junior year. Dr. James Raynor, Ph.D. introduced me to the realm of biomedical research through this program. Being a member of RISE, I was funded by National Institute of Health (NIH) to attend the 2008 Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS) conference and 2009 Ernest Everett Just symposium during the school year. In addition to gaining scientific insight, RISE also granted me the opportunity to present my very first poster presentation at Fayetteville State’s 2009 Mathematics & Science Undergraduate Research Symposium. This research titled “The Effects of Inactivating Toll-like Receptors in Lupus Carriers” focused on reducing the symptoms of the autoimmune disease lupus by inactivating receptors TLR7 and TLR9. All these ambitions were accomplished with the help of my mentor Dr. James Raynor, Ph.D. and the RISE program.

All the opportunities available for me during my junior year prepared me for my position at Elizabeth City State University (ESCU). During the summer of 2009, I interned at ECSU for the Undergraduate Research Experience (URE), which is directed by Principal Investigator, Dr. Linda Hayden. As a result of this internship, I have obtained valuable computer skills and safety skills such as conducting Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and how to create a webpage using Dream Weaver. Most importantly, as a member of the Oceanography team, we conducted ocean and marine research with our mentor Dr. Jinchun Yuan. The research, titled “Estimating the Distribution of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Parameters in Surface water of the Indian Ocean from temperature and salinity,” tested linear equations by predicting CO2 parameters from sea surface temperature and salinity using data obtained from a cruise along the Indian Ocean. Overall, the objective of the study was to use parameters temperature and salinity to calculate partial pressure of carbon dioxide. To obtain results for the study, we compared our predictions with field measurements of CO2 parameters and evaluated the potential of the linear equation. Conducting this research and participating in the URE program afforded me the opportunity to become comfortable in a research setting while working with state of the art research instruments. Last, I had the chance to network with students and faculty from another university, allowing me to grow profoundly.

After I graduate from Fayetteville State University, my goals are to pursue an advanced degree in Pharmacology/Toxicology within five years of obtaining my Bachelors of Science degree. What intrigues me about this field is how one can observe in addition to studying the interactions of chemicals with the biochemical pathways in humans and animals to develop a new treatment or improve a current medical treatment. This career allows me to use my curiosities to discover the mysteries and create knowledge for others to use.

While obtaining my degrees, a personal goal of mine is to mentor students. Like Dr. James Raynor and Dr. Linda Hayden have mentored myself and other students, I would like to mentor along with helping the generation behind myself in becoming successful and contributing knowledge to the world. Although I have showed a great amount of growth by simply pursing my undergraduate degree, I know that I still have a long road ahead of me of undiscovered mysteries. By choosing to pursue an advanced degree, my life will excel to heights I never imagined it would reach.