Ronald Williams

Professional Statement

I initially became interested in biomedical research at age eight when I began having focal seizures, which are seizures that affect only a part of the brain. While having epilepsy was quite frightening to me as a child, in retrospect, my condition inspired me to become curious about the area of biomedical research. I became particularly interested in cardiovascular research due to the fact that my mom was born with a non-viable aortic valve. To date, she has had two open-heart surgeries. My goal is to increase the survival rate of those who are born with cardiovascular defects.

My interest in biomedicine began to flourish in high school, where I served as a member of the Health Occupations Students of America Club. My time with the organization lasted for three years, two of which, I was vice president. My interest in biomedicine was further developed when I enrolled in a medical science honors course in high school. The course afforded me the opportunity to shadow surgeons at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville, N.C. for 300 clinical hours, 150 hours more than required. During this experience, I was invited by a cardio-surgeon, Dr. Ali Husain, to observe him performing an open-heart surgery. Witnessing an open-heart surgery first hand solidified my interest in biomedical science. To this day, I continue to work with Dr. Husain.

Currently, I am a senior biology major at Fayetteville State University, who plans obtain a Ph.D. in translational medicine, focusing mainly on cardio-vascular research. I joined the FSU Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement program, as it provided me the academic preparation and research skills necessary for graduate school. I am currently in my third year of the RISE program. Being in RISE, I have learned various research techniques, such as how to properly utilize advanced lab instruments, analyze computational data, and program using Matlab. In addition, by improving my research skills, RISE afforded me opportunities to improve my written and verbal communication skills through a scientific communications course. I also have strong leadership skills such as knowing how to properly organize events and making sure I'm always adequately prepared for anything that may cross my path.

I am presently in my third year of working with Dr. Robert Grier, a professor at Fayetteville State University, his research involves viral integration of HPV16 into the human cellular genome. I requested to work with this project because the research area is very intriguing to me, especially since my twin sisters are susceptible. The HPV16 virus causes cancer in a growing number of females of various ages and ethnic groups. I hope someday my sisters and other females will not have to worry about HPV.

During the summer of 2009, I worked in Dr. Khalid Lohdi’s lab. Our research topic pertained to the Comparative Analysis of Latent Fingerprints and DNA Fingerprints on Cell Phones. Working with Dr. Lohdi was extremely beneficial to my development as a scientist. I learned the importance of teamwork, making sure all my work was done efficiently and correctly. Over time, I have learned a plethora of laboratory skills. Among them are techniques such as DNA extraction and Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction.

I am gradually becoming a more competent and well-rounded scientist day-day. During the summer of 2009, I was also given the opportunity to participate in a U.S.-China diplomatic relations program. I was among 30 students nationwide nominated from a large pool of well-qualified applicants. The purpose of the program was to celebrate 30 years of successful diplomatic relations between the U.S. and China. While in China, I met many prominent scholars, business owners, and government officials. Our trip was hosted by some of the top universities in China. The cultural awareness that I gained from the 30/30 program is invaluable. I hope to apply everything that I have learned to my future studies as a scientist.

During the summer of 2010, I particited in a summer research internship at Elizabeth City State University. The program was entitled the Undergraduate Research Experience in Ocean, Marine, and Polar Science. My mentor was Mr. Jeff Wood and the title of the project was "Establishing a Baseline of Water Quality Along the Coast of Northeastern North Carolina In Response to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.