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Why USF?...
I chose USF for my graduate studies mainly because it is an elite
research institution that promotes discovery and innovation to
ultimately improve health at all levels. |
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Living the campus life ...
Although I do not officially live on campus, some of my friends think
I do because I am usually in the lab working on an experiment until late
at night or early in the morning.
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Student activities ...
I am an active member of several student organizations at USF. I am
also an active member of the
Cardiac Hormone Center at USF. As an active member of the
Association of
Medical Science Graduate Students and former student representative
of the
Department of Molecular Medicine I have had the opportunity to
serve, lead, and represent my fellow classmates on several occasions. As
an active member and former Advocacy Chair of the
Global
Health Student Association I have participated and recruited others
to participate in numerous community service activities.
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Activities ...
I enjoy playing basketball and tennis during the evening hours at USF.
There are several outside courts that are well lit and maintained. My
favorite area attractions include Busch Gardens, The Florida Aquarium,
The Pier, MOSI, and all of the local museums. |
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Research ...
Throughout my entire undergraduate and graduate studies at USF I have
been involved in research. As an undergraduate student at the
College of Arts and Sciences
I performed research in the laboratory of Dr. Malik. My work resulted in
two publications and an honors thesis entitled: “Analysis of amino acids
by capillary zone electrophoresis using uncoated and sol-gel coated
fused silica columns” As a graduate student at the
College of
Public Health I performed research with Dr. Haiduven at the Patient
Safety Center. My work resulted in the novel methodology for detecting
blood splatter from retractable intravenous catheters and phlebotomy
devices. As a graduate student at the
College of Medicine
I study the natriuretic peptides and their receptors in the laboratories
of Dr. Gower and Dr. Vesely. My work has resulted in three novel
discoveries, over ten publications, four grant proposals, and over ten
poster/oral presentations at local, national, and international
meetings. |
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Professors ...
The professors at USF are great and are diverse and unique as the
students at USF. My 6 favorite professors during my tenor as an
undergraduate/graduate student at USF in no particular order are. #1.
Dr. Malik (Department of Chemistry),
for giving me the opportunities to develop crucial skills, qualities,
and values necessary to succeed as a research scientist. #2. Dr.
Haiduven (Department
of Global Health), for helping me realize my potential. #3. Dr.
Lockey (Department
of Internal Medicine), for helping me identify my strengths and
weaknesses. #4. Dr. Solomonson (Department
of Molecular Medicine), for offering his support and encouragement.
#5. Dr. Gower (Department
of Molecular Medicine), for providing me the opportunity to develop
independence and allowing me to excel as a research scientist. #6 Dr.
Vesely (Department
of Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology), for bringing enthusiasm and
enjoyment to the work environment and being an excellent mentor and
friend.
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Metropolitan area ...
USF’s location in Tampa is convenient for me since my home town is
Orlando, FL. While I was an undergraduate student at USF I commuted from
Orlando to Tampa. I moved to Tampa after beginning graduate school at
USF. |
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Multiculturalism ...
As a minority student I benefit greatly from the cultural diversity at
USF. Cultural diversity at USF unites people of different ethnicities
and of different religious, political, and social beliefs by providing
everyone with equal opportunities. USF’s commitment to maintaining
cultural diversity eliminates certain barriers and allows for maximum
productivity and excellence. |
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Global ...
The students, faculty, and staff at USF have influenced my
perspectives regarding global issues in many ways. I am an active member
of three USF student organizations (Infectious
Disease Association (IDA),
Public Health Student
Association (PHSA), and the
Global
Health Student Association (GHSA)) which all promote global health.
In collaboration with students and faculty at USF we have participated
in various global health programs that help increase awareness of
various global health problems through education and research. We have
also established, coordinated, and disseminated new ideas for improving
health throughout the world by working with public health individuals at
the local, state, and national level. |
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