UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSION

Bachelor of Science

Biochemistry

I have been involved in research since the summer of my freshmen year. I work in Dr. Nancy L. Oleinick’s Radiation/Oncology lab studying photodynamic therapy (a new kind of cancer treatment) and corresponding cell death processes.

I am a returning College of Arts & Sciences Representative in the Undergraduate Student Government (USG), the president and co-founder of Students for Organ Donation Awareness (SODA), the Medical School Liaison for the American Medical Students Association (AMSA), and the Director of Finance and Administration in the Student Turning Point Society (STPS). I have volunteered at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, and presently, I volunteer at the Free Medical Clinic and the Church of the Covenant’s Saturday Tutoring Program. I am also a member of Mortar Board and the National Residential Hall Honorary (NRHH).

Battle Creek, MI

As a student aspiring for a profession in the medical field, this university offered much in terms of access to varying medical experiences. I have had social volunteering experiences at University Hospitals, shadowing a team of physicians, fellows, residents, and nurses at the Cleveland Clinic, and directly interacted with patients at the Free Medical Clinic. Furthermore, Case Western Reserve University’s reputation for outstanding academics, smaller classes—led by professors not graduate students, and the vibrant student life helped me see that this would be a good fit. Admittedly, another major draw was my acceptance to the Pre-Professional Scholars Program (PPSP) in Medicine.

My favorite aspect of the University is the numerous opportunities available to students. University Circle is pulsing with activities, culture, diversity, and new experiences. I often find myself trying to restrain myself from trying to do everything at once—not a good choice! The array of options spread across such a broad spectrum and offer so much in way of developing personally that any student should be able to find a passion or interest. A second aspect that I have come to appreciate is the size. Coming from a school of about 500, I found the student body to be just large enough to incorporate a lot of diversity—in interests, backgrounds, experiences—and small enough, so that meaningful and long-lasting relationships are formed.

I have too many great memories, ranging from the House of Blues, being an Orientation Leader, retreats at Camp Asbury, meeting new people, visits to the West Side Market, to professors’ anecdotes and much more; choosing a single favorite would be insignificant. Case Western Reserve University has given me so many opportunities to grow socially, culturally, and personally. I have gained a new appreciation for Cleveland through Lolly the Trolly (a great ride!), had many memorable conversations with friends concerning the lighter side of life, and experienced more than I can sometimes remember.
To fairly answer the question and describe a single memory, I will elaborate on my first Race for the Cure. My friend and I randomly decided to do the race. We were freshmen and lived on Northside. I had never ridden the RTA (public train), but my friend had used the RTA, and he recommended that the Southside stop was preferable at the early morning hour we planned to ride. Somehow, we ended up being late leaving Northside, so we ran across campus (essentially doing our own pre-Race for the Cure) to catch the Southside train in time. When we finally got on the train, made it to Tower City, and ran to catch the connecting train, we encountered masses of people gushing towards the connecting train. I was positive we would miss the race. Miraculously, we squeezed in with the wave of people boarding the train. Reaching our destination a few minutes later, we scrambled to exit and ran to what we thought was the start line; however, there were so many people, making it to the front was clearly out of the question. Next we heard a voice on megaphone in the distance and it looked like people were moving. Slightly confused, we maneuvered through the crowds and finally found what looked to be the running portion of the race. Making ever moment even more memborable was the fact that by this time I was beginning to feel the unusual amount of water I drank earlier that morning.

I have gotten to know my principal investigator, Dr. Oleinick, for my research quite well. Through many conversations with her, I developed a stronger appreciation for the knowledge base of lab directors. With regards to professors, I have had the opportunity to talk individually with all of my professors, with one or two exceptions. They are always open to, and often encourage, visits from students. Just recently, one of my professors gave me an anecdote of tensions concerning the discovery of insulin that still persisted during his time at University of Toronto. I developed relationships with some of my professors, such that they have been kind enough to write me letters of recommendation, leading to my acceptance to various programs and receipt of the Goldwater Scholarship. With some initiative on my part to get acquainted with my professors, I find that they are teeming with expertise in their respective fields, always possessing extensive knowledge, ingenuity, and passion for their work.

I am pursuing a career in medicine, so medical school, residency, and a fellowship are my plans for the upcoming years. I anticipate continuing research on the side and hopefully having time to still give back to the community through volunteering.