Senior year was spent making memories with my friends at Drury, working on projects that provided closure and evidence of the growth I have experienced over the last four years, and preparing for my next steps.
ENGL 317: AFrican-american literatureThis course explored the history and themes of African American literature and discussed our own individual relationships with and reactions to the authors' stories. This particular paper discusses the shifts seen across movements in African American literature and art through the lens of the film Sorry to Bother You. Issues of cultural identity, political power, authenticity, intersectionality, societal change, and resistance all play out in this--and many other--African American works, as authors pen their own conflicts and truths alongside those of the generations before them.
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Chem 495: Honors Research ProjectMy honors project focused on the activity of the PFK-1 enzyme of glycolysis. Essentially, this enzyme plays a crucial role in converting glucose to useable forms of energy in the body. In certain metabolic diseases such as cancers, this enzyme is too active and allows rapid growth and metabolism. If compounds which could slow or stop the action of this enzyme were identified, they might be able to be incorporated into drug treatments for such disorders. This research used high-performance liquid chromatography to separate ATP and ADP as they react with the PFK-1 enzyme, allowing measurement of enzyme activity. Baseline data would allow comparisons of activity between baseline and in the presence of inhibitor compounds. This project will also emphasize method optimization, as proper procedures are identified and changes are made to increase efficiency, validity, and reliability.
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HNRS 495: HONORS RESEARCH PROJECTTo the right is the final copy of my written honors project. Our goals of optimizing the methodology and collecting baseline enzyme kinetics data were successful. Working on this project helped me to grow in my lab and research skills, gain confidence in my knowledge from the past four years, and demonstrate my drive and curiosity.
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What does the future hold?
"We cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are." |
"The sun will rise and set regardless. What we choose to do with the light while it's here is up to us. Journey wisely." |
After graduation, I will be continuing to work as a cardiovascular technician at Mercy in Springfield. I am currently on the waitlist for my top-pick medical school, but I will be reapplying next cycle in the event that I do not move off of the list. My fiancé, John, and I will be getting married over the summer and look forward to starting our life together. He has been one of my biggest supporters during my time at Drury.
It has been bittersweet going through all of the "lasts" of undergrad. Saying goodbye to the professors that have helped guide me, spending time with friends who will soon move away, and enjoying the fleeting walks across campus are all difficult. I look forward to what the future holds, however, and feel well-prepared for whatever life throws my way. Drury has truly helped me to become a stronger, more thoughtful version of myself. |