The Pillars of Study
To understand the factors that contribute to the social effects, I began by studying ideologies from diverse disciplines. From philosophy to genetics, my concern was addressing the question, “Why do we think the way we do? What motivates us as the individual?”
Academics
Philosophy:
DRURY SEMINAR-HONORS (CORE 0101 D MAIN SE 12)
Every individual seeks to live a meaningful life. Our behavior is motivated by this common objective. Yet, how do we define what is meaningful? By answering this question, or at least understanding why certain individuals rank one priority higher than another, I hoped to identify patterns in cognition. Through this course, I analyzed the subject through Ancient Greek philosophers like Socrates to the existential words of Kierkegaard to identify shared principles of groups that shape the nature of their society. Ultimately, the meaning of life is the pursuit of one's purpose.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GbcRqQZ6SIATg6UiazU9pOnnJoUHIPOYyLnGV-vkNiY/edit?usp=sharing
Calculus:
HONORS CALCULUS I (MATH-0236-D-MAIN-SE-01)
To comprehend the beauty of life and creation, there needs to be an understanding of the defining laws of the universe. Calculus allows for the quantitative measure of these intangible laws. I studied calculus I and II in order to be able to make predictions about the universe to better understand the intimate nature of the human body. Calculus and chemistry has made me appreciate and respect the human body from the intricate carbon-hydrogen bonds to baroreceptors and blood pressure. These disciplines have given me a framework for a future in medicine.
Social Justice.
HONORS 0205 D MAIN SE 01
After studying the philosophies of what motivates human behavior, my next concern was identifying the factors behind social injustices like economic disparities and racial discrimination. I approached the subject through determining the inevitability of these conditions being present and the factors of human behavior that might be contribute to their existence. I followed this with studying how to address such issues with theories of justice and current examples of individual action. I intend to combine the theories of how to create justice with actions in order to treat people, including future patients, as an individual with individual concerns.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lh-h5d_XfCXBGGLvIC-8nNiVd31vefqtC4AQ6YEKxRY/edit?usp=sharing
Cultural Explorations in Medicine
HONORS READING SEMINAR (HNRS 0250 D MAIN SE 02)
Though my previous courses allowed me to study behavior on a global scale, I also desired to understand how culture might influence people’s approach to medicine and treatment. We began with discussing medicine in the context of the United States including issues like stigmas of mental disorders and the opinions of vaccines, reflecting on how to address such subjects as professionals. But with the divide of contemporary, Western medicine versus alternative, Eastern medicine, I stepped outside the U.S. borders to understand the cultural perspectives on medicine and the diverse approaches to treating illnesses. I aimed to rid myself of parochialism favoring my familiar medicinal preference by interacting with outside styles. This will prepare me for working with patients from all backgrounds.
Medicine Outside of Pharmaceuticals
Introduction to Music (MUSIC 0115 E MAIN SE 03)
This course began as simply an opportunity to explore music on a depth never previously done by myself. The course's purpose was understanding what musical components determine on as objective a level as possible why we as individuals like the music we do. But when we asked this question, I began to ask similar ones to myself. Why does certain music offer therapeutic benefits to specific ethnic groups while others do not? Researching the answer to this question, naturally, I found myself studying music therapy, a practice I had been familiar with during my internships at Barnes-Jewish Hospital on the psychiatric unit. Music therapy offers several, scientifically-measurable physiological benefits including decreased cortisol levels and blood pressure. A scientifically-driven individual, I desired to understand the biological processes by which music interacts with human physiology. Such a wide topic, I narrowed my focus to researching how music interacts with the biological pain pathway, which as it is integrated in the nervous system, offered explanations to the other medicinal benefits. A semester-long research project, I presented it at the end during Drury University's Honor Symposium. This class prepared me for medical research projects and creating innovative medicinal solutions for treating chronic issues.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1j733fld3C4drOa2IpMQouwqSbcj8wKDZO1f1wBNVTrU/edit?usp=sharing
Economic Explorations in Medicine
HONORS READING SEMINAR (HNRS 0250 D MAIN SE 03)
The discipline of medicine cannot be separated from economics. Issues such as health insurance and hospital operations are defined by financial statuses. Understanding the nature and obstacles of my patients from diverse socio-economic backgrounds is inherent in my ability to work with underserved populations. To do this, I started with an understanding of corruption in corporations. Inevitably, financial greed and dominating corporations are responsible for the exponential costs of American medicine. This class allowed me to better comprehend the realm of business and economics in order to help my future patients.
The Inclusion of Culture and Global Health in Medicine
Holistic Health Practices (PSYC-0372 D MAIN SE 1)
For as long as I can remember, my passion for medicine has been indivisible from my love of culture and traveling. Naturally, in order to prepare myself for the challenges of practicing international medicine, I have dedicated myself to practicing languages and understanding cultures in order to connect with people from foreign backgrounds. Naturally, this means being well-versed in medical practices that differ from the typical contemporary, pharmaceutical school of thought. In Holistic Health Practices. Inevitably, I want to be able to provide a holistic approach to the health of my patients that allows for me to get to the root of their concerns. To accomplish this goal, I explored contemporary and alternative therapies from scientific, cultural, psychological, and spiritual angles. I investigated Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic practices, chiropractics, nutrition, yoga and mediative techniques, naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, and several more disciplines. Through this , I am more prepared to address unconventional needs as well as have a more open perspective on health that allows for the incorporation of alternative ideologies and cultures. To make this class more meaningful, I completed an honors project based on the course material in which I investigated the opportunity of incorporating brain imaging technology in psychiatric medicine. This has allowed me to cultivate my passion for such a field by becoming knowledgeable about the physiology behind psychiatric conditions.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1UG6aD5RXgkksJG1_NgnR9L1dnljifiapUdQYEqvIM6I/edit?usp=sharing
The Inclusion of Genetics in Medicine
Advanced Genetics (BIOL-0322 D MAIN SE 1)
To understand pathophysiology, there needs to be a comprehension of normal genotypes and physical functioning. Additionally, the field of medicine moving towards precision . I practiced designing genetically-engineered solutions to congenital diseases. Known cell types involved in hearing disorders include hair cells (expressed from ATOH1) and inner ear neurons (expressed from NEUROG1). To treat auditory pathology, I synthesized plasmids containing either ATOH1 or NEUROG1 to test for gene expression in chicken embryos. The result of this study suggested which gene was responsible for genetic regulatory mechanisms on the genes responsible for inner ear development. To study the evolution and development of human intelligence, I composed a grant proposal to study NOTCH2NL's proteins in mice models. Using genetic methods like Cre-lox system and dosage effect, this would reveal details about human advanced cortical neuron development and capacity for learned behavior. The implications of the research would help people with abnormal cognitive diseases like schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder. This knowledge combined with the understanding of human genetic evolution will serve as the foundation for innovate disease therapy.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KpBFN0Ae6xsXLvpIMIjf3mFdQ0sKNAjCxsp1A3zi7_k/edit?usp=sharing
The Relationship Between Healthcare and Humanity
Supervised Undergraduate Teaching I (PDEV-0465-D MAIN SE 1)
To raise awareness about the relationship between issues in the healthcare system and the health of diverse populations, I taught an honors seminar class titled “Health Care and Humanity: Investigating Health Issues on the Local, National, and Global Level.” In this class, I used texts like Dopesick and Inferno and medical documentaries to address healthcare issues and their relationship to the state, national, and global level. We explored issues in the healthcare system and their impact on people including drug abuse, concerns and rights of terminal patients and their family, and global epidemics. I designed the syllabus and class assignments and led students in discussing medicinal and social issues. This has given me the framework for health consequences of chronic pain and its relation to narcotic abuse which will help me with addressing the national opioid epidemic and future opioid addicted patients.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/18zYZYA1QRjGwUKBl6BOFibvIut90WEgC4e-YhHCkxRY/edit?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/recent
The Biochemistry of the Human Body
Advanced Biochemistry II (CHEM 0436 D MAIN SE 1)
Human physiology is dependent on cellular metabolism. Normal functioning involves the metabolism of nutrients into metabolites to activate the electron transport chain. Diseases and pathologies violate this normal biochemistry. To treat disease, therapies and medications must be chosen to restore the metabolic pathway. Areas covered included the metabolism of macromolecules, cellular metabolism, gene expression, cancer therapy, and oxidation and reduction pathways. Taking biochemistry I and II provided me the fundamental knowledge for treating my future patients.
DRURY SEMINAR-HONORS (CORE 0101 D MAIN SE 12)
Every individual seeks to live a meaningful life. Our behavior is motivated by this common objective. Yet, how do we define what is meaningful? By answering this question, or at least understanding why certain individuals rank one priority higher than another, I hoped to identify patterns in cognition. Through this course, I analyzed the subject through Ancient Greek philosophers like Socrates to the existential words of Kierkegaard to identify shared principles of groups that shape the nature of their society. Ultimately, the meaning of life is the pursuit of one's purpose.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GbcRqQZ6SIATg6UiazU9pOnnJoUHIPOYyLnGV-vkNiY/edit?usp=sharing
Calculus:
HONORS CALCULUS I (MATH-0236-D-MAIN-SE-01)
To comprehend the beauty of life and creation, there needs to be an understanding of the defining laws of the universe. Calculus allows for the quantitative measure of these intangible laws. I studied calculus I and II in order to be able to make predictions about the universe to better understand the intimate nature of the human body. Calculus and chemistry has made me appreciate and respect the human body from the intricate carbon-hydrogen bonds to baroreceptors and blood pressure. These disciplines have given me a framework for a future in medicine.
Social Justice.
HONORS 0205 D MAIN SE 01
After studying the philosophies of what motivates human behavior, my next concern was identifying the factors behind social injustices like economic disparities and racial discrimination. I approached the subject through determining the inevitability of these conditions being present and the factors of human behavior that might be contribute to their existence. I followed this with studying how to address such issues with theories of justice and current examples of individual action. I intend to combine the theories of how to create justice with actions in order to treat people, including future patients, as an individual with individual concerns.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lh-h5d_XfCXBGGLvIC-8nNiVd31vefqtC4AQ6YEKxRY/edit?usp=sharing
Cultural Explorations in Medicine
HONORS READING SEMINAR (HNRS 0250 D MAIN SE 02)
Though my previous courses allowed me to study behavior on a global scale, I also desired to understand how culture might influence people’s approach to medicine and treatment. We began with discussing medicine in the context of the United States including issues like stigmas of mental disorders and the opinions of vaccines, reflecting on how to address such subjects as professionals. But with the divide of contemporary, Western medicine versus alternative, Eastern medicine, I stepped outside the U.S. borders to understand the cultural perspectives on medicine and the diverse approaches to treating illnesses. I aimed to rid myself of parochialism favoring my familiar medicinal preference by interacting with outside styles. This will prepare me for working with patients from all backgrounds.
Medicine Outside of Pharmaceuticals
Introduction to Music (MUSIC 0115 E MAIN SE 03)
This course began as simply an opportunity to explore music on a depth never previously done by myself. The course's purpose was understanding what musical components determine on as objective a level as possible why we as individuals like the music we do. But when we asked this question, I began to ask similar ones to myself. Why does certain music offer therapeutic benefits to specific ethnic groups while others do not? Researching the answer to this question, naturally, I found myself studying music therapy, a practice I had been familiar with during my internships at Barnes-Jewish Hospital on the psychiatric unit. Music therapy offers several, scientifically-measurable physiological benefits including decreased cortisol levels and blood pressure. A scientifically-driven individual, I desired to understand the biological processes by which music interacts with human physiology. Such a wide topic, I narrowed my focus to researching how music interacts with the biological pain pathway, which as it is integrated in the nervous system, offered explanations to the other medicinal benefits. A semester-long research project, I presented it at the end during Drury University's Honor Symposium. This class prepared me for medical research projects and creating innovative medicinal solutions for treating chronic issues.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1j733fld3C4drOa2IpMQouwqSbcj8wKDZO1f1wBNVTrU/edit?usp=sharing
Economic Explorations in Medicine
HONORS READING SEMINAR (HNRS 0250 D MAIN SE 03)
The discipline of medicine cannot be separated from economics. Issues such as health insurance and hospital operations are defined by financial statuses. Understanding the nature and obstacles of my patients from diverse socio-economic backgrounds is inherent in my ability to work with underserved populations. To do this, I started with an understanding of corruption in corporations. Inevitably, financial greed and dominating corporations are responsible for the exponential costs of American medicine. This class allowed me to better comprehend the realm of business and economics in order to help my future patients.
The Inclusion of Culture and Global Health in Medicine
Holistic Health Practices (PSYC-0372 D MAIN SE 1)
For as long as I can remember, my passion for medicine has been indivisible from my love of culture and traveling. Naturally, in order to prepare myself for the challenges of practicing international medicine, I have dedicated myself to practicing languages and understanding cultures in order to connect with people from foreign backgrounds. Naturally, this means being well-versed in medical practices that differ from the typical contemporary, pharmaceutical school of thought. In Holistic Health Practices. Inevitably, I want to be able to provide a holistic approach to the health of my patients that allows for me to get to the root of their concerns. To accomplish this goal, I explored contemporary and alternative therapies from scientific, cultural, psychological, and spiritual angles. I investigated Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic practices, chiropractics, nutrition, yoga and mediative techniques, naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, and several more disciplines. Through this , I am more prepared to address unconventional needs as well as have a more open perspective on health that allows for the incorporation of alternative ideologies and cultures. To make this class more meaningful, I completed an honors project based on the course material in which I investigated the opportunity of incorporating brain imaging technology in psychiatric medicine. This has allowed me to cultivate my passion for such a field by becoming knowledgeable about the physiology behind psychiatric conditions.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1UG6aD5RXgkksJG1_NgnR9L1dnljifiapUdQYEqvIM6I/edit?usp=sharing
The Inclusion of Genetics in Medicine
Advanced Genetics (BIOL-0322 D MAIN SE 1)
To understand pathophysiology, there needs to be a comprehension of normal genotypes and physical functioning. Additionally, the field of medicine moving towards precision . I practiced designing genetically-engineered solutions to congenital diseases. Known cell types involved in hearing disorders include hair cells (expressed from ATOH1) and inner ear neurons (expressed from NEUROG1). To treat auditory pathology, I synthesized plasmids containing either ATOH1 or NEUROG1 to test for gene expression in chicken embryos. The result of this study suggested which gene was responsible for genetic regulatory mechanisms on the genes responsible for inner ear development. To study the evolution and development of human intelligence, I composed a grant proposal to study NOTCH2NL's proteins in mice models. Using genetic methods like Cre-lox system and dosage effect, this would reveal details about human advanced cortical neuron development and capacity for learned behavior. The implications of the research would help people with abnormal cognitive diseases like schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder. This knowledge combined with the understanding of human genetic evolution will serve as the foundation for innovate disease therapy.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KpBFN0Ae6xsXLvpIMIjf3mFdQ0sKNAjCxsp1A3zi7_k/edit?usp=sharing
The Relationship Between Healthcare and Humanity
Supervised Undergraduate Teaching I (PDEV-0465-D MAIN SE 1)
To raise awareness about the relationship between issues in the healthcare system and the health of diverse populations, I taught an honors seminar class titled “Health Care and Humanity: Investigating Health Issues on the Local, National, and Global Level.” In this class, I used texts like Dopesick and Inferno and medical documentaries to address healthcare issues and their relationship to the state, national, and global level. We explored issues in the healthcare system and their impact on people including drug abuse, concerns and rights of terminal patients and their family, and global epidemics. I designed the syllabus and class assignments and led students in discussing medicinal and social issues. This has given me the framework for health consequences of chronic pain and its relation to narcotic abuse which will help me with addressing the national opioid epidemic and future opioid addicted patients.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/18zYZYA1QRjGwUKBl6BOFibvIut90WEgC4e-YhHCkxRY/edit?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/recent
The Biochemistry of the Human Body
Advanced Biochemistry II (CHEM 0436 D MAIN SE 1)
Human physiology is dependent on cellular metabolism. Normal functioning involves the metabolism of nutrients into metabolites to activate the electron transport chain. Diseases and pathologies violate this normal biochemistry. To treat disease, therapies and medications must be chosen to restore the metabolic pathway. Areas covered included the metabolism of macromolecules, cellular metabolism, gene expression, cancer therapy, and oxidation and reduction pathways. Taking biochemistry I and II provided me the fundamental knowledge for treating my future patients.