Student Spotlight: Shahar Castel
Shahar Castel
Masters Student, Medical Sciences
Did you like the new design for the GMSSO tee-shirt? If so, keep reading! Shahar Castel, the designer, is not only an artist, but a young scientist interested in pursuing a medical career. Born in Israel and raised in Boston, Shahar loves pursuing her many passions close to home.
What brought you to BU?
I have always known that I wanted to pursue a career in science, particularly medicine. After graduating from Emory University in 2009, I was at a crossroad when it came to choosing the next step for me. Ideally, I hope to pursue a career in medicine, and to do so, I knew I needed to further my education with a Master’s degree, preferably from a school in Boston where my family and friends are. My best friend growing up, Ilona Goukassian (MAMS 11’) attended the MA in Medical Sciences (MAMS) program at BUSM directly after graduation, and she shared with me all of the wonderful opportunities this sort of program could provide me, and I was instantly sold. Although I explored several other programs in New England as well, the MAMS program seemed to have the most to offer.
What are the advantages of pursuing a MAMS degree at BUSM?
The MAMS program at BUSM offers a curriculum that is equivalent to a first-year medical school curriculum, without the clinical time, and provides accurate insight into the academic demands of medical school. Most MAMS students elect to complete their coursework in the first year, and then complete a thesis project in the second year, although some chose to complete both their courses and thesis in the first year. I will be completing my thesis this year, after working very hard in my courses last year. I will be working with a plastic surgeon at the Boston Medical Center, Dr. Spiegel, who specializes in Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS). I will be surveying transgender patients on whether FFS helps to improve their psychosocial anxiety as it relates to their appearance.
What do you hope to do after you earn your degree?
I plan to complete my thesis and apply to various medical and doctoral programs next year. Although traditionally, students will apply to medical schools during the summer directly after completing their first year courses, I have decided to apply the following year, in order to make me the best applicant possible. Additionally, though I ultimately would like to pursue a medical degree, I am also very interested in all the neuropsychological diseases, and could see myself with a research career as well. This coming year and next will allow me to explore these other options, and see what sparks my interest most!
Are you involved in any activities on campus?
Last year, I volunteered at the Sharewood Projects, which is an organization that offers a free healthcare clinic for the locally underserved population and is led by medical students and physicians at Tufts University School of Medicine. It was a great experience, and encouraged me to continue pursuing a career in medicine.
You are the designer of the new GMSSO t-shirt. What was your inspiration?
I love images of city skylines, and I enjoy creating art. While I tend to sculpt more than anything else, I heard about the GMSSO contest to design a tee-shirt, and thought it was a great opportunity to create a 2-dimensioanl image of the Boston skyline. After three months from submitting my design, I heard that I had won and was thrilled.
What do you enjoy doing outside of BU?
I currently live with two out of my three older sisters in the South End area of Boston. It is great to be able to come home to them and have distance from what I am learning about in class or the research I am doing for my thesis. I am usually working on a piece of art, which I like to give as gifts for my friends and family. Additionally, I am teaching myself to play the piano, I am trying to learn Spanish (something I have always wanted to do), and I play for the Boston Ski and Sports Club soccer league on a co-ed team that I have been playing for over the last 3 years. I also played in an indoor soccer league with a team of other GMS graduate students last year.
Do you have any advice for current students?
The MAMS program is a lot of work. Students in this program cannot expect to “cram” and do well. You really have to work at managing your time so that you can review lectures and keep up with all the work. In the first semester, I did nothing but study. You don’t have a lot of time to relax, so you have to make time for yourself, even if it’s just taking an hour to watch a TV show, or meeting friends outside of school. In the second semester, you learn how to balance all the work and life outside of school.
In general, I would say make sure to use all the resources BUSM has to offer you. At orientation, the GMS professors tell us that they are here for us, and they really mean it! Ask your instructors for help; they really want to be there for you and help you succeed. And don’t be afraid to get tutors for any classes you may be having trouble in!
Spotlight on Students: Sarah Rozelle
Sarah Rozelle
PhD Student, Molecular Medicine
Some people are born to lead and serve others. Sarah Rozelle, member of the Cell and Molecular Biology program and Molecular Medicine program at Boston University School of Medicine, is no exception. A California native and addict to Peet’s Coffee, Sarah discusses first hand her stem cell research, volunteer work, and the importance of a fun work environment.
What brought you to BU?
Before coming to Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM), I was working as a lab technician in a yeast biology laboratory. After three years, I was ready for something new, though I wasn’t sure what exactly. I started looking into graduate schools with umbrella programs, and BUSM seemed like an ideal fit. Scientists collaborate across the university giving the graduate students the opportunity to learn about more than just one lab, or one technique.
What program are you in?
I am in the Cell and Molecular Biology program. Because it is an umbrella program, Cell and Molecular Biology students at BUSM join a second department or program as well, such as Microbiology, Molecular Medicine, or Biochemistry. I am a part of the Molecular Medicine program, house in the Department of Medicine. My second year courses, qualifying exam, and dissertation are all through the Molecular Medicine program, though I still participate in activities with the Cell and Molecular Biology program.
What kind of research are you involved in?
Right now, I am focused on Induced Pluripotent Stem cells (iPSC), which I make from human blood. My lab takes blood samples from patients at Boston Medical Center, and I reprogram the blood cells into iPSCs, and then differentiate them back into blood cells. The goal of this process is to better understand the disease mechanisms of sickle cell anemia. I enjoy this work because I can see the potential effects it can have on our local Boston community, since the current treatment for sickle cell anemia does not work for all patients. I hope to establish a drug screening platform with the cells from the patients at Boston Medical Center, and really have a positive impact on the lives affected by sickle cell anemia.
What do you hope to do after you earn your degree?
I am still undecided at this point. I know that I really enjoy teaching, though the job market for teaching positions is small. I enjoy talking about science – sometimes more that I enjoy doing it! I can vision myself pursuing non-traditional teaching routes.
You were recently elected President of the GMSSO. Can you tell me what you have planned for the upcoming year?
The Graduate Medical Sciences Student Organization or GMSSO is very active this year. We are bringing back “Movie Nights,” and will have a showing of GATTACA in October. Hopefully we will be able to offer a second movie in the spring semester as well. The GMSSO is very successful with their blood drives, and will again be hosting them at various points throughout the year. Volunteering within the organization has hit an all-time high, and we really hope to expand the service opportunities to the rest of the GMS community. We understand that it is difficult for students to not only find the time to volunteer, but to also find a volunteer position. By setting up various service projects and sites, we will try to make it easier for our students to volunteer in the community.
Are you involved in any other activities on campus?
I was a teaching assistant last year for the FiBS modules III and IV, and I hope to teach again this year. I am also very active in Cell and Molecular Biology activities and recruitment. I am a participant in the Hematology Training Program, and attend lectures hosted by the Center for Regenerative Medicine.
What is your favorite part of your life as a student?
I really enjoy working in my lab. The atmosphere makes it so easy for me to put in the long and tedious hours. The leaders of my lab work hard to provide a fun place to work, and I appreciate the comradeship I have with my colleagues. The rough days aren’t so bad when I have a lab lunch to look forward to later that week!
What do you enjoy doing outside of BU?
I am involved in P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization), which is an organization that helps women pursue their educational goals, whether it be starting college, a trade school, or graduate school. We raise money to help them fund their education through loans and grants. It is very rewarding to help women of all ages pursue education.
In the warmer Boston months, I am an active cyclist. My friends and I find long, scenic routes outside of the city. We have been on routes to different parts of Massachusetts, as well as in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. In the summer, we ride during the week, but save our longer journeys for the weekend, where we can cycle over 40 miles a day! It is great to get the exercise and socialize.
Do you have any advice for current students?
Have fun with your career. It is easy to burnout, so make sure you enjoy your work environment as much as your life outside of work. Loving your job will make it easier to persevere when times are tough.
Spotlight on Students: Ridda Hasnain
Medicine is not only about healing—it is about prevention. Ridda Hasnain, a Ph.D. student in the Medical Nutrition Program, understands this concept and hopes to use her BUSM education to establish preventative health measures around the globe.
When did you first know you wanted to pursue science?
From a very young age, I was interested in human health. Throughout my undergraduate education, I planned to pursue a career as a medical physician. When I arrived at Columbia University for my Master’s, however, I grew a specific interest in human nutrition. As I completed my degree, I realized that I wanted to prevent, rather than treat, medical conditions. When I understood how my research in nutrition could prevent diseases, I decided to pursue a doctoral degree.
What brought you to BU?
When I started searching for the right doctoral program, Boston University School of Medicine stood out. BUSM was different from a lot of other schools because it offered an integrative and collaborative experience. Graduate students, regardless of what program they were in, worked with multiple departments and multiple investigators from different labs. Students interact with faculty and peers outside of their own program. I thought this interaction would be a valuable part of my graduate education and prepare me for a career where there is much collaboration and interaction. Also, BUSM has a diverse student body. My peers and I come from all different backgrounds, and we all have varying research interests. I believe that this diversity and transfer of ideas will help me in the long run.
Can you tell me a little about the program you are in?
I am in the Medical Nutrition Sciences Program. Compared to other nutrition programs in the country, this program is relatively new. Because it is new, the current students really have an opportunity to shape the future of the program. There are three tracks in the program tailored to meet the needs of each individual in Medical Nutrition Sciences program: molecular/biochemical nutrition, clinical nutrition, and nutritional epidemiology.
The basic sciences track explores the biochemistry behind nutrition and how nutrients interact with the body while the clinical track is designed to educate students on how nutrition research can be applied to preventative measures in the clinic. The third track, epidemiology of nutrition, is the track that I am pursuing and examines causes of disease and their association with nutrition.
What do you hope to do after you earn your degree?
In a general scope, I want to research and find components of the human diet that prevent diseases, but I also want to have clinical exposure to teach patients that there are wholesome and natural approaches to preventing disease. I hope to be able to impact the community and improve public health policy. In Pakistan, where I am from, there is little awareness of how diet can affect lifestyle, and I hope to develop a program here and abroad to fill this gap in knowledge.
You recently presented at the 2012 Future of Food and Nutrition Conference and won the award for best presentation. Can you tell me a little about your research and that experience?
The Future of Food and Nutrition Conference is a student-led conference at Tufts University. I presented a poster on dietary protein and its impact on body composition and risk of obesity. Overall, it was a great experience because it gave me the opportunity to learn about the research my colleagues from other institutions were performing, and to think of novel questions related to my own research based on my presentation and discussion with other scientists.
Are you involved in other activities on campus?
I am involved in the admissions and recruiting process for the Medical Nutrition Sciences program. This is an interesting and rewarding role because it really does help to shape the future of the program. I get to meet with prospective and incoming students to advise them in any areas they may need help.
What do you enjoy doing outside the walls of BU?
I love trying new cuisines! Given my field of study, it’s not secret that I absolutely love food. I also enjoy traveling whenever I can. And I love to just spend time with my family and friends and take advantage of all that Boston has to offer.
What advice can you give other postdocs, or GMS students?
I think it may be helpful to many students if they start a PhD program with a general interest, rather than a highly specialized goal. PhD students will go through many rotations in different labs with different principle investigators, and these experiences will help them develop their general interest while finding a lab environment they can work in. Also, rotations are a time to apply your knowledge to novel questions.
Students should take advantage of all the BU campus has to offer. For instance, taking a class that is unrelated to your field may help you in some way later on in your career. Also, talk to your peers. These discussions will help shape what it is you want to accomplish while here are BUSM.
Spotlight on Students: Whitney Thomas
Graduating on Friday, May 18th at the GMS M.A./M.S. Commencement Ceremony, Whitney Thomas reflects on her two years as a MAMS student.
When did you first know you wanted to pursue science?
When I was in grade school, I remember telling my parents that I wanted to be an ambulance driver when I grew up. Not the EMT in the back helping the patient on the way to the hospital; the actual ambulance driver. When I entered high school, I started volunteering for the local rescue squad. I think it was then that I knew I wanted to go to medical school. At Bates College I majored in neuroscience, which exposed me to the unique interplay between mind and body, and had various shadowing experiences which solidified my decision to study medicine.
What brought you to BU?
After I graduated from Bates, I took two years off from school to work at the NIH in a lab that studied Pediatric Bipolar Disorder. I heard about the MA in Medical Sciences program here at BUSM and thought it would be a great stepping stone back into academia and help prepare me for medical school. I looked at some other similar Masters programs, but BU seemed to have the best one, and the best location. I really enjoy living in Boston.
Can you tell me a little about the MAMS program you are in?
I am currently finishing up my second year and just completed my thesis. The first year is class-driven and focused on academics, which I really enjoyed. It gave me a realistic glimpse to what medical school will be like. I have definitely gained confidence in my capability to succeed in medical school based on my success in this program. The greatest adjustment for me in the MAMS program was the class size. I remember on the first day of class in Bakst Auditorium, I suddenly felt very hot. The room was filled with 200 people! That was a huge difference from Bates, where the class size was much smaller. Despite these large classes, however, MAMS and GMS create a small community, and if you put in the effort, you will realize that the professors do want to get to know the students.
What are your plans after completing the MAMS program?
I applied to medical school last year, and will be attending the University of Vermont College of Medicine. Right now, I am considering primary care, specifically obstetrics and gynecology. I really enjoyed the research I did for my thesis, but I am mostly interested in clinical medicine. Eventually, as a practicing physician, I would hope to participate in research as it fits in with my practice.
You have helped to organize a Sarcoma Awareness event for this Friday. Can you tell me a little about that?
In January 2012, the MAMS community lost a member to sarcoma. As a member of the GMSSO, I helped organize an awareness talk in her honor to help raise money for sarcoma research. Sarcoma is a type of cancer that originates in bone or connective tissue. It is relatively uncommon and is very difficult to treat. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is performing innovative and interesting research on this cancer, and the speaker we invited is a member of the sarcoma team there. Approximately 40 people attended the event.
Are you involved in other activities on campus?
I serve on a small committee as a liaison between the MAMS students and Dr. Gwynneth Offner, the director of the program. We meet with her every month to discuss issues and ideas that my peers may have. Additionally, I volunteer with the GMSSO for events such as orientation, commencement, Project Gratitude, and blood drives, and I tutor three first-year MAMS students in Physiology and Endocrinology. Last summer I volunteered for the Outreach Van Project and enjoyed spending time with community members from East Boston who are in need of food and/or medical support.
What do you enjoy doing outside the walls of BU?
I like to stay active, whether I am hiking, biking, or riding one of my horses when I go home to Vermont. I also enjoy baking, and I love going out to eat when I can. Boston is such an exciting city, and I love to explore all the opportunities it provides. Traveling is another fun hobby, and I visit my friends in different parts of the country whenever I can. I also work part-time in retail.
What advice can you give other GMS students?
My two years went by so quickly. It is important to take advantage of all the opportunities BU and the city of Boston have to offer, whether it be playing squash at FitRec or visiting a museum. Also, the professors are very knowledgeable, not only about the subject they teach, but about medical school, and life in general. Importantly, they are always willing to help, so don’t hesitate to contact them. Finally, don’t forget to have fun and meet new people. GMS provides a great community that you will want to participate in.
Madeline Brisotti and Tanaya Kunnenkeri
Student Spotlight
Balancing a job and a earning a Master’s degree can be a daunting task. Madeline Brisotti and Tanaya Kunnenkeri, both in the Mental Health Counseling and Behavioral Medicine program, make it look easy. Working in the GMS Division Office a little every week, they find numerous ways to help their graduate and Boston community.
Why did you decide to pursue a degree in Mental Health Counseling?
Tanaya: I started my undergraduate education at the University of Toronto in Biomedical Engineering. By my third year, I was more interested in a human-oriented field rather than working with machines. After switching my concentration to Life Sciences, I ended up earning a Psychology degree. This eventually led me to pursue an internship in a day treatment center for an orphanage in Bolivia.
Maddy: I received my undergraduate education from BU, and after I graduated, I worked for a behavioral neuroscience lab at Boston University. After a couple of years in this position, I realized that I really wanted to work with people, rather than animal subjects in a laboratory.. As I was working on projects focused on drug research, I could see how my experience could be translated to substance abuse counseling.
What brought you to BU?
Maddy: I chose BU for my undergraduate education, and I loved the community. When a job became available after I earned my Bachelor’s, I jumped on the opportunity to stay here. After deciding to go back to school, I did consider other programs, but BU had the exact program that I wanted. BU has given a lot to me because I have been able to stay in the University community, both on the Charles River Campus and the Medical Campus.
Tanaya: After completing my undergraduate studies in Psychology, it soon became very clear to me that I would need to further my degree in order to move forward in my profession. I applied to the Mental Health Counseling and Behavioral Medicine program because this program included the behavioral medicine component, and it provided ample opportunity to get hands-on clinical experience. Another factor that led me to Boston was that I was dating my now husband who is a Bostonian.
Can you tell me a little about the program?
Maddy: The Mental Health Counseling and Behavioral Medicine is a two-year program that incorporates the new direction mental health is going. What I like most about the program is the small class size. One of my favorite parts about the program has been getting to know my peers and faculty. What is particularly unique about BU’s program is that it is situated on a medical campus.
Tanaya: The program is completely different from my undergraduate experience. University of Toronto has 60,000 students, and I was unable to have valuable interactions with all my professors. Here at BUSM, all the faculty in my program are very involved in our growth as students and budding clinicians. BUSM offers an intimate educational environment, where your peers have passions similar to yours. This passion among my classmates and teachers is contagious, and is really motivating.
What is your second year internship like?
Tanaya: My program provides you with the opportunity to complete a full year internship in your second year along with a first-year practicum in the Spring or Summer semester. Currently, I am placed at Boston Medical Center at the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department. I have always been interested in working with children, and working at BMC has given me more of a clinical experience than my time interning at the orphanage in Bolivia.
Maddy: I am doing my internship at South Boston Collaborative Center, which is a substance abuse outpatient center sponsored by the Boston Public Health Commission. I primarily work with adults at the clinic, but I do have the opportunity to work in a South Boston high school once a week to work with adolescents as well. Overall, the experience has been incredibly rewarding, though some days are extremely challenging. In addition to my internship, I am also taking a full course load.
What do you hope to do after you earn your degree?
Maddy: I like working with adolescents more than I thought I would. Initially, I had thought about working with adults around substance abuse, but now I think it would be nice to work with adolescents as well, either from a home based or school based setting. It would be really great if I could find a site that offers both.
Tanaya: Though I love working with children, I am open to gaining more experience with the adult population. After graduation I am looking to pursue a career working with children and families in an outpatient setting.
You both are student workers in the GMS Division office. What is that like?
Tanaya: The experience has been great. I have had the opportunity to work on various administrative projects, which has been a nice break from my courses and internship. Everyone in the office values the student workers, and the work we do. They try very hard to make us feel like part of the office, and part of the team, even though we only work a few hours a week. They are always available and open for questions.
Maddy: After I started the program, I was still working in the neuroscience lab. By the second semester of my first year, I was ready for a change. My advisor suggested that I work in the Division office. The GMS office gives me tasks that required organization and structure, and I enjoy that kind of work. These are qualities that are not always a part of counseling. I have helped with Admissions, and also helped develop a database for all GMS alumni.
Are you involved in other activities on campus?
Tanaya: Last summer I assisted as a peer mentor for the summer research program offered by GMS. It was a great experience, because even though all the summer students were researching biomedical sciences, I had the opportunity to learn about their projects and lab experiences. I also enjoyed the process of watching them grow and mature over the course of eight weeks.
Maddy: Classes, internship, and work take up most of my time.
What do you enjoy doing outside the walls of BU?
Maddy: I enjoy traveling home to Long Island and seeing my family. It is a great place to recharge my battery and just enjoy being out of the city. I don’t really have much free time right now, though I enjoy imagining what I can do if I ever do have some! Right now, I am focused mostly on completing my resume and applying to jobs.
Tanaya: I recently got married, and have had the privilege of experiencing the joys and new responsibilities that come as a newlywed. My husband has been extremely supportive of all my endeavors. I also really like yoga and dance, though these are the two things I have sacrificed from my schedule for the time being. I really hope to incorporate yoga into the future clinical work that I do, and I would love to take up dance again when I have the time. I am also involved with the youth at my church.
What advice can you give other GMS students?
Tanaya: I would highly recommend using the support system in the GMS Office, and taking an initiative to get to know the faculty members in your program. If I could do it all over again, I would join a student organization, or participate in dance as an outlet during my time as a student. Using the CRC campus, including the FitRec is a great idea.
Maddy: I would encourage students to get to know the faculty members in their program beyond their advisor. Take classes outside of the program. I took a class at the School of Social Work and gained a whole new perspective. It is good to see all the other courses that BU has to offer. Counseling and Social Work are female dominated careers. I would encourage men to apply to the program. They would definitely have an edge when it comes time to find a job.
2012 Russek Day Abstracts extended to April 26.
Abstracts are currently being accepted for the 18th annual Russek Student Achievement day. Information and abstract submission details can be found here.
Spotlight on Postdoctoral Fellows: Mohamed Jarraya
After growing up in Tunisia and moving to France to complete a Radiology internship, Mohamed Jarraya is no stranger to adventure. A Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Radiology at Boston University Medical Center, Mohamed compares his transition to American life to walking in a jungle. Navigating between cutting edge medical research and various opportunities through the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at GMS, he finds ways to give back to the BUMC community, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues.
What brought you to BUMC?
Originally I am from Tunisia, but right before coming to the United States, I was living in France completing a medical internship in radiology. I have a MD degree from the University of Sfax School of Medicine. When I decided to do a postdoctoral fellowship, I really focused on locations in the United States, a place I had never previously been. I wanted to complete a research project and really experience America. I found my current position in the BUMC Radiology Department, and I had to jump on it. I love Boston.
What kind of research are you involved in?
Right now I am working in clinical research within the Quantitative Imaging Center at the BUMC Radiology Department studying knee osteoarthritis. A lot of my work requires examining and reading MRIs of the knee. By studying these MRIs, lesions related to osteoarthritis can be scored depending on their severity. This information allows for an objective follow-up of patients with knee osteoarthritis, and helps for comparisons before and after special medical treatments.
Why did you choose radiology?
I have always been interested in architecture and the arts, which I initially planned to study in school. My father, who was physician, always encouraged me to pursue a career in medicine which I ultimately decided to do. When I took the residency exam, I only knew which specialties I didn’t want to practice, surgery being one of them. My sister, at that time was in her first year of radiology residency and I was curious about her specialty; I guess she is the one who pushed me in radiology!
How did you adjust to American life?
The only person I knew before moving to the United States was my PI, who had interviewed me for my current position. I viewed the move from France to the United States as an adventure, and I found Americans to be friendly and open to other people. My colleagues are spectacular.
When I first arrived in Boston, any time I had outside of the lab, I spent going to the gym and becoming acquainted with the city. It didn’t take me long to start meeting people, and now I am kept very busy with my research and my social life. I also spent the recent Thanksgiving holiday with an American family in the area. They were awesome, and the food was delicious!
Besides your research, how else are you involved in the BUMC community?
I am a member of Toastmasters International, a group recently established by the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at GMS. It is a very interesting organization, and has been beneficial to me in many ways. Arabic is my first language, though I have been studying English for seven years. Since joining Toastmasters, I have been obligated to prepare a speech. Though there have only been six sessions, I feel my English has drastically improved. I am much more fluent, and my writing skills are enhanced. Additionally, I have met many great people through the organization. It is a very positive and friendly group. Besides Toastmasters, I also offer support for events sponsored by the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, including the Ice Cream Social we had this past fall, and an the recent Holiday Party. The Office also sponsors career development luncheons I try to attend regularly.
What are your future goals?
I would like to acquire a clinical experience the United States and work as a Radiologist. Beyond that, I am not really sure what my long-term plans are. When I came to America, my goal was to dive into research, and I have come to discover that research is something I really enjoy. I think a combined medical and academic environment will provide me with the benefits of working both in the clinic and in research.
What do you enjoy doing outside the walls of BUMC?
I spend most of my time outside of BUSM with my friends. I have also traveled to New York City in the past six months of living in the country. There is a Tunisian consulate where I was able to participate in a vote back in Tunisia. The vote was for the constituent assembly who is drafting our new Tunisian constitution right now. That was the first democratic election in Tunisia for more than two thousand years!
What advice can you give other postdocs or GMS students?
Join Toastmasters, or other group activities, that will help you socialize. Most importantly, take advantage of working or studying here at BUMC; it is an opportunity and a great experience.
Spotlight on Students: Andrew Ferree
A challenging and rewarding program, the Boston University School of Medicine MD/PhD Combined Degree program produces exceptional physicians and researchers. Though only halfway through his time here, Andrew Ferree is no exception. An addict to research, Andrew has traveled internationally to present his scientific findings, and continues to investigate new ways to improve BUMC’s sustainability efforts here in Boston.
What made you decide to pursue both a MD and PhD in BU’s combined degree program?
You could say I have an addiction to research. I have spent the past ten years researching Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, and I can’t stop. I initially earned a Master of Arts in Medical Sciences here at BUSM, working with Dr. Benjamin Wolozin in Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics on my thesis and various other projects. I knew I wanted to continue with research, but also wanted to experience the clinical side of medicine and see my research applied to people. When I was accepted into the MD/PhD program, it seemed like the most obvious choice for me because it combined the lab and the clinic.
What PhD program are you in here at BU?
I am completing my graduate research through the Department of Pharmacology but I also work extensively with the Departments of Neuroscience and Medicine.
I understand you will be defending your dissertation soon. What research have you been involved with?
My research has always been related to neurodegeneration. To date, most of my research at BU has been focused on studying the function of genes that are linked to Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. I will never lose interest in PD and AD, but I am broadening my horizons and beginning to be lured into the study of how mitochondria play a role in diabetes and peripheral neuropathies. Ultimately, I want to help cure these diseases.
You recently attended a conference in Sardinia. What was that experience like?
Blissful would not be an exaggeration. The conference was absolutely sublime; it was relatively small and packed with very prominent researchers in mitochondrial biology. I presented some recent data from experiments on a new potential therapeutic for Alzheimer’s disease. I tested how the drugs effect mitochondrial transport and function in hippocampal neurons. At the mitochondrial dynamics conference, I made some great contacts and got a lot of helpful feedback, encouraging comments, and new ideas. I would like to extend a very warm and appreciative thank you to all those that helped me with the travel expenses.
What have you found to be the most challenging part of your academic career as a MD/PhD student here at BU?
The MD years and the PhD years are very different from each other. Medical school is an inch deep and a mile wide; you learn lots of information across many areas. With research, the focus is narrow, and you try to learn everything there is to know about one topic. The learning approaches are very different as well. Medical school requires memorization and the retention of a lot of information to succeed. In research, the real value is placed on imagination and creativity.
Are you involved in other activities outside of research?
I spend a lot of time with my family, especially my son, Thomas, who will be turning two in February. They keep me laughing on the rough days and offer a lot of support. For the past few years, I have been very active in various sustainability projects here at BUMC. One quick plug, if anyone would like to join us in these efforts check out our website to get involved (www.bu.edu/sustainability/)! When time permits, I also enjoy playing a good game of basketball and teaching self-defense classes in Michael Galperin’s School of Combat Sambo.
What are your future plans/goals?
The best part about the MD/PhD program is that it allows you to explore your options by giving exposure to both the clinic and the lab. I am still not sure where my path will take me but I do know I will never escape the brain. If I practice medicine, I plan to specialize in neurology and focus on treating age related neurodegenerative diseases. It seems unlikely that I will be able to kick my addiction to research so that will definitely be part of the picture.
Do you have any advice for current GMS students?
Pay attention to what truly interests you and pursue it. If you find that the passion fades, then do not feel obliged to follow the current course just because you started it. If you enjoy what you are doing, then it is probably a good fit for you. Beyond that I would like to say something corny, such as, believe in yourself and in your efforts. Your hard work will pay off though sometimes not the way you expect.
Spotlight on Students: Maria Vasilakos
Choosing a career is not always an easy task. A graduate from the M.A. in Medical Sciences – Oral Health Sciences track and a first year dental student at the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (BUGDM), Maria Vasilakos provides some insight on her unique path into the dental field.
What made you choose the field of dentistry?
Ever since I was a young child, I wanted to be a dentist. As I grew up and during college, the idea of dentistry disappeared, and I ultimately earned a degree in Biology, with a marine biology concentration, from Northeastern University. After graduation, I taught scuba diving but eventually wanted to further challenge myself. I decided on teaching. In my third year, as a high school biology teacher, a student sought me out for advice on class choice to better prepare her for dental school. As I was researching prerequisites for programs for my student, I rekindled my childhood interest in dentistry and began to look for dental schools for myself.
I understand you graduated from the M.A. in Medical Sciences (MAMS) Oral Health Track. How did you hear about the program, and how was your experience in the program?
I met my husband while I was studying for the DAT. As my husband was a graduate of the GMS MAMS program, he encouraged me to apply to the Oral Health track within MAMS in addition to dental schools. The MAMS Oral Health program was perfect for me, as it had been a while since I had been a student. Without the program, dental school would have been a struggle. I had to work hard to get my work done and earn the grades, but it prepared me for the heavier course work in dental school. The Oral Health track equipped me with study habits that have been critical for me to get through my current academic work. Because I took classes with BUGDM while in the Oral Health track, I am able to fully focus on elective courses that require the basic science knowledge for this first year. In one sense, I would definitely say I have an advantage over my classmates that did not graduate from the MAMS Oral Health track, or another similar program.
Congratulations on being elected Class President! What made you decide to run for office?
Entering BUGDM, I wanted to become more involved as a student representative. I am a different type of dental student – I am older than most of my classmates, I have a Master’s degree in Oral Health Sciences, and I have years of experience in a field other than medicine. I wanted to be able to use my unique situation to contribute to the first-year class. As President, I will be responsible for academic issues students face, such as the scheduling of exams and courses. I also will get to plan some social activities to unite the class, including a possible ski trip this winter.
What are your future plans once you graduate from the dental school?
I want to practice dentistry, but I also want to teach. My past experience as an educator was an influential aspect of my life, and is something I want to continue.
What advice can you give current GMS and/or MAMS students as they work to complete their degrees?
GMS offers very unique opportunities to its students. Particularly with MAMS, the program can make you, or break you. The MAMS program is a second chance for you if your undergraduate career was not as appealing as needed to get in to medical school. If you do well in the program, then you have a very good chance continuing on into medical, dental, or other professional school. If you do poorly, then you lose the second chance, and there may not be a third. It is so important to strive for success in the GMS programs, and to do that, you will have to study hard.
Balancing academics and a social life can be difficult, especially for students new to the Boston area. Set aside time both during the week and on the weekends for studies and extracurricular activities. I also surround myself with people who are passionate about their studies, who I can talk to about classes, and who are supportive of my goals. You can find many ways to combine your social and academic interests.
Spotlight on Students: Geunwon Kim
Not many people can say they enjoy waking up and going to work every day. Geunwon Kim may be an exception. A current MD/PhD student in her fourth PhD year, she mixes research with passion as she attends conferences and prepares for her MD years at Boston University School of Medicine.
Welcome back to Boston! I understand you were just at an International Conference?
Yes, the 2011 Gordon Conference “Stress Proteins in Growth, Development & Disease,” which was a six-day conference in Lucca, Italy focusing on the role of stress proteins as regulators of disease and life span. I had to forego an MD/PhD conference here in the States, but overall, it was worth it. The conference was small with approximately a hundred people, but there were some big name scientists, and the quality of research was outstanding. I was a bit star-struck actually, especially when I had to approach them. I’ve read about their research, and having the chance to talk to them was inspiring.
What was the research you presented?
I presented my research in a poster session on the mechanism behind the attenuation of heat shock factor in senescent cells. The experience gave me exposure, and many of the prominent scientists who were there came to see my poster. They commented and discussed my research with me, and they gave many ideas to further my research. More importantly, I found the more I talked about my project, the more familiar I became with it.
What PhD program are you in here at BU?
I am in the Molecular Medicine PhD program. I absolutely love my program. When I was considering PhD programs, I knew I wanted one with a diverse group of faculty with experience ranging from basic science to translational science. In addition, the Molecular Medicine Program at BU offers a variety of seminars that keep me engaged in other areas of science, besides my narrow field of research.
What made you choose the combined MD/PhD program?
I always knew that I would be a doctor. In college, a professor took me under her wings as a freshman and showed me what research was all about. After that, I wanted to incorporate research in my career and MD/PhD seemed like a good idea. Since starting this program, I have realized how important it is to understand how disease affects a person, but also to do so at the molecular level. Even though I am working with cells in the lab, I and other researchers are always thinking about how the bench work would translate to the clinics. The MD/PhD program facilitates this translational thinking and research.
What are your future plans/goals?
I love to balance the clinical and research work. I haven’t decided if I will go directly into clinical medicine or become a researcher. Right now, research makes me want to get up in the morning and go to work where I might find something new. My work in the lab is exciting, and I love when I can see the applications of my research in tangible ways.
What have you found to be the most challenging part of your academic career as a MD/PhD student here at BU?
I am in my 4th year as a PhD candidate, and it has been a very challenging experience. The education I am getting now is very different from all my past degrees. When you are a PhD student in a lab, there are no answers, you must find the answer yourself and back it up with your research. There are no right and wrong answers that can be verified with a textbook. You have to utilize what you already know to venture into the unknown, and this is definitely something I struggled with in the beginning. When I first started the program, I needed and wanted some validation that my research and progress was either right or wrong. But then I soon realized that it is okay not to know what will happen. I learned that the whole process of a PhD is about exploring your subject, building thinking skills, and learning how to get an answer to your question from your own work. This was the hardest part, and I am still getting used to it.
Are you involved in other activities outside of research?
I am also on the Volunteerism Committee for United Way Women’s Initiative. The purpose of this organization is to involve women in Greater Boston area to make a difference in the lives of other women and families. We recently compiled a demographic survey to better understand the volunteer pool in the area.
Do you have any advice for current GMS students?
Don’t give up. Be passionate and take pride in your work. Also, if you have the opportunity, present your research. For Masters students considering a PhD, make sure you love the research, which is a process – process of asking the right questions. Always be asking why/how, and then find a logical solution in any way you can. Boston University is a great school, so take advantage of the faculty and resources.
