Spotlights

Students, Faculty & Alumni

Spotlight on PhD Student: 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... More

Spotlight on Faculty: David Levin, Ph.D.

What brought you to Boston University? Several aspects of Boston University prompted me to move from Johns Hopkins University. Certainly, its location in Boston is a tremendously positive factor. There is an enormous pool of  bright and talented scientists in Boston. But perhaps the most important element was the high level of collaborative interaction that is part of the culture of Boston University. We have a very interactive community here, which is important for professional growth... More

Spotlight on MS Student: Rebekah Gould

What drove you to pursue a career in science? Science was always secondary to dentistry. From as far back as I can remember I have wanted to be a dentist, and naturally, I found myself interested in science. Growing up, I had a strong relationship with my own pediatric dentist and orthodontist, and I really admired him. When it came time to attend college, I decided to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill... More

Spotlight on Faculty: Dr. Barnes and Dr. Laird

Medicine is not always about hospitals and biomedical research.  For this reason, Dr. Linda Barnes and Dr. Lance Laird worked to create the Medical Anthropology and Cross Cultural Practices (MACCP) program here at BUSM.  A “program by design,” students in this program experience a new way of examining medicine and the process of health and healing in cultures from around the world, particularly as these cultures have entered the United States. Can you tell me a... More

Spotlight on Faculty: Dr. Symes & Dr. Dasgupta

Science is constantly evolving, and with that comes the need for graduate education to adapt.  Dr. Shoumita Dasgupta of the Genetics and Genomics program and Dr. Karen Symes of the Biochemistry Department agree.  With a group of other dedicated GMS faculty, they have transformed doctoral education at BUSM through the development of a new and engaging curriculum. Can you tell me a little about the Foundations in Biomedical Sciences (FBS) curriculum? Dr. Dasgupta: The evolution of the... More

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... More

Faculty Spotlight: Dr. R. Jarrett Rushmore III

R. Jarrett Rushmore III, PhD Assistant Professor Graduate Director for the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology A faculty member, active researcher, student mentor, husband and recent father, Dr. Jarrett Rushmore, Assistant Professor in the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, balances all of his responsibilities with enthusiasm and grace. What brought you to BUSM? I started at Boston University as a laboratory technician in 1995 after graduating from Trinity College with a background in Neuroscience. I joined the doctoral program in... More

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... More

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... More

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... More