Graduate / Personal Statment for PhD In Biomedical Science Doctoral Protal [4]

Personal Statement
Ever since I was a child, I was interested in medicine and the healing of those who are ill or injured. I have since been blessed with many wonderful opportunities to learn and to share my skills and medical knowledge. Below is a carefully revised chronological log of my medical expertise and skills.

I became interested in research when I was a student in the former Soviet Union. In 1990 I attended Nizhny Novgorod State Medical Academy in Russia. It was there, I graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Internal Medicine in 1995. From the summer of 1995 to 1998, I worked as a Research Assistant for Professor Yuri Ivanovich Yezhov at the Scientific Research Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics, (which was also affiliated with Nizhny Novgorod State Medical Academy). Here I attained my Master's Degree in Traumatology, Orthopedics and Thermal Injury. I worked there for two years rotating in different departments, counseling patients and doing research and development in the campus laboratories. As an assistant, I was able to help Dr. Yezhov set up his laboratory, which provided me with a variety of learning experiences, which enabled me to become familiar in setting up and programming several diagnostic and investigative equipments. In addition I also organized the data that was collected.

There I also investigated the effects of osteoporosis, osteomyelitis, and bone demineralization (Oseomalacia) in Professor Yezhov laboratory. I obtained significant training in the science of investigation of infectious diseases. For example, I learned that CRP is C - reactive protein, ESR is for Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, and PV is for Plasma Viscosity, Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF-1). These tests are commonly used to detect the increase in protein and are markers of inflammation. I would like to cite an example of research experience as follow

My involvement in research was in my first internship In Russia under supervision of Pro. Klementov at Simashko teaching hospital central Laboratory, that affiliated to Nizhny Novgorod State medical Academy. The research was investigated the difference in permeability of lipid bilayer to different molecules such as Oxygen (O2), Potassium(K), Calcium(Ca), Sodium(Na), and Glucose in normal condition and under pressure to the structure of the human cells membrane. The research was conducted with an association of group of physician that their ultimate goal to use the research outcome in cancer and diabetics treatments.

The second research I participated in was the use of hyperbaric oxygenation therapy along with the antibiotic regimen, and surgical debridement to treat chronic osteomyelitis comparing it to the use of an antibiotic alone. The study aimed to overcome the increase of bacterial resistance (MRSA) to antibiotics. The finding discovered that the use of 20 mmHg of 100% oxygen for 60 to 120 minutes for 50 to 60 treatments along with an antibiotic regimen is sufficient to promote collagen production, improve angiogenesis, and accelerate wound healing and reduction of the ischemic process.

In another study in which I practiced investigated the effect of chronic alcohol exposure or consumption and osteoporosis. Two groups of animals were used: ages 2 & 3 months respectively. They were fed with alcohol for about 10 months. Initially, the insulin like growth factor (IGF-1) was adequately measured and recorded for all groups including the control groups. The finding revealed that the level of IGF-1 dramatically decreased for the 3 month (Older) groups while the younger and control group maintained the normal level at the same age. The research revealed that chronic alcohol consumption of younger adolescents will affect growth more than the bone integrity, however; the mechanical propriety of the bones would be severely compromised. In conclusion, prolonged alcohol consumption has the ability to help facilitate Osteoporosis.

During my Second year, Dr. Yezhov was confident enough to allow me to be in charge of several research projects, organizing laboratory materials, editing and cleaning data. Ever since then, I have been very interested in and fascinated with scientific research.

In 2000, I came to The United States and enrolled in an undergraduate program at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), in the School of Radiation Science and earned a Bachelor's Degree with the concentration in Nuclear Medicine. In 2006, I was selected to be on the Dean's List at VCU. Also, I received The Royce Osborne Minority Student Scholarship for Outstanding Achievement. I found myself eager to learn more about radiation sciences as a tool for diagnostic and treatment of cancer. I became motivated to find a way to further my education. I went to Thomas Jefferson University under the tutelage of Dr. John Lewis where I received a Master's Degree in Radiological Science and Molecular Imaging While there, I was able to complete my graduate pilot research study which I was investigated the difference between the Positron Emission Tomography with Computed Tomography (PET/CT) and its clinical application in oncology clinic compared to other conventional diagnostic imaging modalities in detecting liver carcinoma while taking an active leadership role in preparing literature reviews, reviewing scholarly articles, and discussed them with my adviser. These opportunities provided me with invaluable experiences that enhanced my graduate training.

These experiences allowed me to observe some of the difficulties and challenges involved with research preparation and presentation. However, I also found out how satisfying research projects can be when completed. Submitting my research results to my advisor for review was the most amazing and satisfying feeling that I have ever experienced. As a result, I remain passionate about designing and conducting my own scientific research in Biomedical Science.

I am currently interested in obtaining a Ph.D. in Biomedical Science. The Ph.D. not only would provide me with more specific knowledge and research opportunities at the graduate level, but it would serve as a crucial scientific foundation in the career field of Biomedical Science. Having an academic degree, would allow me to discover disease etiologies, pathogeneses, mechanisms of disease development, and effective treatment options. Having a Ph.D. in Biomedical Science would enable me to have a very exceptional opportunity to educate and advise others, while expanding my scientific foundation base and continuing the educational and research development.

Currently I work full time as a Technical Director mainly for the Microbiology Department at Schneider Global Laboratories. My main responsibility is developing standard operation procedures, running all microbiology testing for drinking water to identify total coliforms bacteria, Escherichia Coli (E.Coli), Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa. Additionally, I am in charge of states' and national accreditation standards related to Microbiology Testing Methods. I hold teaching sessions and training for staff and review the data and reporting of results using Sample Master and SLIMS software. I have been given the chance to attend several seminars and short term certification programs in Mycology and Outdoor and Indoor Allergens that were organized by Biotech Institute affiliated with The University of Virginia (UVA) all of this training and work experiences are the golden benefits that I have earned and continue to receive.

As one who grew up in a developing country and lived and worked in a variety of other countries, I feel the need to expand and amplify my skills by learning about the sources and spread of diseases. I would like to gain a better understand of how the human body and its immunological systems interact with parasites. In addition, I have an overwhelming interest in researching and investigating the biology and mechanisms of carcinogenesis, to further study the factors that induce cancers' growth. I am interested in and hope to investigate the mechanisms by which science can eradicate or stop cancerous growth without biologically harming human bodies in the ways that traditional cancer therapy currently does.

As an African American, I have observed that there is a need for greater minority representation in both the educational and research fields. The scarce number of African Americans with PhD's in general, and particularly in Biomedical Science is another motivation for me to obtain a doctorate degree. There should be a greater variety of intellectuals in educational settings and particularly more diversity among the people doing research in Biomedical Science. I am hopeful that I can succeed and contribute to this important scientific field.