Sophomore Year in Review

Throughout my sophomore year I was challenged in new and exciting ways. As expected, my workload increased steadily since freshman year and continues to do so. Beyond neuroscience and pre-med courses, I was fortunate to work in the lab of Courtney DeVries investigating the effects of breast cancer on neuroinflammation and symptoms of the colloquial “chemo-brain.” Spending so much time looking at salient issues at the cellular level from a systems-perspective was both difficult and rewarding; by the end of summer, we hope for our paper to complete the final phase of the publishing process.

After Dr. DeVries left for another university in late February of 2018, I joined the lab of Dr. Meng Welliver, a medical radiation oncologist and Ph.D in oncology. In this lab, we create models of various thoracic cancers in mice and experiment with different doses and combinations of radiation and chemotherapy treatments. I will also volunteer in both Columbus and Cincinnati during the summer in hospitals, in free clinics, and for young athletes.

Year in Review

The past year has been enjoyable and character building in a number of ways. Pivotal moments that solidified my love to learn occurred in my Biology and Neurosciences classes. I learned that I have a lot of curiosity about most subjects and that I want to take as many classes in diverse subjects as I can.

In my Biology 1114H class, I learned to appreciate animal diversity through understanding and knowledge of the earth’s biosphere. This eye opening experience solidified my love for the natural world and fueled my curiosity in the field of biology and in other scientific fields. I had ample opportunity to explore the field of neuroscience and I feel confident in my choice of major. Neuroscience is a narrow field with broad applications that are just beginning to be explored and utilized. It is an excellent way to learn about the entire body through the perspective of a single organ and its accompanying peripheral system.

I learned how to live with health in mind during my first year. I became aware of the damaging effects of overconsumption of sugar and the stress of eating meals throughout the day; reading about the biochemistry of eating and the very real and pervasive negative effects of diet inspired me to change my eating habits and convince others to do so, as well.

This summer, I will be volunteering, working, and shadowing physicians in Cincinnati. I was also selected to the position of Strength and Fitness Coach for Mariemont High School; in this role, I will create and execute a series of technical, tactical, and fitness sessions for the men’s soccer team in June and July.

This year has been formative in many ways that I can name and, I’m sure, in just as many ways that I have not yet realized. I look forward to my sophomore year at OSU and continued participation in the Eminence Program.

G.O.A.L.S.

[ “G.O.A.L.S.” is a place where students write about how their planned, current, and future activities may fit into the Honors & Scholars G.O.A.L.S.: Global Awareness, Original Inquiry, Academic Enrichment, Leadership Development, and Service Engagement. For more information, go to: http://honors-scholars.osu.edu/e-portfolio. Delete these instructions and add your own post.

Global Awareness: Students cultivate and develop their appreciation for diversity and each individual’s unique differences. For example, consider course work, study abroad, involvement in cultural organizations or activities, etc .
Original Inquiry: Honors & Scholars students understand the research process by engaging in experiences ranging from in-class scholarly endeavors to creative inquiry projects to independent experiences with top researchers across campus and in the global community. For example, consider research, creative productions or performances, advanced course work, etc.
Academic Enrichment: Honors & Scholars students pursue academic excellence through rigorous curricular experiences beyond the university norm both in and out of the classroom.
Leadership Development: Honors & Scholars students develop leadership skills that can be demonstrated in the classroom, in the community, in their co-curricular activities, and in their future roles in society.
Service Engagement: Honors & Scholars students commit to service to the community.]

About Me

Connor Jacob is a third-year Eminence Fellow and Stamps Leadership Scholar from Cincinnati, Ohio majoring in Neuroscience. He plans to attend medical school after the conclusion of his undergraduate experience at Ohio State. Along with passions for squash and running, he enjoys studying history, languages, and psychology, as well as reading epic fantasy.

Connor successfully budgeted his time between academic pursuits and athletics (basketball, cross country, track, high school soccer, and club soccer) in high school. While receiving All-Ohio honors for the Mariemont men’s varsity soccer team, he was also named a National Merit Finalist and received his Eagle Scout badge during his senior year.

In the classroom, he has found equal passion for the humanities and for science. Rigorous coursework across the academic disciplines has given him appreciation for poets, physicists, politicians, and physicians. If he could give anything to the world, it would be a genuine request for everyone to read “The Lord of the Rings” series by J.R.R. Tolkien and to watch Neil deGrasse Tyson’s “Cosmos” while they are young, and to wander like he did amongst both the trees of Middle Earth and the stars of the Milky Way.