For my second year service project, I worked as a student research assistant in a lab in the Biomedical Research Tower. I worked under the supervision of Dr. Kathryn Russart and primary investigator Dr. Randy Nelson. We conducted research on the effects of dim light at night on mice. The goal of the study was to determine to what extent disrupting the circadian rhythm affected the mice. My job was mostly collecting tissue samples and isolating RNA. The RNA isolation process consisted of transferring chemicals in and out of test tubes in order to isolate the desired portions of RNA from the tissue. I also assisted in data analysis using computer software. Working in a lab gave me valuable experience especially as I plan on pursuing a career in psychological research.
A Year in Review
My first year in college did not adhere to my expectations. I expected to excel in my classes and make progress towards my degree on the pre-medicine track. Instead, I found that I did not enjoy many of the classes required to pursue pre-med and my true passion lied in my major, psychology. Thus, I dropped the pre-med track in order to pursue a PhD in psychology.
Additionally, I learned life skills from living on my own. Living a healthy and productive life takes effort and requires a healthy sleep schedule, diet, working schedule, and room for fun. I found that making a routine schedule for myself and adhering to it strictly helped me to succeed. I also made connections and friends through my HSS program.
Additionally, I joined a fraternity this semester. This has helped me to find a supportive community and boosted my social activity. Both of these are important in a healthy lifestyle and college experience.
Next year, I hope to get involved in psychological research on campus as well as get involved in service and programs through HSS. I will also be taking classes to pursue my major.
I consider this year a major learning experience and it will help me to succeed in the future.
Service
For my service hours, I chose to put my time towards a variety of causes. I made bracelets for Buckeyes for a Cause which went to the children’s hospital to cheer up patients. I also volunteered at the garden of hope which is a place for cancer patients to learn about healthy living and enjoy the serenity of agriculture. It also provides them with fresh crops. I assisted in planting seeds that would grow into vegetables to be harvested next year. I also volunteered at the mid-Ohio food bank. Their food pantry provides food to those in need and I was able to make connections with many of the shoppers at the pantry and help them to make healthy food choices. Finally, I volunteered my time running blood drives and donating blood for the American Red Cross. The blood drives that they have on campus save lives and I was happy to be a part of them. My service for this academic year helped many people and I am happy to have given my time to help with these noble causes.
Interview Summaries
Ren Kuzmanovich
Ren is a Pre-med biology major with a minor in Spanish. She plans on taking the MCAT on June 16th in Chicago and has been studying for months. She is also the RA for Stradley floor 3.
In order to get involved in research, Ren suggests emailing your professor, looking online, checking the undergraduate research office website, or checking the weekly HSS emails. This summer, Ren will be conducting farm life research in Michigan.
Ren says that the hardest class she took for her major or pre-med track was calculus 3.
Ren’s favorite HSS memory was buckeyethon with the HSS team. She also enjoyed the advantages of the connections made on the HSS floor.
If she was not on the pre-medicine track, Ren says she might be interested in physical therapy.
The key to success according to Ren is getting enough sleep. She sleeps 8 hours every night.
Final Strategic Plan
The HSS seminar has helped me to create a plan for my years at the Ohio State University. Throughout this semester, I have obtained a greater understanding of my intended career as a pediatric psychiatrist. This profession will require extensive education and graduate work. I intend to apply for medical school so that I may pursue this career. In order to do this, I must take the MCAT exam and this will require extensive studying in my later years as an undergraduate student and I will prepare for the exam in the years to come. Additionally, I have learned more about other possible career choices within my major (Psychology) such as genetics counselor and criminal forensic psychologist. Although I may not pursue these professionally, I find them interesting and I can use the university’s alumni information service in order to find alumni in these professions to learn more about them. Throughout my remaining time at the university, I intend to continue exercising regularly so that I can stay in good physical condition. The Jesse Owens athletic facility on south campus is extremely close to my residence hall and so far I have had no trouble exercising at least four days per week. I will keep up with this routine in the future. Additionally, the health science scholars program provides many fun and informative events to help me lead a healthier life. I intend to stay active in this program throughout my time as a student. I do not feel worried about my future because I know that I have a plan to help me to achieve my goals.
Maximilian Shall_Resume_Office of Undergraduate Research
Maximilian B. Shall
Shall.11@osu.edu – 0344 Parks-Stradley Hall, 120 W. 11th Ave. Columbus, OH 43210 – (216) 970 9044
OBJECTIVE
To gain experience and knowledge as a psychological research assistant for the Ohio State University psychology department
EDUCATION
The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Expected Graduation Date: May 2020 – B.S Psychology
Chagrin Falls High School, Chagrin Falls, OH – Graduated with Honors May 2016, GPA 4.23 – Top 10% of class
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Windsor Laurelwood Center for Behavioral Medicine, Willoughby, OH
Shadowed Dr. Peter Corpus (May 2016)
- Able to sit in and observe meetings with patients
- Discussed and viewed treatment of both pediatric and adult psychological patients
- Gained information on various psychological disorders and their treatments
HONORS AND ACTIVITIES
College
- Health Sciences Scholars Program (August 2016 – Present)
- Community based academic program for students interested in health sciences and careers in the health field
- Requires a weekly HSS seminar, HSS educational and community events, and 20 volunteer hours per academic year
High School
- President of Chagrin Falls High School Philosophy Club (August 2015 – June 2016)
- Received Varsity Letter in Wrestling (February 2015) and Cross Country (November 2015)
- Graduated with Honors in Top 10% of class (June 2016)
QUALIFICATIONS
- Ability to Operate Microsoft Office Programs
- Psychology Courses to be Complete by May 2017: Intro. Psychology, Psychology Research Methods, Psychology Statistics
WORK EXPERIENCE
Counselor at Camp Wise – Chardon, OH (June 2015 – Present, seasonal summer position)
- Responsible for at least 10 campers between ages 10-12 in one cabin nearly 24 hours per day
- Expected to ensure camper safety as well as create a fun and welcoming environment for all
- Awarded Staff Scholarship award by peers for excellence as a Camp Wise staff member
Cashier at Marketplace on Neil (October 2016 – Present)
- Check out customers in the dining area and C-Store
- Responsible for creating a welcoming atmosphere for customers in many short interpersonal interactions (Requires people skills)
- Work 12 hours per week while also a full-time student
REFERENCES
Rachel Felber – Director of Camp Wise: rfelber@mandeljcc.org
Dr. Peter Corpus – Psychiatrist at Windsor Laurelwood Center for Behavioral Medicine: terraxdoc@gmail.com
Jason Walker – Manager at Marketplace on Neil: walker.1236@osu.edu
Welcome to my Honors & Scholars e-Portfolio
[The Home Page will show a running blog of your recent posts, which are categorized and show on that category’s page. Please delete this post or edit with your own information.]
Year in Review
[ “Year in Review” is where you should reflect on the past year and show how you have evolved as a person and as a student. You may want to focus on your growth in a particular area (as a leader, scholar, researcher, etc.) or you may want to talk about your overall experience over the past year. For more information, go to: http://honors-scholars.osu.edu/e-portfolio. Delete these instructions and add your own post.]
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.]
Career
[“Career” is where you can collect information about your experiences and skills that will apply to your future career. Like your resume, this is information that will evolve over time and should be continually updated. For more information, go to: http://honors-scholars.osu.edu/e-portfolio. Delete these instructions and add your own post.]