Postgrad Research at the FDA: Gabby Walsh ’18</h1> <article> <h1>Postgrad Research at the FDA: Gabby Walsh ’18</h1> <p>eulrich — Wed, 26 Jun 2019 14:02:30 +0000</p> <span>Postgrad Research at the FDA: Gabby Walsh ’18</span> <span><span>eulrich</span></span> <span><time datetime="2019-06-26T10:02:30-04:00" title="Wednesday, June 26, 2019 - 10:02">Wed, 06/26/2019 - 10:02</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><strong>Were you involved in any extracurricular activities at �鶹��Ƶ?</strong></p> <p>I took music lessons in the conservatory (clarinet and piano) and created the student organization “Multi-” at the <a href="/mrc" target="_blank">Multicultural Resource Center </a>for people who identify as multiracial/multiethnic/multicultural. I also tutored in the chemistry department and was a resident assistant for three years.</p> <p><strong>What do you do in your current role at the FDA?</strong></p> <p>I’m a postbaccalaureate fellow at the FDA, and I work in the Office of Vaccines Research and Review. I perform research on rubella-based recombinant vaccines for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) using rhesus macaques. Our vaccine is designed to work therapeutically to contain infection in babies born with HIV, which happens less so in the United States and more in the Sub-Saharan region of Africa where the HIV pandemic continues.</p> <p>I work on anything from engineering vaccine constructs to making publication-ready figures. I routinely check our vaccine’s growth in cell culture and measure antibody levels in macaque serum to assess immune response.</p> <p><strong>What has your experience at the FDA been like so far?</strong></p> <p>My experience has been an amazing opportunity for education. I get to go to department talks all the time where the scientists and healthcare professionals responsible for the nation’s well-being discuss anything from an epidemiologist’s analysis of the current measles outbreak in the Pacific Northwest to how one of our scientist’s work nearly eliminated all incidences of Meningitis A in the African “meningitis belt.” It really makes me feel like my efforts are part of something greater, and that I’m doing my share to better the landscape of global health.</p> <p><strong>Do you feel like any of your experiences or professors at �鶹��Ƶ prepared you for your current role?</strong></p> <p>I absolutely believe that �鶹��Ƶ prepared me for my current job. At �鶹��Ƶ, I worked in research labs in the chemistry department from the winter term of my sophomore year up to my graduation date. I did organic chemistry synthesis with <a href="/node/5241" target="_blank">Albert Matlin</a>, tested antibiotics on E. coli with <a href="/node/5261" target="_blank">Lisa Ryno</a>, and worked on sensitive assays to detect ovarian cancer proteins with Rebecca Whelan.</p> <p>I think having those experiences primed me to look for research positions after �鶹��Ƶ, ones that could lead me to do more work in healthcare, especially. I also want to give a shout-out to the biology department. Classes such as Immunity and Pathogenesis, taught by <a href="/node/49411" target="_blank">Jordan Price</a>, and the Cellular Basis of Human Disease, taught by <a href="/node/5196" target="_blank">Maureen Peters</a>, are really relevant to my work at the FDA. I also want to give a shoutout, of course, to my advisor, <a href="/node/5161" target="_blank">Yolanda Cruz</a>, for her constant encouragement.</p> <p>In the future, Walsh plans to attend medical school. “After everything I’ve learned about biomedical science in the labs, I would love to practice medicine,” she says. “I want to serve patients in the clinic as best as I can. I feel that having an understanding of medicine from bench to bedside would really help me in my career as a physician.”</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2019-06-26T12:00:00Z">Wed, 06/26/2019 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Erin Ulrich ’18</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>At �鶹��Ƶ, Gabby Walsh ’18 double majored in biology and biochemistry. Now, she is a postbaccalaureate fellow at the Food and Drug Administration.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2763">Multicultural Resource Commons</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2363">Academics & Research</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2358">Undergraduate Research</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2360">After �鶹��Ƶ</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25251">Biology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25246">Biochemistry</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25306">Chemistry</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/lisa-ryno" hreflang="und">Lisa Ryno</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/maureen-peters" hreflang="und">Maureen Peters</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/biology" hreflang="und">Biology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/chemistry-biochemistry" hreflang="und">Chemistry and Biochemistry</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Gabby Walsh ’18</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Courtesy of Gabby Walsh</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>ESL Classes Ease Transition to New Language and Culture</h1> <p>hhempste — Mon, 05 Mar 2018 15:42:48 +0000</p> <span>ESL Classes Ease Transition to New Language and Culture</span> <span><span>hhempste</span></span> <span><time datetime="2018-03-05T10:42:48-05:00" title="Monday, March 5, 2018 - 10:42">Mon, 03/05/2018 - 10:42</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>If you’ve ever traveled to a country where you don’t speak the native language, you’re likely familiar with the associated challenges: grocery shopping can be difficult; road signs are often an enigma; wayfinding causes confusion. Being unable to effectively communicate is not only frustrating, it can also be intimidating.</p> <p>Now, instead of being a visitor, imagine living, working, and trying to make a life in this scenario. This situation is a reality for some in �鶹��Ƶ.</p> <p>While playing soccer at the �鶹��Ƶ recreation complex, Libni López encountered a situation like this firsthand. López, student life program coordinator for the <a href="/mrc">Multicultural Resource Center</a>, met a group of individuals who did not speak any English, but for whom Spanish was their native language. López, who grew up in Tijuana, Mexico, is fluent in Spanish and struck up a conversation with the fellow soccer players. The conversation eventually led to this question from the group: where could they find beginning English classes in �鶹��Ƶ? After some research, López could not find anything available. So he began kicking around the idea to start a beginner-level English as a second language class.</p> <p>Although a native Spanish speaker, López had never taught Spanish. So he enlisted the help of others in the endeavor. A mutual friend introduced him to Caitlyn Pinault ’16, adjunct instructor of English as a second language and a liaison between <a href="/news/pedagogy-thats-out-sites">SITES and the Spanish program at �鶹��Ƶ City Schools’ Eastwood Elementary</a>. Pinault volunteered to be an instructor for the fledgling program, and later two �鶹��Ƶ students, fourth-year Zuri Gutierrez Avila and second-year Jose joined the teaching effort.</p> <p>Thanks to López, the instructors, and donated classroom space in a local church, anywhere from five to nine individuals meet for lessons three times each week. The volunteer-run class is divided into two sections—language instruction and a cultural lesson. López notes the cultural lesson is key in preparing the students for life in the United States. “In Mexico, when you meet someone for the first time, it would not be uncommon to kiss the person on the cheek. But in the U.S., you might get slapped for this. It’s important to talk about these things so the students can build relationships here.”</p> <p>Since beginning the program in October 2017, Pinault says she has seen rapid improvement in the students’ language skills. “The students have improved tremendously over the past four months,” says Pinault.</p> <p>“When we began, they were at a novice-low level, meaning that while they could recognize a few words and they couldn't really communicate with them. Now they are solid novice-mid speakers and they can speak about familiar topics using words and phrases we've practiced in class. When I first met the group, they just gave me nervous smiles when I asked ‘How are you?’ Now, they're the ones asking me!”</p> <p>�鶹��Ƶ student Jose finds the work gratifying. “I've made new friends, and I enjoy the classes because I feel that both parties learn some things from each other. The students are always willing and eager to engage the material and come ready to learn. Some things work, some things don’t, but the students allow us to experiment because I believe they appreciate the time and effort that’s put into every class. But for me, the time and energy is always worth it.”</p> <p>For one program participant, the class has helped in everyday situations. “A few weeks ago, I went shopping at a local store. I was looking for shampoo but couldn’t find it. When an employee approached me to offer help, I could understand the question I was being asked. So I asked where to find shampoo. I understood when the employee said, ‘Follow me, I can show you the shampoo.’ In class the next day, I told the group I had a conversation.”</p> <p>For López, hearing about this type of positive interaction is rewarding. “It’s hard, but there is a definite sense of progress. I can see that they have a new level of confidence and trust in themselves. They come three times a week, and they have yet to cancel. They’re very dedicated.”</p> <p>While the program began as an introductory English program, López notes it has grown into two distinct classes—introductory and more advanced classes. He hopes to continue the classes for as long as the students need them.</p> <p>“I am very grateful to have a place where I can learn how to speak the language,” says one class participant. “I’m also grateful to have some camaraderie with others.”</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2018-03-05T12:00:00Z">Mon, 03/05/2018 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Hillary Hempstead</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>English as a second language classes provide �鶹��Ƶ community members with increased confidence around language skills.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2763">Multicultural Resource Commons</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2410">Students</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2379">Student Life</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2385">Community</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Caitlyn Pinault ’16, adjunct instructor of English, teaches language classes for those in the �鶹��Ƶ community.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Anna Norris</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>New Location Gives Multicultural Resource Center Room to Grow</h1> <p>anagy — Wed, 27 Sep 2017 18:39:51 +0000</p> <span>New Location Gives Multicultural Resource Center Room to Grow</span> <span><span>anagy</span></span> <span><time datetime="2017-09-27T14:39:51-04:00" title="Wednesday, September 27, 2017 - 14:39">Wed, 09/27/2017 - 14:39</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p dir="ltr">For the past 20 years, the Multicultural Resource Center (MRC) has served as a gathering place to support historically disenfranchised communities. This semester, the office moved into a new space that will accommodate Director Toni Myers’ long-range vision for the MRC.</p> <p dir="ltr">In August, the MRC relocated from its offices in the Student Union to a three-story residence at 187 North Professor Street. The house was previously known as International House and was occupied by a variety of groups.</p> <p dir="ltr">With the new location comes increased study, lounge, and work spaces for student coordinators, a full kitchen for hosting events, and second-floor offices for the MRC’s professional staff. The space also gives the MRC room to hire additional student coordinators this year.</p> <p dir="ltr">Myers says accessibility was one of the most important factors in considering a move.</p> <p>“I had expressed in some of the long-term visioning for the MRC that we would grow both our professional and student staff associates. I wanted to think about how we could best utilize space on campus in general,” Myers says.</p> <p>At the same time, Dean of Students Meredith Raimondo proposed that the MRC’s offices in Wilder Hall would be a good fit for the International Student Resource Center because the house had been under-used by international students.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Given the opportunity to think about it and float it with my staff, we were initially very excited. But we also had to have really important conversations about accessibility and what it meant, given that our location in Wilder was far more accessible because there was an elevator and it was a single-floor space. So we had to be thoughtful and empathic when thinking about what would be necessary in making this house a place that felt equally if not more accessible to all students,” Myers says.</p> <p dir="ltr">For that reason, indoor and outdoor wheelchair lifts will be installed by the end of the semester.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I love that we’re expanding the accessibility footprint on campus, so not only will we have lifts and ADA-redesigned parking for folks who visit the MRC, but there are two floors with all-gender bathrooms—and we think that’s important,” Myers says.</p> <p dir="ltr">Accessibility also means unifying the MRC staff. In Wilder, the MRC director had a separate office. For Myers, it was important to bring the director’s office under the same roof.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Having an office among staff that also makes me accessible to students was a priority in the decision to move,” Myers says. There is so much functional space here that students can have tutoring sessions, engage in quiet study, or hang out in another lounge. We can accommodate everyone’s needs and use of the space.”</p> <p dir="ltr">That extra space allows the MRC to hire four additional student workers for a total staff of eight. Those positions include social justice coordinators, who will work with Assistant Director Anna Phung to create social justice education curriculum for training and workshops; community outreach program assistants; an archivist and office manager; and a communications and marketing coordinator.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We’re increasing opportunities for students from all backgrounds, but especially those who come from low-income and working-class backgrounds who support themselves in their education,” Myers says. “The fact that we can actually accommodate all of those students feels great.”</p> <p> </p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2017-09-27T12:00:00Z">Wed, 09/27/2017 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Amanda Nagy</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2763">Multicultural Resource Commons</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">The Multicultural Resource Center has moved to the three-story house at 187 North Professor Street.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Jeong Hyun Hwang</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-flex-content field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden vertical-spacing--basic field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div id="obj-37063" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-copy paragraph--view-mode--default o-flex--basic-copy basic-copy"> <div class="basic-box" style="margin: 2rem 0;"> <h2 class="small-headline">Please Note</h2> <p>This news article may contain outdated information about campus bathrooms. For up-to-date information, see <a href="/node/480769">Ohio Law and Campus Restrooms</a>.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </main></body></html>