Teresa Johnson’s outstanding
academic record and recent participation in CCSU Biomolecular Sciences
Professor Thomas King’s scientific research project has afforded her an
opportunity to become a candidate for a prestigious National Institute
of Health (NIH) grant. Teresa, a biomolecular sciences major, is in the
process of turning her dream into an exciting future.
CCSU professorThomas
King looks on asTeresa Johnson
performs scientific research
in the classroom laboratory.
Coming to CCSU
Coming from the island of St.
Kitts, Teresa initially viewed college life through a unique lens. “I
always knew that I would move from St. Kitts,” she says. “During a
summer visit with my aunt in Connecticut, at the age of 18 I decided to
stay for a year to gain residency in order to attend a state university
at an affordable cost. I am glad of my decision.”
“My initial college experience
was very different from others’ experiences. For instance, I had not
taken any college tours. In addition, being from outside the state and
having to commute to campus during my first semester, I had no friends
upon entering the University.” A lack that she has more than made up
for, thanks to her involvement in several of the University’s student
clubs.
Eyes on the Prize
Reflecting upon the words of
her father, Teresa says that she aims to “keep her stride and not be
distracted.” She recalls her father’s familiar refrain: “Your younger
sisters and your family members are watching you.” Teresa says, “I know
that my parents are living through me in a way, so I feel the need to
keep going and not fail.”
A Model Student
Throughout Teresa’s tenure at
CCSU, she has proven to be a model student. Maintaining a high GPA
throughout her college career, Teresa has earned the following honors:
the 21st-Century Diversity Scholar Award, membership into the Alpha
Lambda Delta National Honor Society, 2004 National Dean’s List
recipient, three consecutive semesters on the Dean’s list, and the
United States Achievers Academy Scholar Award.
Teresa mentions that although
she wanted to excel academically, she felt it important to “break out of
her shell” and become involved in student activities. Juggling a work
schedule and a demanding academic schedule, she chose to be part of
campus life. She is the treasurer of the Biology Club, secretary of the
Caribbean Club, and a member of the campus chapter of the NAACP, and was
named the 2004 CCSU Orientation Leader of the Year. Through her campus
involvement, Teresa has come to know many students at CCSU.
Looking to the Future
Teresa says that she has
“always been curious about the way the body works” and hopes to be
accepted into medical school and subsequently into a Ph.D. program for
specialized medical research. Teresa is preparing for both areas by
putting in the extra hours of study, preparing for the MCAT exam, and
participating in scientific research with her biomolecular sciences
professor, Dr. King.
Teresa enjoys her scientific
research, which focuses on sterile mice known as “mshi,” an acronym for
male sterility and hysto incompatibility. King is working with Teresa to
identify the missing gene that makes these mice sterile. Her task is to
help determine why mishi mice do not make sperm, and how this abnormal
development occurs. King notes that Teresa’s work has reduced the pool
of gene candidates from 19 down to six. “Because of Teresa’s assistance,
we are now much closer to finding the defective gene.”
Although the paperwork involved
in submitting a grant application to NIH is tedious, students like
Teresa make all of the paperwork worthwhile,” says King. In order for
Teresa to become a candidate for the NIH grant, she not only must prove
her interest in scientific study but also present a record of academic
excellence as proof that she will be likely to enter and complete a
medical or Ph.D. training program after CCSU.
“This young lady is going
wherever she wants,” King says proudly.
—
Sheila Guillaume
