Hobbies and interests
Bodybuilding
Volunteering
Research
Coding And Computer Science
Animals
Reading
Academic
Education
Horror
I read books multiple times per week
Olivia Smith
535
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FinalistOlivia Smith
535
Bold Points1x
FinalistBio
I wanted a higher education because I have carving for expanding my knowledge. In the start of my college career I went in thinking that I would become a Neuroscientist, with high effort and ambition I joined a Neuroscience lab in my second year at CMU. With everyday experience, I learn something new and apply it to my research. During my time in lab, I have narrowed down my passion to be a pharmaceutical neuroscientist that works specifically with Glioblastoma and Parkinson’s. One reason that I want to expand the research with Parkinson’s is because my grandparents on both sides have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. I have seen the effect of it firsthand and want to expand the knowledge of the scientific community on ways to prevent/help and treat Parkinson’s.
Education
Central Michigan University
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Psychology, General
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
Minors:
- Chemistry
Miscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
Career
Dream career field:
Research
Dream career goals:
Pharmaceutical Neuroscientist
Sales Associate
Tj Maxx2022 – Present2 yearsSales Associate
Bed Bath and Beyond2019 – 20223 years
Sports
Bodybuilding
Club2022 – Present2 years
Research
Neurobiology and Neurosciences
Central Michigan University — Undergraduate Researcher2021 – Present
Public services
Volunteering
CMU Paws — Head Leader2021 – 2022
Future Interests
Advocacy
Volunteering
Philanthropy
Dynamic Edge Women in STEM Scholarship
One of my favorite advancements in technology within the Neuroscience field is the findings of CRISPER-Cas9. CRISPER was the turning point for gene editing technology, first reported back in 2011/2012 and since have made an appearance in laboratories across the world. Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier are the two female scientist that discovered the game changing gene editing tool, and since have won the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. By using this type of technology, scientist have been able to slice the DNA in specific sections to select mutations out from the DNA. It originated within the works of bacteria and archaea to extract the gene sequence that was responsible for preventing infections from phages. Now the technology has been amplified to work on animal and human cells. CRISPER-Cas9 allows prokaryotic cells to recognize precise genetic sequence of the target gene to where it can be isolated and further inspected. This kind of technology can have many beneficial uses for more than just bacteria and gene isolation. It has started to make an appearance within the agriculture fields as it can be used to make more sustainable plants for food. Also being used within the field of medicine to locate the genes of other deadly diseases. Although this discovery has been astronomical within the gene editing oriented fields, there is still room to improve CRISPTER-Cas9.
As my goal of becoming a pharmaceutical neuroscientist, having this technology applicable will aid with my occupational goals. I have used this technique within my own lab research at Central Michigan University. Working with Glioblastoma cancer cells, my lab has been able to shorten the region of where on the DNA sequence Glioblastoma has the potential to be. In my future research, I will be applying this sequence to narrow down on the gene that regulates Parkinson’s, hoping to advance the knowledge and treatment of the disease. As my grandparents on both sides have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, it really gives me determination and strive to create something that could benefit society. By isolating these genes, it could benefit the time and resources that it would originally take to make advancements and treatments for these diseases. With the gene isolated, I could research different treatments for these diseases by seeing the effect it would have amongst the isolated genes. By having this advancement, it opens the door to new research that can allow for humans to live a heather, more knowable life.