By | Antsa Randriamihaja ’15
Antananarivo, Madagascar
United WOrld COllege: Pearson Davis Scholar
Biology

I learned what it means—and what it takes—to be a scientist.

My research shaped my interest in a PhD in biochemistry for structure-based drug design. I worked in both immunology and biochemistry research labs, where I acquired technical skills and learned what it means—and what it takes—to be a scientist.

My biochemistry research focused on viral replication, particularly the first step of this process—DNA packaging. By studying the structure of the protein that does this work, I hoped to learn how to prevent its activity, thus inhibiting the whole mechanism of viral replication.

We used bacteriophage viruses, which infect bacteria, as a model for understanding, and hopefully preventing, replication of human adenoviruses and Epstein-Barr viruses, which are associated with some forms of cancer. I was fortunate to be awarded the Jan Serie Fellowship, which funded my research.

Previously, I received the winter Mann-Hill Fellowship, which allowed me to carry out a project aimed at increasing dental health hygiene among elementary school kids in a rural town in Madagascar.

Learning the scientific method, working hand-in-hand with professors, and designing and carrying out my own experiments have enriched my resume and should make me a strong candidate for graduate school.

As an international student, what most attracted me to Macalester were the incredible diversity and the size of its student body. Macalester’s great sense of community made me feel at home, and having helpful and compassionate faculty has made my college experience better than I ever could have expected.  

October 27 2014

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