Eileen's Story

When did you attend the BioQuest Academy?
I attended the Academy in August of 2009 (Session 4). Nanodrop it like it’s hot!

What was your favorite lab that you participated in while you attended the Academy?
I have so many! But my absolute favorite was the Bmeg lab! I loved it because it helped me see how easily a bacteria could mutate to become drug resistant. I was able to really see in front of me how dangerous MDR TB (multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis) can be!

How has the BioQuest Academy helped you?
The Academy has helped me build a strong foundation for my future. After my two weeks in the Academy, I left knowing exactly which path I wanted to take. Moreover, I was able to do real hands-on science using the most advanced technology and worked besides some of the coolest scientists in the world. I ultimately discovered my call to action: global health! I also made so many new friends! In fact, I met one of my closest friends, Sewa, at the Academy. She is my partner in health!

What are you doing now? What do you want to be when you grow up?
Right now I am back at Seattle BioMed as a BioQuest intern until I start my first year of college! Coming into BioQuest Academy I solely wanted to be a doctor, I couldn’t see myself as anything else. However, after the Academy I discovered my passion for scientific reasearch.

After my undergraduate studies, I plan on going into an MD/PhD program. When I have completed my studies and trainings, I plan on balancing my time between scientific research and hands on global health. I would love to spend 3 months of the year helping patients in developing countries and the remaining 9 months conducting scientific research and teaching in a University!

If you’re currently attending college, where do you go?
I will be attending the University of Washington in Seattle. I plan on pursuing a dual degree in Biology and Anthropology and a minor in Spanish!

What hobbies do you enjoy?
In my free time I love reading, traveling, exploring Seattle, blogging, and volunteering. Lately I’ve been reading a plethora of books by Paul Farmer (my hero!). A few weeks ago I picked up my first copy of Scientific American Mind and it just blew me away; it’s so good and there is so much information!

Now that you are a graduate of the BioQuest Academy, what advice would you give to an incoming student?
Come into the Academy with an open mind and get ready to learn. Don’t be too overwhelmed during the first few days; you will eventually get used to pipetting! Hey! Look at me now, just a year later and I am able to pipette away with flying colors. Also, if you make a mistake during a lab, it's okay! You're learning a new process so just remember to learn from your mistakes. Real scientists repeat their experiements all the time. If you don't understand something in the lab protocol, ask someone! It's the best way to learn. Remember always, in the words of Steve Jobs, "Stay hungry. Stay foolish."

Look around the internet for opportunities relating to global health. I actually find a ton through Facebook! For example, next week I am volunteering at the Consortium of Universities for Global Health, in Seattle!

What is your global health story? What experiences have you had with global health? 
My junior year, a few classmates and I went to the amazing country of Costa Rica. Our main purpose was to donate money that we fundraised to an HIV/AIDS children’s orphanage. The whole trip taught me so much about global health! Before I left for the trip I had to take antimalarial medication (it was extremely toxic to my body!) and an oral Typhoid vaccine. I even had to take medicine for diarrhea. I was shocked that I had to take vaccinations for diseases that are extinct in the U.S. It made me realize that people around the globe are suffering from preventable diseases!

My senior year, my close friends and I raised money to create water wells in developing countries.  We campaigned for our cause through Facebook and in person! Our project was successful because we were able to raise awareness about the lack of clean water. Like did you know diarrhea, primarily a disease of dirty water, is the biggest killer of children under 5 in poor countries?  That’s 4,000 preventable deaths per day, 1.8 million deaths per year! A total of more than 3 million people die just because they don't have access to clean water. Clean water is a basic human right!

I recently started a global health blog with a twist: I also talk about general science, fashion, and places I want to visit before I die. It has been a huge success! I love it because I am able to spread the word about global health issues that I am so deeply passionate about.

I know that in the future, I will have many more global health stories to share. Stay tuned! Will you be my partner in health?