Cell Bio 293 Opening Letter!

Hello, my name is Heather Lee Williams. I am an undergraduate student at Old Dominion University. This spring, I will, finally, graduate with a bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in communications. I was born and raised in the Hampton Roads area. Over the years, I have found joy in community service and putting smiles on my peer's faces. My plan for the future is to travel, spread my knowledge, and give a helping hand to whomever may need it. Presently, I am employed at TopGolf Virginia Beach. This company promotes the moto of "One team, one dream". Everyone here supports one another and I am grateful to be apart of such an amazing company. Recently, I have been seeking employment at nearby hospitals to enhance my background experience. In regards to my extra curricular activities, I am heavily involved in Circle K International and Gamma Sigma Sigma. These are both community service groups. These organizations conduct events each week that enrich our community with good fellowship and unity.

As of right now, I intend to either work in the medical field and continue my studies after graduation or do research in a lab. I feel like helping people is my calling. I will be grateful for any opportunity to better myself and future!

The disease that interest me most is the chronic disease of Diabetes. Specifically, type 1, as that is the type I am diagnosed with myself. I would like to know my body more. I understand different exercises (aerobic and anaerobic) effect my blood sugars in a variety of ways. I would like to find out how the insulin I use is made and what new devices are being made to treat diabetes.

Something that worries me most is that the cell structure of insulin can break down and become useless if not properly refrigerated. I believe this relates to the basic cell metabolism. Insulin would also be great to study based on its response to other cells (like glucose) in the body and the environment around it.