Student Testimonials
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"After a couple years of taking math courses, I came to the realization that I could not imagine a semester without math."
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I grew up in South Dakota and wanted to stay in state for my undergraduate education. Based on my career goals in research and medicine, the choice was obvious, as the Sanford School of Medicine is right on campus. I realized I had made the right decision, as the mathematics department made me fall in love with math and my research opportunities were endless in the Basic Biomedical Sciences.
Choosing a biology major was not a difficult decision for me. After a couple years of taking math courses, I came to the realization that I could not imagine a semester without math. Professors Jose Flores, Ph.D. and Dan Van Peursem, Ph.D. have been extremely supportive in my transition to a mathematics major as well as with my research.
I love the atmosphere at USD. It is such a fun-loving campus, while still priding itself heavily on academics. Because of the size of USD, along with the amazing faculty, I have had the opportunity to combine two completely different areas of research, biomedical and mathematical, to produce a unique research project.
In addition to my studies, I have been involved in many campus organizations such as Phi Beta Kappa Honors Society, Pi Mu Epsilon Honorary Mathematics Society and Mathematics Club. I have done internships at the University of California, San Diego Medical Scientist Training Summer Research Program, Physician Shadowing at the San Diego Veteran's Affairs Hospital, Avera McKennan Orthopedic Institute, Oncology and Hematology for Avera McKennan and Sanford, June E. Nylen Cancer Center, Sanford Children's Hospital and Discover Summer Research Program.
My post-graduate plans are to pursue an M.D. or an M.D./Ph.D. degree to eventually specialize in pediatric oncology and cancer research.
Jennifer was awarded the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship in 2012. Read the press release.