Wanted to start off this blog talking about how much I have been able to travel since my last blog. Traveling home to Cleveland a couple of times was enjoyable. I expected getting used to the cold would be tough, but luckily it was great weather (60 degrees on Christmas). Luckily I was able to travel to LA, Cincinnati, Austin, and Chicago as well. Which brings me to my next topic: meeting (personal) celebrities.
In Austin, I was able to meet Baker Mayfield (QB for the Cleveland Browns) and talk with him for 30 seconds, so you can say we are pretty close. Also, for those of you who are unaware, Houston has a professional rugby team. When I went to watch an old teammate of mine, Mike “Chicken” Dabulas - my personal celebrity, I also had the opportunity to meet Osea Kolinisau who was captain of the Fijian rugby 7’s team which won gold at the 2016 Olympics. Pretty awesome to shake the hand of someone you have watched from afar for years.
In terms of project updates, our PatchVax team has made great technical progress. By the end of this year, we will have a design in place for Dr. McHugh’s lab to move forward with. We were also able to come in 2nd place at the Houston Global Health Collaborative poster session in early March. Guide-Ox is making a lot of technical progress while also getting to participate in the Napier Rice Launch Challenge and Rice Business Plan Competition Qualifier. Serving as the project manager on such a complex project has been challenging but definitely rewarding!
Lastly, I am excited to share that I accepted a position with Ethicon in Digital Surgery. A year ago, I was struggling not only to decide what I wanted to do with my life, but also in navigating the job market. The people within GMI, namely Sarah Michel, have been instrumental in helping me land this opportunity. Also my experience gained through working at CDI and for Ictero Medical has been amazing and would not be possible if it were not for Dr. Clifton. His connections and advice have been incredible both inside and outside the classroom. Dr. Clifton and Sarah have allowed me to gain more exposure than I thought possible.
I am excited to share that I accepted a position with Ethicon in Digital Surgery.
Sarah, LaShaune DeJean, and Dr. Clifton’s work has been much appreciated by not only GMI students, but PhD’s and undergraduates as well. It is disheartening to hear that because of budgetary changes, they will not be here next year. They have done an amazing job, and I can be nothing but grateful for their attitude of service and commitment.
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