Jennifer Vasquez '07
I've had extraordinary opportunities to do research at Connecticut College - research that not only interests me, but that I believe can truly make a difference in the world.
The low student-faculty ratio here enables me to do research on a much more in-depth level. I have this incredibly productive, one-on-one relationship with Professor Stephen Loomis who is overseeing my current honors thesis research project. Professor Loomis believes strongly that students should do meaningful research before they graduate. He's been a great mentor for me.
My current study is "The Use of Magnesium to Prevent Lead Poisoning in Zebra Fish: A Model for Prevention in Humans." I am studying lead poisoning in zebra fish, specifically how lead exposure in adult fish affects the hatching and survival rates of their young.
My honors thesis looks at the use of magnesium to eliminate lead from zebra fish. Hopefully my findings will help develop a model for lead prevention in people.
I'm an environmental studies major, and I'm extremely interested in social justice. Last summer, I had a College-funded internship at the Montefiore Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program in the Bronx, where I was able to combine my background in environmental science, my fluency in Spanish and my interest in social justice. I used my knowledge and skills to educate residents about the dangers of lead poisoning how to prevent it, how to spot it, and how to get help.
I'm pulling together so many important aspects of my Conn education and all the related experiences I've had through the College. I am ready to make a difference in the world.