Madelyn G. Jones
Why did you choose Wright State University?
During my college search, I decided to choose Wright State University due to the scholarship I received. Upon attending an open house at Wright State University, I realized I made the right decision in attending. I initially decided to start out at the Wright State Lake Campus due to the close vicinity to my hometown. Once I completed all of the courses which I could take there for my major I transferred to the Wright State University Dayton Campus. Attending the Wright State Dayton Campus has been a great choice and has provided me many opportunities. I am glad to be a student at Wright State.
Why did you decide you wanted to pursue a career path in science/mathematics?
My initial decision to pursue a career path in science began with a high school project which I had to look at prospective careers based upon preference in course work and personality. I attended a small, rural high school. I did not have the luxury of taking a variety of courses but I did have the chance to take a course in anatomy and physiology which sparked my interest in science. Upon completion of the career project in high school, my ideal careers were all in STEM, leading me to pursue a career path in science.
What surprised you most about college? In what way(s) was your experience different than what you expected, and do you have any advice for incoming freshman?
The biggest surprise about college was all of the opportunities which were available and how they have led to my growth. One of those opportunities was receiving a research position under Dr. Stephen Jacquemin and Dr. Charles Ciampaglio studying sharks. The position at WSU Lake Campus allowed me to start my scientific career path in research, learn about several research and experimental techniques, have my first scientific publication, and the experience I needed to pursue more areas of research. Upon arriving at the WSU campus in Dayton, I was able to integrate myself into the scientific research because of my previous experiences. I began my research journey at Wright State by doing neuroscience research under Dr. James Olson (and I still do). I ended up falling in love with neuroscience. This past year has been my most productive. I have begun research in cell biology (and physics) under Dr. Elliot Brown. I have even deepened my research in neuroscience by working under Dr. Nasser Kashou and Dr. Francisco Javier Alvarez-Leefmans, both of whom have been wonderful mentors and assisted in making my final decision to pursue a graduate degree in neuroscience.
If I were to advise anyone coming to Wright State as a transfer student or incoming freshman who wishes to pursue science, I would advise them to work closely with their professors, take up a research position, get involved in clubs and student activities (I am the current senator for the College of Science and Math!), and always reach for goals by going outside of their comfort zone! I would not be in the current position I am if I had not taken risks and jumped at every opportunity available to me. Also, do research in the courses you have to take for your degree. For some courses, it may be better to take them as a junior or senior rather than the recommended time to take them.
What is a typical day for you?
A typical day for me begins with waking up and preparing for my morning classes. I make the trek over to campus a half hour early. Once I find a place to park, I head to my lab desk space area and prepare for my morning classes. I take detailed notes on my laptop or in a notebook. During my break, I head back to my lab desk space and conduct any small experiment that may be done or I prepare for the lab component. Next is lab, where I learn interesting techniques and more details about what we discussed in lecture. Once the lab component is over, I head back to my lab space and do any experimental work that needs to be done for the day. During this time, I may attend any meetings necessary for my role as senator for CoSM in Student Government or I may meet up with friends to study for some of my other courses. Lastly, I tend to do my homework assignments I have, complete any lab notebook requirements, prepare for the next day's courses, catch up on my emails or if I have nothing better to do, head back to my apartment and catch up on the latest episodes of House of Cards!
What are some of your favorite courses and why?
Some of my favorite courses which I have taken are Vertebrate Histology (BIO 4430), Molecular Bio lab/Cell Bio lab (BIO 2130, BIO 2140), and Ichthyology (BIO 4010).
Ichthyology, the study of fish, was one of my favorite courses because of the completely different lab techniques and lab experience. For ichthyology, most of our lab work involved traveling, field work, and getting into the water to collect fish. I took this course during the summer and spent a lot of time on the open water collecting fish to learn about their physiology and being outside on a lake during the summer is quite enjoyable! The course was taken under Dr. Stephen Jacquemin at the Lake Campus.
I took cell biology and the molecular biology lab courses due to the fact that I was able to learn many lab techniques which are beneficial. The professor (Dr. Athanasios Bubulya) challenged the students, which allowed for us to better understand the experimental procedures, why we were conducting them, and what effect the procedures had on the studies. I enjoyed these lab classes because Dr. Bubulya made them entertaining with his witty science jokes and hilarious analogies.
I enjoyed the vertebrate histology course for several reasons: the material, the lab techniques, the professor, and the teaching assistant. I learned a lot about all of the physiology associated with each of the tissue types in a very detailed manner. I enjoyed the classroom experience; the positive and humorous attitudes of the professor, Dr. Barbara Hull, and teaching assistant, R. J. Nogrady combined, they make the ultimate superhero and sidekick duo! They really make learning fun! And on top of it all, I am able to apply everything I've learned in the course into my research with Dr. James Olson, Dr. Nasser Kashou, and Dr. Javier Alvarez-Leefmans because for each of the
research projects, I use some form of histology (sectioning, staining, microscopy) to better learn and understand the tissue components that I research.
What experiences have you had since you starting college that you’d recommend to other students? (ex. study abroad, research, volunteer, student organizations, etc.)
Since starting college, I have had many wonderful opportunities which I believe would be difficult to obtain at other universities.
I would recommend for any student to become highly involved on and off campus through research, volunteering, and student organizations! There is a wide range of organizations and volunteering opportunities. On campus, I am a part of the Pre-Medical Society (treasurer, House of Representatives), Biology Club (member), Chemistry Club (member), Student Philanthropy Council (Vice President), and my sorority Alpha Omicron Pi (member). I am very active in my community by volunteering in the emergency department at Kettering Medical Center, being a volunteer medical scribe at the Reach Out Montgomery free clinic, and by being a volunteer big sister for Big Brothers Big Sisters.
I am heavily involved with my research and have been for years. I was able to obtain my research experience through talking to my professors about how to become involved. Through my experiences on and off campus, I have been able to build my resume. To anyone, I would definitely recommend getting involved, you never know where it may take you!
What do you love about Wright State?
Wright State University has my love for many different reasons: the size of my classes, the research opportunities, the community, and the diversity. Having the different class sizes has allowed for me to better learn how to study, develop study groups, and even make friends working towards similar goals. The research opportunities which I have had gave me a wonderful chance to practice what I learned and love by working in the lab. The community at Wright State is very diverse and has really opened my eyes to many of the different cultures and backgrounds that are in the world, which, in turn, has allowed for me to become more mindful of others within and outside of my area of study.
What would you tell a high school student or fellow undergraduate interested in pursuing a degree in science or mathematics?
To a high school student or fellow undergraduate interested in pursuing a degree in science, I would tell them to take as many opportunities as they can to broaden their horizons in the subject area which they are interested as well as to get involved within their community. I would tell them that their past does not matter and that the main focus area should be on their future and reaching their goals. I came from a small high school and had almost no opportunities there, but I was able to grow and become who I am today because of my college and university. One should do everything in their path to accomplish their dreams! Never give up. Sometimes there may be obstacles in the way which make it harder to reach the end goal, but if one keeps pushing towards their ultimate goal, they will eventually reach it.
