John Charles Rodenberry
Freelance Microbiologist
Having graduated earning my BS from Auburn University's College of Science & Mathematics in December of 2000, I find myself facing a world open wide with opportunities. I earned my degree in Microbiology with a concentration in pre-med. Thus far I have focused my time on gaining real world experience in the lab, while simultaneously exploring my graduate school options. I have recently taken the GRE at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, my hometown. Scoring 1750 overall, I feel that I performed reasonably well and consider myself in a good position to compete for graduate level research positions in the biological sciences and/or genetics. I plan to apply to graduate schools as an MS candidate, keeping my options open to PhD research or applying to medical schools in the future.
Myself in Bran, Transylvania Romania
While attending Auburn University I gained the fortunate and valuable experience of working under Dr. Sharon Roberts and her graduate students. The research that I was mainly concerned with was tracking the prevalence of Mycoplasmal Conjunctivitis, as caused by Mycoplasma gallisepticum, in the population of Breeding House Finches. I was also involved with, although to a much lesser extent, a project concerned with mapping the surface proteins of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV. Working on these projects provided me with a wonderful opportunity to gain experience working in a serious, real goal oriented research laboratory. I learned a myriad of lab techniques including, but not limited to: DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, a variety of blotting and column chromatography techniques, serological assays, tissue culture, general standard protocol governing a level 3 biohazard lab, using and maintaining lab equipment and mixing stock solutions. I consider this experience perhaps the most valuable of the ones that a received as an undergraduate at Auburn University.
Upon graduating from Auburn University I have spent my time concentrating on weighing my options concerning graduate studies. Aside from taking the GRE and studying for the MCAT, I have been working part time for Dr. Lydia Stefanescu, M.D. My duties have included working in the medical lab, nursing duties, accounting, business and computer management and a variety of other minor office duties. She has provided me with a valuable work experience dealing with patients and employees alike and I thank her for it. I feel that now is the time to move forward and pursue my broader academic goals.
As for the future, I have already stated, I plan on attending graduate school in pursuit of my MS all the while keeping my options open to apply my research directly towards my PhD or applying to medical school. We plan to live in the D.C. area where we will pursue our goals respectively. After finishing school, which I hope never comes to a complete end, I would like to eventually go into business for my self and perhaps teach as an associate professor. This is how I feel that I may put my education to the best use for me.
