Natural Sciences & Mathematics

Missouri Trip to ATSU Inspires Medical School Dreams

April 12, 2017 by University Communications & Marketing

Chaminade University students Vanessa Ignacio, Dexter Manglicmot and Adam Perez have set their eyes on becoming medical doctors. So, when offered the opportunity by the Office of Health Professions Advising and Undergraduate Research (OHPAUR) to tour the world’s oldest college of osteopathic medicine, they enthusiastically went for it.

Accompanied by OHPAUR advisor Amber Caracol Noguchi, Ph.D., the students made the 4,000-mile trek March 22-26 to A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCOM) in Missouri. Known for its rigorous studies to engage biomedical research and its cutting edge healthcare delivery program, ATSU/KCOM has a legacy that stretches back to 1892 when Andrew Taylor Still, M.D., D. O, founded the American School of Osteopathy in Kirksville, Missouri.

KCOM staff and faculty generously gave of their time and energy to the Chaminade students, and the Chaminade students appreciated it. “This trip was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and the amount of accommodation we received from the staff showed how much they care for individuals,” said Ignacio. “I was able to speak one-on-one with an admissions counselor and really go over the details concerning my application to the school.”

The students received overviews and demonstrations in a myriad of laboratories, including osteopathic skills, anatomy, ultrasound, and simulation skills laboratories throughout the campus. ATSU KCOM student ambassador and Chaminade alum Ryan Santos ’13 (BS Biology) helped answer the students’ questions and showed them around campus.

Manglicmot’s interest was piqued by the demonstration of the manipulations of osteopathic medicine. “I did a little research and learned that manipulation is a modern diagnostic test of illness and injury called osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM). This hands-on care involves stretching, pressure, and resistance of the muscles and joints, a holistic healthcare approach that considers a patient’s medical history, lifestyle, emotional, and mental health. Ultimately, it acknowledges the mind, body, and spirit of the patient,” Manglicmot explained with fascination.

For Perez, it was the anatomy lab. “It was beautiful to see their anatomy lab and see how the school goes through great measures to accommodate for the cadavers. It says a lot when you take care of people like that, even if they are dead…It was probably one of the best anatomy labs with the ventilation system and their practice of trying not to use too many chemicals,” he said.

The trip opened the eyes of the Chaminade students to the possibilities and the challenges of medical school and provided wisdom for accomplishing their goals. All three students thought of KCOM as somewhere they would like to attend for medical school. “After this visit, I can firmly say that A.T. Still University–Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine is my first choice for medical school,” Ignacio said.

The Office of Health Professions Advising and Undergraduate Research (OHPAUR) assists students interested in healthcare careers, regardless of their major. Services include: advising, test preparation, summer programs, guest speaker presentations, professional seminars, community service activities and internship/shadowing opportunities. OHPAUR also maintains articulation agreements with four ATSU campuses, as well as Boston University School of Medicine, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Pacific University, Samuel Merritt University, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, University of Dayton and Western University School of Health Sciences.

Chaminade Boosts Grad School, Career Options for Underrepresented Students Through Leadership Alliance

April 11, 2017 by University Communications & Marketing

To expand graduate school and career opportunities, as well as encourage diversity for students from underrepresented and underserved populations, Chaminade’s Office of Health Professions Advising and Undergraduate Research hosted a March 28-29 campus visit by Dr. Medeva Ghee, executive director of the Leadership Alliance.

Established in 1992, this national consortium develops underrepresented students into outstanding leaders and role models in academia, business and the public sector. Chaminade is one of 36 institutions forming the alliance, along with other universities such as Columbia, Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Princeton, Stanford, Vanderbilt and Yale.

During Dr. Ghee’s visit she met with students, faculty and staff at a poster reception and roundtable luncheon. Her keynote address, “Exploring the Unexplored,” encouraged students to pursue doctoral degrees.

Dr. Ghee is a faculty member with Brown University’s Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences. She also provided technical assistance and strategic advice for the Clinton Foundation initiative on preventing and treating HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Among the Leadership Alliance opportunities for undergraduates is the Summer Research Early Identification Program (SR-EIP). These fully paid internships provide training and mentoring in research principles so undergraduates can competitively apply for Ph.D. and MD-Ph.D. programs.

Internships are available in life and physical sciences, social and behavioral sciences, and the humanities at over 20 institutions nationwide.

Among the Chaminade students who completed an SR-EIP internship is Dior-Ashton Teodosio. After graduating this spring with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, she plans to pursue a doctorate in Clinical Psychology so she can treat children with learning disabilities.

Teodosio’s internship, conducted through the American Psychological Association, took place at Washington University in St. Louis.

“I worked on two different studies this past summer,” Teodosio says. “One focused on false hearing and analyzing previous data from another false hearing study. And the second one focused on second language vocabulary and speech perception.”

Teodosio urges other Chaminade students to consider an SR-EIP internship.

“If I had to give any advice to future students applying for any type of summer program, I would say to do it and go in with an open mind,” she says. “This is an opportunity that most don’t have, so you should definitely try it out!”

The Office of Health Professions Advising and Undergraduate Research provides services to students interested in pursuing medical careers. These services include: academic preparation and advising, professional seminars and guest speakers, and undergraduate research programs. Chaminade students also have the opportunity for early admission to graduate programs through articulation agreements arranged with numerous medical schools.

Sixth Graders Explore DNA Codes through Chaminade’s IAS Outreach Program

March 28, 2017 by University Communications & Marketing

Pope Elementary students participate in DNA lab

Sixth graders from Blanche Pope Elementary School (Waimanalo) visited Chaminade University on March 9 to experience the “I Am a Scientist” (IAS) program offered by the division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (NSM). Chaminade has engaged students from DOE schools, charter schools and home school organizations in the IAS program since 2009. More than 10,000 school children have benefited from the program, which makes science entertaining yet educational through hands-on projects for different grade levels. At last count, the program tallied over 300 classroom visits, 21 visits to Chaminade teaching laboratories, 19 community events and more than 4,300 volunteer hours. Though this was the 22nd time that Chaminade hosted a school group on campus, it was the first time for Pope Elementary.

Donned in white lab coats and safety glasses, the 33 Waimanalo students conducted hands-on experiments focused on DNA and mutation utilizing cutting edge technology and equipment under the guidance of experienced scientists. They engaged in three primary activities: 1) performed an experiment to visualize DNA by extracting their own DNA; 2) performed and experimented to learn about the DNA code; 3) and learned the consequences of mutation. They investigated heredity traits of their parents and compared them to their own traits. They also created a DNA poster of themselves titled “Inherited Traits vs Learned Traits.”

IAS director and NSM research associate Lori Shimoda led the activities assisted by Chaminade students and faculty. Over the years, she and her team have found the program rewarding. For Shimoda, seeing the awe, even the joy on students’ faces as they made their discoveries confirmed that science must be experienced to become personally meaningful.

Dreams of Going to Medical School Shape Up

March 14, 2017 by University Communications & Marketing

Chaminade University students with dreams of someday attending medical school went to Arizona this spring. Sponsored by the Office of Health Professions and Undergraduate Research, about a dozen students explored the campuses of Grand Canyon University (Phoenix), Midwestern University (Glendale), A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS) and A.T. Still University-School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA). In addition, students attended a graduate fair at Grand Canyon University.

Chaminade students at A.T. Still University

“This trip was both life-changing and a huge eye-opener for me,” said Chaminade first-year student Hi’ilei Ishii-Chaves. “During the course of this trip, I felt that I really stepped out of my comfort zone. I built new relationships, tried new foods and participated in events I would never do.” Ishii-Chaves is seriously considering ATSU but needs to do further research on whether becoming a medical doctor or an osteopathic doctor is the better fit for her.

Chaminade student Rea Mae Garcia enjoyed the problem-based learning style that she experienced at ATSU in which students were presented with a patient with real complaints. Patient vitals and lab work results were shared, and students had to figure out causes for the complaints. She was also fascinated by the anatomy laboratory. “I got to hold the kidney, the brain and the brain stem,” she said. The ATSU visit finalized her decision. “When I went back to the hotel that night, I wrote out interview questions and tried to answer them…I love it there, and I hope to go there for medical school,” Garcia emphasized adamantly.

Accompanied on the trip by Mrs. Patricia Lee-Robinson (associate provost and director of the Office Health Professions Advising and Undergraduate Research) and Dr. Amber Caracol Noguchi (Health Professions advisor), the students connected with Chaminade alumni for dinner. The Chaminade alumni, who were also current medical students, shared their wisdom on the challenges faced and the strategies used to overcome them.

Chaminade students at Midwestern University

Chaminade student Angela Williams was reassured by Chaminade alumna Jacquelynn Pratt ’06 who explained that life as a medical student was not easy and gave Williams some survival tips. “I learned that her (Jackie’s) biggest struggles were with weather adjustment and homesickness,” reflected Williams. “I am afraid that I will face the same problems. However, studying and socializing in the new school will hopefully keep me busy.”

Chaminade University has formal articulation agreements with ATSU-ASHS and ATSU-SOMA, which are both in Mesa, Arizona. Articulation agreements permit early admission for qualified Chaminade applicants to health profession programs. ATSU-ASHS agreements have opened doors for Chaminade students seeking the degrees of Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.), Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.), Doctor of Occupational Therapy (O.T.D.), and a Master of Occupational Therapy (M.S.). ATSU-SOMA offers a pathway to a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree.

“This trip helped me focus on my goals and career,” wrote Williams. “I am so glad that Chaminade University has articulation agreements with many schools around the nation including ATSU-SOMA. I appreciate this given opportunity and would like to express my heartfelt gratitude by saying thank you.”

Chaminade Outreach Inspires Keiki to Pursue Science

March 6, 2017 by University Communications & Marketing

Encouraging Hawaii keiki to pursue science and mathematics as a college and career path is the goal of “I Am A Scientist,” a Chaminade University mobile outreach program. Now in its eighth year, the program recently achieved a notable milestone.

More than 10,000 school children have benefitted from the program, which makes science entertaining yet educational through hands-on projects for different grade levels. At last count, the program tallied over 300 classroom visits, 21 visits to Chaminade teaching laboratories, 19 community events and more than 4,300 volunteer hours.

“This represents a lot of effort and devotion by a lot of people who have given so much of themselves to make this program successful,” says Lori Shimoda, a research associate with the university’s Natural Sciences and Mathematics (NSM) division. “Chaminade scientists care not only for the students on our campus, but also those who have yet to even think about college.”

Founded by Shimoda in 2009, “I Am A Scientist” is funded through NSM using grants from Air Force Research Laboratories and the G.N. Wilcox Foundation. Chaminade faculty, researchers, staff and students volunteer their time to visit schools across Oahu.

“We bring real scientists and college students studying science into the classroom so the kids get to meet us and learn from us,” Shimoda explains. “We share our education and career pathways so they can understand where they are in their education-career journey.”

Presentations involve hypothesis-driven experiments that employ biotechnology techniques and modern laboratory equipment transported from Chaminade, such as microscopes, lab coats and petri dishes. The curriculum is aligned with the Hawaii Department of Education standards, thus making it relevant for teachers and students.

One of the popular presentations is “Germs on Me,” an experiment that shows how an infection – like a cold or the flu – can spread rapidly through a classroom. Students are given tubes filled with a clear liquid and asked to share it among their classmates. Then one student is given a tube containing a non-toxic base component. After the sharing is complete, the “infected” tubes turn pink.

Another presentation is “Gene Genius,” which involves collection of the students’ own DNA. From this activity, students learn about the genetic code and the future of genomics in medicine and forensic science.

“I’m thankful for the support and encouragement of Dr. Helen Turner – our Dean of Natural Sciences and Mathematics – and to our faculty and staff who juggle their daily responsibilities to help at our events,” Shimoda says. “And a special thanks to our Chaminade students who take time out of their day to attend our teaching events.”

See the “I Am A Scientist” segment on Living808

“I Am A Scientist” is a funded mobile outreach program under Chaminade’s Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. In collaboration with university faculty, staff and students, this initiative supports science awareness and education in Hawaii public schools.

‘CSI: Chandler’? Alumna Doss Could be the Star

March 1, 2017 by University Communications & Marketing

A love of science and a fascination with the “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” television franchise drew Chelcey Doss to Chaminade University of Honolulu.

Now, after earning her Forensic Science B.S. degree in 2015 with a minor in Chemistry, Doss does more than watch CSI shows on TV. She’s out in the field conducting official crime scene investigations for the Chandler Police Department in Arizona.

CSI work is “not quite as glamorous” as Hollywood portrays it, admits Doss, who just marked her one-year anniversary with the police department. But CSI is a rewarding career that’s vitally important to public safety and the criminal justice system.

What’s the biggest difference between academia and the professional world?

“You’re seeing real people,” Doss says. “And usually it’s not a good day for them.”

Fortunately for the approximately 261,000 Chandler residents, the city’s violent crime rate is relatively low.

“We only had four homicides last year,” Doss points out. “And that was actually high. There are lots of property crimes – vehicle burglaries, house burglaries. A lot of the calls that come across are domestic violence or drug-related.”

Looking back at her time on campus, Doss describes Chaminade as “an amazing experience.”

“I loved the diversity,” she says of college life. “And I really enjoyed the professors,” including Dr. David Carter, director of the Forensic Sciences Unit. “They are very in tune with what students need.”

“I want to say ‘thank you’ to Chaminade for helping me get to where I am today,” Doss adds. “I’m very grateful.”

The Forensic Science program is part of the Division of Natural Science and Mathematics. It provides students with a wide range of options as they prepare for careers in fields such as law enforcement, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and veterinary medicine. Since 2010, 86% of graduates have been placed in science-related positions. Chaminade University offers two credentials in forensic sciences education: a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Sciences (BSFS) and a Minor in Forensic Sciences.