Maral's College Years

This page consists of information on what I've been up to here at Rutgers.

I am a full time undergraduate junior here at Rutgers-Newark. My curriculum includes math and science/lab related courses. The primary reason I have taken these courses is to eventually transfer and study at a Pharmacy/Pharmacology institution.

I became a pre-pharmacy major because of my interest in chemical imbalances in the body, and how individuals are affected by it. This interest stemmed from growing up with a diabetic mother. Throughout my life, I remember how vital her dependence to medication was. Although drugs sustained her life, her health still began to slowly deteriorate. She has recently been diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy; to correct this condition, she is receiving extensive laser treatment. There are many other diseases, such as schizophrenia, which are caused by chemical imbalances in the body, namely the brain, which can be controlled by medication. Ultimately, anyone who is diagnosed with these types of diseases usually has to rely on medication for the rest of their lives. Although medication can treat these diseases, serious problems can result even though prescribed medication is being administered.

My ultimate goal is to become part of the research world to help find cures or better treatment for these drug dependent diseases. I was introduced to the research world when I became an employee for the Gluck Lab in late August of 1996. Through my employment in the Gluck Lab, I became aware of the different types of research taking place at CMBN (Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience). I became very interested in the research taking place in the Abercrombie Lab and started working there as an Undergraduate Research Intern the Fall semester of 1997. In this lab, techniques are used, such as microdialysis, to understand more about certain neurotransmitters in the brain. One neurotransmitter, dopamine, which is involved in Parkinson's disease, is studied extensively. The lab is also involved in learning more about other neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine. Through my internship in this neurochemistry lab, I hope to attain the research skills I need in the future to attain my goal.

Abercrombie Lab: Far right, Dr. Elizabeth Abercrombie, and second to the right, ME! :)

Aside from my academic curriculum, employment in the Gluck Lab, and Internship in the Abercrombie Lab, I am involved in extracurricular activities. I am the Public Relations Officer (PRO) for the Chemistry Club and I am a member of the University Chorus here at Rutgers. I've always had a special passion for the arts also, namely music and poetry. I started playing the piano at the age of seven, and writting poetry at the age of ten. My first poem was published when I was fifteen. I am presently pursuing this creative side of my life also.