Beth Markens
Westfield, Mass.
Chemistry
MEDICAL RESEARCH: BETH'S STORY
Beth Markens may help to identify the biochemical culprits involved in allergic reactions "Last summer, I participated in research regarding patients who have respiratory distress that is exacerbated by aspirin. I worked at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston with Dr. Tanya Laidlaw Monday through Thursday; I met with my advisor, Professor of Chemistry Elita Pastra Landis, in the evening."
IN THE LAB: "Wheaton gave me a good background in the lab techniques for this research, although the biomedical techniques for working with tissue samples were new to me. It has been a great experience, and it boosted my confidence in working in the sciences."
GRAND ROUNDS: "The opportunity to do clinical research is a crucial advantage for getting into medical school. One of the reasons I chose Wheaton is that Wheaton graduates have a 97 percent success rate in getting into medical school within two years of graduation and that's important to me. I have also been able to shadow Dr. Laidlaw when she is in the clinic, seeing patients. Her specialty is pediatric immunology, which is a good contrast with what I hope to do: general pediatrics."
PAPER CHASE: "My plan now is that the work I've done with Dr. Laidlaw will be the subject of my senior honors thesis in chemistry. I've arranged my class schedule to allow me to go into Boston one or two days each week to make that happen. It's very interesting to be conducting laboratory work where you are actually involved in discovering something new."