Story by Miranda Bolar and Meredith Durham
Carol Greider, a 2009 Nobel laureate in Physiology or Medicine spoke at four different events on campus to discuss her discoveries and ongoing research regarding telomeres and telomerase.
Two of the events was held at American River College’s theater, while others were held in the science department.
She emphasized how important it is for any student to continue to have a strong sense of curiosity about any research they may undertake and to pay attention to diligence and detail.
As students filed out of the auditorium, many were buzzing about the lecture they had just listened to.
“One thing that she brought up was there is this idea of family here in America (that) is very different from abroad,” said science major Cherie Mae, who attended a question and answer session with Greider. “In other European countries, she said there is a steady incline of women in science.”
Two students taking the same biotechnology class, Marina Leonard and Jessica Richardson, were both grateful to hear from the Nobel laureate.
“She is amazing,” said Leonard. “She’s someone I would definitely look up to in the field, and I’m not even totally sure of where I want to do my research, but it made me want to get into genetics.”
“Yeah, I haven’t even taken microbiology yet,” said Richardson. “But it was cool, and I got a few extra credit points.”
“I thought it was very compelling, first of all. I thought it was very interesting most of it went over my head,” said zoology major Nakia Zinsky.
Zinsky spoke about how she was confident in her major choice when she said “the biology and the scientific world is very strong. I have no concerns going into the job market.”
Among the many other students, kinesiology major Laura Martis attended Greider’s presentation. She’s not sure where her major will take her, but found value and intrigue in the lecture.
“It’s pretty stimulating to know the type of research that is going on,” said Martis. “I don’t know what direction I want to take my major so its great to have experiences like this really open your eyes to what’s going on.
Added Martis: “(It’s) really interesting the research she is doing and I don’t know like finding a cure for cancer … she could possibly be on the brink.”
