     |
RELEASED: April 7, 2005
DANVILLE, KY—In just a few short weeks, Centre College students will finish classes and head to vacations, summer jobs, internships and research opportunities. Among them is junior Shariya Terrell, who will attend Harvard University as part of the 10-week Summer Honors Undergraduate Research Program.
Terrell, of Bowling Green, Ky., will investigate how cancer cells are able to avoid death, unlike normal cells, which go through a process called apoptosis to die. Her research might provide ideas for anti-cancer therapies.
"Everyone is excited for me, and I know I made my mom proud," Terrell says. "The program will provide an opportunity for me to look at the graduate school setting—a chance for me to get in there and see what it's all about."
Terrell, one of only 24 students selected (out of 420) for the competitive program, landed the position with the help of Joe Workman, associate professor of chemistry at Centre.
"I wouldn't have had this opportunity elsewhere," Terrell says. Her professors "have been extremely supportive—always pushing me and saw my potential even when I didn't."
When choosing her undergraduate college, Terrell initially looked at larger state institutions, but chose Centre because of its size. "I could get the one-on-one attention [at Centre]. They looked at me as a person and what I could do, instead of as a number."
Terrell, a biochemistry and molecular biology major, says she chose her area over other science fields because it relates to humans and life. Terrell says she enjoys the research aspect and plans to pursue a Ph.D. and a career in biomedical research.
"There's lots to find out, and I want to be part of that," she says.
This isn't the first time Terrell has conducted serious research. She spent last summer with Steve Asmus, Dowling Associate Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Centre, and two other Centre students, seniors Matt Lally of Lexington, Ky., and Cara Quilligan of Danville, looking at neurotransmitter production and cell death during brain development. Their research is part of a three-year grant from the National Institutes of Health.
Terrell is the third student from Centre to attend the Harvard program. Last summer, senior Christina Garcia participated. Tony Arauz '00 was the first student in 1999.
Terrell also earned summer positions, which she had to decline, at Dartmouth College, Washington University in St. Louis, Colorado State University and the University of California-Santa Cruz.
"Even the schools I declined said to not forget about them for graduate school," Terrell says. "I'm not seeking them—they're seeking me now."
- end -
Founded in 1819, Centre College is ranked among the U.S. News top 50 national liberal arts colleges. Centre alumni, known for their nation-leading loyalty in annual financial support, include two U.S. vice presidents and two Supreme Court justices. For more, visit http://www.centre.edu/web/elevatorspeech/
For news archives go to http://www.centre.edu/web/news/newsarchive.html.
Communications Office
Centre College
600 W. Walnut Street
Danville, KY 40422
Public Information Coordinator: Telephone 859-238-5714