S-STEM/TRAIN Scholar Jasmine Patricio

My dream job is to work for NOAA and also continue my research in water quality and water cleanliness and work on the cleaning of microplastics in the ocean. For my research I want to study recent microplastics that have been found in glaciers frozen. I want to travel to Alaska or Antarctic and study those. I also want to travel and test water cleanliness in different areas of the countries. This was in not my dream goal in the beginning. When I first started, I wanted to work in an eye clinic. But then I realized that I don’t like being in small crowds and like to travel and want to discover more about new cultures and how their country is different in various ways. The reason I want to continue my research is because especially with climate changes I want help find out ways to help our world. Not just for us, but for the betterment of our future and children.

So here’s what you missed out on in Beth’s Lab: Beth brought back water samples from the Philippines in the form of Semipermeable Membrane Devices) SPMD’s and Silicone Monitoring Device Wristbands. We are testing the accuracy of the two different methods and see which method provides the best results on water contamination. The SPMD’s are ‘ a passive sampling device used to monitor trace levels of organic contaminants. When placed in an aquatic environment, SPMDs accumulate hydrophobic (water-“hating,” fat-“loving”) organic compounds, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and organochlorine pesticides from the surrounding waters’ (NOAA). The silicon devices could be used as a passive sampler in aqueous deployments. They   are small, lightweight that also monitor air pollution by absorbing chemicals. They are called ‘passive because they do not require any maintenance or power to work’ (Oregon State University, Passi...

Why STEM ? The reason I decided on a STEM career first began with my love for science. When I was in 7 th grade our science teacher was by far the best professor I have ever met. I remember him dressing up as famous scientist and pretend that he was them and talk about his significant discovery. He made science class by far my favorite. And for the science fair he let us explore whatever we wanted, he would actually encourage us to not do the basic science experiments and helped us with whatever supplies we needed. If it wasn’t for him, I don’t think I would have been interested in the science. I grew up wanting to be an example like he was, and a great role model to the younger generation. As the years went on, and I grew more aware of what was going on in the world I realized that a lot of third world countries don’t have the amazing opportunities that we have. My goal is to teach what I know to others and spread the significance of science.

“It's not what you achieve, it's what you overcome. That's what defines your career." —Carlton Fisk Growing up in a strict Hispanic Household my siblings and I were always told that we needed to become doctors when we grew up. That if we were doctors we would have a stable bright future. So of course in High School I would tell everyone that I would grow up to be a Doctor. I didn’t know what kind of doctor, I just knew I was going to be a doctor. Once I graduated High School and enrolled at Phoenix College, I told my advisor, “I want to be on the path that will make me a doctor”. So for 2 years I was taking all my pre-requisites to be a doctor. It wasn’t until my second year at Phoenix College and almost close to graduation that I wanted to be an ophthalmologist. So I looked online and started studying for my Optometry Entrance Exam (OAT). During that Summer 2019 of pure studying I also worked with Dr. Polidoro in her environmental/ Toxicology ...

Hope everyone has build up good routine with school and other activities and is balancing well everything. During the following weeks I have personally build up a good routine to where I am trying to fit everything from school (Homework), work, gym and still get a good enough sleep. It first sounded impossible since I have heard so many stories of that fantasy not being real for college Students, but I have definitely tried to make it possible. This week I have decided to cut back on the amount of coffee that I drink. First week, I failed. Second week, I decided to give it another shot. I have been a whole day without coffee, and though It might not sound like a lot, personally I think it’s groundbreaking. I’ve had great advice and tips from friends and have found some replacements for coffee. I’m hoping t never have to depend on coffee if I am feeling tired.   I’ll keep you all updated on my coffee addiction. I have also decided to turn my wall...

Welcome New Train Scholar's to Arizona State University - New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences As you get situated and start to recognize where your classes are and who your professors are, make sure you are keeping a balanced schedule and remember the importance of self- care. Being a full time student, and  having other responsibilities could overtime become overwhelming especially if you are not careful with timing. This semester I got the fortunate opportunity to be a couple of students TRAIN Scholar Mentor. It is a new role at New College and my job is to make sure New TRAIN students are being taken care of mentally and physically and make sure their voices are being heard. For returning TRAIN Scholars our jobs is to make sure they are ready for the real world and have taken every little advantage they could have from Arizona State University. My overall, objective for both is to provide any resources I can for everyone and make this class a fun environment where...

This week during our TRAIN class our assignment was to create a Mind Set SMART goals. SMART is an acronym that can help you guide your goal setting. S pecific (simple, sensible, significant). M easurable (meaningful, motivating). A chievable (agreed, attainable). R elevant (reasonable, realistic and resourced, results-based). T ime bound (time-based, time limited, time/cost limited, timely, time-sensitive). This is how I used this method for one of my goals.  S - Since MidWestern University is a Med-School Enrollment does begin early. I have made it a goal to enroll this month of April 2020, send in my paperwork and study all 2019 to take my Optometry Admission Test (OAT) 2020. This goal is important because it has always been a dream of mine to be a doctor , especially in an area that has significant meaning to me. My dad is my inspiration for me wanting to go into optometry because he has for years suffered with glaucoma and my want to understand what he is having issues wi...