Page 3 - The FayettevillePress newspaper December 2024 Holiday Edition

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The Fayetteville Press December 2024 Holiday Edition Page 3

Perfect Formula: MU Chemistry Students Finding Success

You don’t have to look far before finding success from Methodist Along with the small class sizes, students receive a wealth of knowl-
University’s Chemistry program alumni – including Cátia Dombaxe ’20. edge from faculty with expertise in analytical chemistry, forensic science,
Dombaxe grew up in Luanda, Angola before moving to the United States environmental chemistry, biochemistry, organic chemistry, medicinal chem-
to attend Methodist University to major in Chemistry with a concentration in istry, and physical chemistry.
Forensic Science (Chemistry). “Dr. Hooper Marosek was incredibly influential,” said Dombaxe. “Her
“My time at Methodist University laid a solid foundation in critical enthusiasm for chemistry and dedication to students had a profound impact
thinking and laboratory skills, which are essential for my work today,” she on me. She went above and beyond to ensure we understood complex topics
said. and encouraged me to think critically and independently. She is one of my
Dombaxe did not slow down after graduating from MU in 2020. She role models.”
earned a master’s degree in Biomedical/Medical Engineering from Cornell Uni- The Chemistry program features two concentrations: Biochemistry
versity in 2023 and is currently a fourth-year Ph.D. candidate in Biomedical and Forensic Science (Chemistry).
Engineering at Cornell. Her research focuses on developing a new therapy for “Forensic Science is geared towards students who have an interest in
spinal cord injury (SCI), which has helped garner numerous awards and recog- that particular field, which means they spend a lot of time with our wonder-
nition from National Geographic. ful Forensic Science program. It allows them to understand how to collect
“I work on a biomaterials approach to deliver regenerative proteins and Cátia Dombaxe and analyze samples, while understanding some of the legal process,” said
enzymes that promote neutral recovery,” Dombaxe added. “Specifically, I’m Hooper Marosek. “With Biochemistry, a lot of students pursue that con-
exploring the use of a hydrogel system that releases proteins to foster axonal The Chemistry degree leads to a variety of career and edu- centration if they’re interested in the health sciences like medical school,
growth and prevent scar formation in mouse models of SCI. The aim is to cational opportunities including becoming a pharmacist, lawyer, physician assistant studies, pharmacy, and others.”
create a supportive environment for recovery and improve SCI patient in- physician assistant, doctor, dentist, researcher, forensic scien- No matter the concentration, students are able to access a number of
comes through minimally invasive treatments.” tist, and more. interesting and challenges courses.
In the future, Dombaxe hopes to contribute to advancements in regen- “You’ll likely never want for a job as a chemist,” Hooper “The Quantitative Analysis course with Dr. Hooper Marosek is by
erative medicine and wants to make science more accessible to underserved Marosek added. “There’s so much flexibility and people don’t far my favorite course,” said senior Hope Stropoli, who is pursuing a
communities that can help inspire the next generation of scientists. She also realize all of the different things you can do with this degree. For bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and hopes to become a Chemistry professor
would like to establish a research initiative in Sub-Saharan Africa that ad- example, this is a great degree for anyone interested in physician herself one day. “The class sparked a love for analytical chemistry that I
dresses local healthcare challenges while creating educational and job oppor- assistant studies or medical school.” will definitely take into my future career. It’s teaching me how industry
tunities in STEM. Sure enough, Methodist University offers a master’s degree jobs work, the techniques used, and the instruments found in labs.”
Dombaxe is quick to credit her time in Methodist University’s Chemis- in Physician Assistant Studies while the Methodist University For those interested in a pharmacy career, Methodist University of-
try program for the impressive start to her career. Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine hopes to welcome fers a unique partnership to students. In collaboration with Wingate Uni-
Flexible and In-Demand the first cohort in the summer of 2026 – pending approvals by versity and High Point University, MU students who work towards their
Dr. Stephanie Hooper Marosek works with Chemistry StudentsMU’s both the LCME (Liaison Committee on Medical Education) and bachelor’s degree will also be able to complete prerequisite coursework
Chemistry on-campus program is offered as a bachelor’s degree, associate SACSCOC (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Com- requirements for the doctorate program at either of the two universities.
degree, or minor with concentrations – a subject that naturally touches on a mission on Colleges).
lot of areas. A Personal Education “A Strong Community”
“Chemistry is what you call the central science because without it, all One of the reasons Methodist University’s Chemistry pro- Whether a student is considering a career in forensic science, the health
of the other branches don’t exist since everything is made up of elements,” gram stands out among others in the region is the quality of edu- sciences, or something else, Methodist University’s Chemistry program is
said Dr. Stephanie Hooper Marosek, Wyatt Professor of the Sciences and cation provided by the faculty. the perfect springboard to a variety of careers – just ask Dombaxe.
professor of Chemistry. “Chemistry puts an understanding to how different “I’ve had a positive experience with the Chemistry pro- “I’m incredibly grateful for the supportive and close-knit environ-
elements fit together and how things form to become living and non-living gram,” said Kathe Nelson, a senior majoring in Chemistry with a ment at MU,” Dombaxe said. “The faculty genuinely cared about our growth,
things. It helps us make improvements to certain materials that make them concentration in Biochemistry who hopes to work in an environ- both academically and personally, which made a huge difference in my life.
more cost effective, provides a better quality of life, and gives us a better mental lab in the near future. “The program has amazing profes- The resources and guidance I received helped me gain the confidence to
understanding of our planet.” sors who care about their students and make this program amaz- pursue graduate studies at Cornell University. We truly had strong commu-
ing and enjoyable.” nity.”

T
MILITARY FRIENDLY
MU Wishes You!

A Merry Christmas, BACHELOR’S, MASTER’S, & DOCTORAL DEGREES

the

Happiest of Holidays, 80+ AREAS OF STUDY • 20 NCAA SPORTS • 75+ CAMPUS ORGANIZATIONS

and an 100% ONLINE COURSES • $24M IN SCHOLARSHIPS • N.C.’S NO. 1 MOST DIVERSE CAMPUS*

Amazing New Year!

METHODIST UNIVERSITY
WHERE EXCELLENCE
AND AFFORDABILITY
COME TOGETHER

*Two of the past three years (Niche College Rankings)

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