Global Learning Courses
Fall Term 2020
SYP 3456 - Societies in the World
Description: In this assignment, I investigated the complex gender implications of maintaining or dissolving the practice of female genital mutilation in Togo, Africa. More than 200 million young women unwillingly undergo mutilation between infancy and the age of 15-years-old. As a cultural tradition, the practice commemorates and celebrates womanhood in the Togo community. If the tradition is rejected, uncircumcised women are ostracized from their families and community. Therefore, the primary purpose of my global research paper was to emphasize the detrimental physical, social, and emotional impact of female genital mutilation on circumcised women.
Summer Term 2020
WST 3641 - LGBT and Beyond: Non-Normative Sexualities in Global Perspective
Description: In this group assignment, I created a powerpoint that examined the intricate relationship between religion and sexuality. For example, the emergence of the gay liberation in the 1970’s introduced challenges and movements within the Christian community. Homophobia in the Christian community ranges from non-existent to extremely apparent. Although many right-wing Christians utilize the bible to justify their intolerance for homosexuality, biblical scholars are still unsure of the specific historical and cultural contexts of homosexuality. Therefore, the primary purpose of my global presentation was to explore different religions and understand the social relationships they foster with the LGBTQ+ community.
Spring Term 2018
ANT 3451 - Anthropology of Race and Ethnicity
Description: In this group assignment, I created a presentation and flyer about the history, challenges, and long-term treatment Afro-Latinos have faced. Racial identity for many Afro-Latinos is an extremely complex and multi-faceted concept to understand. In social environments, Afro-Latinos are often scrutinized and compared to their fair-skinned counterparts. Within Hispanics, Latinos, and African-Americans are a multitude of ethnicities that require more recognition and validation. Therefore, the primary purpose of my global assignment was to advocate for the elimination of colorism and promote the full privilege of human rights (i.e. self-determination, style, equality, and cultural integrity) to all.
Fall Term 2017
MCB 2000 - Introduction to Microbiology
Description: In this assignment, I investigated a rare vector-borne infection caused by protozoan parasites known as malaria. Although preventable and treatable, malaria generates excessive cases of mortality, especially in impoverished regions in Africa. Globally, the disease has infected approximately 300-600 million individuals and has accounted for 1.5 million deaths annually. As a global issue, the United States government has generated new global initiatives and financed various treatments to prevent and cure malaria. For example, the United States introduced the ‘Roll Back Malaria Partnership’, a global organization established to strengthen healthcare systems, produce effective treatments, and prevent the spread of malaria across the world. Therefore, the primary purpose of my global assignment was to evaluate the United State’s influence on increasing global awareness about the danger of Malaria.
Fall Term 2017
REL 3308 - Studies in World Religions
Description: In this assignment, I investigated the resilience of Native American religion throughout United States history. Prior to European invasion, Native Americans thrived in hundreds of tribes and possessed different cultures, languages, clothing, and customs. Due to forced European conversion, Native Americans struggled to preserve their cultural background and were required to assimilate into modern American life. The colonists’ central focus was to acquire maximum profits by exploiting Native Americans and their vast resources. This enslavement facilitated the movement of fatal diseases and brought destruction to Native American community. In order to combat further deterioration, tribal leaders attempted to reassert their independence and create new religious traditions. For example, Native Americans participated in the ‘Ghost Dance Movement’ to religiously manifest (pray) for the expulsion of white colonists, reunification with ancestral spirits, and reinstate the worshipped buffalo back into the wildlife. Therefore, the primary purpose of my global assignment was to examine the resilience and transformation of Native American religion before-and-after colonization.
Fall Term 2017
SYG 2000 - Introduction to Sociology
Description: In this assignment, I created study notes (Chapter 1 - 10) for my final sociology exam. In this introductory course, I learned about the systematic understanding of social interaction, social organization, social institutions, and social change.
Spring Term 2017
THE 2000 - Theater Appreciation
Description: In this assignment, I created class notes for my theater midterm exam. In this course, I learned to consider theater as an art form and social activity. In addition, I witnessed how different characteristics (i.e. ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and economic class) shape the experience of theatre in the United States.
Fall Term 2016
WST 3015 - Introduction to Global Gender and Women Studies
Description: In this assignment, I created study notes for my ‘Women and Gender Studies’ final exam. In this introductory course, I was given the opportunity to examine gender as a ‘social construct’ and adopt an interdisciplinary approach to solving real-world problems. This course inspired me to receive an undergraduate certificate in Women and Gender Studies.
Capstone
Historically, ovarian cancer is the second most common and lethal gynecologic malignancy that accounts for approximately 5% of all cancer fatalities worldwide. Due to the insufficiency and inadequacy of early detection measures, nearly 200,000 women worldwide will be newly diagnosed with an advanced stage of ovarian cancer yearly. For example, patients diagnosed with advanced stages of ovarian cancer (stages 2-4) have less than a 30% chance of remission and survive an average of 5 years after prognosis. In comparison, patients diagnosed with an early stage of ovarian cancer (stage 1) have more than a 90% chance of remission and successfully survive treatment. Therefore, providing research-based information and accessible early-detection resources can significantly increase ovarian cancer survival rates.
In collaboration with Dr. George—a prominent ovarian cancer researcher from the University of Miami—I investigated GSTA2, a novel antioxidant enzyme that stabilizes and sequesters various chemicals to prevent the formation of malignant cells. It was previously discovered that GSTA2 detoxifies electrophilic compounds and reactive oxidative species, therefore inhibiting cellular damage from occurring. As an unstable oxygen molecule, reactive oxidative species at high concentration can react negatively with other molecules and induce cellular death. In over 96% cases of ovarian cancer, the p53 gene—a tumor-suppresser gene—becomes mutated and inhibits p53’s ability to bind DNA in a sequence-specific manner or activate transcription. Since previous research studies documented the inverse relationship between mutated p53 and GSTA2, my primary objective was to extend the past investigation and examine the early-genetic events leading to ovarian cancer.
Beyond my research aspirations, I have a responsibility as a human being to engage in community service and utilize my knowledge to help others. Based on the information I gained from Dr. George, I created an educational pamphlet about ovarian cancer:
