The Translational Life Science Technology (TLST) program was initially introduced to me while I was pursuing a general biology degree at UMBC. After meeting Dr. Wayman, UMBC Associate Dean for the TLST program at the Universities at Shady Grove (USG), and reviewing the curriculum, I decided to sample the program for a semester.
Within a week of starting classes, I was convinced I had made the correct decision. As the son of an educator, I appreciate both the professors and auxiliary staff associated with my program and their efforts to meet students where they are. A great example of this occurs daily in my Translational Biochemistry and Molecular Biology classes and labs, where the professor avoids the conventional stand and deliver/death by PowerPoint approach. Instead, he engages our small class in discussions that provokes critical thinking and assimilation, which leads to better understanding of important concepts rather than memorizing facts for an assessment. This sort of approach would be unattainable on a traditional campus where a class sizes can be upward of 100 students.
In spite of my program’s recent establishment, some of my highly motivated classmates are in the process of establishing an organization tailored toward mentoring and networking opportunities for TLST students. This speaks to the caliber of students, as well as, collaborative environment here at USG. Students are not only are eager to learn and excel, but willing to sacrifice their time and resources to build a bridge for future students.
The USG Campus Recreation Center (CRC) also gives plenty of opportunities for students to achieve a balance between academics and health/wellness. CRC provides daily access to gym facilities and weekly activities/events promoting student wellness. A great example of this is the highly anticipated 5k Walk/Run for Breast Cancer Awareness for which I am training to run my personal best.
Upon graduation, I plan to pursue both research and employment in the field of translational science (biotech or biopharmaceutical) prior to medical school matriculation. UMBC ‘s TLST program at USG is an ideal environment for anyone eager to learn and motivated to improve the human experience through science, while also growing as an individual.