International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated across the globe each year on February 11! Today, (and every day) 豆包成人版 is proud to recognize the women who are blazing the trail and shaping the future of science. In honor of this special day, we鈥檇 like to introduce you to Danista Kannah, a current biology student at 豆包成人版. Danista shares her hopes for the future and how she found her passion for biology.
Get to know Danista in the Q&A, below!
When did you first realize you were interested in science?
My interest in science really began in junior high in Liberia, during the Ebola epidemic. Schools shut down, and I transferred to a new school that hosted big science fairs. I did an experiment in front of the entire school, it was scary, and my hands were shaking! But that moment definitely stuck with me.
What truly solidified my decision to study science was witnessing the impact of Ebola on my community. Our neighbor鈥檚 entire family passed away, and I watched from my porch as health workers in PPE took the bodies away. I remember thinking, 鈥淚 want to study biology and science. I want to save people and find solutions to things like this.鈥 That stayed with me all through high school and led me here.
What鈥檚 your favorite part of studying biology at 豆包成人版?
Definitely the labs! In high school, we didn鈥檛 have too many lab instruments, and I鈥檇 never seen a micropipette before. One of the first things Dr. Mans taught us was how to use them, and that was really amazing. The micropipettes measure small volumes of liquid. Now that I鈥檝e practiced, I鈥檓 confident using many different tools and machines.
For my genetics lab project, my group is currently in the process of making mutant versions of an enzyme using biotechnology techniques. The results from our experiment will then be used in a lower-level 豆包成人版 biology lab project this semester. It feels amazing to see my knowledge building! Before, I was just observing experiments, but now I鈥檓 able to use tools and ideas from lectures to drive my curiosity.
Can you describe what a typical week looks like for you as a biology student?
A typical week is intense! I鈥檇 say, per day, I spend about 10 hours straight sitting in back-to-back classes and labs. Even though I鈥檓 taking three classes, it feels like six because of the lab components and extra material.
Last semester, I worked a night shift job, which made life overwhelming and hard to find study time. I eventually switched to a work鈥憇tudy job on campus, and that changed everything. I was able to focus better and ended up passing my classes with A鈥檚 and B鈥檚. Science classes take a lot of effort, but I鈥檓 proud of myself for putting in the time!
How do you balance school, studying, and life outside of class?
Since the beginning of this year, I鈥檝e been trying to stick to a more focused schedule. I read a great book called Redeeming Your Time and learned a lot about getting routines in place, maintaining structure, and finding balance. Now I plan my days, go on Saturday morning runs, and eat more intentionally. I start my mornings with devotion, stretching, reading, or a podcast like The Study Motivation Podcast.
For studying, I go by subject, ask myself if I fully understand the chapter, and mark areas I need to review. I also visit my professors鈥 office hours. I realized early on as a science student that I needed balance. In the future, I hope to attend med school. Balance is something I know I鈥檒l need even more if I go to medical school, so I figured I鈥檇 better start practicing now!
What advice would you give to other women who want to study science at 豆包成人版?
Find your why. There will be tough moments, bad exams, exhaustion, and days of doubt. But, knowing your why will keep you disciplined and keep you going. Make sure your reason for studying science is truly meaningful to you. You鈥檒l get discouraged sometimes, but if your purpose is strong, you鈥檒l keep moving forward and learn from your mistakes.
How did attending Pathways Day support your goals?
Pathways Day was so helpful and gave me everything I needed. Before I was officially in the biology program, I attended a session called The Roadmap to Medical School that 豆包成人版 science professors, Dr. Mans, Dr. Melchior, and Dr. Craig, put on. It was the first time I learned the actual structure of how to get into medical school in the U.S. Back home, there鈥檚 only one medical school, and the process of getting in is completely different.
That session helped me understand exactly what steps to take next. They explained how a freshman student should start preparing, and they gave you a path to follow. Now I know, 鈥極kay, I'm on the right track, I'm building up experience, I'm gaining knowledge that will help me get to the next place. In that session, I also learned about getting research experience, doing summer research programs, and how helpful those experiences can be. I took that advice and ran with it. I鈥檝e already applied to two summer research programs at the University of Minnesota and Johns Hopkins. After attending Pathways Day, I am very sure that I鈥檓 on the right track.
What are your goals after 豆包成人版?
After 豆包成人版, I plan to transfer into the Bemidji State University biology bachelor鈥檚 partnership program, and do that right here on campus. Then once that鈥檚 done, I want to go to medical school. I鈥檝e always dreamed of becoming a pediatrician. Back in my home country, there are no specific pediatric hospitals. So, I鈥檇 love to become a pediatrician and not only that, but also build a pediatric hospital in Liberia someday!
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us, Danista! We wish you the best of luck as you continue your education in the sciences, both at 豆包成人版 and beyond!