student researcher, emerging scholar

Todd Spears is a senior biology major from West Monroe.

I have two jobs: conducting research in Dr. Gissendanner's lab in the Department of Biology and working at Abercrombie & Fitch. I am a member of Beta Beta Beta, Phi Kappa Phi, and Mortar Board. I have participated in the Emerging Scholars Program, ULM-HHMI Undergraduate Research Program, the Louisiana Biomedical Research Network Program, ULM's band and orchestra, and the Honors Program.

I want to get my Ph.D in the biomedical sciences and hopefully study cancer someday. I am in the process of applying to grad school. I have done research all four years I've been here at ULM, and I feel that that is where I should be in the world. This past summer, I was given the opportunity to study breast cancer on the molecular level at Tulane University School of Medicine. During the two months I worked in New Orleans, I learned so much about breast cancer and enjoyed the research. I hope to contribute knowledge through my future research endeavors in hopes of assisting future generations, if not our generation, in finding a cure.

I have several favorite spots on campus I regularly visit when I'm not in class. I like being in Dr. Gissendanner's lab because it's there where I practice what I have learned these past few years. I also like working out at the activity center and getting away from the stresses of the day. I like playing the piano in Mrs. Coralie White's office. And, of course, I love Starbucks; I am a coffee addict!

One of my favorite professors is Dr. Ann Findley. I remember taking Biology 120 when she taught it in Fall '04, and she announced that anyone could do research with a faculty member in the Emerging Scholars Program. That year, under her direction, I did research on catfish olfaction. It's because of her that I have done research for as long as I have. She has been a mentor to me these past four years, both in and outside the classroom. I also must thank her for proofreading my essays for applications.

My favorite memory at ULM thus far is when I was chosen from among 400 national applicants to present my first research project in Washington, D.C. last April.

I have learned more about myself and have matured with each new year here at ULM.