The best thing about having to get up for work at 8 a.m. on a Saturday morning  is having time to spend with friends that night.

BIOL 3300 genetics

Prerequisite: BIOL 2107, BIOL 2108, CHEM 1212/1212L

Principles of genetics including classical, molecular, population genetics and cytogenetics. Importance of genetics as a foundation for other divisions of biology is stressed. This laboratory course will explore concepts in both transmission and molecular genetics. Laboratory exercises will demonstrate the principles of segregation and independent assortment. Sex linkage, epistatic relationships, and the principles of human karyotyping will also be examined. Exercises in molecular genetics will introduce students to the process of recombinant DNA technology and will demonstrate the principles involved in molecular separation techniques.

BIOL 3340 microbiology

Prerequisite: BIOL 2107, 2108.

A study of prokaryotic and unicellular eukaryotic organisms emphasizing morphology, physiology, control, identification, symbiotic relationships and practical applications. Immunology is studied as a response of vertebrates to microbial infection. The laboratory emphasizes basic microbiological methods of culture and identification of microorganisms. The role of microbes in the environment and in medicine is also investigated.

BIOL 3380 evolution

Prerequisite: BIOL 3300. 

Principles of evolutionary biology and systematics including discussions of natural selection, adaptation, population genetics, speciation, and phylogeny reconstruction. The applications of evolutionary biology to areas such as conservation biology, medicine, and agriculture are discussed.

STAT 3125 biostatistics

In this course students use descriptive statistics and visual displays to describe data. They learn about some common population and sample distributions. They perform and analyze results of statistical inferences, including confidence intervals, correlation, linear regression, odds/risk ratios and hypothesis testing (F and T-tests for regression, Chi-square for independence, 2 group and paied sample t-tests). Analyses are performed using MS-Excel. The student is required to select, analyze and interpret real life data for a project. 

BTEC 3301 intro to biotechnology

Prerequisite: BIOL 3300

This course will introduce students to the expanding field of biotechnology, including areas of agricultural technology, food biotechnology, genetic diagnostics, gene therapy, manufacture of biopharmaceuticals, etc. The course will include discussions of methodology, application, and the ethical, legal, and social implications of this rapidly expanding discipline.

BTEC 4100 molecular genetics

Prerequisite: BIOL 3300.

This course covers the fundamentals of DNA, gene structure and function, genetic engineering, and bioinformatics. The emphases of the course will be on DNA structure, DNA replication, gene structure and gene expression. The applications of biotechnology studied will include creating recombinant DNA, gene mapping, DNA sequencing, DNA sequence analysis, and the polymerase chain reaction.

 BIOL 3327 medical genetics

Prerequisite: BIOL 3300 or consent of instructor.

An introduction to the principles of medical genetics and the application of these principles to human genetic disorders. Topics include inborn errors of metabolism, cytogenetic anomalies, neural tube defects, and application of molecular genetics to the diagnosis of specific disorders. Genetic counseling procedures, prenatal options and the ethical dilemmas generated as a result of these options will also be discussed.

 BIOL 4465 immunology

Prerequisite: BIOL 3300; BIOL 3340 recommended.

Immunology will explore current concepts of the immune system. Emphasis will be placed on the induction of the immune response, on the mechanism(s) of those responses, and on the mechanism(s) by which the immune system protects against disease. The development and the role of each of the components involved in the immune response as well as immunological applications will be discussed.

 BIOL 4475 virology

Prerequisite: BIOL 3300; BIOL 3340 recommended.

This course will explore current concepts associated with the field of virology. The structure and genetic composition of viruses as well as strategies for replication and expression of viral genetic material will be explored. Mechanisms of viral pathogenesis will be presented. In addition, current methods for viral diagnostics, prevention of viral infection and treatment of infected individuals will be presented within the context of viruses of historical significance as well as newly emergent viruses of current medical concern. Novel infectious agents such as satellites, viroids and prions will also be discussed.

 BTEC 4300 chromosome prep and analysis

Prerequisite: BIOL 3300; Co-requisite: BIOL 3327. 

An extensive preparatory course designed to give students hand-on experience with the methods used in the preparation of human chromosomes. Collection techniques, culture procedures, harvesting protocol and slide preparation will be followed by analysis and interpretation of karyotypes, both normal and abnormal. Clinical implication of abnormal karyotypes will also be included as will proper use of various types of microscopes and image capture and analysis by computer.

BTECH 4310 cytogenetics practicum

Prerequisite: “B” or better in BTEC 4300 and “C” or better in BIOL 3327 and approval by director of KSU Cytogenetic Technology Program.

A supervised, credit-earning work experience of two academic semesters in a clinical cytogenetics laboratory affiliated with either a university hospital or a company. The extensive clinical laboratory training includes routine cytogenetic techniques such as G-banding, as well as advanced techniques such as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and DNA chips. Upon completion of the internship, the student is eligible to sit for the NCA certification exam.

While I normally go to Atlanta to see Lorin (and her awesome roommate Becka) I made a special trip (and asked from work) for Pride this year. Not only was it was awesome but it met my expectations from last year. I had a blast and got to visit the vendors, listen to music, and eat overpriced food before I left. I view Pride as a celebration of all we’ve achieved, all we’ve lost, and what we are aiming for in the future. Remember, It Gets Better.

Not far down the road from Atlanta is Kennesaw State University. It was a total culture shock, going from a two year commuter community college, to a giant university. There are tons more people, traffic, and course work. I think the biggest hit to my reality was felt in my wallet. It’s way more expensive going to a university: student fees, parking fees, food cost, gas from commuting (1/2 a tank round trip), and books. It has also been more stressful than I would have imagined. I can deal with the cost, the course work, and even the traffic. I was mot prepared for the time management hoops I would have to jump through. Not only do I have to schedule time for actually going to class, but also for the commute (2 hrs round trip, 2 times a week), studying, work (30+ hrs) and some kind of a social life. I will be retaking my classes from this semester, in the spring now, effectively wasting my first semester at KSU. It’s still kind of hard to accept but now I know, and knowing is half the battle.

The other half of the battle is trying to stomach another 3 years of undergrad studies. While I have been in school for a couple of years, and learned many things other than course work, it seems a trip to my adviser every now and then would have been wise. All my gen ed electives are finished, even free electives, but now all I have left is 3 gen ed classes and upper level major requirements/electives. So basically I’ll be going to science classes the next 3 years. My first week of class I did visit my adviser and mapped out what classes I would be taking for the rest of my time at KSU, so I feel a little better regarding the 3 years.

The hardest part of my time at KSU so far has been socially. While I was in many different organizations at GHC, and held many leadership positions, I felt like I was at the bottom of the barrel when I got to KSU. I’m not currently in any organizations and I haven’t made many friends as of yet. The days I have class consist of  getting ready for school, commute, class, break (eating & studying), class, class, commute, bed. These days are squished between work days.

Now I have a better understanding of what’s required of me, and how to handle my time in respect to working, commuting, and school. Next semester should be a lot easier. I’m really looking forward to the next 3 years though. As soon as my gen ed classes are done comes some awesome studies:

• genetics
• micro
• evolution
• biostatistics
• intro to biotech
• molecular genetics
•  medical genetics
•  immunology
•  virology
•  chromosome prep and analysis
• cytogenetics practicum (aka Internship! and my last “class”)

I started my college career at GHC in the spring of ’08 with my mind-set on a Computer Science degree. Boy how things change! Off a two-year break since high school I jumped head first into classes and connecting with my schoolmates. It was challenging to say the least, going from working full-time back to studying, homework and rigorous classes. The first thing I noticed was the mix of the student population. As a two-year commuter college, GHC brings in many students from different walks of life, the non-traditional, transfer, freshman, and many others that can’t fit neatly into a label.

Classes and professors, not your average experience. I never fully comprehended what my professor (and my high school teachers) tried to do until I finished my first semester. The determination to see their students succeed is an awesome presence in the classroom. My favorite professor was not only the one that pushed me to my max, he also believed in me. Never underestimate what you can accomplish when someone whose  seen you work hard, fail hard, cry hard, and try harder gives you a look or word of approval.

As I continued my classes and gained knowledge, my personality and ideas for the future changed. No longer did I want to major in Computer Science!, my plan since my freshman year of high school. I still loved it as a hobby but I could no longer picture myself in it as a career. So I started looking… and looking… only 6 degree changes later and a battery of career test did I find my true calling. Funny thing is I think I knew what I was looking for, it just took a while to realize.

GLBTSA, SGA, HIP, OL… these acronyms mean something to me. They shaped my personality, my views, and my social presence. When you start college you’ll never forget this simple sentence “Get involved.” I took this to heart and jumped in: Student Government is where I learned leadership skills, working in a group, and brushed up on my professionalism. GHC’s production board is where I meet some incredible people, not only classmates but artists, actors, singer, comedians, and poets from all over America. GLBT-SA (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Straight Alliance) is where I learned to be me, the compassion and support made everything I was filling up to that time valid, I had a name for it and it opened my eyes to love and courage for myself and those around me. Last but not least Orientation Leaders! This is where I learned conflict management, how to have fun on the job, conflict management, responsibilities to an organization you believe in, and did I mention conflict management?

I’m going to miss GHC, the people, the places, the memories. Change is not a part of life, change is life and it’s time for me to continue on my path. There are so many people I thank, I try to show it everyday through my actions… and the adventure continues to KSU.

Current Status:

Working at Mellow Mushroom (best pizza in the southeast)

Working on a Bachelors of Science in Biotechnology

Planning a move to Kennesaw sometime next summer

As I’ve said before I started this blog for more professional reasons. My life has changed a lot since I started this blog. I still participate in Student Government, but coming from a two-year commuter institution with a high transfer rate our SGA is little more than a committee of students passionate about our school and our organizations. Our only “real” power is deciding parking ticket appeals and budgeting funds to student organizations. On paper this seems like an impressive task, and while I’m not trying to undermine the importance of student participation in Student Affairs, it’s hard to accept this responsibility when so many administrators can “veto” our votes. I’m using “veto” in the most vague terms…

On a professional and private level I feel like this is an important topic for my blog. Professionally I can receive great feedback from fellow students, student affair professionals, and administrators. Privately I can vent my frustrations and figure out how I’m going to let this situation affect me.

I’m lucky enough to be involved with a great blog, The SGA Collaborative, where a free flow of information and topics are discussed from the perspective of my fellow SGA members. On this blog a beautiful mixture of professionalism and privacy reflect each blog post and blogger’s comments. I find it highly beneficial that I’m lucky enough to participate in a field where not only professionalism and privacy can coexist, but it is actually encouraged.

To learn more:

Twitter #sgachat, #sachat

http://sgablogs.org/

http://studentactivism.net/

There are many reasons why I felt I needed to delete a post: I couldn’t bring the idea together, in a coherent fashion; Post got enormous, so many ideas and tangents, It made me fill uncomfortable spreading my words without a filter; and failure, failure to bring together ideas, failure to start a post, failure to receive criticism.

So things are going to change. I originally started this blog with respects to Tom Krieglstein, to find my voice; then to post updates on SGA or Red Rover. Over time I took on the self challenge of posting once a week, which didn’t happen. The awesome thing about life is you can learn from your mistakes. Why should I feel like a failure? I’m doing this blog for myself. I think I’ll try the post a week again, just without the challenge part, to post when I first have the itch to put something in writing. We’ll see how it goes, but from posting this I already feel positive this will be another great learning experience.

Interested in learning more about DJ and his “unique” views on politics, the universe, and his own life? Check out http://thatdudedj.wordpress.com

Rumors are one of the most rampant and sometimes creative problems in SGA. They are also some of the most annoying and harmful aspects to SGA, administrators, and students. Rumors have the power to crumble governments and harm people. Rumors can start with the intent to spread truthful information, some come from the media, others from officials, and many from malicious person with specific interest.

With the budget crisis and cuts in education going on in every state SGA needs to be proactive in heading of rumors before they influence hasty decisions and financial waste. When the rumor of a $300 million budget cut effecting the University System of Georgia started, with a little help from the media, the students and SGA members where thrown in a panic. Sensing this, college administrators started immediately setting up meetings with students and representation from SGA and many organization. These meetings started off with the repeating of many rumors including: campus shutdowns, tuition hikes, faculty cutbacks, degree cuts, etc.

Many in the university system organized and started gaining support through Facebook USG Students for Quality Education and Rumor Meters on their websites (Georgia Highlands College). Both these actions helped qualm fears and put many at ease. Many SGA representatives attend these meetings and contributed to easing the rumors.

The best way for SGA to deal with rumors is head on with truth and understanding. In a time with rumors are easy to spread with technology and panic many SGA have the right people to set a standard for dealing with rumors and ease fear with help from friends, administrators, and mentors.