MEET shanique
Name: Shanique A. Roberson
Hometown: Bay City, TX
High school: Bay City High School
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Expected graduation: May 2008
Two Subjects, One Major
Biology has always been my favorite subject and my math teacher convinced me to look into engineering. When I put the two together, I got biomedical engineering. I also initially promised my dad that when I finished I would make a prosthetic ankle for him—although that’s not the plan anymore. Sorry Dad. I still love you though.
Getting Involved Through Research
I am currently doing research on the effect of cell-matrix interactions on tumor cell migration under Dr. Muhammad Zaman. My focus is on persistence (how often a cell changes direction). I have been working with Dr. Zaman since summer 2006 and plan to continue to work with him until graduation.
I did research at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX for summer 2004 and 2005. My projects were focused on pain management of post-chemoradiation patients and the regulation of certain oncoproteins, respectively. In summer 2006, I participated in the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) program here at UT during which I began my studies with Dr. Zaman. During the summer of 2007, I participated in the Baylor SMART program in Houston, TX. My project involved studying blood vessel remodeling in the mouse embryonic yolk sac.
The Benefits of Undergraduate Research
Participating in undergraduate research allows you to develop closer relationships with faculty, build your communication and critical thinking skills, and get exposed to your colleagues’ research through attending research symposiums. Most importantly, it gives you a more concrete idea of the work you might be doing once you graduate and it helps you to decide if research or your particular field is really for you.
Always an Open Door
The Equal Opportunity in Engineering (EOE) office has supplied the most meaningful interaction to me. Without them, I would no longer be an engineering major. The staff (e.g. Mary Hood) always has an open door ready to listen and give advice. In addition, without the help of this office, I would never have been involved in TREX nor would I have begun the research with Dr. Zaman that has helped to define my future career path.
My “Sisters”
My favorite experience has been spending time with my “sisters”—the ladies of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. These ladies have been a true support system for me. Whether I need someone to make me laugh or a shoulder to cry on, they are always there. They keep me balanced. I work side by side with them on campus as well as in the community. I love them dearly. Thank you.
More about Shanique
Scholarships
- Haraldson Foundation
- UT Academic Scholarship
- Daughter-In-Progress Scholarship
Favorites
- Place to eat on campus: Fields of Green in The Texas Union
- Book: The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien
- Movie: Happy Feet by George Miller, Warren Coleman and Judy Morris
- Pastime/recreational activity: Crabbing or playing volleyball
Advice
On living on/off campus
I lived on campus my freshmen year and I definitely recommend it. You will meet a lot of friends there and it’s easier to get acquainted with campus and its resources. One year was enough for me though. I now stay off campus and enjoy a spacious apartment, my own KITCHEN, and the privacy of my own room. I still spend the majority of my day on campus but I appreciate coming home to my own apartment. Each person is different. Find what works for you!
On being a successful student
One of the best ways to be successful is to develop your leadership skills and be a student leader. This will help you build character needed to handle academic and daily challenges as well as build a support system for you.
On balancing studying, friends, work and family
As a first-year student it is important to get a good start. Don’t get here and jump into every organization on campus. There are too many of them! Focus on your grades then do your research and choose one or two organizations to devote your time to. Also, remember to balance studying and social activities. You will find that taking a break at times can actually help your academic success. The friends that you make often make good study partners as well.
Send Shanique an e-mail at robe20_04@hotmail.com
Updated 3 October 2007
