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Lock Haven native’s sights set on medical school

LOCK HAVEN — Jessie Anderson, a biology major with a concentration in biomedical sciences, has lived in Lock Haven his whole life and will graduate from Lock Haven University in May. Anderson plans to attend medical school, with aspirations of becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon — operating on hearts and lungs.

During independent studies, his research focused on the investigation of the teratogenic effects of valproic acid, an antiepileptic drug, on osteogenesis and chondregenesis in embryonic chickens. He presented his research at the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania University Biologists conference at Mansfield University and at Celebration of Scholarship at Lock Haven University during the spring 2018 semester.

As a patient care technician in the emergency department at UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport Regional Medical Center since 2015, he said he has been able to work with patients while learning new and advanced medical procedures and treatment plans.

“I also get to talk with physicians and get insights into the field I am planning on working in,” he said. “It has opened up an opportunity for me to shadow physicians in many different specialties, including but not limited to, emergency medicine, trauma surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, orthopedic surgery, plastic surgery, neuro surgery, family practice and infectious disease.”

His favorite classes have been genetics with Carina Howell, his advisor, and cellular and molecular biology with Ted Nuttall.

Anderson also is a gifted artist and enjoys making pottery.

“I have been making pottery since I was 15 years old,” Anderson said. “I started with my own wheel and now I have several kilns and my own studio setup. I am really inspired by all things nature when it comes to my pots, so I craft functional pottery with natural elements mixed into my glazes, to add slight variations and uniqueness to each pot or form.”

Anderson already has been accepted to both Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine in Las Cruces, New Mexico. He also had an interview at Touro University Nevada last month.

Anderson said his goal at the moment is to be a very successful medical student and perform well on the STEP I exams, which ultimately determine the residency he can be placed in.

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