The Selfish Gene Personal Statement

The very moment I decide to apply for a master program in biomedical sciences, I have concluded that pursuing a career in biomedical science is my life’s main goal.

The Integrated Life Sciences Honors program (ILS) is a distinguished two-year living-learning program for students with exceptional academic talents that focuses on preparing students in all aspects of biological research and biomedicine. ILS offers accelerated and advanced education in the life sciences while also emphasizing nationally recognized innovations to the training. Participating in ILS has allowed me to live and work closely with many intelligent and incredible peers, each bringing a different perspective. Furthermore, the unique approach and exclusive courses offered by ILS have helped me to develop a more holistic understanding of the multidisciplinary nature of the

I support the guidelines outlined by Kitcher for the use of genetic information because of their responsible and ethical nature. I believe that future generations will benefit as a direct consequence of these guidelines. I shall begin by defining eugenics as the study of human genetics to improve inherited characteristics of the human race by the means of controlled selective breeding.

The average person will find him/herself in a survival situation at least once a day. There has been an ongoing debate on whether survival is selfish. Studies have shown that people involved in a life-threatening situation are more likely to focus on saving him/herself rather than helping the others around them. Other people say that survival is smart rather than selfish; however, in a life threatening situation there is little that separates smart from selfish which makes the smart thing to do also the selfish thing to do. Survival is selfish because people will jeopardize the lives of others to save him/herself and people become indifferent towards others around them when they are in a life-threatening situation.

Multiple actions of lying and deception can lead to horrific consequences changing the lives of family, friends, and one true love. In the play, “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare, two teenagers meet each other and instantly fall in love. Their families not only don’t get along, but actually loathe each other. The boy, Romeo, is a Montague and the girl, Juliet, is a Capulet. Throughout the play they try everything they possibly can to be together. Romeo ends up being banished from the town the two lovers live in because he killed a man named Tybalt. This causes Juliet to become upset and take actions that lead to life alerting events. She ends up faking her death causing Romeo to kill himself, which leads Juliet to taking her own life. In the end, the two lovers are no more. Who is to blame for the two teenagers tragic ending? Juliet’s selfish actions brought about the unnecessary death of Romeo and herself.

During my studies at Excelsior, I have learned about Biology, like where life comes from and how it has developed over the years. To prove my knowledge of this class, I submitted a paper to my Biology Professor titled “Mastering Biology.” Although there is still a ton to learn it is a starting point to get a grasp

During my time as an undergraduate, I became exposed to a lot of ideas regarding human evolution. Through this, I became interested in human complexity and the diversity within human populations, in particular, the concept of human evolutionary genetics. It was then when I decided to focus my education on exploring how past and present environments may have influenced genes that may contribute to known differences in human phenotypes. Due to this, I

I founded Beta Psi Omega, the nation’s first co-ed professional biology fraternity, to address the specific professional needs of non pre-medical students and provide a support system for emerging scientists. My passion for the organization and belief in the grassroots mission of providing support to future scientists has fueled my continued involvement. Driven by my passion to teach and mentor young minds, I created a STEM curriculum for the Beyond These Walls mentorship program in Title I elementary schools. To gain experience in engaging the general population in ethical and psychosocial questions surrounding genomics, I facilitated the exhibit Genome: Unlocking Life’s Code. My advocacy and counseling skills were developed through working with the homeless and disadvantaged populations with Health Leads. Recently, I have tutored four girls in middle school math and science, which has furthered my abilities to adjust my information sharing style to reach their academic

Once I graduate from Stony Brook University with a B.S. in Biochemistry, I intend on pursuing a fifth-year master’s degree in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. Since my first science class in elementary school, I’ve been engrossed by the interactions between various molecules and cells, especially as they relate to the functions of the human body. Graduate study in biochemistry and doing research in this field would take me further into my passion and help me develop the fundamentals of a researcher: focus, critical thinking, problem solving, and imagination. I plan on educating myself even further; the human body is complex and intricate, while there has been much advancement in our understanding of its capabilities, so much has yet to be unveiled.

In the opening chapter of “The Selfish Gene”, Richard Dawkins is quick to make it clear to the reader what his book is and what his book is not. Dawkins explains that he “shall argue that a predominant quality to be expected in a successful gene is ruthless selfishness. This gene selfishness will usually give rise to selfishness in individual behavior” (11). Explaining that “we[humans], and all animals, are machines created by our genes” (2). Dawkins argues that for genes to be successful, they must be extremely selfish and ruthless.

Survival doesn’t have to require selfishness because being a good person and risking your life for others, not only your helping them but you are helping yourself become a better person. In the three articles, “Deep Survival”, “The End and the Beginning” and “An Ordinary Man”, all of the stories have something to do with survival. Each article gives a story about their survival, how they come out and how some people were not so lucky of the terrible things that happen. Surviving means to continue to live or exist, especially in spite of danger or hardship. In times of danger and hardship, is the time for calmness, positivity, and patience three most important things in survival.

In addition, nothing animates me like learning about biology, especially how the human physiology works in association with the human anatomy. This, coupled with, my family's support, and the influence of my mentor and role model, Ben Carson, are my sources of inspiration

Biological Science scholar’s events and Biomedical Science Honors classes are an influential chunk of my time, and I am grateful for the experiences they have imparted on me. Honors and Scholars has solidified strengths in me that are relevant to my interest in the medical field. Among these strengths, such as discipline, critical thinking skills, etc. my passion for helping people is my dearest one, and also one that drives me to give back to the H&S community.

The field of genetics is at the center of modern scientific advancement, thus its demand for trained professionals to work in the research and clinical fields has increased exponentially over the years. I first gained interest in the field of genetics in grade 11 biology when it was first explained to me in an academic setting. My fascination only grew as my knowledge did. My ultimate goal in the field of genetics would be to work as a researcher of a clinical research organization such as Genome Canada or in a hospital such as The Hospital for Sick Children in their Centre for Applied Genomics.

Most of us assume that selfishness is both wrong and unhealthy. But is this true?