| Research and Culture Abound for LVC Senior at Universidade de Santiago de Compostela |
06.13.11 |
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Daniel Ramirez-Bao, a senior biology major and Spanish and psychology minor from Miami, Fla., is spending his summer researching plant physiology in the laboratory of Dr. Ignacio Zarra Cameselle through an internship experience at the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain. This was made possible through an internship grant established earlier this year by Dr. E.H. Arnold H’87 and Dr. Jeanne Donlevy Arnold H’08.
He is specifically studying plant physiology and renewable biofuels from brachypodium, tobacco, and arabidopsis plants utilizing DNA extraction and amplification by PCR, enzymatic digestions, and molecular cloning. “In my two years at LVC, I’ve learned a lot in the classroom and labs. This internship has allowed me to put all that knowledge to use in a practical and professional setting,” he said.
“All my science courses have been vital. Everything learned in the classrooms have helped in understanding the concepts of what I am doing, while the labs prepared me to perform daily procedures. I have been surprised at the amount that I have been required to use from my first year of chemistry to my more recent course of genetics.”
Daniel is also using this opportunity to improve his speaking fluidity with the Spanish language. This RA, Spanish peer tutor, and Spanish Club president says, “My Spanish courses have helped to increase my vocabulary, but I have noticed the Spanish language is quite different in various parts of the world,” he said. “Being in Europe and living a new lifestyle has also been of great value. Being able to experience the culture through daily customs and language has been one of the most eye opening experiences,” he added.
“The Arnold Grant is giving me a priceless experience,” he said. “I was unsure of receiving any monetary assistance and did not think that this opportunity would be possible. I am very thankful for this grant and even more driven to excel. Receiving this grant showed that my efforts and sacrifices to perform well in school have been recognized by others and rewarded.”
Ramirez-Bao is the son of Maria Elena Ramirez and Joe Lopez and a graduate of Belen Jesuit Prepatory high school in Miami.
To learn more about The Edward H. Arnold and Jeanne Donlevy Arnold Program for Experiential Education, visit www.lvc.edu/arnoldgrants.
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