Making Cancer History” is the goal of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. San Jacinto College honors graduate Jackie Castro hopes to be a part of that effort to do away with cancer.
Castro attends MD Anderson’s School of Heath Professions, where she plans to earn a bachelor of science in medical dosimetry in 2014, en route to earning a PhD in medical physics. “I would love to stay in Houston, working for MD Anderson in biomedical research to try and eliminate cancer,” commented Castro, who earned an associate degree in math from San Jacinto College in 2012.
“Medical physicists are always striving for more accurate treatment methods, and I would like to be a part of the research that one day will hopefully help us put an end to cancer.”
Castro developed a strong interest in science because of Dr. Yuli Kainer, who teaches biology at San Jacinto College. She developed a love for medical physics under the guidance and mentorship of Paul Goains, who teaches physics at the San Jacinto College North Campus.
“Dr. Kainer knew my potential and would let me know when I was not performing up to my potential,” Castro commented. “She took time to answer questions, or even to listen when I had personal issues. It is due to professors like her that students find the courage to keep going when life gets complicated.”
From Goains, Castro learned that success comes from perseverance, dedication, and hard work. “He worked long hours with me when I was doing research,” Castro said. “We spent hours trying to figure out complicated equations, or attempting to reproduce a complex circuit. He also is very good at explaining difficult concepts and ensuring that the material is well understood.”
Extracurricular activities, and involvement in Honors courses at San Jacinto College helped Castro to grow, learn, and improve. As president of the North Campus Science Club, she was able to observe demonstrations that sparked her interest in the medical field, such as autopsies and human prosection procedures. Through the Honors program she gained valuable networking and public speaking experience by attending an out-of-state conference. “All in all my experience at San Jacinto College was a rewarding time of professional and personal growth,” she remarked.
Castro’s interest in dosimetry, the study of radiation treatment, and medical physics stemmed from MD Anderson representatives visits to San Jacinto College. “After presentations from MD Anderson, I began to believe I could be a good medical physicist,” she said. “Medical physicists are always striving for more accurate treatment methods, and I would like to be a part of the research that one day will hopefully help us put an end to cancer.”
Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers are still mostly male-dominated, but there are a growing number of women working in STEM careers. Castro believes women can excel in STEM careers by employing their inherent talents of communication, teamwork, and collaboration. “Women can succeed in STEM careers by working with others and learning as much as possible,” she commented. “Also, women should encourage more women to enter STEM fields and work together with men, and show that women are just as capable. Women must show how hard they can work so their actions can speak for themselves without any need to demand fair treatment. I think that men and women are equally capable and that hard work and cooperation are all that are needed for anyone to be successful.”
Rob Vanya