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Michael Kearse

Student Profile

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Michael Kearse

McNeil Consumer and Specialty Pharmaceuticals, Summer/Fall 2005
GlaxoSmithKline, Spring/Summer 2007
Biotechnology

I first met Cindye and Susan when they visited Penn State Berks during my freshman year for the co-op information session. The session allowed me to get a feel for what the program entails, as well as learning how participating in this program can help me with my educational goal, to attend graduate school. From that point on, I knew I wanted to participate in the Eberly College of Science Cooperative Education Program. Cindye and Susan, as well as the rest of the Co-op Office staff, have been nothing but extremely helpful in getting me a co-op position and ultimately, the experience I needed to get accepted in one of the top tier molecular biology graduate programs in the nation.

One of the most, if not the most, influential factors in a job or graduate/medical school application is experience. Employers and admission committees want to see individuals who go beyond the norm to learn. Participating in the Eberly College of Science Cooperative Education Program is one of the best ways to show your dedication to your education and willingness to put in extra effort when it's necessary.

My first two rotations were at McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals in Fort Washington , PA. My primary responsibilities involved performing dissolution assays testing new extended release tablet formulations and ion-exchange resins. At first you may think, "What molecular biology techniques can a biotechnology major possibly learn in a chemistry or pharmaceutical lab?" I must admit, I did not learn new techniques, but I was introduced to working in industry and its working environment (compared to academia). Simply put, I learned what career path I want to take. The working environment at McNeil (industry in general) has firmly influenced me to enter into industry upon completing my graduate degree.

Currently, I am working under Dr. Douglas Johns in the Cardiovascular & Urogenital Center of Excellence for Drug Discovery at GlaxoSmithKline ( King of Prussia , PA ). The efforts of Dr. Johns' lab are devoted to developing novel drug targets for hypertension. I have been given the opportunity to jump head first in real science. Dr. Johns' lab has welcomed me and provided me with the best learning environment possible. To date, this has been the most beneficial experience I've had in my college career.

I can honestly say, without participating in the Co-op Program, I do not believe I would have been accepted into my first choice for graduate school (Lehigh University). The thirteen months of experience I've gained through this program has exponentially strengthened my application. Even though I will be graduating in five years, the extra year is well worth it. Nothing has been more beneficial and rewarding to my education than my participation in this program.