Roseleen Almenord
Roseleen Almenord is an Honors junior biology major and an NCR Scholar. Currently, she plans to pursue a career as a Pediatric Emergency Physician. To gain the necessary clinical experience, she has spent countless hours volunteering in the Emergency Room and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at WellStar Atlanta Medical Center. She has also shadowed numerous physicians with varying specialties in the Atlanta area.
In addition to clinical experience, Roseleen has gained research experience in both the Biology and Chemistry Departments at Georgia State University. During the summer of 2017, she collaborated with the iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine) team and Dr. Mathew Brewer to express and isolate a mambalgin protein, a proposed alternative to existing painkillers. Mambalgin is characterized by its non-addictive properties, making it a conceivable substitute for existing sedatives. Presently, she is working with Dr. Alfons Baumstark to synthesize brominated pyrazoles and isoxazoles derivatives. The study involves observing transmission effects and conformational changes on the C4 carbons upon the addition of bromine via 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR. Significant effects are also being analyzed after incorporating a tert-butyl group instead of a phenyl group. Her next project will be in the Department Psychology, where she will work in a laboratory directed by Dr. Lauren Adamson to analyze the psychological development of autistic children. In addition, Roseleen anticipates spending the summer of 2018 in a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program.
She is a member of a few campus organizations, which include the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and Georgia First Generation Foundation, in which she plays an active role of Promotions Coordinator.