Barbara Nelson, Contributor
Rachelle McKenzie at work in the laboratory at Loma Linda University School of Medicine, California.
"This is probably my last year of study," Rachelle McKenzie commented as we looked back over the years since September 2002 when she began studies as a graduate student at the Loma Linda University School of Medicine in Loma Linda, California. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in microbiology and molecular genetics that involves studies in oxidative stress resistance in porphyromonas gingivalis.
Porphyromonas gingivalis is an anaerobic pathogenic bacterium that affects the mouth of humans and is a major agent in the beginning and progress of periodontal disease. Studies have shown that while periodontal disease or peridontisis affects the tissues around the teeth, the infection, if not checked, can be linked with more serious conditions including heart disease. Once Rachelle gets her Ph.D. she hopes to work as a post-doctoral fellow.
Good experience
Why did you choose to study at Loma Linda University, I enquired?
"My mother did her master's degree in public health at Loma Linda, " she replied, "and it is a Seventh-day Adventist institution."
So, after studying at Northern Caribbean University (NCU) in Mandeville from August 1994 to August 1998 and gaining her B.Sc. in medical technology, she came up to Loma Linda.
While at NCU, she was an instructor in the department of medical technology from September 1998 to August 2002 and served as coordinator for clinical practicum in the same department from September 1999 to August 2002.
"NCU was a very good experience for me," she said with much enthusiasm. "I had an excellent teacher and great classmates. My only regret is that I did not get more involved in other activities while I was there. Medical technology is pretty demanding!"
She did, however, get involved in teaching clinical chemistry, principles of immunology and serology, clinical microscopy, cytology, histology, introduction to lab principles, health and physical education, phlebotomy and clinical serology.
She was also a committee member of the Campus Family Life Council (CFLC) at NCU from September 2000 to August 2002.
While at NCU, she attended the Caribbean Association of Medical Technologists Conference (CASMET) held in Nassau, Bahamas, in July 2001.
Different culture
What was it like for her to make the transition from NCU to Loma Linda?
"California is a different culture," she answered pensively. "It took a little time to get used to it, but I've adjusted. Loma Linda itself is really a quiet University town."
She has been a student member of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) and the International Association for Dental Research since 2003. In 2004, she was the recipient of the Black Alumni of Loma Linda and La Sierra Universities' (BALL) scholarship.
From September 2004 to May 2007, Rachelle was a microbiology lab facilitator for medical students at Loma Linda, an appointment that added a lot to her teaching experience.
Rachelle has been very involved in the area of student administration ever since she started at Loma Linda University.
She was the graduate school representative from 2002-2004 on the Black Health Professional Student Association (BHPSA).
Then in 2003/2004, she was public relations officer for the Testimony Choir there.
In 2004, she became public relations officer for the Loma Linda Student Association, a position she held until 2005.
At that time, she became the Student Association and Community Service vice-president and served until 2006.
In 2005, she also served as counsellor for the Community Kids Connection (CKC), an outreach programme.
Rachelle has also been the microbiology representative on the Basic Sciences Graduate School Council since 2006.
On another level, she is student dean since 2006 of the Kate Lindsay Hall Women's Residence.
She was also resident advisor 2005-2006 and member of the Spiritual Team 2005-2007.
She is no stranger to service in the university administration. As mentioned, she was a committee member for the Campus Family Life Council (CFLC) at NCU in Jamaica and, since coming to the United States, has served as student representative on the Loma Linda University Community Academic Partners in Service (CAPS) committee.
In between all these activities, she has published several papers and abstracts and helped to supervise the work of other graduate students.
She has also attended the International Association for Dental Research Conferences in Honolulu in March 2004 and another in March 2007 in New Orleans.
Keep LIFE balanced
Rachelle is a very pleasant, calm person.
"I try to be balanced in the way I live my life," she said.
To keep her balance she has a schedule that involves getting her schoolwork done, being involved in church, participating in extra-curricular activities and taking part in sports.
"I've had to pull back a bit (from some activities) as I must spend much more time in my lab now," she said.
This young woman who considers herself "a simple girl from a humble background with big dreams," would like to encourage young people to pursue their educational dreams and never give up.
"There is always a way," she said. "It is possible to achieve what you dream of. Most of us students in the United States are all just average people, but we have worked hard and we have done well. Education is the way."
