Suki Wong: Nursing and Beyond!

Suki Wong (Class of 2017) is a Nursing Major finishing up this challenging program and looking forward to the next set of adventures in her life.

“Every flower blooms in its own time.”

-- Ken Petti

Hello! My name is Suki Wong, Verrazano Class of 2017. I’m a senior majoring in Nursing. It’s crazy to think that in less than 6 months, I will be graduating at College of Staten Island. I survived nursing school! Time has passed by in a blink of an eye and I am proud to say I am a Registered Nurse.

At the RN Pinning Ceremony 2016

Throughout the years, I have stepped outside of my comfort zone and tried new experiences.  I interned at New York University Langone Medical Center through the HCOP Internship Opportunities Program. My most memorable experience was seeing an autopsy being done and it was pretty cool. I shadowed nurses and attended lectures and conferences. I also had a lot of interactions with the patients. From this experience, I was determined that pursuing a nursing degree was the right choice.

On the Dean's List, with President Fritz, 2016

Now, I am working on my Capstone project “Nursing Practice and Strategies for Responding to Child Abuse”. The objective of my capstone project is to find the most effective strategy for preventing or reducing child abuse. Most importantly, I want to encourage and establish a universal protocol in all professional work places in responding to suspected child abuse cases.

It was a pleasure to be part of the Verrazano family. I have met amazing people and developed close friendships with my nursing classmates.  I want to thank all my professors, mentors, and my friends who have supported me throughout the journey. I will definitely miss going on field trips with Verrazano. Not to mention, on one of my VELA events, I met Park Shin Hye, a South Korean actress!

Exploring the Brooklyn Bridge!

My advice to incoming students is to do at in your own pace. There is no need to compare yourself to others and worry about being behind. And when you are feeling unsure or don’t know what to do anymore, do not give up. Being lost is part of the path and eventually you will find the path that is meant to be.

I am super excited for the adventures ahead. I am looking forward to sharing more about my adventures!

Dina AlSharif: In the Lab from Freshman to Senior Year

Dina AlSharif (Class of 2018) has been conducting research for several years in the biology department.

Dina in the lab

My name is Dina AlSharif and I am a Verrazano Honors Student with a major in Biology and minors in Biochemistry and Chemistry. During the first semester of my freshman year, my biology professor was telling the class about conducting research as an undergrad and how it would help give us a deeper meaning of biology. Being interested in the sciences, especially biology, I chose to do research on breast and cervical cancer. The topic seized my attention since it is a big issue most women are affected by worldwide.

My research project was testing two anti-cancerous drugs Resveratrol and Pterostilbene on cervical cancer cells called HeLa and analyzing the level of the tumor suppressor protein p53. P53 is gene that codes for a protein that is responsible for regulating the cell cycle and suppresses cancer. After many trials, data obtained supports my hypothesis that the level of p53 increases upon treatment of both drugs. Obtaining data that sounds promising gives me a sense of achievement. I was very excited to be awarded the undergraduate research award and to present my findings at the undergraduate research conference last spring. 

Presenting at the Undergraduate Research Conference

Research is not just doing lab work; it is a passion. I have learned so many lab techniques, how to approach a problem from a scientific manner, and made new connections with colleagues that share the same passion. I am thankful for Professor Fata for allowing me to be a part of his research team. I encourage every student to conduct research in their field of interest as it will broaden their horizons and make them a well-rounded individual.