TRINIDAD- Cori Maldonado, Susan Noga’s niece, just graduated from Trinidad State Junior College, with an Associate of Science degree. While at TSJC, she was inducted into the two year college international honor society, called Phi Theta Kappa (PTK). One of her professors nominated her to participate in the International Scholar Laureate Program (ISLP) summer medical program.
In the past two years at TSJC, she has been fortunate enough to be involved in different research projects. Two of those projects have made it to the regional Beta Beta Beta honor society conferences. In the summer of 2008, Maldonado was presented one of the projects at the state finals in Kentucky. The research dealt with fungal associations with a rare flower found near Trinidad; and immune system response to a naturally found mitogen in Osha root. Because of her GPA, research presentations, and extra-curricular activities at TSJC, Duke School of Medicine accepted Maldonado into its six-week summer medical program last summer. During the course of the program, Maldonado took classes intended to prepare her for medical school, and hospital rotations to gain perspective on the different fields of medicine. Maldonado’s goal is to join the medical field, and plans on becoming a trauma surgeon. She does not want to give up on research. Diabetes is a leading health problem, and she plans on continuing her research that has brought people closer to helping those afflicted with the disease.
She is currently a college junior now; about to embark on the trip of a lifetime, with an organization called the International Scholar Laureate Program (ISLP). She has the opportunity to visit and observe the halls of Australian hospitals, clinics, and universities, as well as witness the care of many Australia’s diverse ethnic groups. The trip will take place between May 23 and 30, 2009. It will afford her the opportunity to learn about public and private health partnerships, and take a peek at current medical studies conducted at cutting-edge research facilities. It will also help her learn about the role of technology in the future of health care.
A special fund has been set up at St. Mary’s Credit Union. The cost of her journey will be $6,000. Any donation made would be greatly appreciated by Maldonado. Please make donations payable to: St. Mary’s Credit Union/Susan Noga Re: Maldonado Fundraiser.
