From Virginia to Nebraska:
Meet Makena Hammond

Makena Hammond, 21
Virginia State University senior
Biology major

My favorite high school subject was biology.  I have always had an affinity for the sciences and learning how living organisms function.

At Virginia State University I decided to major in biology as a pre-med major. Organic chemistry is the most challenging. I usually do very well in my science classes as it comes easily to me, but with organic chemistry, I had to put forth extra effort in order to do as well.

My mom, Margaree Hood, is my biggest influence on my decision to go into science and medicine. She is an occupational therapist who works at the Virginia school for the deaf and blind. From an early age my mother inspired in me an interest in health sciences. When I was a child she bought me a doctor’s kit and during her years of attending school for occupational therapy she would practice with me the medical terminology that she was learning. This sparked my interest in medicine.

After I saw my mom at work I was sure I wanted to go into medicine. The way she works with the kids, she loves her job and they just love her. She really relishes in her work and at the same time feels she is making a difference. That has left an impression on me.

I’m also a people person with a great desire to help the helpless, especially infants. That along with my affinity for the sciences led me to believe that a career in medicine was something that I was destined to pursue. I’m interested in becoming a neonatologist or obstetrician. 

This is my second year at UNMC. I found out about the Minority Summer Undergraduate Research Internship Program from the head of the biology department, Dr. Larry Brown, at Virginia State. He knew of my interest in research and placed me in contact with Mary McNamee at UNMC. It was from her that I learned of the various chances I would have to interact with researchers in their element, learn of various health care opportunities, as well as be engaged in enrichment sessions, which expand my knowledge of the medical field. All of these things, along with the opportunity to go somewhere I had never been and meet new people, were the reasons I chose this internship program.

I am working again with Dr. Uday Kompella, whose research focuses on diabetic retinopathy. Recently, Dr. Kompella asked me to help construct a chapter on nanotechnology and drug delivery systems and how that relates to the research he is doing. I have also learned how to culture cells, treat them with various drugs, monitor their activity, maintain their survival, and interpret the results from such experiments.

I am in the lab from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and attend a medical technology course on Tuesday evening. On Wednesdays I attend a two-hour enrichment session that covers topics such as ethical practices in research and various careers in science and medicine in which doctors and other professionals at UNMC take time to discuss with us the ins and outs of what they do. With all of these things there are not many hours left in the day.

Interview by Lisa Spellman, UNMC public affairs