Kenneth Shum

A biochemistry major, Ken spent summer 2007 participating in the Research for Undergraduates in Theoretical Ecology Scholars program-funded by the National Science Foundation. He stayed at the Cedar Point Biological Station and collected data on freshwater painted turtles. He and his colleagues assessed population dynamics of the turtles in multiple ponds, utilizing x-rays and DNA analysis. Presently, Ken is in the process of publishing his research in a peer-reviewed journal.

"I'm definitely gaining experience as far as research is concerned," Ken said. "Doing field work is something that people don't normally experience. I'm really fortunate that the RUTE program let me come in because they only usually accept sophomores, but they let me in as a freshman."

After he graduates in 2009, Ken plans to attend medical school. He hasn't picked a program yet; for now, he is just focused on passing the MCAT.

"Cedar Point and RUTE have given me the opportunity to think critically, analytically, independently, and work with others to solve problems that have not been answered before," Ken said. "My goal is to use my skills not only to treat patients who come in and out of the hospital everyday, but also to use these skills to think about today's current issues in medicine and come up with ways to resolve them."