When Keuka College alumna Cynthia Shannon Weickert (Classes of 1987 and 1988) delivered a presentation on campus two years ago focused on her career exploring genetic and developmental aspects relating to schizophrenia, biochemistry major Kelin Wheaton—then a freshman—took note.
“Here is someone from Keuka making a significant impact,” said Wheaton of Weickert, who, at that time, had recently been appointed chair of Schizophrenia Research for the Schizophrenia Research Institute, University of New South Wales and Prince of Wales Medical Research Institute. “It was inspiring and made me want to set a career goal for myself.”
When Wheaton talked to Weickert at the Career Fair the following day, they discussed the possibility of him conducting a Field Period with her.
“Dr. Magnusen was my advocate; she encouraged me to pursue [the internship],” said the junior, who conducted his January Field Period at Prince of Wales Medical Research Institute in Sydney, Australia, with Weickert. “I basically got to live the life of a ‘post doc’ for three weeks.” Wheaton said a post-doctorate research scientist monitored what he did in the lab.
His research sought to determine whether changes in the brain during development might play a role in schizophrenia. He looked at the brain tissue of a cohort of primates, from infancy to adult.
Wheaton realized the “robustness, and how labor-intensive the work environment is for a research scientist.” The Painted Post native spent a couple “12-or 13-hour days in the lab” in between his regular 10-hour days. However, it was well worth the effort.
“I wanted to better understand the routine of a research scientist since I’m still making my career decision, and I achieved that,” said Wheaton, who is pursing a minor in business. He hopes to draw on his experience at Prince of Wales Medical Research Institute for his senior research project next year.
He utilized his weekends in Sydney to explore the sights—Sydney Harbor Bridge and Sydney Opera House—with other 20-somethings from the lab. He also had the opportunity to abseil, or “propel down a cliff on a harness,” and engaged in canyoning 30 meters down a waterfall.
Wheaton was able to engage in these outdoor activities since Australia is currently in its summer season and the average temperature was about 85 degrees.
Prior to his January internship, Wheaton conducted Field Periods at a local pharmacy and Corning Inc. in the operations department.
-- Tanya Cornell-Kestler
