"Genetics is failing on diversity, and that’s especially true in psychiatric genetics. While all humans are genetically very similar, there is actually quite a lot of variance between populations—and Africa has the most genetic diversity in the world."
Rocky Stroud II G'17, a graduate of Emmanuel's Master of Science in Management program with a specialization in research administration, is overseeing field operations in Africa (namely Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda) for the Broad Institute's NeuroGAP-P (Neuropsychiatric Genetics of African Population-Psychosis) initiative.
A 2012 graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Stroud has worked at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (HSPH) since 2015, currently as assistant director of research operations. He recently participated in the Broad Institute's #WhyIScience Q&A, speaking about how community service in the mental health field—and a chance encounter with Karestan Koenen, professor of psychiatric epidemiology at HSPH—led to his current role with NeuroGAP-P, where he is helping to lead the largest psychiatric genetics study ever conducted in Africa.
The Broad Institute, which spans some of Boston's leading institutions (Harvard, MIT, and Harvard-affiliated hospitals) was founded to seize the opportunity that arose from the Human Genome Project. According to the Broad Institute website, "NeuroGAP-P endeavors to broaden our understanding of the genetic factors that contribute to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. This genome-wide association study (GWAS) is being carried out in partnership with five academic and research institutions in south and east Africa."
"If anyone would ask me what to do in college, I would tell them to do everything. Get as much experience as you can. Meet people and do things. Take advantage of all college has to offer."
Jumping into her Emmanuel experience, Shakirah was sure of two things: that what she had planned was going to be a “tall task,” and that she was up for the challenge.
Katherine’s foray into biology might seem an unlikely one for a future dentist.
Counseling & health psychology major Christine came to Emmanuel knowing she wanted to pursue a career in health care, and the College’s opportunities and connections for students interested in the field—as well as a neuroscience course she attended at EC Incoming—made the decision an easy one.
When asking secondary education and biology double major Angela Girodier '22 if she’s more passionate about research or teaching, she quickly and emphatically says “both.”
From an early age, Campbell Shealy '22 was interested in two things—living in a big city and numbers.
As a mathematics and economics double major with a concentration in statistics, Matt found actuarial work of calculating the financial consequences of risk for companies right in line with his interests.
Robert’s interest in the workings of the wider world grew in 2011 as the Arab Spring became international news. “I love history,” he said, “so knowing the history of the states as well as their current affairs made their actions and interactions much more interesting to me.”
Michael chose Emmanuel because of its location in Boston and its proximity to the city's "big players," specifically its leading names in the financial industry.
What began as an on-campus job in Emmanuel's student center transformed into a new career path for Jessie, one that brought her to Harvard University as a master's candidate in higher education administration.
Chemistry graduate Jennifer Scarborough '17 has found a way to combine her love for science and education. She shares her enthusiasm for the subjects as an education associate in the Hall of Human Life exhibit at Museum of Science Boston—one of the top science museums in the country (according to National Geographic).
At Emmanuel, management major Juan Sebastian Levy '14 prepared to succeed in an increasingly global society, experience that has taken him to Wayfair's offices in Berlin and back to Reebok's international headquarters in Boston.
Emmanuel is a place where students broaden their sense of what’s possible and prepare for inspiring careers in an ever-changing world. Be here.
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