Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology and Pharmacology
John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa
651 Ilalo Street, Bioscience Building 320
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
E-mail: dmc@hawaii.edu

Personal Statement
Children are normally rather curious by nature and to explore. Growing up with five brothers, I was practically forced to be adventurous and fearless. This innate childhood inquisitiveness carried into adulthood and drove me to pursue my studies in a variety of disciplines. I took a detour during my undergraduate education, studying French language and global politics abroad, and ultimately obtaining my B.A. in political science.

My deviations, I believe, have afforded me more dimension and perhaps the ability to see and approach things from a different angle. During my undergrad, I was able to participate in research involving the development of a vaccine against blood-stage malaria at the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine. This experience sparked my interest in infectious disease and I have since continued in this line of research working on various malaria vaccine projects. Working in research has confirmed, for me at least, that science is perhaps the most innovative of all disciplines; it is creative, multidimensional and all about questioning, interpreting and making sense of the physical world around us, and its practical application is unquestionably invaluable. I am currently enrolled in the Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology and Pharmacology M.S. program doing research on malaria MSP1-42 T cell epitopes and anti-MSP1 antibody production.

Education
University de Paris, Sorbonne, France. 2009
University of Hawaii at Manoa.   2011, B.A. – Political Science
University of Hawaii at Manoa.  2012-present, M.S. candidate – Tropical Medicine

Experience
2010-2011 – Laboratory Assistant, Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology, and Pharmacology. University of Hawaii at Manoa
2011-present – Graduate Research Assistant, Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology, and Pharmacology. University of Hawaii at Manoa
2011-present – STEP UP Program Assistant, NIH-NIDDK STEP UP Program for Hawaii and the Pacific Territories. University of Hawaii at Manoa

Interest & Hobbies
In addition to STEP UP, I volunteer with Big Brothers and Big Sisters (BBBS) of Hawaii in their community-based program where I have become better able to understand, appreciate, and see the importance of providing extra care to disadvantaged children as well as the rewards of being able to work directly within these communities.  My hobbies include surfing, tennis, piano, reading, and traveling. I find myself having the most fun when spending time with my daughter and family.

Publications
Pusic KM, Clements DM, Kobush S, Hui GS.  Antibodies and T Cell Responses in Reciprocal Prime-boost Studies with Full-length and Truncated Merozoite Surface Protein 1-42 Vaccines. (Manuscript in review).