Tatiana Sheppard was looking for summer research opportunities when her Biology professor, Maryann Page, recommended she explore possibilities with Cornell University’s program designed specifically for community college students. “I wasn’t sure the program would happen due to COVID-19 but I was surprised to find out it would be,” said Sheppard.
She’ll be doing research remotely through Cornell’s High Energy Synchrotron Source, the Wilson Synchrotron Laboratory. The project is related to data analysis and ultimately will be a good resume builder for her. “I will learn some scientific computing methods in Python and apply them to streamline analysis of X-ray diffraction data collected on both powder and single-crystalline samples. I may also learn and apply some principled of crystallography and atomic structure solution.”
Sheppard began taking classes part time at OCC in the fall of 2018. Initially she was focused on prerequisites for medical school. She eventually joined the Mathematics & Science degree program with a specialization in Biology. Her course work has been outstanding, leading to her induction into the College’s chapter of international honor society Phi Theta Kappa.
Sheppard will earn her degree in 2021, then transfer and pursue a bachelor’s degree. At the moment she’s interested in becoming a Diagnostic Radiologist. “I spent time volunteering at Crouse Hospital’s Medical Imaging Department. I loved it!”
