A molecular cell biologist who has been awarded grants from NIH and the Research Corporation to study peroxiredoxins in breast cancer, Dr Petrelli said she was inspired early on to help uncover what caused disease and how it could be prevented. Her h
A molecular cell biologist who has been awarded grants from NIH and the Research Corporation to study peroxiredoxins in breast cancer, Dr Petrelli said she was inspired early on to help uncover what caused disease and how it could be prevented. Her hope is that the BASE Camp will inspire other young women âto pursue science and health career paths that will address public health issues.â
Base Camp is a weeklong scientific research experience that engages students in faculty-led research projects assisted by undergraduate science majors. Projects are based on faculty research expertise, covering topics in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, neuroscience, psychology, mathematics, and engineering.
Over two days of the course students explore science and health careers and the academic paths required to get there. It includes presentations by faculty and professionals in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) and health care careers, and mentorship on academic majors, courses, skill sets, and organizations that can support them in these pursuits.
College admissions counseling is also offered during the weeklong program. Students learn about the process and requirements for admission to college and financial aid opportunities while also engaging in mock interviews and essay writing. A student/parent information session informs parents and integrates them into the process.
The NIH grant is supporting a program Dr Petrelli first introduced in 2007 when, with funding from The Louis Calder Foundation and The Maximilian E. & Marion O. Hoffman Foundation, she created the one-week summer program. In 2010, with funding from Bank of America and the Maximilian E. and Marion O. Hoffman Foundation, she modified the program into a residential camp for female students from Bridgeport public schools. This program was again offered this summer with renewed funding from Bank of America.
The NIH grant is particularly significant, Dr Petrelli said, because it helps to add a vital component that takes students who have been inspired by what a career in science can offer and helps them with the practical steps that can make such a career possible. She will alternate directorship of the program with Shannon Harding from the psychology department, and will engage more than ten female science faculty members in the project throughout the five-year period.
At Fairfield, Dr Petrelliâs commitment to excellence has been recognized by her selection to hold the Elizabeth DeCamp McInerney Endowed Chair in Health Sciences since 2007. In 2010 She received the Fairfield University Faculty Recognition Award for Extraordinary Excellence in Research.