FELLOW PROFILE

Kerrick Nevels
PhD Student
University of Maryland School of Pharmacy.
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences

What is your current academic (or professional) affiliation (where do you work – go to school, etc.), and what is your current research area?

I completed my first three years of graduate study at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS. I currently attend the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. I am a 4th year PhD student in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences. My area of research is a combination of biophysics, biochemistry, and molecular biology. My research project is characterizing the mode of action of the cytolytic toxin Cyt1A from Bacillus thuringiensis.   


Where were you born and raised?

I was born and raised in Greenwood, MS

 

Where did you receive your undergraduate and graduate degrees?

I received a dual bachelor’s degree in Biology and General Science Education with a minor in Chemistry from Rust College in Holly Springs, MS.


What was your favorite subject in grade school, middle school, high school?

My favorite subjects in grade school and middle school were math and English, respectively. In high school my favorite subjects were Chemistry, Calculus and English III.

 

Who was your favorite K-12 teacher, and why?

There are several teachers who have inspired me on different levels, but I would have to say that one of the most influential teachers was my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Thomas, who was also my next door neighbor and mentor. Her lessons did not end when I graduated from kindergarten; she followed my progress throughout grade school, high school and even my graduate career. Even though I’m an adult, I feel the same enthusiasm when she says “Good job, Kerrick!” as I did after hearing her say those exact words after all my ‘kindergarten firsts’ and later achievements. It’s amazing the effect a caring individual can have on one’s life!

 

What would you say is the MOST important characteristic of a great mentor?

A great mentor not only has a desire and is genuinely vested in the interests of their mentee, but they must have the time and mental energy to devote to the mentor-mentee relationship.


If you could choose one other career (something other than science) what would it be, and why?

I would probably be a chef and restaurateur because I’m passionate about cooking: I love to create new and exciting dishes and, more importantly, to see the satisfaction of people as they enjoy dishes I’ve prepared.


If you could give ONE piece of advice to students younger than yourself who want to go into science, what would that be?

Read, read, read!!! Then read some more! It is important to keep current with the constantly evolving scientific arena and also to broaden your knowledge base.


When you graduate, what do you regard as the MOST important contribution you can make to society?

Giving back a portion of what has been given to me by teaching and mentoring the next generation is the MOST important contribution I can make to society.


When you turn 50 years old, what do you MOST want to be able to say about your life?

I hope to live my life in such a way that my actions speak for me. I would be humbled if people were to say: “that YOUNG MAN (yes, young at 50!) is living a life of purpose; not wasting it on doubts and fears, but focusing on the work set before him. His life is about service and inspiration. What an impact he has made on the community at large and in the lives of so many young people in the pursuit of their life’s purpose.”