By: MARIA SCACCHITTI, ’18, Staff Writer
As her journey as a Dutchmen comes to a close, senior biochemistry and molecular biology major Jasmine Olvany prepares to embark on a new journey.
Olvany has accepted a research position in Budapest, Hungary, as a Fulbright Fellow. After studying abroad during the summer of her sophomore year, she realized her desire to travel and drive to apply what she has learned at LVC abroad.
“[Going abroad] lit a fire in me,” Olvany said. “I knew I wanted to be part of a greater world.”
While at LVC, Olvany has participated in multiple research opportunities, including three different projects here on campus and one summer of research abroad this past summer in Hungary as a part of Dr. Timothy Peelan’s research grant.
Olvany knew she wanted to return to Hungry in the fall as a Fulbright Fellow, even though she’s not continuing the same research from this past summer. She fell in love with the country, the people she met and the lab where she worked.
“I wanted to step out of my comfort zone,” Olvany said. “Eastern Europe is distinct. I knew going back would push me beyond my boundaries. I am confident with the skills I have learned from LVC. I’ve done so much research here that I am confident I could go abroad and produce viable research.”
With her grant, Olvany plans on doing discovery research to gain a better understanding of the cell membrane. She will be developing fluorescent dyes that should allow scientists to get a clearer image of the cell membrane, which could allow a better understanding of passage time and diffusion of drugs through the cell.
Olvany credits LVC for the wonderful opportunities that have been given to her; she feels that no other school could have gotten her to where she is today, both as a scientist and as a person.
“Had I gone to any of the other institutions I applied to, I would never be here,” Olvany said. “I have lots to thank [LVC].”
While at LVC, Jasmine has been a Residential Assistant (R.A.) for three years and worked on multiple research projects for two years. She is also the president of the chemistry club, the historian of Tri-Beta honor society for biology and is currently attempting to establish an honor society for art with junior Audrey Reiley. Her favorite part of being a Dutchman has been being a R.A.
“Being an R.A. has helped me stay in tune of what it means to be an LVC student,” Olvany said.
After completing her fellowship, Jasmine plans to attend Case Western University, where she will work for her PhD. in biomedical science.