Jessica “Lauren” Slutzsky, originally from Cincinnati, is a fourth-year student pursuing a dual degree in psychology and food, agricultural, and biological engineering. She hopes to attend medical school and pursue a career as a physician scientist. Her scholarships, especially the John M. Shepherd Scholarship, solidified Lauren’s decision to attend Ohio State.
What have been some of the highlights of your Ohio State experience?
My time at Ohio State has been diversifying, rewarding, and challenging. Some highlights include my first Michigan game, jumping into Mirror Lake, and presenting my Fundamentals of Engineering honors project freshman year. I also loved presenting at the Denman Undergraduate Research Forum, delivering a speech at the College of Engineering Scholarship Banquet in autumn 2008, and my time spent playing intramural soccer.
Have you participated in any student research opportunities?
I worked as a research assistant in the Center for Gene Therapy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital from June 2008 to June 2009. I conducted basic research on persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn in a neonatal rat model, and published two abstracts. I was able to travel to national conferences to present my research, and was the first Ohio State student to receive an award for my research by the Society for Pediatric Research, as well as the David Bruce Award from the American Physiological Society. I was also the first undergraduate to win Research Day for Cardiology at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. I was fortunate enough to present my research at the Denman Undergraduate Research Forum, and explain my research to Mr. Shepherd, one of my scholarship donors.
How have your scholarships affected your experience at Ohio State?
The financial support I’ve received from Ohio State was essential to my college education. My mother was the first person in her family to graduate from college, and I know how hard she had to work to pay for her own tuition. Having my tuition paid for has allowed me to focus on my academics and to search for opportunities that give me broad exposure. Both of my parents lost their jobs while I was in college. Knowing that we didn’t have to worry about paying tuition eliminated a huge burden for me and my family.
What would you say to your benefactors if they were here now?
Knowing my education was made possible because of scholarship donors makes me believe in the goodness and selflessness of others. I am eternally grateful for their support. I cannot imagine how I would have continued my education without their help. They are true role models. I hope to be able to contribute to Ohio State and the Ohio community as they have done.
Why is giving back important?
Ohio State is the future of Ohio. Ohio State students need to be taught to think beyond the classroom and to apply their education to the needs of our community. Giving to Ohio State helps the next generation of Ohioans be the best they can be.
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