Thiolated Gold & Pharmacy PhD Goals

Posted January 11, 2024December 18, 2024 in Alumni, Biology, International Students, Stories

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From India to the transplant laboratory at Penn Medicine, Karena Catherine Joy’s journey is a testament to academic excellence and a passion for science. As an alumna of Rutgers University-Camden’s Master of Science in Biology program, she earned recognition for her achievements, including the Dr. Owen and Ronald Rahman Award and the Scarlet Scholar Award. Now pursuing a doctorate in Pharmacy, she continues to build on her research expertise. Explore how her determination, mentorship, and hands-on learning experiences have shaped her remarkable path in science and healthcare.

From India to Camden

I completed my high school education in India and relocated to the United States in 2017 with my family. In the fall of 2018, I began my Bachelor of Science in Biology at Rutgers University-Camden. I participated in the summer bridge program at Rutgers, which helped me familiarize myself with the college environment and resources. This program played a pivotal role in shaping me for the academic journey that was ahead. As I progressed through my undergraduate studies, I learned about the BS/MS program offered by Rutgers University-Camden. Given my passion for research, I decided to pursue my master’s degree at Rutgers University-Camden. The opportunity to work under the guidance of Dr. Jinglin Fu further fueled my interest. I chose the thesis track for my MS and successfully completed my thesis on “Functionalization of Gold Nanoparticles with Thiolated DNA.” This academic journey has not only enhanced my knowledge but also provided valuable hands-on experience in my field of study.

The decision to pursue graduate studies at Rutgers University-Camden was inspired by the invaluable resources and supportive academic environment I experienced during my undergraduate studies.
Karena Joy

Why Rutgers-Camden Was the Right Fit for Graduate School

The decision to pursue graduate studies at Rutgers University-Camden was inspired by the invaluable resources and supportive academic environment I experienced during my undergraduate studies. Throughout my time as a bachelor’s student, I recognized the wealth of resources available, where most professors not only knew students by name but also provided unwavering support, guidance, and access to all the necessary tools for academic development. One notable experience that influenced my decision was participating in the Principles and Practices of Biological Research course during my sophomore year. This course involved collaborative group work on a research project, offering a glimpse into the university’s commitment to hands-on and collaborative learning. The professors and staff at Rutgers University-Camden were exceptionally welcoming, fostering a sense of community that resonated with me.

During my undergraduate journey, I also had the privilege of working in Dr. Fu’s lab, an experience that proved to be both rewarding and enlightening. The supportive and conducive research environment further solidified my decision to continue my Master of Science journey at Rutgers University-Camden. I consider myself fortunate to have the opportunity to pursue my master’s thesis under Dr. Fu’s guidance, a continuation of the mentorship and learning that has been a hallmark of my time at Rutgers. The ongoing support from staff, student success coaches, and librarians, who were always willing to help and follow up to ensure I had every resource available, contributed significantly to my positive experience at Rutgers-Camden.

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Recognitions, Research, and Achievements

Throughout my academic career, I was honored with awards that reflected both my academic dedication and research efforts. As an undergraduate, I received the Scarlet Scholar Award in 2018, the Dr. Owen and Ronald Rahman Award in 2021, and was inducted into Athenaeum. Additionally, I earned recognition from the Student Success Coach Office. During the summer of 2021, I received an Undergraduate Apprenticeship Scholarship from the Army Educational Outreach Program, which allowed me to expand my STEM expertise and engage in meaningful research.

In graduate school, my thesis project earned distinction, further reinforcing the value of the rigorous academic and research training I received at Rutgers-Camden.

Building the Foundation for a Future in Pharmacy

My long-term goal is to become a transplant pharmacist with active involvement in clinical research. Starting in the fall of 2024, I will be pursuing my Pharmacy School education at Thomas Jefferson University, College of Pharmacy. Throughout my graduate studies at Rutgers University-Camden, I advanced my knowledge, specialized skills, and practical experience, preparing myself to excel in this dynamic field.

The skills cultivated during my thesis research have proven instrumental in my professional pursuits. Through the intensive research process, I honed my ability to conduct thorough literature reviews, design and execute experiments, analyze complex data sets, and draw meaningful conclusions. These skills are invaluable in the dynamic field of clinical research, where a multifaceted approach is often required to address complex challenges. Currently, I work at the transplant laboratory at Penn Medicine, applying the laboratory skills developed during my thesis research. The hands-on experience gained through my master’s program has provided me with a solid foundation to conduct complex tests in my current role.