Muli bwanji? (How are you?). My name is Katie McGraw, and I am a Michigan native that was born and raised in Grand Rapids. I recently graduated from Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan (Go, Green!).
I was always very interested in science when I was a child, particularly in microbiology, which is the study of microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites. My parents got me a microscope when I was five years old, and that interest grew as I got older. Picking a major at a college as large as M.S.U. was difficult, but I narrowed it down to a few options. I remember looking through the course book and looking at an elective class called “Infectious Diseases of East Africa”, and I traced its connection to a major called “Biomedical Laboratory Science” and immediately declared my major.
In the spring of my sophomore year, I embarked on a study abroad trip called “Infectious Diseases of East Africa.” I was able to travel to Malawi, where I learned about its healthcare systems and culture. I almost didn't go, though, because by the time I remembered to fill out an application, it was 10:00 p.m. the night submissions were due.
