This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Mass Amherst chapter.
COVID-19 has affected every person in a unique way. Where you live, your occupation, your health, and your family all shape your experience with the coronavirus. As a science major, I have a unique perspective on the global pandemic, and the last few months in quarantine have changed the way I think about my major.
Most articles have the same recommendation: Reduce your stress about COVID-19, avoid reading the news and checking statistics about the virus. Unlike most other majors, I can’t ignore the pandemic because COVID-19 is directly tied to my studies. In my biology class, we discussed the differences between COVID-19 and the flu by looking at a phylogenetic tree that shows how the virus mutates and we examined possible outcomes for the virus.
Photo by Corinne Kutz on Unsplash
For a recent project, I worked with a team to create a model showing how vulnerable communities will affect the mortality rate in Massachusetts counties. Looking at our model’s estimate of the mortality rate in my county was difficult. Being a biochemistry and molecular biology major during this time means that I have to confront the reality of COVID-19 and think about the pandemic like a scientist. Doing work related to COVID-19 has proven to me how essential science is and that the work I hope to do in the future is more important than ever.
Photo by Fusion Medical Animation on Unsplash
Although my classwork about COVID-19 is relevant and interesting, it can also be scary. In the news, there are stories of medical students graduating early so they can work on the front line and help fight the pandemic. It’s so inspiring to see these young adults doing everything they can to help, despite the risks. But there are also stories about doctors who are getting sick and dying. Even though I personally am not planning on going to medical school, many of my friends are, and if this pandemic had happened in another five to seven years, many of them would be on the frontline risking their lives.
One of the potential careers I want to pursue is science communication: the art of explaining scientific findings in a way that anyone (even people who don’t like or understand science) can understand. Although I’m no expert, I’ve spent time in the lab collecting data and interpreting results. Seeing news coverage of the pandemic has made me realize how important it is to correctly interpret and explain scientific information. There is so much misinformation spread online, and headlines often exaggerate situations to grab the reader’s attention. Now more than ever, it is so important to look at reliable sources and view statistics in context rather than misinterpreting them.
Oles Kanebckuu
In many ways, COVID-19 should terrify me because I have a science background and am aware of the problems we face. I am nervous about the future, but more than that, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the amazing scientists who are studying how the virus spreads and working on vaccines and treatments. So many of the problems we’re facing can be solved by quality science. I’m amazed every day by the ways science can help make the world a better place, and I’m honored to be able to study biochemistry in the hopes that one day I can use my skill set to help solve problems.
All images are courtesy of the Her Campus Media Library.
Ally Brookhart is a senior at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She is majoring in biochemistry and is interested how science interacts with society. Ally enjoys exploring new places, reading, working out, and playing volleyball.
