On Monday (Feb. 7), Dr. Mary Beth Hawkins gave a presentation on her research to Mr. Bendele’s 3rd period Evolution Dual Credit class. Dr. Hawkins is a biology professor at St. Mary’s University and her expertise is in hormones. She discussed how estrogen receptors can be found in a variety of different organisms (from fish to humans) and that many toxins in our environment can mimic estrogen. These toxins (which include many types of plastics) are known as “endocrine disruptors” and have the potential to affect human health.
Dr. Hawkins also spent some time discussing some of the programs that St. Mary’s has to offer. This was important considering that the class was made up of seniors. It was a blast to have Dr. Hawkins visit the class and we look forward to seeing her again soon!
On Tuesday (Feb. 8), Dr. Ted Macrini also came out to give a presentation to Mr. Bendele’s Evolution class. Dr. Macrini is the biology chair at St. Mary’s. His background is in paleontology. He was able to share some insights into his research (which included studying earlier mammals and modern marsupials). In addition, Dr. Macrini brought along three past Central students – Francisco Garcia (Class of 2021), Anthony Martinez (Class of 2019), and Paul Elbayeh (Class of 2019). These three gentlemen were able to discuss some of their ongoing undergraduate research, as well as how St. Mary’s has prepared them for medical school. It was amazing to see these gentlemen talk to the class. Let’s wish them the best as they pursue their dreams!
Lastly, one of the topics that Dr. Macrini really enjoyed discussing was the connection between Central Catholic and St. Mary’s. There are many medical doctors in our great city that were both Central grads AND St. Mary’s grads. That fact is something that we should be proud of!