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JOHNS HOPKINS BLOOMBERG SCHOOL "PUBLIC HEAlTH
Application Review Sheet This form is provided for your convenience, and does not need to be returned to Admissions Services. Please remember to update the
r t d' th A I ~ IfS t d d fth d rt t' d .. I tt Ad' appllcan recon In e ~ppJy ourse :iys em, an sen a copy a e epa men s eClslon e er to missions Services. Thank you.
Applicant Name: Balaban Amanda Elizabeth Country of Citizensh~: United States of America
Degree / Program: PhD: Molecular Microbiology al Molecular Microbiology and ImmUl Current Profession: tudent Date Application Forwarded to Department/Program: Research Interests: Year / Term: September 2012 Malaria/lnfectious Diseases
I. THIS APPLICANT IS ADMITTED: DYES DNO D Recommend to:
for DEGREE PROGRAM: DIVISION or TRACK:
to begin: D Summer Term D 1st Term D 2nd Term D 3rd Term D4th Term D Winter Institute D Summer Institute
Comments:
GRE (official only) Test Date VScore / %ile QScore / %ile AScore / %ile Is Official 02 2011 540 /73 680 / 66 4.5 /67 Y
/ / / / / /
GMAT (official only) Test Date VScore QScore Total Writing Is Official
TOEFL (official only) Test Date TestTYQe Listening Writing Reading SQeaking / Essay Total Is Official
MCAT (official only) Test Date Verbal Physical Science Writing SamQle Biological Science Total Is Official
Letters of Recommendation Recommender Name RelationshiQ Received Date
Bernard Fried Research Advisor
Svetlana Glushakova Supervisor
Robert Kurt Professor
Previous Schools School Name Degree Major Degree Date GPA Lafayette College BS BIOLOGY 05/2012 3.42
Univ Of Auckland BIOLOGY 3.43
Work History EmQloyer Location Working From Working To Landon Summer Program Bethesda MD UNITED STATES 06/2004 07/2007
NIH (National Institutes of Health) Bethesda MD UNITED STATES 06/2009 08/2011
Lafayette College Bethesda MD UNITED STATES 08/2009 05/2012
JOHNS HOPKINS BIDOMBERG SCHOOL tfPUBLIC HEALTH
Admissions Services Student Affairs 615 N. Wolfe Street, Suite E1002 Baltimore, Ma1'Jland 21205-2179
ApPLICATION FOR ADMISSION
PERSONAL INFORMATION
1. Balaban Amanda Elizabeth Ms.
Last name (surname or family name) First name l'vIiddle name Salutation Suffix Former Name
2. United States of America English
Social Security Number (U .S. applicants only) Country of Citizenship Native Language
3. 04/03/1990 Bethesda, MD United States of America Date of birth
4. Gender: D Male I:i Female
Email Address
5. [email protected] Primaq
City 0 f birth
Current Contact Information-valid until 05/15/2012
111 Quad Drive 6.
Address line one
Box 7017 Address line two
7. Easton PA 18042 City State
8. 301/466·9196 AND
Countq of birth
Secondary
United States of America Zip or postal code Country
Residence Phone (Inti Ctq Code, Phone #) I Business Phone (Inti Ctq Code, Phone #) I Cell Phone (Inti Ctry Code, Phone #)
Permanent Contact Information-valid until
7307 Nevis Rd 9.
Address line one
Address line two
10. Bethesda Maryland 20817
City State Zip or postal code
11. 301/466·9196 Permanent Residence Phone (Inti Ctq Code, Phone #)
Race and Ethnicity-U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents Only
12a. Are you Hispanic or Latino? DYes [{No
12b. Race?
D American Indian or Alaska Native
D Asian
D Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
D Black or African American
I:iWhite
United States of America
Countq
· Balaban , Amanda Molecular Microbiology and Immunology PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) , Molecular Microbiology and ImmUI
13. Which of the following sources stimulated your interest in the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health? (Check all that apply.)
D Advertisement ________________ _ D Adviser ________________ _
D Alumni ofJHSPH ____________ _ D Colleague ______________ _
D Employer ________________ _ D Faculty ______________ _
D Graduate Fair _________________ _ D JI-ISPI-I Campus Visit __________ _
DJHSPH Student ______________ _
D Web Chat ________________ _
ril'Website_ Search Engine (ex: Google, Yahoo, etc.), Other
D Other GRC website for malaria related conferences
PROPOSED ACADEMIC PROGRAM
14. September 2012 PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)
Academic Year and Term Degree Program
15. Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Department Track/Division (if any)
16. Malariallnfectious Diseases Research Interest (if any)
NOTE:! GENERAL PREVENTIVE MEDICINE APPLICANTS FOR THE PRACTICUM YEAR MUST HAVE EARNED THEIR MPH AT JOHNS HOPKINS BLOOMBERG SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH.
ACADEMIC HISTORY
17. Please list all colleges, universities, and graduate or professional schools attended in reverse chronological order (most recent first).
College or City, State Country Indicate if attended Attended From Attended To Major(s)/Minor(s) Degree GPA/GPA University as Undergraduate (mm/yyyy) (mm/yyyy) Received Scale
or Graduate or Expected Date
Lafayette College Easton PA UNITED STATES Undergraduate 0812008 05/2012
BIOLOGY BS 3.42
4
Unlv Of Auckland BIOLOGY 3.43 Auckland NEW ZEALAND Undergraduate 02/2011 06/2011
4
Hopkins History
18. Have you applied to the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School oEPublic Health previously? riNo D Yes: Year of Application _______ _
19. Have you attended, or are you currently attending, a Hopkins institution? 5l"No D Yes: Year Degree Received/Expected _______ _
Division _________________ _
20. Are you a current Hopkins faculty member? ri NoD Yes: Division _________________ _
21. Are you a current Hopkins employee? 5l"No D Yes: Division ____________________ _
Additional Information
22. Hjve you ever been discontinued or dismissed from any school or college for reason of scholarship, discipline, or violation of academic ethics? rn- No D Yes If yes, please provide an explanation:
2
Balaban , Amanda Molecular Microbiology and Immunology PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) , Molecular Microbiology and Immul
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
23. Please provide a history of your professional and/ or research-related experience in reverse chronological order (most recent first).
Position Tide Organization Name and Location Fonn (mm/yyyy) To (mm/yyyy)
Office Assistant Landon Summer Program I Bethesda MD UNITED STATES
0612004 07/2007
Summer Intern NIH (National Institutes of Health~ Bethesda MD UNITED SATES
06/2009 08/2011
General Biology TA LafayeUe College 08/2009 05/2012 Bethesda MD UNITED STATES
24. Please provide your current professional category. Select from the list provided. _S_t_u_d_e_n_t _____________ _
25. A copy of your resume or curriculum vita is required. Have you enclosed it with your application? ctYes D No
Additional Information
26. Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offense, or are there criminal charges pending against you? DYes riNo
If yes, please provide an explanation:
27. Have you ever been terminated from employment or professional practice for any reason, or have there ever been any charges of ethical/professional misconduct flied against you? D Yes Ii No If yes, please provide an explanation:
TEST SCORES
28. Please enter the date on which you have taken, or expect to take, the GRE, Gl'vIAT, MeAT, TOEFL, IELTS or other test, and enter the score and percentile, if known.
Note! The ETS test code for the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health is 5352.
GRE-Test Date (mm/yyyy) 02 2011
540 73 680 66 4.5 67 Verbal Score %ile Quant. Score %ile Analytical Score %ile Analytical Writing %ile
Verbal Score %ile Quant. Score %ile Analytical Score %ile Analytical Writing %ile
GMAT-Test Date (mm/yyyy)
Quant. Score %ile Verbal Score %ile AWAScore %ile Total Score %ile
MeAT-Test Date (mm/yyyy)
Phys. Score%ile Bio. Sci. Score %ile Verbal Reas. Score %ile Writing Sample %ile
3
Balaban , Amanda Molecular Microbiology and Immunology PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) • Molecular Microbiology and ImmUi
TOEFL-
Test Date (mm/yyyy) _________ _
Listening Structure/Writing Reading Test of Written English (IWE) Total Score
Computer-Based Scores 0 I Internet-Based Scores 0 IPaper -Based Scores 0
Test Date (mm/yyyy) _________ _
Listening Structure/Writing Reading Test of Written English (IWE) Total Score
Computer-Based Scores 0 I Internet-Based Scores 0 /Paper -Based Scores 0
IELTS-
Test Month ______ Test year _____ _
IELTS Registration Numbe~ ______________ Band Score ___________________ _
Listening Speaking Reading Writing
Test Month ____ _ Test year _____ _
IELTS Registration Number_~ ____________ Band Score ___________________ _
Listening Speaking Reading Writing
Other-
Test Date (mm/yyyy) _________ _
Test Name Total Score
OTHER INFORMATION
Medical Graduates
Note! This section is to be completed by medical graduates only.
13. Please provide your internship and residency experience in reverse chronological order (most recent first). Format all dates as mm/yyyy.
Balaban I Amanda Molecular Microbiology and Immunology PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) • Molecular Microbiology and ImmUi
Name of Institution
a.
b.
c.
Specialty Begin Date End Date
Board Cert. Country Date
Board Eligible
30. If you hold a medical license in the United States or Canada, please indicate state or province and provide your medical examination information.
State or Province _____________________ _
US~1LEExaminationScores: __________________________________ _
Score I Score II Score III Score IV
Other Medical Examination: __________________________________ _
Name Score
31. If you are a graduate of a medical institution outside the United States or Canada, do you possess ECFMG certification?
Date Issued (mm/yyyy): _______ _ Certificate Number: _____________ _
International Students
Note! This section is to be completed by all non-U.S. citizens only.
32. Are you a permanent resident of the United States? 0 Yes ONo Alien Registration Number: _______________ _
33. If you are not a U.S. citizen, do you currently hold a U.S. visa? DYes ONo
If yes, what type of visa do you currently hold?
o F-l Student: Visa Number ________________________________________ _
0}1 Exchange: Visitor/Student Visa Number _________________________________ _
OOther ________________ ___ Visa Number ____________________ _
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
34. Do you intend to apply for Federal Student Aid (student loans and/or workstudy)? DYes 51No
35. If you are being funded by, or intend to be funded by, an external agency, please indicate below.
o Fogarty o Fulbright o Humphrey IYI' Other NSF, NIH
PERSONAL STATEMENT
36. This part of the application is vital to the admissions review process. Please read the application instructions to make sure you provide the most nseful statement possible. Since this statement is your first opportunity to demonstrate your own writing skills to our faculty, make sure you submit a concise, well-constructed essay. Please limit your statement to two pages or less and provide your name on the top of each page.
REFERENCES
37. Please provide the names, positions, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses of the three persons who ,vill be providing references for you.
Bernard Fried Dr. a. ____________________________________________ .-____ ----__
Online Provider 5lYes ·ONo
[email protected] Name
Address
b. Svetlana
Name
Glushakova
Position
610/330-5463
Telephone
Dr.
Position
5
Online Provider [jYes ONo
Balaban, I Amanda Molecular Microbiology and Immunology PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) , Molecular Microbiology and ImmUi
301/594·2377 [email protected]
Address Telephone Email
Robert Kurt Dr. c.
Name Position Online Provider [!f Yes DNo
610/330·5681 [email protected]
Address Telephone Email
REFERENCES
38. We will not share information regarding your application with anyone else without your permission. Please provide name, address, and telephone number of persons or agencies authorized by you to obtain information regarding your application. Include your relacionship to this individual (i.e., parent, spouse, friend).
a. Name: Phone: Relationship:
b. Name: Phone: Relationship:
Name: c.
Phone: Relationship:
39. l'lease read the following statement and indicate by your signature below that you agree to the terms stated. Unsigned applications will be returned.
I affirm that the information on this application form, and any additional material that I submit related to the admissions process, is complete, accurate, and true to the best of my knowledge. I agree to submit any other materials that are required for the admissions process. I understand that furnishing false or incomplete information on any part of this application for admission or any related materials may be cause for denial of admission, cancellation of registration, or revocation of a degree. I understand that my application fee is non-refundable and that any materials submitted related to my application become the property of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and cannot be returned or forwarded to a third party. I understand that the decision made on my application is fmal and not subject to appeaL Finally, I agree that if admitted as a student, I will honor the academic ethics code and the student conduct code of the J ohn8 Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
S· tu Amanda Balaban 19na re: __________________________________________________________________ _ Date: 9/271201111:15:00 PM
8.2009
6
JOHNS HOPKINS: BLOOMBERG SCHOOLifPUBUC HEAlm
MPH ApPLICANT SUPPLEMENTAL FORM
Applicant's name: _B_a_la_b_a_n __________ A_m_a_n_d_a _______ E_Ii_z_a_b_e_th ____________________ _ Last name First name :Middle name Former name(s) if applicable
Social Security No. (U.S. applicants only): ~ .. ~.~$~.~.I.~ __________ _ What is your primary area of interest (for the purposes of faculty adviser assignment)?
SECTION ONE: PROFESSIONAL HEALTH-RELATED EXPERIENCE
Are you a dentist, veterinarian, medical student or physician? D Yes D No
If you indicated YES, please sldp to the final question on this form because your training in medical school fulfills your course and work experience requirements.
Applicants to the MPH program must have at least two years of post-baccalaureate, full-time health-related work experience or a doctoral degree in a field underlying public health. This health-related experience requirement is waived for applicants to the MPH/JD, MPH/MSN, and MPH/MSW dual degree programs.
D I have 2 years of health-related experience. (YON IvilJ be asked to provide details in Section FOftr below.)
D I have a doctoral degree in _______________________________________________ ,
SECTION Two: REQUIRED COLLEGE COURSES
You must submit an official transcript or mark sheet for every college attended.
At least one college course in mathematics is required (e.g., algebra, calculus, statistics). Please list college courses you have completed in mathematics.
Calculus II Lafayette College 0212009-05/2009 B
Course title College Date taken Grade
Applied Statistics Lafayette College 08/2009-1212009 A-
Course title College Date taken Grade
At least two college courses related to human biology are required (e.g., biology, microbiology, anatomy, and physiology). Please list college courses you have completed in areas related to human biology.
Immunology Lafayette College 08/2010-1212010 A-
Course title College Date taken Grade
Vertebrate Anatomy Lafayette College 08/2009-1212009 A
Course title College Date taken Grade
Biochemistry Lafayette College 08/2010-1212010 B
Course title College Date taken Grade
If you anticipate completing any of the course requirements after submitting your application, please fill out the following section. Please note that coursework must be completed prior to your anticipated matriculation date, and that the Admissions Office must have an official copy of the additional transcript prior to your matriculation into the program. Infectious Diseases Lafayette College 0212012.05/2012
Course title College Expected date of completion
Cell Biology Lafayette College 0212012·05/2012
Course title College Expected date of completion
SECTION THREE: TEST SCORE ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Do you have an advanced degree beyond the baccalaureate degree (such as a MS, MA, MD, DDS, MBBS, PhD, etc.)? DYes [{] No
If you indicated NO, you must submit a standatdized test score as part of the application process.
If you indicated YES, you may elect to have your application reviewed by the MPH Admissions Committee without a standardized test score such as the GRE, MCAT, GMA T, or LSAT. However, you may be putting yourself at a disadvantage, pattieulatly if your admission materials do not demonstrate significant quantitative and analytical skills.
Applicants who request to have their application reviewed without a standardized test score may significantly reduce their chances of being awarded a scholarship. Applicants who have an advanced degree and wish to have their application reviewed without a standardized test score should check the "YES" box below.
I have read the statement above and I would like to have my application reviewed by the MPH Admissions Committee without submitting a standardized
test score. DYes [Z]No
SECTION Four: PROFESSIONAL HEALTH-RELATED EXPERIENCE - DETAILS
Applicants to the MPH program must have at least two years of post- baccalaureate, full-time, health-related work experience. Please provide details of your health-related experience. Be sure to include a current resume or curriculum vita with your application materials.
NOTE! As stated in Section One above, the health-related experience requirement is waived for most applicants who possess a doctoral degree or are applying for the MPH/jD, MPH/MSN, or MPH/MSW joint degree programs.
Position title Period of employment Hours per week
Role and Scope of Responsibility
Position title Period of employment Hours per week
Role and Scope of Responsibility
Position title Period of employment Hours per week
Role and Scope of Responsibility
Position title Period of employment Hours per week
Role and Scope of Responsibility
Resume Curriculum Vitae
Box 7017 Farinon Center Lafayette College Easton, PA 18042 (301)-466-9196 Education
Lafayette College Bachelor of Science Cumulative GPA: 3.42 Major GPA: 3.47
Amanda Balaban E-mail: [email protected]
Amanda Balaban 3453563
7307 Nevis Rd Bethesda, MD 20817
(301)-320-6082
Easton, PA Graduate May 2012
Academic Honors: Dean's List (Fall 2009, Fall 2010), Goldwater Scholarship Nominee for Lafayette College (2011) Other Honors: NIH Directors Award (Dr. Francis Collins) for contribution to NIH Library Team (2010)
Research Experience
Independent Study Spring 2010-Present Lafayette College, Department of Biology, Easton, PA Worked with trematode parasite, Echinostoma caproni, in snail model (Biomphalaria glabrata) under the supervision of Dr. Bernard Fried. Participated in regular snail maintenance as well as independent research on the parasite cycle in mice and snails.
Independent Study Fa1l2011-Present Lafayette College, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Easton, P A Confocal microscopy of cells grown on thermoresponsive polymers. Prepared cells by fixing and labeling with fluorescent dyes specific from proteins involved in cell adhesion.
Research Internship Summer 2009, Winter 2010, Summer 2010 National Institutes of Health, NICHD, Lab of Cellular & Molecular Biophysics, Bethesda, Maryland Worked with malaria (Plasmodium falciparum) in cell culture under supervision of Dr. Svet1ana G1ushakova of the National Institute of Child Health and Development (NICHD) in the lab of Dr. Joshua Zimmerberg. Assisted in the maintenance of malaria cultures as well as designed and performed experiments involving parasite egress from various hemoglobinopathies. Conducted experiments using fluorescent dyes for calcium detection in late infected cells. Used LSM-510 confocal microscope to make live cell recordings, images, and analysis of cell morphology.
Other Experience
Teaching Assistant, General Biology Lab Fall 2009- Present Lafayette College, Easton, P A Attended weekly preparatory sessions as well as three hour lab. Helped and supervised General Biology students with lab safety, learning assistance, lab preparation and evaluation of student progress. Graded assignments and lab notebooks.
Tutor Lafayette College, Easton P A Spend a minimum of one hour a week with students in Marine Biology, Vertebrate Anatomy, or Immunology who request a tutor. Work with students through material and try to improve their understanding of the material.
.Resume Curriculum Vitae Amanda Balaban 3453563
Intern, Volunteer Summer 2007 and Summer 2008 Smithsonian Institute, Washington DC Worked with Steve Jabo of the Department of Paleobiology sorting and cataloging the vertebrate collections.
Publications
Svetlana Glushakova, Glen Humphrey, Evgenia Leikina, Amanda E. Balaban, Jeffrey Miller, Joshua Zimmerberg, "New Stages in the Program of Malaria Parasite Egress Imaged in Normal and Sickle Erythrocytes" Current Biology - 22 June 2010 (Vol. 20, Issue 12, pp. 1117-1121)
Amanda E. Balaban and Bernard Fried. "Effects of Crowding on Survival and Growth of Neonatal Biomphalaria galabrata Snails Maintained on a Nostoc sp. Diet" The Veliger. (in submittal)
Presentations NIH, Bethesda, MD
Presented research from Summer 2009 & Summer 2010 research on malaria at "NIH Summer Research Program Poster Day".
Activities NIH Journal Club - (Summer 2010) Club Soccer - Vice President (Spring 2010-Spring 2011) CHILL Club - Treasurer (Fa112009- Spring 2011), Vice President (Fa112011) Habitat for Humanity- (Summer 2008) Landon Summer Program-Office Assistant (06/2004-0712007)
.Statement of Experience Goal Amanda Balaban Amanda Balaban 3453563
I grew up in a household that fostered science as both of my parents have careers in a scientific field. At a young age, I developed a fascination with dinosaurs. One year, while on vacation in Bermuda I found whale bones washed up on the shoreline and was able to put the entire skeleton together. When I told my dad, he laughed with a hint of amazement and suggested that I should think about paleontology. Thus, in high school I began volunteering some of my summers at the Smithsonian's Natural History Museum. I worked with Steve Jabo of the Paleobiology Department where I helped catalogue the vertebrate collections in the back rooms of one of the most famous museums in the country. I had the opportunity to touch rare fossils, see Wooly Mammoth hair, and Giant Sloth feces. Although I was enjoyed this experience, I decided that paleobiology was no longer a field I wanted to work in as a career.
After my freshman year at Lafayette College, I initiated an internship at NIH in the lab of Dr. Joshua Zimmerberg to study biophysical aspects of malarial infections. Following three exciting summers at the NIH and research with Dr. Bernard Fried of Lafayette College (on Echinostoma caproni) I have become passionate about scientific problem solving in micro and macrobiological settings. The work that I have perfonned in these laboratories has opened my eyes to a world that I aspire to contribute to. I am excited by the possibilities of extending my current knowledge base in malarial research and contributing to the field.
My first summer at NIH was spent with Dr. Glushakova investigating sickle cell resistance to malaria. This was a challenge as neither Dr. Glushakova nor I had ever worked with sickle cells before. We learned about sickle cell anemia and resistance to severe malaria, while initiating collaboration with clinicians working with sickle cell patients. After a literature review, we tested the effect of sickle cell dehydration on the end ofthe intracellular cycle. We hypothesized that inducing hemoglobin polymerization and dehydration of sickle cell, via deoxygenation, before swelling of the parasitophorous vacuole, egress would be inhibited. This is idea was supported by studies that artificially dehydrated cells near the end ofthe parasite cycle to inhibit egress. Although we did not attain conclusive results, we recorded defective egresses from a population of irreversibly sickled cells (IRS). These data were consistent with our hypothesis that sickled cells would inhibit the malaria infectious cycle during egress. This data is published in Current Biology as "New Stages in the Program of Malaria Parasite Egress Imaged in Normal and Sickle Erythrocytes". It was after this experience that I knew I wanted to pursue a PhD in biological research.
My following summers at NIH continued to focus on the replication of malaria in sickle cells. With the discovery that parasites defectively egress from dehydrated sickle cells, we also studied the parasite cycle in other low cell volume hemoglobinopathies including alpha and beta thalassemia, Hemoglobin C, and iron deficiency. If other hemoglobinopathies with low cell volume showed inhibited egress we would further support our hypothesis that dehydrated cells inhibit egress of malaria parasites due to insufficient water supply. We perfonned egress assays, evaluated merozoite number, followed parasitemia, and recorded egress for all hemoglobinopathies tested. By the end of this summer I compiled most of the data, which will be further analyzed by my colleague Paul Blank, and also collaborated with mathematician, Phil McQueen, in order to develop a model for our sickle cell data.
During my sophomore year at Lafayette, as an assistant to Dr. Fried, I focused on the trematode parasite, Echinostoma caproni. This parasite has different fonns which live in snail and vertebrate hosts. Extensive study of E. caproni and its hosts is important to the discovery of how the parasite replicates and is transmitted. We decided to look at the infectivity of young
,Statement of Experience Goal Amanda Balaban Amanda Balaban 3453563
Biomphalaria glabrata snails. We developed conditions which were ideal for rearing neonatal B. glabrata snails so as to conduct experiments on their infectivity. In particular, I studied the effects of crowding of B. glabrata on a cyanobacteria, Nostoc sp., diet. These results are in submittal for The Veliger; "Effects of Crowding on Survival and Growth of Neonatal Biomphalaria glabrata Snails Maintained on a Nostoc sp. Diet." The next step will be to expose neonates on a Nostoc sp. diet to E. caproni, comparing infectivity to that of juvenile snails. Preliminary studies show that neonates are capable of being infected days after hatching. This year I will continue conducting experiments on the infectivity of neonatal B. glabrata by E. caproni miracidia. Working in Dr. Fried's lab had been beneficial because it has allowed me to develop skills that are more involved in macrobiology than those I gained from working at NIH.
This year, I will begin research with the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Department in the lab of Dr. Lauren Anderson performing confocal microscopy of cells that have been cultured on thermoresponsive polymers, thermobrushes. The use of these thermobrushes may be applied to cell culturing techniques as a less harmful replacement for the trypson method detaching cells from their substrate. First the effect of cell growth on thermobrushes must be thoroughly analyzed. Our experiments will investigate how cells attach to thermobrushes by monitoring the cells over time with confocal microscopy as well as after fixation to characterize the protein distribution at the contact sites. We anticipate that cells will demonstrate similar strength of attachment to polymers as to the surface of culture flasks but with a longer time of establishment.
An important experience leading to my decision to pursue a PhD was my externship with Dr. Lawrence Livornese, an infectious disease doctor at Lankenau Hospital, P A. I learned about the professional life of an MD and gained a perspective on the profession. However, I clearly felt that I did not want to work with patients. I am now confident that my interests are purely lab oriented.
Despite these other experiences, my research at NIH is what initiated my interest not only biological research but apicomplexa research, as this has been the most stimulating for me. What I find most interesting about infectious disease research is that you have the opportunity to study the complex interaction oftwo cellular systems. That is, one must simultaneously analyze both the p"arasite and its host and understand how the infection proceeds. In addition, understanding these parasitic processes provides information on the innate immunity of the cell as well as insight into many other disease processes.
I chose Johns Hopkins as a graduate program for my PhD studies because there are not only several individuals working with malaria and other apicomplexa (ex. Toxoplasma gondii), but there is an entire institute dedicated to malarial research (Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute). I therefore chose the Bloomberg School of Public Health because several of the faculties from the Malaria Research Institute are within the Molecular Microbiology & Immunology department. The opportunity to work in this department would surround me with experts in the field of malarial research serving as one of the best places in the country for my PhD, If! were to be selected as a member of this department, I believe I could explore new aspects of infectious disease and have the option of working with something I enjoy. Currently, I am more interested in the cellular interactions and mechanisms in malaria. As a result, I am most interested in the labs of Dr. Isabelle Coppens, Dr. Fidel Zavala, Dr. Sean Prigge, and Dr. David Sullivan.
I find Dr. Isabelle Coppens' lab to be attractive because she is investigating both the host manipulation of T. gondii and Plasmodium (malaria). This is an interesting approach as tHough both of these organisms are within the same phylum, they infect different cells. Plasmodium
Statement of Experience Goal Amanda Balaban Amanda Balaban 3453563
infects red blood cells which have no organelles, and as such would seemingly utilize different modes of control then in a cell with organelles. T. gondii, on the other hand, infects all cell types and thus, I would hypothesize that it uses different mechanisms then that of Plasmodium. In fact in her paper, "New host nuclear functions are not required for the modifications of the parasitophorous vacuole of Toxoplasma", Dr. Coppens demonstrates that although T. gondii does not require the genetic nuclear components of a cell to normally replicate, it does recruit and associate with other organelles. Thus, the mechanism of host control must be different for Plasmodium in red blood cells then T. gondii in various eukaryotic cells with organelles. I believe this could be an interesting area of investigation which could be conducted in Dr. Coppens'lab.
Dr. Fidel Zavala's lab has a very different focus. His lab has a more immunological approach to malarial research. I am interested in this field as I became intrigued by the immune system and its modes of communication while taking an immunology course at Lafayette. By working in Dr. Zavala's lab I would be able to combine my interest in malaria with my interest in immunology. As I have previously worked with mice in Dr. Fried's lab, I feel as though I would be able to comfortably conduct research through the rodent model with Dr. Zavala uses.
Dr. Sean Prigge's lab is intriguing to me as his focus is a completely new field from one which I am familiar with. His lab seems to have a more biochemical approach to investigating malarial replication. He specifically investigates the mechanism of metabolism in the apicoplast ofthe malaria parasite. I believe I would expand my research and biological knowledge by working in Dr. Prigge's lab as I have never worked in the area of metabolism or used the laboratory/research techniques that this type of investigation would require.
I am also interested in Dr. David Sullivan's lab. Many of his publications focus on the hemozoin of the parasitophorus vacuole. My research at NIH led me to develop a curiosity in the role ofhemozoin in the malaria infection. This was especially prominent in our sickle cell studies as the hemoglobin which the parasite utilized was different from that of normal cells. Although it was not an area we investigated, I always wondered how the different hemoglobin affected this hemozoin. I think this would be an interesting question to pursue in Dr. Sullivan's lab should he be interested. However, as I am already interested in the hemozoin, I will enjoy working in any research project involving its importance in malarial replication.
This transcript is official when it bears the facsimile signature of the registrar and the seal of the University. This student is in good standing and eligible to return unless otherwise stated.
CRED GRD PTS R
1. 00 B
a..00 A-a..OO B
1. 00 A 3.43
Term: Ehrsl Dean's List
Term: BIOL 23.5 BIOL 271
CHEM 222 Chem 222 Detail: Lec~B; L
VAST 227
Term: BIOL 245 srOL 401 CHEM 35J. INPS 211
PHY8 111 Term:
Ehll'SI 4.00
Fall 2010
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Admissions Office Student Affairs
A JOHNS HOPKINS ~4~ BLOOMBERG '4" SCHOOLifPUBLlC HEALTH
615 North Wolfe Street, Suite E1002
Baltimore, Maryland 21205-2179
RECOMMENDATION FORM
To the applicant: Please complete the upper portion of the recommendation form and forward it to a person who is familiar with your
professional work, or to a college or graduate faculty member who is acquainted with your academic record.
Applicant's name:--",B",a",la""b~a""n,-,----______ --,A,-"-,m",a",n",d""a",-_______ -",E",Ii",z""a,,,b"'e"'th'-'----________________ _
Last name First name Middle name Former nameCs) if applicable
Social Security No. CU.S.): Email: _b_a_l_a_b_a_n_a...;:@:....I_a_fa-'y_e_tt_e_.e_d_u ___________ _
Degree and/or department to which you are applying: _=-P"'h'-=D~{D=..;::oc.::c;;to-=-r-=o:..:.f-=P-'h:..:..:..:iI.;::o.;::sc.::o'-"p:..:.h..:.yu)'__ __________________ _
Do you wish to waive your right to examine this letter of recommendation? GZl Yes DNo
To THE PERSON COMPLETING THE RECOMMENDATION FORM:
Please use the reverse side or an attached sheet for your WRITTEN STATEMENT.
A written statement, in addition to the completed chart below, is essential to our evaluation of this applicant. Please rank the applicant
in comparison with others applying for graduate education in the specified degree program.
Recommended enthusiastically
Recommended with confidence
Recommended
Recommended wirh reservation
Not Recommended
CZI o o o o
Signature: -'-'R"'o'-'b'-'e'-'rt-'-____ --'K~u"-rt-'--____ _
Name (Print): Robert Kurt
Title and Department: Associate Professor, Biology
Institution: Lafayette College
Address: Kunkel Hall room 303
Telephone: 610/330·5681
Email Address: [email protected]
Once you complete the written statement and this form, please return them promptly to the applicant in the self-addressed envelope that s/he has
provided. PLEASE BE SURE TO SEAL THE ENVELOPE AND SIGN YOUR NAME ACROSS THE SEAL. The applicant has been instructed
to return the sealed recommendation forms along with the rest of the applicarion materials. Thank you for providing this information.
PLEASE USE THE REVERSE SIDE OF THIS SHEET OR AN ATTACHED LETTER FOR YOUR WRITTEN STATEMENT.
GUIDELINES FOR THE WRITTEN STATEMENT MAY BE FOUND ON THE BACK OF THIS SHEET.
25
WRITTEN STATEMENT
The School would appreciate a candid statement from you concerning this applicant. In your written statement, please be sure to comment on the following:
26
• How long you have known the applicant and in what capacity
• What you consider to be the applicant's strengths and talents
Any weaknesses that may impede the applicant's ability to pursue rigorous graduate study
• How much thought you feel the applicant has given to study in public health
• English proficiency if the applicant's native language is not English
• The ratings you have aSSigned on the reverse side of this sheet induding any additional comments about the applicant's record, potential, or personal qualities that you feel would be helpful to the admissions committee
Written Statement Robert Kurt
October 12, 2011
To Whom It May Concern,
It is with great pleasure that I recommend Amanda Balaban for your graduate program. I have known Amanda for several and have been impressed with her abilities. Amanda took my 200 level immunology class at Lafayette College and was an active participant in the class and associated laboratory. In immunology students learn about the innate and adaptive defenses, immune responses to infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, and vaccines providing students with a broad base of immunological knowledge. In the course students also participate in group problem solving exercises called patient oriented problem solving. Students are given problems and working in teams they must corne up with solutions using information they learn in the course. During these exercises Amanda would often lead her group in meaningful and lengthy discussions concerning the problem at hand. She was exceptional at explaining material to students showing me that she truly understood the material and that she has excellent communication skills; one of the reasons I recently recommended her as a tutor for this course. In the laboratory component of the course Amanda obtained hands-on experience with antibody and T cell based experiments including immunodiffusion, ELISA, flow cytometry, and generating and monitoring T cell mediated antigen specific immune responses in mice. She did exceptionally well in lab. As a result, in this course and the laboratory work associated with it Amanda has shown me that she can take what she learns in the classroom and apply it in a practical setting. She was one of my best students in immunology, and from my interactions with her in class, and her activities outside of class it is clear to me that she has a genuine interest in pursuing graduate studies in a medically related field and she will excel in her graduate studies as she has here at Lafayette.
Amanda has also been fortunate to take INDS 211 the interdisciplinary life science seminar series which is a great opportunity for students interested in pursuing graduate studies. The course has students read, analyze, and discuss current literature concerning some cutting edge interdisciplinary research in the life sciences. In addition, students have the opportunity to
. attend a seminar by a Professor who is an expert in the field and then have a discussion with the Professor concerning his/her research program. This is incredible preparation for students interested in advanced degrees, not only because they get to read, analyze, and discuss primary literature, but because they have the opportunity to interact with a diverse group of experts in different fields of study throughout the semester.
Although I have not been fortunate enough to have Amanda working in my research laboratory, I know that she has accomplished more, and been exposed to more diverse research experiences than many of her peers. Amanda has been fortunate to have had great research experiences at the NIH. For two summers Amanda worked with Dr. Glushakova conducting research on malaria and sickle cell for which she has been listed as a coauthor on a publication
Written Stat~ment Robert Kurt
resulting from her work. Additionally, Amanda has been working with the parasite Echinostoma capronii with Bernie Fried who is one ofthe world's foremost experts in Echinostomes. Dr. Fried speaks highly of Amanda and knowing that Dr. Fried somehow always ends up with the best and brightest of our students speaks volumes to Amanda's ability to conduct independent research. As a result of her work in Dr. Fried's lab it is very likely that Amanda will be included as a coauthor on more papers. Besides her work in Dr. Fried's lab, this year Amanda is also conducting an independent study project in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.
In addition to her course work and research interests, Amanda has also found time to participate in other activities such as club soccer, the CHILL Club, and Habitat for Humanity signifying that she is capable of handling diverse activities while maintaining her academics. In addition, for the past three years Amanda has served as a teaching assistant for general biology, a position requiring leadership and maturity as well as intellectual skills. This experience has not only helped reinforce basic biological concepts and laboratory skills, but also helped teach Amanda how to oversee and evaluate others in the lab which will serve her well as she moves onto graduate school where she may be a teaching assistant, or simply assisting other graduate students in the research laboratory.
Overall, Amanda is a well rounded student, who exhibits maturity, critical thinking skills, organization skills, professionalism, and leadership abilities. On the whole, I rank her among the top 1-2% of students I have interacted with at Lafayette, and find her exceptionally well prepared for graduate school. I anticipate an incredible future not only in her graduate studies, but beyond in becoming an outstanding independent investigator. If you have any additional questions please do not hesitate to let me know.
Sincerely,
Robert A. Kurt, PhD Associate Professor Department Biology Lafayette College Easton, P A 18042 610-330-5681 [email protected]
Admissions Office Student Affairs
A JOHNS HOPKINS ~n~ BLOOMBERG '." SCHOOL of PUBLIC HEALTH
615 North Wolfe Street, Suite EI002
BaltimDre, Maryland 21205-2179
RECOMMENDATION FORM
To the applicant: Please complete the upper portion of the recommendation form and forward it to a person who is familiar with yout
professional work, or to a college or graduate faculty member who is acquainted with your academic record.
Applicant's name:-2::B~a!!l!:!.a!:!b!:!.a!..!n ________ A~m!..!:a!:!.n~d!:!.a _______ ---!::E:.!.Ii~z~a~b~e~t!..!h ________________ _
Last name First name Middle name Former name(s) if applicable
Social Security No. (U.S.): Email: _ba_'a_b_a_n_a...::@:::.'_a_fa....;y'-e_t_te_._e_d_u __________ _
Degree andlor department to which you are applying: _P'--'-'h"'D~(D=o'-"c'-'t"'o!...r-"o'-'f...!P....:h'_!!!il"'o_"'s"'oCl:p'_'h.!Jyu)'___ __________________ _
Do you wish to waive your right to examine this letter of recommendation? bZl Yes DNo
To THE PERSON COMPLETING THE RECOMMENDATION FORM:
Please use the reverse side or an attached sheet for your WRITTEN STATEMENT.
A written statement, in addition to the completed chart below, is essential to out evaluation of this applicant. Please rank the applicant
in comparison with others applying for graduate education in the specified degree program.
Signature: Bernard Fried
Recommended enthusiastically [{]
D D D D
Name (Print):~B~e~run.!..!a!.!r..!<dL... _____ __'FLJrl!i£e!.dd _____________ _
Recommended with confidence
Recommended
Recommended with reservation
Not Recommended
Title and Department: Kreider Professor Emeritus
Institution: Lafayette College
Address: 111 Quad Dr., Lafayette College, Easton. PA
Telephone: 610/330·5463
Email Address: [email protected]
Once you complete the written statement and this form, please return them promptly to the applicant in the self-addressed envelope that slhe has
provided. PLEASE BE SURE TO SEAL THE ENVELOPE AND SIGN YOUR NAME ACROSS THE SEAL. The applicant has been instructed
to return the sealed recommendation forms along with the rest of the application materials. Thank you for providing this information.
PLEASE USE THE REVERSE SIDE OF THIS SHEET OR AN ATTACHED LETTER FOR YOUR WRITTEN STATEMENT.
GUIDELINES FOR THE WRITTEN STATEMENT MAY BE FOUND ON THE BACK OF THIS SHEET.
25
WRITTEN STATEMENT
The School would appreciate a candid statement from you concerning this applicant. In your written statement, please be sure to comment on the following:
26
• How long you have known the applicant and in what capacity
What you consider to be the applicant's strengths and talents
Any weaknesses that may impede the applicant's ability to pursue rigorous graduate study
• How much thought you feel the applicant has given to study in public health
• English proficiency if the applicant's native language is not English
The ratings you have assigned on the reverse side of this sheet including any additional comments about the applicant's record, potential, or personal qualities that you feel would be helpful to the admissions committee
Written Statement Bernard Fried
It is my pleasure to recommend Amanda Balaban to you. Amanda has worked with me for two
years. She interacts very well with me, my advanced students, and guest scientists who occasionally
work in my laboratory. I consider Amanda more as a collaborator than a student. The caliber of her
work for me has been outstanding both in quality and quantity. She has learned the basic procedures of
my laboratory, i.e., preparation of solutions; maintenance of experimental snails and mice; isolating
snails to detect larval trematodes; infecting snails and mice with trematodes; necropsying snails and
mice to obtain trematodes and preparing them for study. This year she is working with me for credit as
an Independent Study student in Biology 401 on the culture of neonatal (newly hatched snails)
Biomphalaria glabrata (a medically important planorbid snail) on a Nostoc diet. Nostoc is a
cyanobacterium (a blue green alga) that a good food source for neonatal planorbid snails. She has
cultivated neonatal B. glabrata snails on the Nostoc diet to the juvenile stage and succeeded in
achieving good growth and survival of these snails in petri dish cultures. She has examined the effects of
snail crowding on the growth and survival of the neonatal snails under laboratory culture. Snail
crowding of the neonatals under our culture conditions has a detrimental effect on the survival and
growth of these snails. Our study has been submitted for publication to The Veliger.
In her second study she has examined the effects of infection of Echinostoma caproni (an
intestinal trematode of medical significance) eggs and miracidia (a larval infective stage) on neonatal B.
glabrata snails. The medically important blood fluke trematode, Schistosoma mansoni, can infect B.
glabrata neonates and we want to determine if this phenomenon occurs using B. glabrata neonatals
and E. caproni. This work has significance as to when B. glabrata can become infected with E. caproni in
the wild. We have completed the first trial ofthis work and now know that E. caproni can infect
neonatal B. glabrata. Results of this study will be reported as a research note in The Journal of
Parasitology. She has now begun a study with the help of Professor Joseph Sherma of the Chemistry
Department, Lafayette College on the thin layer chromatographic (TLC) analysis of lipids and lipophilic
pigments in Nostoc and in the B. glabrata snails fed Nostoc. She has now learned the TLC techniques
needed to carry out the work. She has prepared Nostoc and Nostoc fed snail material for analysis by
extracting the material in lipid solvents. This study is currently in progress and has important
implications to the biochemistry of planorbid snails in general, and more specifically to B. glabrata, since
lipids and lipophilic pigments play an important role in the biochemistry of these snails. This work will
be published in 2012 in a special issue on TLC in the Journal of Liquid Chromatography and Related
Technologies (JLC&RT) edited by Sherma and Fried.
In summary, Amanda Balaban has been an outstanding worker in my laboratory for several
years and I know will continue her excellent performance in my laboratory during her senior year at
Lafayette College. I recommend her to your program with great enthusiasm and without reservation.
She will be a great success in your graduate program.
Bernard Fried
Kreider Professor Emeritus/Biology Depa rtment/Lafayette College
, A JOHNS HOPKINS Admissions Office Student Affairs ~n~ BLOOMBERG
,~" SCHOOLo{PUBLIC HEALTH 615 North Wolfe Street, Suite EI002
Baltimore, Maryland 21205-2179
RECOMMENDATION FORM
To the applicant: Please complete the upper portion of the recommendation form and forward it to a person who is familiar with your
professional work, or to a college or graduate faculty member who is acquainted with your academic record.
Applicant's name: ----'='B~a'.!:la~b~a~n!.!_ ______ __'A'::!!.'m"'a"_'nC!:d"'a"__ _______ =E""Ii"'z""a"'b"'e"'th!.!_ ________________ _
Last name First name Middle name Former name(s) if applicable
Social Security No. (U.S.): Email: _b_a_l_a_b_a_n_a,,;;@=-'_a_fa...:y_e_tt_e_.e_d_u ___________ _
Degree andlor department to which you are applying: _P'---'-'h"'O'-"(O=-.::O""c""to=..:...r..::o"'f...:P_h:..:..:.:il.::o.::s""o:..o:P"'h.;.VLJ>'--__________________ _
Do you wish to waive your right to examine this letter of recommendation? IZl Yes DNo
To THE PERSON COMPLETING THE RECOMMENDATION FORM:
Please use the reverse side or an attached sheet for your WRITTEN STATEMENT.
A written statement, in addition to the completed chart below, is essential to our evaluation of this applicant. Please rank the applicant
in comparison with others applying for graduate education in the specified degree program.
Signature: Svetlana Glushakova
Recommended enthusiastically [Z]
D D D D
Name (Print):--"S"'v..,e"'t"'la""n"'a"--_____ --'G ... I"'u'-"s'-'-h"'a""k"'o""v!..!a"--_________ _
Recommended with confidence
Recommended
Recommended with reservation
Not Recommended
Title and Department: Staff scientist, PPB
Institution: NIH/NICHO
Address: 10 Center drive. Bldg.1 O. Room 10004. Bethesda MO
Telephone: 301/594-2377
Email Address: glushakova@cc1 .nichd.nih.gov
Once you complete the written statement and this form, please return them promptly to the applicant in the self-adcressed envelope that slhe has provided. PLEASE BE SURE TO SEAL THE ENVELOPE AND SIGN YOUR NAME ACROSS THE SEAL. The applicant has been instructed
to return the sealed recommendation forms along with the rest of the application materials. Thank you for providing this information.
PLEASE USE THE REVERSE SIDE OF THIS SHEET OR AN ATTACHED LETTER FOR YOUR WRITTEN STATEMENT.
GUIDELINES FOR THE WRITTEN STATEMENT MAY BE FOUND ON THE BACK OF THIS SHEET.
25
WRITTEN STATEMENT
The School would appreciate a candid statement from you concerning this applicant. In your written statement, please be sure to comment on the following:
26
• How long you have known the applicant and in what capacity
What you consider to be the applicant's strengths and talents
Any weaknesses that may impede the applicant's ability to pursue rigorous graduate study
How much thought you feel the applicant has given to study in public health
English proficiency if the applicant's native language is not English
• The ratings you have aSSigned on the reverse side of this sheet including any additional comments about the applicant's record, potential, or personal qualities that you feel would be helpful to the admissions committee
Written Statement Svetlana Glushakova
September 28,2011
To whom it may concern
I strongly recommend that Ms. Amanda Balaban be accepted into the Ph.D.
Program in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg
School of Public Health.
For many years I've worked as a staff scientist at the National Institutes of Health
(Program in Physical Biology, NICHD), being involved in studies on the biology of host
pathogen interactions. My current interest is in biophysical/membrane aspects of the
asexual cycle of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum.
I had the good fortune to collaborate with Amanda during her 2009 summer and
2009-2010 winter student internships (as a volunteer), and during her 2010 and 2011
paid summer NIH internships. Amanda came to us with an idea to elucidate the
mechanisms whereby persons with sickle cell disease are protected from severe malaria.
Along with Dr. J. Zimmerberg, we decided that Amanda should design an in vitro study
on malaria parasite egress from infected sickle erythrocytes. Egress could be observed,
analyzed, and quantified using light microscopy of cultures of infected human
erythrocytes. Differences in parasite egress from the sickle erythrocytes could contribute
to protection from severe malaria in vivo. There were no prior publications on this topic in
the scientific literature. Amanda faced a task of enormous complexity. She had to
familiarize herself with relevant scientific literature, formulate hypotheses that could be
tested experimentally, learn and apply various new laboratory techniques, perform
experiments and interpret their results. Amanda did not have any prior experience doing
scientific research and, in addition, had finished only her first year of college. Just her
attempt to initiate such research would be enough to elicit praise for Amanda's bravery
and her serious intention to learn our profession. However, Amanda exceeded our
expectations (and, possibly, also her own!). Her significant contribution to research on
malaria parasite biology in sickle cells was recognized in the authorship of paper
published in Current Biology, (20, 1117-1121, June 22, 2010).
Written Statement Svetlana Glushakova
We were happy to see Amanda back to our lab for her winter college break the
following year, then twice for summer internships, showing ,the enthusiasm of a person
who is "infected" with the bug for doing scientific research. A new collaborative project on
the biology of P. falciparum in erythrocytes of individuals with hemoglobinopathies was
initiated, with Amanda as the leading researcher. It was an intensive and productive time
in our group. Amanda's energy, enthusiasm and dedication deserve the highest marks. It
was impressive to observe how Amanda became stronger in all aspects of a scientific
profession.
The most pleasant (and an intellectually joyful!) time for me was when we
discussed experimental results. Amanda's quick mind and her growing knowledge of
biology, created very valuable dialogs, much appreciated by her colleagues. Amanda
convinced us, and herself, that she is well fit to become a Researcher. Her desire to
learn, her intellectual curiosity, sharply logical mind, hard work and impressive
acceptance of responsibility fully qualify this young and talented individual for a future
career in science. Amanda Balaban is one of the most gifted and successful students I
have had during the last 10 years. No doubt, she will be a superb scientist. Moreover,
Amanda is an easy-going person and has a cheerful nature. Her kindness and respect
for others make her one of our favorite students, and we consider ourselves lucky to
have had an opportunity to work with her.
Sincerely, Svetlana Glushakova, MD, PhD
PPB/NICHD/NIH
Phone: 301-594-2377
E-mail: [email protected]
P.S. I just looked at Amanda's resume, which I find to be a very modest description of
her achievements. She is very self-critical---a good, healthy attitude for her future in
Science.
