I am currently a junior at the University of Arizona with a dual major – Biochemistry and Cellular/Molecular Biology. I began my freshman year pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering. However, after experiencing several serious health problems that resulted in a few surgeries and after seeing many different specialists, I was finally diagnosed as having hemochromatosis (inability of the body to process iron correctly) and a pelvic floor problem along with some related conditions. My own personal health challenges led me to become interested in Biochemistry, with a particular interest in studying the effect of various drugs on the body, and more specifically the brain and nervous system. My senior thesis will deal with opiate drugs and how we might approach pain relief without addictive side effects.

Last year, while going to school fulltime, I worked as an intern in a research lab (under Dr. Victor Hruby, University of Arizona). I chose this lab because it aligns perfectly with my desire to eliminate the addicting effects of opiate drugs. Our lab is performing some very unique, ground-breaking work in this field. Basically, we make antagonists that bind to both the Mu and Delta receptors in our brain. Mu is responsible for the binding of morphine. By inhibiting these receptors, we hope to learn more about the metabolic pathways and encephalins produced from these receptors, because not a lot of information is known at this time. If we can understand how these receptors bind and inhibit the antagonists we make, then we can eliminate the addictive properties of morphine and other opioids associated with the Mu and Delta receptors. I believe we are the first lab in history to try to create a Mu and Delta linker, so it’s revolutionary work.

I became interested in this field not only because of my own personal experience with doctors prescribing narcotics for pain relief without being fully aware of their addictive properties, but also because I saw the pain my own father endured. My dad was seriously and permanently injured and disabled by a motorcycle accident in 1997. (My mother was found guilty of abuse and neglect and only awarded 3 hours of supervised visitation with me every two weeks.) As a result, I was raised by legal guardians. I saw my dad go through the hell of opiate withdrawal several times, through no fault of his own. People with chronic pain absolutely need pain relief to enhance their quality of life, but the possible addiction is something they don’t need and can’t predict.


In spite of my many challenging health problems which have included numerous trips to the Emergency Room, hospitalizations and exploratory surgeries, I have fought to do well in college. I am an “independent” student with a zero “Expected Family Contribution” on my FAFSA, and my education is completely funded by grants and scholarships. I budget my money wisely because I absolutely have to in order to succeed and obtain my degree. I still continue to apply for scholarships, because some scholarships are non-renewable and I need additional funds for summer school. If you choose me for this scholarship, I can assure you that it will be money well spent and will result in a graduate from the University of Arizona’s College of Science. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship.

Essay: Redesigning opiate drugs to eliminate addictive properties

Deaths from opiate drugs in the United States are rising rapidly, and I believe that we have reached crisis or epidemic proportions. Congress is only beginning to recognize this widespread problem and allocate funding for programs and research. The most tragic aspect of this epidemic is that most of these deaths could have been prevented. Physicians have been prescribing opiates and narcotic drugs for pain relief without being fully aware of the addictive properties. Unfortunately, for most people, it is easy to become addicted. The physical addiction begins to require greater dosages in order to receive the same effect. It becomes an insatiable monster that must be fed. Unfortunately, opiate users begin to self-medicate which can result in overdoses and death.

It is imperative that we redesign opiate drugs so that they no longer have addictive properties. People absolutely need pain relief in order to achieve even a minimum quality of life, but addiction is something they never anticipate. When we read about drug overdoses, we tend to think that these are people at the bottom of society but the truth is that opiate users and addicts come from all levels of society. They represent all ages, ethnicities, religions, etc. They could be your doctor, your pharmacist, your teacher, your newspaper carrier, your pastor, your neighbor, the cashier at the grocery store, your mayor, your lawyer, etc. Most of these people were introduced to opiates because they were prescribed at some point – for chronic pain, after a surgery, etc. After addiction sets in, the opiate user will convince his doctor to prescribe in larger amounts, go to different doctors, or begin getting a supply off the street. Only the lucky ones will realize that they are on a path to death and will ask their doctor for help or go cold turkey on their own.

This is why I was so excited to participate in Dr. Hruby’s research lab at the University of Arizona we were actively trying to find a way to eliminate the addicting effects of opiates. After I graduate and after I have additional lab experience, I plan to eventually own and operate my own biochemical research lab where we will perform similar research. With my own lab, I would be able to hire staff who have the same commitment and dedication that I do for this cause.

If this kind of research is successful, it will make the world a better place for future generations. Just as discovering general anesthesia for surgery changed the face of medicine, so will the development of strong painkilling opiate drugs that do not have the addicting properties that lead to death.