Cheyney University March 31, 2016 Cheyney Honors Scholar Mia Parker Presents Senior Thesis Research at Regional Conference Meghan Sowersby contributed Cheyney University dual Biology and Psychology major Mia Parker, a Keystone Honors Academy (KHA)<http://www.cheyney.edu/keystone/index.cfm> Scholar, hopes to be a pediatric oncologist one day. As one of her final activities before graduating next month, at the urging of Sociology Professor Dr. Lynn Green, she presented her impressive Senior thesis, "The Clinical Care of Children with Oncology: Its Impact Upon Stress as Endured by Patient's Family", last week at the Mid-Atlantic Undergraduate Social Research Conference at Elizabethtown College. In her lecture, Parker analyzed the effect of cancer on the afflicted patient and on their family members. According to the 22-year-old, the needs of the family can sometimes be overlooked in the process of treatment. "When people think about cancer, they don't often realize the way it affects the family," Parker explains. "You're no longer just a family, now you're a 'cancer family'. It's not possible to have the normal routine that you're used to." Using her knowledge and experience in the fields of psychology, biology and sociology, the focus of her presentation centered on improving treatment for both the afflicted individual and suffering family unit, especially children involved in the experience. Having lost two beloved family members to the disease during her lifetime, Parker's presentation was one step towards achieving her goal to fight for a cure for the disease. "Oncology is something that I'm passionate about. Research needs more funding and we need to spread more knowledge. Cancer never affects just the patient, there's so much more involved." The Philadelphian hopes that studies such as hers will assist in providing a complete look at the effects of the disease. Although initially apprehensive about giving her first off-campus presentation, Parker says the opportunity improved her abilities as a student and public speaker. "It was nice seeing so many undergrads present their work and learn about health and other important issues." Dr. Green, was thrilled Parker attended the conference and actively participated in a panel presentation while there. "Whether you are thinking about graduate school right after Cheyney or down the road -- or even not at all -- there is no other experience like standing before a group of fellow students who are interested in similar topics and sharing your findings and insights about a social issue that is important to you," Green says. "The skills one acquires by doing research and then discussing it with others is as useful to future graduate students as it is to students in just about any profession where you will have to master information and share it with colleagues." Parker is used to taking advantage of opportunities. Last summer, while working at Nazareth Hospital, she learned medical terminology and about patient care and treatment. In the summer of 2014, she and fellow student Sumaiya Ahmed conducted sickle cell research<http://www.cheyney.edu/news/Research-Students-at-Cheyney-Universitys-STEM-Department.cfm?grp_id=5683> in CU's new Science Center with Chemistry Professor Dr. Adedoyin Adeyiga. She plans to use this summer as another stepping stone. Following graduation, she will participate in both the Pre-Medical Urban Leaders Summer Enrichment (PULSE) Program and the Cooper Medical School of Rowan University. The six-week PULSE program will provide her with academic, clinical research and service learning opportunities with a focus on urban health needs. "KHA has helped me tremendously in the time I have spent at CU," Parker readily acknowledges. "Keystone<http://www.cheyney.edu/keystone/About.cfm> has provided me with the tools necessary for when I graduate. KHA has supported me in my goals while I have been here and has made sure that when I graduate I will have the necessary tools to be successful in my goals and life." SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-592-4820 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children.