Bioethics and Medical Humanities Minor Accepts Post-Baccalaureate Position with NIH

Rachel Luke, a Penn State senior majoring in biology (genetics and developmental biology) and minoring in bioethics and medical humanities, accepted a two-year post-baccalaureate research position at the National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development, where she will be studying cholesterol homeostasis in Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome and Neiman-Pick Disease Type C.

The ethical issues inherent in working with vulnerable populations, such as chronically ill children, are myriad, as Ms. Luke recognizes.

“The Bioethics Program has taught me a tremendous amount about viewing situations through various ethical theories, such as principlism and ethics of care,” said Ms. Luke.  “It is of utmost importance to keep all stakeholders and their various interests in mind in order to make the best decision in a given situation.”

Ms. Luke is excited about this opportunity, which is funded by the National Institutes of Health's Post-Baccalaureate Intramural Research Training Award program. 

“I’m truly grateful to have the chance to apply my bioethical and medical humanities background in a new and exciting opportunity, which will further develop my critical thinking in preparation for medical school.”