STEM – The Big Words Blog Site

Common Struggles Many Business Owners Have With SEO

Three focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money, Business/Entrepreneurship and Technology. SEO is a critical aspect of all our lives in this digital world. Business owners who understand this area are more likely to thrive in today’s business environment. The following contributed post is entitled, Common Struggles Many Business Owners Have With SEO.

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SEO, or search engine optimization, has quickly risen to be one of the most valuable digital marketing tools in the hands of someone who knows how to use it well. However, getting to that stage isn’t always easy. There are a lot of issues that newcomers to the practice can find, and here, we’re going to look at them, as well as what you can do about them to unlock the full potential of your SEO efforts.

Source – CC0 License

Ignoring Local SEO

Ignoring local SEO can significantly hinder a business’s online visibility and growth. Local SEO focuses on optimizing a business’s online presence to attract more customers from relevant local searches. Many business owners underestimate the importance of local SEO, which can lead to missed opportunities in their immediate market. To alleviate this issue, businesses should claim and optimize their Google My Business listing, ensuring that all information is accurate and up-to-date. Incorporating local keywords in website content, obtaining local backlinks, and encouraging customer reviews can also enhance local SEO efforts. By prioritizing local SEO, business owners can attract a more targeted audience, increase foot traffic, and ultimately drive sales.

Spending Too Much Time On It

Spending excessive time on SEO can divert attention from other crucial aspects of running a business. To mitigate this, leveraging AI and automation tools can streamline SEO tasks, saving time and effort. SEO automation tools can offer much more accessible solutions for keyword research, PR link building, and performance tracking. Additionally, AI-powered content generators can assist in creating optimized content efficiently. By automating routine SEO activities, business owners can focus on strategic decision-making and core business functions while maintaining a robust online presence. Delegating SEO tasks to specialized tools not only enhances efficiency but also ensures that SEO efforts are consistently aligned with current best practices.

Keeping Up With Algorithm Changes

Staying updated with frequent algorithm changes can be daunting for business owners. Search engines like Google continually update their algorithms to improve search result relevancy, which can impact a website’s ranking. To alleviate this challenge, subscribing to reputable SEO news sources can provide timely updates on algorithm changes and industry trends. Engaging with online SEO communities and forums can also offer insights and practical advice. Additionally, conducting regular website audits and staying adaptable in your SEO strategies can help mitigate the impact of algorithm changes. By staying informed and flexible, business owners can maintain their site’s performance and visibility despite algorithm fluctuations.

Writing Compelling Content

Writing compelling content is crucial for effective SEO but can be challenging for many business owners. High-quality content not only engages visitors but also improves search engine rankings. To address this, businesses should focus on understanding their audience’s needs and interests and creating content that is informative, relevant, and valuable. Utilizing keyword research tools can help identify popular search terms and topics. Incorporating multimedia elements like images, videos, and infographics can enhance content appeal. Additionally, updating existing content regularly ensures it remains current and accurate. By producing engaging and optimized content, businesses can attract and retain visitors, thereby boosting their SEO performance and overall online presence.

SEO isn’t just a one-and-done activity in your marketing schedule, it’s an ongoing effort that has to be maintained. Keep that in mind so you can allocate it the focus that it deserves.

25 Common Medical Acronyms Defined

A key focus of my blog is STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). One of the most important fields in our economy is the medical field. There are many terms to know and understand in the medical field. The following contributed post is entitled, 25 Common Medical Acronyms Defined.

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Pixabay. CCO Licensed.

There are literally thousands of acronyms used within the healthcare sector. This includes acronyms used to describe health conditions and acronyms used for various treatments and procedures.

Most of these acronyms are only useful to know if you’re a doctor or nurse. However, others are commonly used by the public and can therefore be beneficial for everyone to know the meaning of. This post delves into 25 of these common examples.

A&E

Accident & Emergency. This is the department of a hospital that deals with patients who require urgent treatment – often for serious and life-threatening injuries and illnesses.

ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. This is a behavioral condition present from birth that causes people to act impulsively and have trouble concentrating. ADHD can be managed through various behavioral strategies and sometimes medication. About 5% of people worldwide are believed to have ADHD.

ALS

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. ALS is a deteriorative motor neuron disease that affects the spine and brain, causing difficulty with breathing and control of arms and legs. It cannot be treated, but can be managed through medication and hydrotherapy. The ‘ice bucket challenge’ in 2014 famously helped to bring attention to this disease.

BP

Blood Pressure. The force at which your heart pumps blood around the body is often referred to as ‘BP’ by doctors and is measured with a BP monitor.

BPD

Borderline Personality Disorder. BPD is a condition that affects one’s mood – often causing people to become emotionally unstable more easily. Therapy and medication can help people manage this condition. About 1% of the population are believed to have BPD.

COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. COPD is a lung condition that causes breathing difficulties. Many people with COPD require breathing assistance equipment. While it can be hereditary, most cases of COPD are caused by smoking. Bronchitis and emphysema are both types of COPD.

CPR

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. When someone has a cardiac arrest, it is recommended that someone performs CPR – which typically involves chest compressions and rescue breathing. This helps to keep the blood pumping and body oxygenated, allowing a person to be more successfully revived by a paramedic with a defibrillator.

DNR

Do Not Resuscitate. Someone who does not want to be resuscitated by CPR and defibrillation can sign a DNR order. This legally states that they do not want to be brought back to life if their heart stops beating.

DVT

Deep Vein Thrombosis. DVT is when a blood clot forms in the body – usually in the legs. It typically requires urgent treatment, which may include use of blood-thinning medication or surgery.

EMT

Emergency Medical Technician. EMTs are medical professionals who are trained to respond to emergency call-outs. They work with paramedics in ambulances (EMTs are taught basic emergency care, while paramedics are trained to provide additional procedures).

ER

Emergency Room. ER is typically used to refer to a hospital’s emergency department – sometimes instead of A&E. However, ER can also refer to individual rooms where emergency patients receive treatment.

ECG/EKG

Electrocardiogram. An ECG or EKG is a simple type of test used to record the rate and rhythm of the heart. To perform this test, a medical professional must have EKG certification.

GERD

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Sometimes referred to as acid reflux, this is a condition in which stomach acid flows up the esophagus into the mouth. It can cause nausea and damage to the throat if not treated. Medications known as proton pump inhibitors can help people manage GERD.

IBS/IBD

Irritable Bowel Syndrome/Disease. IBS/IBD is a dysfunction of the intestine that can lead to either diarrhea or constipation along with bloating and stomach discomfort. It is typically caused by certain triggers – which could include certain foods or stress. Avoiding these triggers and using medication can help people to manage IBS/IBD.

ICU

Intensive Care Unit. This refers to special wards where people in critical care are monitored.

IV

Intravenous. This refers to the injection of substances into the veins. Many patients have an IV tube fitted to provide fluids or medicine. IV treatment is typically quicker than providing medication or fluids orally.

MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging. This is a radiology procedure that involves taking 3D photos of a person’s internal organs using a large machine. MRI scans can be used to diagnose everything from cancer to dementia.

MS

Multiple Sclerosis. MS is a chronic condition in which the immune system attacks the brain and nerves. People with MS can gradually develop mobility issues, eyesight issues and other problems caused by nerve damage. There is no treatment for MS, but it can be managed through medication and lifestyle changes.

OCD

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. OCD is a form of anxiety which causes people to carry out excessive rituals and routines such as constantly checking locks or washing one’s hands. It may require therapy to overcome. Over 2% of the population are believed to have OCD.

PT

Physical Therapy. This is a form of treatment used to restore movement and function after an injury or illness. It is carried out by a physical therapist at a hospital or clinic.

PTSD

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. PTSD is a form of anxiety caused by a traumatic event. Everyday reminders of this trauma can trigger anxiety attacks, flashbacks and nightmares. Therapy is typically required to overcome PTSD. 8% of women and 4% of men develop PTSD at some point in their life.

RSI

Repetitive Strain Injury. Repetitive actions can cause long-term injuries known as RSIs. Examples include carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow and runner’s knee. RSIs can be treated by taking a rest from the activity that caused them, however some may require physical therapy or even surgery.

TB

Tuberculosis. This is a bacterial disease that affects the lungs. Historically, it is one of the biggest killer diseases, however nowadays it can often be easily treated with antibiotics if caught early enough.

TMD

Temporomandibular Disorder. This condition causes pain and stiffness in the jaw. It can have many causes, but can usually be treated with painkillers and jaw relaxation measures.

UTI

Urinary Tract Infection. This is an infection of the urinary tract that typically causes pain when urinating. UTIs can often be cleared up by drinking a lot of fluids, however antibiotics may be needed in some cases.

In Case You Missed It: Paul Ehrlich’s Prophecy on Population Bombs and Having Too Many Humans

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“There is a contingency of people in our world who see human depopulation as a good thing for the planet.”

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Who Was Paul Ehrlich?

Many countries around the world are facing the gruesome prospect of population collapse and decline. This will lead to the collapse of whole economies and societies. Look up the documentary entitled, Birthgap by Stephen J Shaw. Also look up interviews of him on YouTube. They are sobering to watch but a lot of people don’t know what’s going on. Two countries leading the charge are Japan and South Korea. Elon Musk has attempted to sound the bell on this though our elected officials have not said much openly about it. They are probably mum to not stoke fear, but also to not anger any in their voting bases who ironically have the power to solve this issue.

There is a contingency of people in our world who see human depopulation as a good thing for the planet. I first heard about the potential of there being too many people on our planet as an undergraduate at Johnson C. Smith University in the 1990s. Dr. Joseph Fail, Jr. instructed some of us in our Ecology class and discussed the concerns of Dr. Paul Ehrlich and others that there would one day be too many human beings on the planet Earth. In the video embedded below, I talk about Paul Ehrlich and his famous book entitled, The Population Bomb. I give a history of Ehrlich and his book in the discussion. I also speculate about whether the decreasing population numbers occurring globally is being orchestrated in some way but those in high but obscure places. If you watch the video, please give it a like and leave a comment.

The Big Words LLC

For the next phase of my writing journey, I have started a monthly newsletter for my writing and video content creation company, the Big Words LLC. In it, I plan to share inspirational words, pieces from this blog and my first blog, and select videos from my four YouTube channels. Finally, I will share updates for my book project The Engineers: A Western New York Basketball Story. Your personal information and privacy will be protected. Click this link and register using the sign-up button at the bottom of the announcement. If there is some issue signing up using the link provided, you can also email me at bwllcnl@gmail.com . Best Regards.

In Case You Missed It: Astrophysicists Authoritatively Weighing in on Endocrinology and Gender

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“A major question facing everyone is whether transitioned women should compete in sports with natural women. Is it fair to the natural women?”

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Science, Culture, Politics and Religion

I discuss numerous science- and technology-related topics on my YouTube channel entitled, Big Discussions76 Science and Technology. Science stories are all around us and in some instances, they overlap with culture, religion, and politics even when they should not. This is not a good thing, and this is the case with gender and now athletics. A major question facing everyone is whether transitioned women should compete in sports with natural women. Is it fair to the natural women?

Who Should Compete in Women’s Athletics?

Two famous individuals recently made headlines in this area. They are Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson and Martina Navratilova. Dr. Tyson is a world-renowned black astrophysicist and Navratilova is a legendary female tennis player who is lesbian. What is the intersection between the two? In this era of gender transitioning, many men of have transitioned to being women and are seeking to participate in women’s sports. As a result of their underlying biology, these transitioned women still have physical advantages over natural women in terms of speed and strength, allowing them relatively easy (sometimes brutal) victories in athletic competitions.

Factions Within a Larger Group?

Interestingly Dr. Tyson stepped out of the astrophysical world to advocate for this type of thing. The retired Navratilova courageously spoke out against Dr. Tyson and others regarding allowing transitioned women to compete with natural women. Regarding gender, the rainbow groups are typically lumped together in our modern culture. Navratilova’s position in all this interestingly shows that even lesbians still want to retain the biological lines separating natural men from women at least in the realm of athletics. These two figures and this whole discussion inspired me to create the livestream embedded below. It involves not just science, but also how it gets entrenched and intermingled in culture, politics and sometimes religion. If you watch the video, please give it a like and consider subscribing to my channel. Best regards.

The Big Words LLC Newsletter

In Case You Missed It: A Science Discussion On Peer Review And Pal Review

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“The Pal Review system blurs the lines between what real science is versus tainted science that is impacted and shaped by politics and outside interest groups with specific agendas.”

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Science, Peer Review vs Pal Review

I discuss numerous science- and technology-related topics on my YouTube channel entitled, Big Discussions76 Science and Technology. I took an interest in the climate change discussion about a year and a half ago after being aggressively confronted about it one to two years ago. The YouTube algorithm coincidentally later presented me with a video from the Independent Institute where Dr. Willie Soon was a featured speaker. I have since become a fan of Dr. Soon. Listening to his talks have given me a better understanding of this climate discussion though maybe one that some may not like.

Dr. Soon discussed the concepts of ‘Peer Review’ and ‘Pal Review’ in that initial talk described above. These two concepts are interestingly at the heart of the polarizing and volatile climate discussion. Something Dr. Soon discussed is that science is headed towards more of Pal Review system which is dangerous for everyone. The Pal Review system blurs the lines between what real science is versus tainted science that is impacted and shaped by politics and outside interest groups with specific agendas. The video below is my discussion on Peer Review vs Pal Review.

The article I discussed in the broadcast published on Forbes deals with Climate Gate, an important event in this climate discussion that most of the general public knows nothing about. This is critical because most people make their life decisions such as voting based upon that they know and don’t know. This has long lasting ramifications for everyone.

The Big Words LLC Newsletter

Zero-Emission Initiatives: Helping Reduce Pollution in Port Operations

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“Sustainability has taken center stage in business operations in recent years, and Singapore is no exception.”

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A key focus of my blog is Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Energy and transportation are two areas that greatly impact the lives of most people on our planet. Moving towards zero emissions for vehicles for a cleaner environment is an area that is getting lots of focus right now and into the future. The following guest post is entitled, Zero-Emission Initiatives: Helping Reduce Pollution in Port Operations.

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• Port operators in Singapore are employing electric vehicles and alternative fuels to reduce carbon emissions and energy costs.
• Investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency tools offer environmental and economic benefits for port operations.
• Green certification and energy reduction measures help ports increase efficiency while enhancing their sustainable reputation.
• Collaboration and educational outreach are essential for the widespread adoption of sustainable practices in Singapore’s port sector.
• Energy storage solutions are also crucial for managing electricity supply sustainably.

Sustainability has taken center stage in business operations in recent years, and Singapore is no exception. With its bustling port operations, the country recognizes the need to chart a greener and more sustainable course to reduce pollution and mitigate climate change impacts. Fortunately, there are several zero-emission initiatives that port operators can implement to achieve these goals.

The Use of Electric Vehicles and Alternative Fuels

One of the most effective ways to reduce pollution in port operations is to switch to electrified equipment, including cranes and trucks. Using electric vehicles allows port operators to substantially reduce their carbon footprint and save on energy and maintenance costs. So, you should look for a reliable electric forklift for sale in the market. Similarly, you should invest in electric-powered trucks to reduce emissions and enable efficient operations. The equipment can be used for loading and unloading goods and other port operations.

Use Alternative Fuels

Another way to decrease the environmental impact of port operations is by using alternative fuels, such as biodiesel or natural gas. These clean-burning fuels are a great way to reduce harmful atmospheric pollutants. Biodiesel, for example, can be made from vegetable oil or animal fats, reducing reliance on petroleum and helping to reduce emissions. On the other hand, natural gas is often used as an alternative fuel for port operations due to its relatively low emissions and price.

Investment in Renewable Energy

Another effective way for port operators to reduce their carbon footprint is by investing in renewable energy. For instance, they can install solar panels or wind turbines to generate electricity. These alternative energy sources can provide significant environmental and economic benefits, as they require no fuel costs, emit no emissions, and will help mitigate the effects of climate change. Furthermore, the cost of renewable energy technology has steadily decreased in recent years, making it more accessible for port operators.

Economic Boost

In addition to the environmental benefits, investing in renewable energy can boost a port operator’s bottom line economically. This is because renewable energy sources often require minimal maintenance costs and generate electricity at a lower cost than traditional fossil fuels. Moreover, many governments offer financial incentives for port operators to switch to renewable energy, making it even more attractive from an economic perspective.

Green Certification

Port operators can also seek green certification from organizations like the GreenPort Program. This program certifies ports that have implemented measures to reduce their environmental impact. As a result, they gain a competitive edge and improve their reputation as responsible businesses while taking a significant step towards an environmentally conscious operation.

Energy Reduction

Green ports also benefit from increased efficiency, cost savings, and customer satisfaction. Ports that have adopted green initiatives often report reduced fuel costs and improved operational efficiency as a result of implementing waste management solutions, as well as energy reduction measures.

Energy Efficiency

Port operators can also improve energy efficiency by investing in energy-efficient equipment. They can also regularly maintain their equipment, ensuring that they operate optimally “at the best possible efficiency for the lowest cost.” By employing these measures, port operators could reduce their energy consumption and operating costs while reducing their carbon footprint.

Energy Storage Solutions

Port operators should also consider energy storage solutions to manage their electricity supply. This could include investing in a solar battery bank that can store the energy generated from renewable sources for later use. By doing so, port operators can ensure they remain sustainable and efficient while reducing their carbon footprint.

Collaborate Towards a Greener Future

Finally, port operators can collaborate with their peers and the government to achieve a greener future. They can participate in knowledge-sharing initiatives, research, and development of sustainable technologies and support the government in enacting policies supporting clean energy and building awareness of sustainable practices. By working together, port operators can create synergies, leverage best practices, and create a sustainable future for the country.

Educational Outreach

Furthermore, port operators can also support their local communities by providing educational outreach and training programs. These programs can help community members become more informed about sustainable practices and teach them how to apply such practices in their everyday lives. With an increased understanding of sustainability, port operators can ensure that the future of everyone involved is green and prosperous.

Achieving a greener course for Singapore’s port operations requires closer collaboration, collective action, and a long-term commitment to achieving sustainable practices. By integrating electric vehicles, renewable energy, green certification, energy efficiency measures, and collective action, port operators can take significant steps in mitigating the anticipated impacts of climate change while reducing their operations’ carbon footprint. Ultimately, this will help build a sustainable and resilient Singapore.

Discussions on Alternative Energies for Transportation: A Look at the Future

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“There is a mass hunt underway for alternative energies here in the United States and in many countries around the globe.”

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The Search For Alternatives To Petroleum Fuels

There is a mass hunt underway for alternative energies here in the United States and in many countries around the globe. The hope is to increase their usage in all modes of transportation to the point where fossil fuels are phased out. I have become more educated on this effort since starting my science and technology YouTube channel entitled, Big Discussions76 Science and Technology.

A major key to learning about alternative fuels and transportation was getting involved with the Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition (GWRCCC). I covered the GWRCCC’s 2022 2023 Opening Reception. I was fortunate to interview three individuals in the aftermath of the GWRCCC’s annual meeting and opening reception on my science and technology YouTube channel. They were Antoine Thompson, Floyd Vergara and finally Sheryl Ponds. The links to all three interviews are below. Please give them a look and a like. The link to my newsletter is at the bottom of this page. Please also consider subscribing. Best regards.

A Discussion With Antoine Thompson Regarding The Importance Of Electric Car Implementation

Floyd Vergara Discusses The Benefits Of Biodiesel Fuels And The Dangers Of Petroleum Diesel Fuels

A Discussion With Sherly E. Ponds Regarding DaiTech Corporation And Electric Cars

The Big Words LLC Newsletter

For the next phase of my writing journey, I’m starting a monthly newsletter for my writing and video content creation company, the Big Words LLC. In it, I plan to share inspirational words, pieces from this blog and my first blog, and select videos from my four YouTube channels. Finally, I will share updates for my book project The Engineers: A Western New York Basketball Story. Your personal information and privacy will be protected. Click this link and register using the sign-up button at the bottom of the announcement. If there is some issue signing up using the link provided, you can also email me at bwllcnl@gmail.com . Best Regards.

Perspectives on Modern Reproductive Biology, Biological Clocks, Freezing Eggs and Sperm, and Increased Vasectomies

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“I intentionally said potential unintended consequences above because economists such as Thomas Malthus and scientists such as Paul R. Ehrlich once theorized that the world would become overpopulated with human beings. I suspect they were not alone then and today.”

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A Brave New World

It goes without saying that we were living in unprecedented times. Something I ponder and state frequently on my original YouTube channel, Big Discussions76 is that it is a very different world than it was 60-70 years ago when my parents and their peers were young. People from 100 years ago furthermore would not recognize today’s world. A major change has been in gender roles and relations. An unintended consequence of the political and social changes put into place in the 1970s has been added complexities to family creation and reproduction. It likewise is no longer a simple calculus nor is it a forgone conclusion that everyone will form families in the traditional sense and create progeny.

Do Culture and Environment Impact Behavior?

I could say that it is simply societal changes but concern about whether planet Earth will be here in another 20 years is also affecting people today. I have started covering the climate debate on my science and technology YouTube channel entitled, Big Discussions76 Science and Technology. As with many things there have been potential unintended consequences from the debate, particularly the Climate ‘Alarmist’ side. It seems fear of the world burning up and not being here in future has dissuaded younger people from having children. I intentionally said potential unintended consequences above because economists such as Thomas Malthus and scientists such as Paul R. Ehrlich once theorized that the world would become overpopulated with human beings. I suspect they were not alone then and today.

By the way the United States and other western countries are at negative replacement levels, something not openly discussed though the fruits of which many of us will witness in our lifetimes. I first learned about Paul R. Ehrlich from the late Dr. Joseph Fail, Jr. as an undergraduate at Johnson C. Smith University. I did not understand the significance of Mr. Ehrlich’s fear/theory though I do currently wonder if his and Mr. Malthus’ concerns have undergirded the social and policy decisions that have shaped our current world.

Biological Reproductive Clocks and Freezing Eggs and Sperm

On my science and technology YouTube channel, I am trying to forge a path as a science influencer. As often as I can, I create content on novel science topics. Something that’s flying under the radar for much of our population, particularly the older generations, is the reproduction of the population described above. Some of the Baby Boomers are seeing younger people not pairing up and reproducing the way they did and are scratching their heads. Again in 2023 it is not a forgone conclusion that everyone will reproduce or wants to do so today.

A dynamic that has emerged is that of waiting until the right time in life to reproduce due to career or personal preference. This dynamic has brought to the forefront the principles of biological reproductive clocks and freezing eggs and sperm. Below are three livestreams I created on my science and technology YouTube channel. The first involves the science of freezing eggs. The second looks at the flipside and discusses men’s biological clocks and the potential need to freeze sperm. I did not cover it in my live stream but according to an article from Forbes, the cost to freeze sperm can range from $250 to $775, and costs of storage can range from $100 to $500 per year. As a bonus, I am going to also embed my video discuss increased vasectomies among younger men as an unintended consequence of the Supreme Court’s ruling on Roe vs Wade.

“There’s TOO many men, TOO many people, causing TOO many problems, and not much logic around!” Just as I finished this piece, I heard Phil Collins’ iconic lyrics from the 1980s song, Land of Confusion performed by Genesis in my head. Along with men like the late great Carl Sagan, Phil must have seen the future. I think these lyrics are also an appropriate way to end this piece.

I have also started a newsletter. The information is below the three embedded videos below. Please consider signing up. By the way if you watch any of the videos, please hit the like button and consider subscribing to either of the two channels.

A Discussion On The Science Of Freezing Eggs

Do Men Have A Biological Reproductive Clock And Need To Freeze Sperm?

What Is Behind The Increase In Male Vasectomies?

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The University of Michigan Department of Pharmacology hosts 2023 Pharmacology in Color Symposium

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“Once you are maxed out, you need to learn something new!”

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On June 9, 2023, the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Michigan hosted its Pharmacology in Color Symposium. Alumni were invited back to the department to share their career paths and experiences for the first time in person since the Covid-19 Pandemic. On Thursday June 8 there was a dinner gathering for alumni, current students and faculty. On the morning of Friday June 9, students gave seminars on their research and alumni gave talks on their educational paths and current careers throughout the rest of the day. In the afternoon there were breakout sessions where students asked direct questions of alumni before the address by the keynote speaker (described below). Finally, there was a happy hour and a second dinner in the evening.

The students that presented their research included:

● Anthony Garcia, Osawa Lab, “Pharmacological Modulation of Hsp70 Selectively Removes Misfolded nNOS”
● Juan Valentine-Goyco, Auchus Lab, “Biochemical Characterization and Pharmacological Inhibition of Aldosterone Synthase”
● Chanté Liu, M.S., Satin Lab, “Understanding the Mechanisms of Pulsatile Basal Insulin Secretion”
● Loyda Morales-Rodriguez, Puthenveedu Lab, “Location-Biased Activation of the Proton-Sensor GPR65 is Uncoupled from Receptor Trafficking”

The alumni invited back to the department to speak included:

● Colleen Carpenter, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in Biology, University of Richmond (Keynote Speaker)
● Nnamdi Edokobi, Ph.D., Patent Agent, Choate, Hall & Stewart
● Mohamad Shebley, Ph.D., Head of Clinical Pharmacology Neuroscience, AbbVie
● Rashonda Flint, Ph.D., Office of the Dean, School of Medicine and Advocate Health, Wake Forest University
● Diamond Thomas, M.S., Clinical Research Coordinator, University of Michigan
● Anwar Dunbar, Ph.D., Pharmacologist, Health Effects Division, Office of Pesticide Programs, United States Environmental Protection Agency
● Tigwa Davis, Ph.D., Director, Health Economics and Outcomes, Inovalon

Opening remarks on June 9 were given by Dr. Lori Isom, Chair of the Department of Pharmacology and Dr. Steve Kunkel, the Executive Dean for Research and the Chief Scientific Officer of the Michigan Medical School. Closing remarks were given by Dr. Alan Smrcka of the Department of Pharmacology who played a key role in organizing the symposium. The sessions were moderated by alumnus Dr. Chiamaka Ukachukwu and student Hongyu Su.

“Once you are maxed out, you need to learn something new,” said Dr. Mohammed Shebley of AbbVie, a native of Southeastern Michigan. As with all the speakers, Dr. Shebley discussed his journey to and through the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Michigan. He further discussed his career at AbbVie and keys for success for working in the company. His quote involved the importance of professionals continuing to evolve and figuring out new career directions, particularly when levels of personal and professional comfort are achieved. Dr. Shebley worked under Dr. Paul Hollenberg for his doctoral studies at the University of Michigan where he worked on projects involving Cyrochrome-P450s.

“I was blown away by everything, the commitment to students – all of it,” said Dr. Colleen Carpenter discussing her arrival at the Department of Pharmacology. Dr. Carpenter worked under the tutelage of Dr. Margaret Gnegy in the areas of Amphetamines and Dopamine signaling. Dr. Carpenter discussed her introduction to science in her native Jamaica, her educational path before arriving at the University of Michigan and her research afterwards. She is now an assistant professor at the University of Richmond where she uses Zebrafish and technologies like CRISPR to screen new drugs.

The alumni in attendance worked in multiple sectors including academia, industry, government, and patent law. One of the key themes that emerged in all their talks was that no career path was a straight line. That is all experienced some form of adversity or made decisions to explore other parts of the Pharmacology world and beyond. The students in the audience were further encouraged to enjoy and take advantage of the expertise and training available to them. Dr. Anwar Dunbar who worked under Dr. Yoichi Osawa for his doctoral training, noted in his talk that science is a culture, a craft, and a way of being which is unique and not well understood by other segments of society. Dr. Dunbar’s thesis project involved the inactivation and cellular degradation of Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase.

The department endeavors to provide the best science training for its students. While academia is the classic career path following Pharmacology doctoral training, it attempts to expose them to all the career options. To learn more about the University of Michigan Department of Pharmacology, its stellar faculty, students and research, visit the department online at: https://medicine.umich.edu/dept/pharmacology .

Essays on the Science of Drugs and More

Pharmacology is the science of drugs, specifically how they modulate biological processes to treat disease and sickness. If you want to learn more about this exciting science, there is an essay discussing Pharmacology and its many aspects right here on this platform. There are similar essays on ADME/Drug Metabolism, Toxicology and Inhalation Toxicology. There are also essays describing the world of Basic Research, and the Transferable Skills learned from science training. Finally, there is a personal story regarding the challenges surrounding doctoral training as a minority.

The Big Words LLC Newsletter

Thank you for reading this piece on the Pharmacology in Color Symposium hosted by the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Michigan. There are several other science-related essays here on my blog with more on the way. As a writer, I have started a monthly newsletter for my writing and video content creation company, The Big Words LLC. In it, I plan to share inspirational words, pieces from my writer’s blog and this blog, and select videos from my four YouTube channels. One of those channels is a science and technology channel. It is entitled, Big Discussions76 Science and Technology. Finally, I will share updates for my book project entitled, The Engineers: A Western New York Basketball Story. Click this link and register using the sign-up button at the bottom of the announcement. If there is an issue with the sign-up form, you can email me at bwllcnl@gmail.com. Best regards.

5 Ways To Get Your Kids Into Science

Three focuses of my blog are General Education, STEM and Technology. A significant number of careers of the future will involve science and technology. That said money cannot be the only driver and a love for these disciplines should be sparked and cultivated early. The following contributed post is entitled, 5 Ways To Get Your Kids Into Science.

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Pexels – CCO Licence

Science can be an exciting and rewarding subject for children to explore, as it offers a window into the world around them and encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. However, some children may not immediately gravitate toward science or may view it as too complex. As parents, it’s our responsibility to inspire and foster a love for science in our kids. Here are six ways to get your kids excited about science and help them develop a lifelong passion for learning.

1. Encourage Curiosity and Ask Questions

Curiosity is the foundation of scientific exploration. Encourage your children to ask questions and express their curiosity about the world around them. Start by asking open-ended questions like “Why do you think the sky is blue?” or “How does a plant grow?” These questions can stimulate your child’s imagination and encourage them to think critically.

When your child asks a question, resist the urge to provide an immediate answer. Instead, work together to investigate and discover the answer, fostering a sense of accomplishment and a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

2. Conduct Hands-On Experiments at Home

Nothing sparks a child’s interest in science more than hands-on experiments. Simple, age-appropriate experiments can be conducted using everyday household items, such as making a homemade volcano, growing crystals, or creating a simple circuit.

When conducting experiments, explain the scientific concepts behind each activity, and encourage your child to make observations and predictions. These experiments not only provide a fun learning experience but also help your child develop essential scientific skills like observation, hypothesis formation, and data analysis.

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3. Introduce Science Through Play

Toys and games can be a fantastic way to introduce scientific concepts to your child in a fun and engaging manner. Look for age-appropriate toys that encourage problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity, such as building sets, chemistry kits, or robot-building kits.

Incorporate these toys into your child’s playtime, allowing them to explore and learn at their own pace. As your child becomes more comfortable with these scientific concepts, gradually introduce more advanced toys and activities to challenge and engage them further.

4. Read Science Books and Watch Educational Programs

A great way to inspire a love for science is by exposing your child to a wide range of age-appropriate books, documentaries, and educational programs – something you can find more info about here. Choose material that covers a variety of scientific topics, from biology and chemistry to astronomy and physics.

As you read or watch together, discuss the content and encourage your child to ask questions and express their thoughts. This shared experience can help deepen your child’s understanding of scientific concepts and foster a love for learning.

5. Visit Science Museums and Nature Centers

Visiting science museums, nature centers, and other educational institutions can provide your child with interactive and immersive experiences that bring scientific concepts to life. These venues often offer hands-on exhibits, workshops, and demonstrations that can captivate and inspire young minds.

Make the most of these outings by engaging in discussions, asking questions, and encouraging your child to participate in activities. Frequent visits to these institutions can help reinforce scientific concepts and ignite your child’s passion for science.

As you can fostering a love for science in your child is a rewarding and enriching experience. It can also set them up for the future, so what are you waiting for?