{"id":77637,"date":"2024-09-26T13:34:45","date_gmt":"2024-09-26T17:34:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/earlham.edu\/?p=77637"},"modified":"2024-09-27T13:08:55","modified_gmt":"2024-09-27T17:08:55","slug":"from-studying-lampreys-to-life-changing-research-and-advocacy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/earlham.edu\/news-events\/from-studying-lampreys-to-life-changing-research-and-advocacy\/","title":{"rendered":"How campus research on lampreys inspired a rewarding career in ophthalmological research"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
In the summer following her first year at Earlham College, Drenushe Krasniqi-Vanmeter embarked on a transformative research project that would shape her future as a scientist. Under the mentorship of former Earlham professor Bob Rosenberg, she investigated the remarkable regenerative abilities of lampreys, exploring how these creatures can heal their spinal cords after injury. This research experience ignited her passion for research and solidified her commitment to understanding human health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Graduating from Earlham in 2021 with a degree in biochemistry and a minor in medical humanities, Krasniqi-Vanmeter’s journey reflects a unique blend of scientific inquiry and personal history. Born in Kosovo\u2019s capital city just before the outbreak of the Kosovo War, she grew up witnessing the lasting impact of war on her community, particularly on women who suffered grievously. An estimated 20,000 women were raped amid the chaos, a statistic that has fueled her commitment to social justice and healing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy family stayed in Kosovo during the war, and I felt the weight of those experiences deeply,\u201d she recalls. This interest culminated in her independent study project at Earlham, where she focused on raising awareness about sexual violence survivors in Kosovo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Krasniqi-Vanmeter’s commitment to her community continues to evolve. She is currently working with a research and development company in Kosovo to digitize survivors’ stories, collaborating with the Kosovo Rehabilitation Center for Tortured Victims. \u201cBeyond the Shadows\u201d is her initiative aimed at documenting these narratives as a form of social justice. The project is being supported by a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign.<\/p>\n\n\n