Cliff Steer Reflection

The two speakers for this week were Dr. Craig Packer and Dr. Cliff Steer. Dr. Craig is a professor of the Ecology, Evolution, and behavior department and is also the director of the lion research department. I take the environmental science class, BIOL 1055 with the lab, so I've heard of his research before. I've learned a little bit about his research group and done research experiments using their Serengeti snapshot photos that he has mentioned. I find it interesting how there’s a correlation between the two class. Other than the correlation of the two class, I find his presentation and research interesting. I never knew that there was a difference in the lion's’ mane of the male, I didn’t know what it means or what it symbolizes. However I now know what it is used for, and I find it fascinating. I was really interested in how he talks, he made his presentation enjoyable and entertaining, making the listener or viewer wanting to learn more.

Dr. Cliff Steer is in the Department of medicines and genetics, cell biology and development and is also associated with the medical school at the University of Minnesota. I am grateful to know someone that is associated with the medical school of the
university because going to medical school is one goal that I want to achieve, and knowing someone will really benefit me. During his presentation, he talked about the magic of Ursodeoxycholic acid that is found in bears and in humans, but less. I have never heard of Ursodeoxycholic acid before and after having the chance to talk about it with him, allows me to see that there is medicine out there that could potentially save many lives and enhance health conditions. This also increases my interests in medical research, as it shown me that there is medicine everywhere, we’ll just have to find it.

Some of my interest are in traditional dancing and learning gymnastics.
Growing up, I’ve always wanted to dance, I’ve dance when I was little for about a year and that was it. And through dancing, I’ve grown to also love to learn how to do little “tricks” with my body. However, I was not able to do much with this interest or passion because of limited opportunities. Now that I am in college, I feel freer and more independent. I am currently signed up to perform a traditional dance with HMSA for their heritage event and is also participating in the gymnastics club. However, college is hard and requires a lot of my time so that has also limited my commitment and to the club, and participation. Despite that, I am glad that I found something that I love and can do in the
University.