Kristen Long Microbiology and Immunology Graduate Program B.S., Biology, Minor in Chemistry, Millersville University Email: kristen.b.long@drexel.edu Status: 1st Year Ph.D. Student

Background and Interests:

I was born and raised in the suburbs of Mechanicsburg, Pa. Ever since I was a child I have been interested in medicine. Since I love animals, originally I wanted to be a veterinarian. However, after reading the Hot Zone by Richard Preston my sophomore year in high school, my interest switched to infectious human disease. After graduating from Cumberland Valley High School, I then went on to Millersville University where I competed as a hurdler and mid-distance runner in track and field and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a concentration in Microbiology and a minor in Chemistry. While at Millersville I worked as a Biology 100 laboratory assistant, gaining lab experience. My upper level biology classes consisted of Virology, Microbiology, Medical Microbiology, Genetics and Immunology, each of those classes having their laboratory exercises. I am excited to further my education here at Drexel University College of Medicine and am looking forward to the challenges involved with graduate studies, as well as learning how to adapt to city life. After earning my Master of Science degree, I hope to continue biomedical research.

In my spare time I like to run, water-ski, listen to music, cook, hang out with friends, and just relax.