The Center for Mathematical Achievement in Science and Technology held a seminar on obesity and liver disease on Tuesday.
The project director of CMAST, Corisma Robinson, introduced Dr. Paul Kim from the Biology Department, who gave some background on fatty liver disease that occurs in people who don’t drink alcohol as a result of fat buildup in liver cells. It can cause fatigue, fibrosis and cirrhosis.
He explained that fatty liver is linked to obesity and that saturated fat is associated with fatty liver disease.
Dr. Kim and his students have conducted research on the subject. Students learned that even though you can reverse fatty liver, the best way to prevent obesity is to try to eat as healthy as possible.
Then representatives from the Eli Lilly Company, Randall Reed and Michael Holloway, gave a presentation on the overview of the company and how students could become a part of it.
Eli Lilly is a pharmaceutical company whose overall goal is to help people live longer and healthier lives.
Reed started by explaining the company’s mission, vision and values.
Eli Lilly has more than 8,000 employees engaged in research and development and 41,000 worldwide.
The company is focused on research to keep ahead of the competitors, Reed said. He also talked about how giving back is a part of what Eli Lilly does with programs such as Global Day of Service and Connecting Hearts Abroad.
After discussing employee activities, Reed went on to discuss the career paths and the intern program. The company is looking for biochemistry, engineering, and microbiology majors. with a minimum 3.0 grade-point average.
Students selected would have the opportunity to gain real-world experience, which can be aligned with their field of study.
Holloway added that they need people to help them improve the health of our society and they want to make sure they have minority groups in the programs.
Students were impressed with the presentations. “I believe it is a great opportunity and a great company to work for,” said senior Jharrayne McKnight.
Dr. Danny Hubbard said he appreciates the recruiting efforts of the company.
“I think it is great that the Eli Lilly Company has been back to Grambling State University three consecutive times,” he said.