Rex Soderlund, a Saint Leo University alumnus and aspiring medical student, conducted research on antimalarial synthesis under the mentorship of Dr. Sheridan. His curiosity pushed him to learn about malaria in the disciplines of entomology, disease ecology, parasitology, infectious diseases, and by studying the cultural and historical aspects of malaria, and its contemporary impact. This guide, designed to engage and inform both students and faculty, provides a foot in the door for anyone sharing an interest into this ongoing battle against malarial disease. He encourages you to relentlessly pursue your interests from multiple perspectives and follow the information—wherever it leads.
Contact Details:
rex.soderlund@saintleo.edu
Feel free to contact me for inquiries or further information. If you’re a student continuing this LibGuide project, I appreciate your efforts and wish you the best in your meaningful endeavor.
Home | Embarking on Malaria
Disclaimer: All opinions within this LibGuide are those of the student(s), not the Institution. We welcome faculty advisors to work with their students to create and curate resources to support their academic interests.
Navigate with ease: explore what interests you most by reading the tabs
I understand that everyone has a busy schedule and may not have time to read through every section of the guide, which is why I’ve curated the information into easy to read pages that focus on a specific topics—making it easy for you to find information!
My interest in multidisciplinary science has guided the material I’ve put together, but I understand that everyone may not share this enthusiasm. Sometimes science seems difficult at first, but I believe the world around us provides so much light and positivity to enjoy if you take the time to learn about it. So I’ve designed the guide with an approachable and easy to digest tone that makes it easy to read about various disciplines and their commitment and engagement with malaria.
Whether simply curious or actively studying malaria, I hope you’re feel inspired to explore the varying disciplines and eventually participate in the larger conversation. Each tab has links, resources, contacts, and information I’ve collected that is ultimately valuable through your participation!
I’m hoping you find something interesting and learn something new, and I appreciate you visiting our LibGuide on malaria.
Science: An Archipelago of Islands and Disciplines
Although you may be a student now, your voice is still important in the world of academia and your ability to explore information from a variety of sources and viewpoints. These academic activities can help you gain a deeper understanding of the world around you and it’s important to broaden your scope and encourage others to join in scientific discourse. Together, we inspire each other to be creative and think critically.
People are fascinating and give breath to the planet. Listening to the experiences and insights of others will offer a wealth of knowledge that will enrich your life. Everyone comes from a limited set of personal experiences that has helped them understand the world them. Embracing new ideas and critical thinking about information will provide new curiosities and questions that will guide you to new and exciting discoveries.
The pursuit of knowledge is a collaborative effort. It requires a continuous conversation between people engaging in scientific and personal discussions. Your stories and understanding of the world can inspire others and open new avenues for people to explore. So don’t be afraid to embrace new perspectives and share your own because we’re all exploring the world in our unique way.
Embrace interdisciplinary learning
I had the pleasure of learning from the faculty one-on-one about different areas of malaria while curating this LibGuide. My hope is that your curiosities guide you to talk to others about your ideas too. I was encouraged after every interaction and it allowed me to learn more about different aspects of malaria and translate the information into a medium that shares into a larger conservation.
Aside from the scientific conversation, the passion and drive from faculty is nothing short of inspiring. Every field in science is becoming increasingly more specific and diverse and an interdisciplinary approach can bring new insights and discoveries.
For instance, organic chemists developed the prophylaxis medication used by venturing botanists restoring forests in Ecuador who would otherwise get sick with malaria. Entomologists understand mosquitos differently from disease ecologists, but a conversation between the two could provide unique ways to solving their transmission efficiency. The possibilities are endless—find your curiosities and follow the science, wherever it leads—embracing new possibilities.