Freed-Hardeman University Student Katie Stickels Prepares for Medical Career

FHU junior Katie Stickels' face lights up when she talks about her time spent in the research lab at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

"It's the greatest experience," Stickels said. "I enjoy the freedom to do the research, analyze and interpret the results to see if they are helpful." Stickels, a biochemistry major and art minor from Woodstock, Georgia, is planning to attend an eight year M.D. and PH.D.

"I've always wanted to be a doctor," she said. "When I had surgery on my hand to remove bone tumors, I wanted to be just like the doctors." Her interest in nephrology and research started with her younger brother's diagnosis of Primary Hyperoxaluria. "It's a genetic condition, and through treatment he's doing well. I felt terrible that I couldn't do anything to help my brother, and I wouldn't want anyone to go through that."