Alex Helman calls the third floor of McMichael home for most of her waking hours. See why in this installment of "I Am Elon."
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Biochemistry major Alex Helman ’13 is just as comfortable presenting her research to a room full of fellow scientists as she is in the chemistry suite on the third floor of McMichael Science Center.
An Elon College Fellow, Alex works with Associate Professor of Chemistry Kathy Matera to study the biochemical mechanisms seen in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, to develop possible treatments. Fascinated by biochemistry and the workings of the human body, she is preparing to begin a doctoral program after graduating in the spring.
If that weren’t enough, she is also a non-violence studies minor. Being able to round out her work in the sciences with liberal arts courses, Alex says, is part of what she loves about Elon.
“I’ve taken philosophy classes that have opened me to new ideas,” she says. “I’m taking an international terrorism class, which has helped in my understanding of what’s going on in the Middle East. I think Elon has allowed me to become a better citizen of the world.”
Impressed by the lifelong friendships her father made in his college fraternity, Alex joined Alpha Chi Omega her first year at Elon, hoping for a similar experience. She has not been disappointed. Besides finding a close group of friends, she says her sorority sisters constantly encourage her to be a better person.
“They’re my inspiration, and if we could end up in the same community once we’re older, that’d be wonderful,” she adds.
“I Am Elon” is a multimedia series featuring Elon students in their own words.