In the Lab, On the Rink, By the Runway
Meet neuroscience major Whitney Kuma-Perry.
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Thesis Adviser: Professor Kara Cerveny [biology]
Thesis: “Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Cell Cycle Kinetics in the Zebrafish Optic Tectum”
What it’s about: Understanding how this particular brain area in zebrafish, the optic tectum, operates. It’s in charge of visual development and processing. There’s a similar brain area in humans, the superior colliculus. My project is comparing the known anatomy of this area in zebrafish to the area in humans, and the biological mechanisms that contribute to its development.
What it’s really about: Looking at zebrafish brains and understanding how the optic tectum works.
Outside the classroom: As the financial wellness student coordinator, I helped build the financial literacy programming. Our goal was to target all students, but a special focus on underrepresented students from marginalized communities who may not have access to personal finance information.
Cool stuff: I studied abroad in Barcelona. That was an amazing experience. Shortly before I left, I started my own fashion blog, in part to record my adventures in Spain, and then to talk about clothes. Earlier this year, I got invited to New York Fashion Week as a member of the press, and that was a huge milestone for me.
What gave me joy: Figure skating at the Lloyd Center.
Influential book: Crescent City Girls by LaKisha Simmons. It’s about young Black women and their coming-of-age story in New Orleans during Jim Crow and immediately after. That book really made me feel a lot of things I didn’t realize I wasn’t giving voice to over the years.
Challenges faced: Being a Black woman on campus has been somewhat challenging. Unfortunately, myself, like other students of color here, I’ve had a small handful of negative experiences, but I will say too, despite those, I think the overall community is so supportive and helpful in making sure that gets rectified.
How Reed changed me: When I entered Reed I was a completely different person. I was a little more reserved, still outgoing, but I kept a filter on certain aspects of my personality. I’m very proud of the challenges that I’ve overcome and my ability to exert myself. Reed has not just sharpened my mind but given me a stronger voice.
Financial aid: Reed made it possible for me to graduate with almost no debt. I’m very grateful.
Help received along the way: The Center for Life Beyond Reed. I’ve talked to nearly everyone in their department, and they’ve all been supportive in different ways as I figure out what I want to do post grad.
Advice to freshmen: It’s important you recognize you deserve to be here. Maybe nobody’s telling you that, but I’m going to tell you: you deserve to be here.
What’s next: I’m working as a medical assistant at a dermatology clinic before applying for medical school—and still running my own brand on the side, too!