2016-2017 Avatar Intro: Sherafghan Khan

Hi everyone! My name is Sherafghan Khan and I am senior at The Gatton Academy. I am honored to be selected as an Avatar. Before The Gatton Academy I attended University Heights Academy in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Research has been, by far, the highlight of my Gatton experience. I started off first semester in the Genome Discovery Exploration and was completely immersed with different laboratory techniques. These techniques gave me the skills to pursue future research endeavors. In my second semester at the Academy I was involved in two different chemistry projects that broadened my interests further. All of these experiences prepared me incredibly for the upcoming summer. During summer, I was involved in a Research Internship Grant offered by Gatton for students to pursue summer research. I worked with a structural biologist at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Another important part of my Gatton experience has to be the study abroad opportunities offered to us. My winter term during junior year was filled with adventure in Costa Rica. Costa Rica was full of beautiful beaches, amazing hiking trips, and unfortunately, giant spiders. Also, receiving course credit for a biology course was a great deal. Harlaxton, England was the second study abroad I attended at The Gatton Academy. Seeing all of the historical sites in London and Grantham was beyond breathtaking. Overall, the incredible friendships I have made, amazing opportunities I have received, and a superb experience I have received through The Gatton Academy has been a dream come true. I would like to use the valuable knowledge and skills I have learned at the Academy to pursue a future career as a neurosurgeon.