Plasmid: A circle of DNA that is self-replicating (autonomously replicating) and distinct from the normal genome of bacteria. A plasmid contains genes that as a rule are not essential to the growth or survival of the cell. Some plasmids can integrate into the host genome, can be artificially constructed in the laboratory, and serve as cloning vectors (carriers).

Describe the world you come from; for example, your family, clubs,
school, community, city, or town. How has that world shaped your dreams
and aspirations? (200-250 words)

Last winter I slit a old ewe’s throat. Her blood gushed into the deep snow downhill of our little slaughter operation. The air was blisteringly cold, and the only source of warmth was the body cavity of the sheep lying before us. My hands were stiff and covered in the sticky juices of the corpse. That moment defines the ethos of my home. Life is about solutions and the hard labor necessary to achieve them. Whether we need to build a rabbit grazing ark, plant the garden for optimum efficiency, or slaughter the chickens for winter meat, one can expect everyone to roll up their sleeves and dive into the solution.

We know you lead a busy life, full of activities, many of which are
required of you. Tell us about something you do for the pleasure of it. (100 words or fewer)

An intimate cup of tea is the most pleasurable thing in the world. There are no more than a few mouthfuls of liquid in my teacup, but those mouthfuls can be traced back to the first chemical principles used by mankind. Freshly boiled water swirls the fine black tea leaves in the leeching process and as the leaves unfurl in the liquid they impart their subtle flavors upon it. The process is ceremonial in nature. The tea is strained. Sugar and cream are added; the fat globules absorb and enhance the flavor. Finally content, I cup the soothing drink between my hands.   

What do you want to be when you grow up? For most six-year-old children, this is a simple question, but for me it was the only one I could never be sure of. How was I to know my life’s purpose without first knowing the purpose of life? I thought there must be some underlying objective for mankind. Perhaps it was the survival of the species, or something deeper, like a complete understanding of the universe. Despite my general dislike of blood and needles, I felt that it was my duty to become a doctor in an effort to help my fellow man. Since then I have realized that I can do something I love while still working toward the betterment of mankind. I cannot aspire to understand existence, but I can work the improvement of that existence.