Jeremy's Updated Bio Spring 2015

Right when you thought you were going to get rid of me! I am back to wrap up my fourth and final semester as an S-Stem Scholar. I also will be graduating in May. It has been a privilege and a honor to work with all of you. 

My name is Jeremy David Mathis. I am from Chicago, Illinois but have lived in Phoenix off and on since 2005. In Chicago, I was an International Sales Manager for a Fortune 1000 company. I am a proud father of a black and white, groovy Shih-Tzu named Xanuc Tenoch. In late 2007, a twist of events in my life allowed me the opportunity to live in Mexico where I managed an avocado orchard and had my own English School. I returned to Phoenix in May of 2009. My educational journey has afforded me the opportunity to live in four different countries, learn the Spanish language, and earn a Bachelor's and two Master's in the areas of Spanish, Business, and Education, respectively. I am also an Arizona state certified Spanish high school teacher but after a rough and tough semester at Camelback High School, I decided to put that certification in my back pocket; nevertheless, I love to teach!

As always, I hope to be able to learn from, contribute to, and collaborate with my fellow cohorts. My current objective is to obtain an Associate of Science at Phoenix College which will set up the pathway for my transfer into a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. These two degrees, combined with my previous education and experience, will facilitate my entrance into an array of fields; ranging from research in genetics to medicinal chemistry. 

More about me... In February of 2010, my appendix burst and I was hospitalized for 15 days and I am still recuperating from the procedure as other organs in my body were affected and at this point are more than likely permanently impaired. At times, this makes for having a full time academic schedule and extracurricular activities difficult, but I strive to do my best in any subject matter. 

Prior to Phoenix College, I had not taken any STEM courses. To date, I have completed MAT 151, 187, 213, 220 CHM 150, 152, 235, 236 BIO 181, 182, 201, 202, 205, 298AA/AB/AC. YAY ME! This semester I am enrolled in PHY111 and a couple of courses in humanities to fulfill the checklist. Apart from being a S-STEM scholar, another proud achievement of mine at Phoenix College was an Honors project I completed for Biology 202 in the fall of 2013. Only three students attempted to undertake this daunting task. We were given a case study of a patient and had to research our own hypothesized differentials based on the patient’s profile and submit data to support screenings in order to confirm a final diagnosis. I was the only one who successfully completed the project and was asked to showcase my project in Tempe at a Maricopa Community Colleges Science exhibition. (*UPDATE* Since then, the honor's project has been discontinued as it was deemed to difficult ;-)

Is this ever going to end? I am not sure how I feel about studying whenever I am behind with my homework or when life deals you a hand of cards you didn't ask for or expect but for the most part, education is intriguing for me. I can’t believe how much I was missing out on when I wasn’t taking courses related to STEM. At times, I am overwhelmed, a little high-strung but I am truly fascinated by this academic opportunity not to mention very grateful. I wish you all the best and if you need anything, just let me know. Not much has changed since the fall, except that I did my fair share of R&R along with my groovy Shih-Tzu. I have also taken a new interest in the less fortunate and have sent time preparing lunches for the homeless (although it is illegal; I am a rebel) and have volunteered some time to a couple other organizations as extra-curricular activities.

I didn't want to modify my BIO too much so that the new students will have a chance to get to know me.; however, I have to admit, it is just getting longer and longer... Suerte y Carpe Diem! Or, Does the moment seize you? Cheers, Jeremy

P.S. ... And the most important thing, the one ting you must never forget: no matter how much he cries, no matter how much he begs...never, ever, feed him after midnight.