From Molecules to Medicine: A Biochemistry Major’s Path to Healing

As a senior biochemistry major, Goodness Odagbodo is fascinated by the science behind disease and what happens at the molecular level long before symptoms appear.

“I’m actually interested in how disease progression happens and how people get sick, and specifically the mechanisms that happen inside the body,” he says.

His interest in disease eventually brought him into cancer-focused laboratory work studying IP6K, a protein involved in cancer.

In the Lab

His path into research began with a simple conversation.

“I got involved in this research by simply talking to Dr. Miller, who was my advisor, and telling him I was interested in this,” he says. That initiative opened the door to mentorship and hands-on scientific inquiry. “I think research is a very good thing for any Catholic University student because it really allows you to participate in that scientific inquiry and helps you to build connections and relationships with your faculty.”

His work includes running polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a core molecular biology technique used to duplicate and amplify DNA by making many copies of a sample. He carefully records every step in his lab notebook, a practice Dr. Miller instilled in him early on in his studies.

Goodness pursued this field intentionally. “I chose the biochemistry major because I wanted to have a good foundation and understanding of the chemistry that sustains life and also the way that biology integrates itself into that,” he says. 

The coursework and time in the lab have strengthened his technical skills and pushed him to think more critically about complex biological systems.

Looking Ahead

As he prepares to apply to medical school, he sees a clear connection between what happens at the lab bench and what happens in the exam room.

“Being a doctor has really been my main goal since I was young,” Goodness says. “And I really want to incorporate my research and community service [experience] and everything into providing the best care for my patients.”

His scientific training has really opened his eyes to “the vast ways that scientific inquiry can guide our discoveries and how we understand science, and we incorporate what we learn into treatments.”

Beyond the Classroom

“I'm a first-generation college student,” he says. “I really love that this school allows first-generation students to come in here and build the necessary skills that they need to be successful in college.”

Community was central to his decision to enroll. “I chose Catholic because of the community,” he says. Visiting campus, Goodness noticed the way that students “really loved each other… it was kind of like a family.” 

He also values the faith-centered environment. “I love that this school really embraces the Christian faith and how it brings us together. It's a [true] Body of Christ.”

Originally from Southeast D.C., he appreciates studying in the nation’s capital while remaining close to home.

Outside the lab, he finds connection at the piano. “There’s a piano in Caldwell Hall, which I love to play,” he says. “I’ve been playing piano since I was around eight years old.” And now playing worship songs with friends on campus has helped him build lasting memories with his new family.

“Catholic is not just a place where you learn, it's a place where you grow… and I am really glad that I chose Catholic University as my college.”