By Tom Brandes Who knew that when Brandon Merfeld tore his ulnar collateral ligament in high school, the result would be a positive, life-changing experience? Merfeld, now a sophomore majoring in Biology at Saint Mary’s University, discovered his calling in life. “I went to an orthopedic surgeon and thought he’d recommend Tommy John surgery, but instead I avoided surgery with three months rest,” said Merfeld. “I was very impressed with the surgeon and realized my ideal job would be to…
Two weeks ago Bailey O’Hare ’19 didn’t know that much about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and she knew even less about regenerative medicine. As part of a new summer workshop at Saint Mary’s University, O’Hare is getting an in-depth look at how the emerging field of regenerative medicine could one day help patients suffering from ALS—as well as a multitude of other diseases and ailments. O’Hare and 18 other select undergraduate sophomore and junior science majors from seven colleges are…