EP60 Research, Life Sciences, and Scholarships All Meant to Pursue a Career as an Army Physician Scientist, with CDT Justus Gabriel ‘24

WPAOG Podcast

This episode features an interview with CDT Justus Gabriel, a Life Science Major at West Point, Class of 2024. He’s a recipient of the Stamps and Goldwater Scholarships, and plans to pursue a career as an Army physician scientist.

At West Point, CDT Gabriel is engaged in research on the molecular mechanisms that cause toxicity after exposure to biological threat agents and the accumulation of proteins during Alzheimer’s disease. His work seeks to develop therapeutics to protect the neuronal cells from these threats. In addition to academic interests, he is currently a CDT Platoon Sergeant in his academic year company, an active member in the West Point pre-medical program and fly-fishing club, and is a former member of the Army West Point Boxing team.

In this episode, CDT Gabriel talks about the cadet experience to include writing a first author paper, applying for scholarships, and his involvement with the medical program at West Point.

Disclaimer: This episode does not imply Federal endorsement.

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Key Quotes

“One of the big things that I feel like I've learned at West Point, both through research and just through the kinetic experience, is problem solving. So, I think that's also one of the main reasons I've been drawn to medicine and particularly medical research. As I continue my career, I want to continue problem solving and then also, as a physician, directly applying those sorts of research solutions to patient care. In the future, I would like to see myself as a leader in Army medicine, really seeking to discover new and creative ways to treat patients and to ultimately make a lasting impact on medicine in general.” - CDT Justus Gabriel

“There are so many opportunities at West Point, some of which I didn't realize even this far into my cadet career. So, the advice I have would be to seek out mentorship and really take advantage of some of the opportunities that West Point can offer." - CDT Justus Gabriel

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Episode Timestamps

(00:32) CDT Gabriel’s background and getting involved in life science

(02:48) Dr. Limbocker’s research interests and involvement

(05:07) Writing a first author paper

(10:27) Applying for the Stamps Scholarship

(13:12) The War Fighters' Innovation and Science Engineering Competition

(15:19) CDT Gabriel’s involvement with the medical program at West Point

(17:51) Life as a cadet and daily routine

(20:37) Advice for future cadets

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Links

CDT Justus Gabriel

Dr. Ryan Limbocker’s LinkedIn

Jamie Enos’ LinkedIn

West Point Association of Graduates