Ramona Hopkins, the 2019–20 Karl G. Maeser Distinguished Faculty Lecturer, delivered a special forum address on Thursday. Receiving this appointment is the highest honor for faculty members on campus, recognizing both prestigious research and excellent teaching. She spoke about her research on critical illness and acute respiratory disorder.
One day when Hopkins’s oldest son was four years old, he was pinned underneath their garage door. During this experience he suffered from anoxia, a lack of oxygen to the brain. As Hopkins later researched this condition, she was surprised to find very little published research on rehabilitation following anoxic brain injury. The desire to understand his condition inspired Hopkins to further her education and career in psychology and neuroscience.
In her address, Hopkins shared five lessons she learned through her years of research.
1. Be curious. Ask questions.
2. Research can lead to new knowledge and discoveries that can benefit others.
3. Do good, share your expertise, help others.
4. Take advantage of the opportunities that come your way. You never know where they will lead you.
5. The implications of your work may not be apparent for years.
“While I have been successful in research, the success could not have happened without the exceptional students who worked in my lab and the many colleagues and collaborators I have been privileged to work with over the years,” Hopkins said.
Next Devotional:
Elder Scott D. Whiting, General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will deliver the devotional address on December 8 at 11:05 a.m. His remarks will be broadcast on BYUtv, BYUtv.org (and archived for on-demand streaming), KBYU-TV 11, Classical 89 FM, BYUradio 107.9 FM and SiriusXM 143
