Keith Crosby A.A. and A.S. in Biotechnology Laboratory Technology Florida Community College

On the Frontiers of Medical Research

Keith Crosby
Florida Community College, Class of 2007

Keith Crosby is well on his way to becoming a doctor. Not a medical doctor, but a doctor of biomedical sciences. After graduating from FCCJ with both an associate in arts (A.A.) degree and an associate in science (A.S.) degree in biotechnology laboratory technology, he has gone on to the University of Florida, where he has recently been accepted by the Ph.D. program in biomedical sciences. He hopes his work will one day lead to a cure for Huntington’s disease or other disorders.

But Keith wasn’t exactly sure where his career would lead when he first came to FCCJ. “I chose FCCJ because I wanted to stay in proximity to my family,” he said. “I did not know what I wanted to study, but I knew I needed a college education. My first semester I enrolled in the aviation program. I soon realized that it was not what I truly wanted to do, and I changed my major to the biotechnology laboratory technology program that I eventually graduated under.” And he’s experienced nothing but success since then.

In fact, his future goals are even more ambitious than his past accomplishments. “I have joined a research lab in the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Florida,” Keith reported. “My research is focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of Huntington’s disease, a genetic disorder that leads to neurodegeneration and results in movement and psychiatric abnormalities. I have also been selected to join the University Scholars Program, a scholarship program to perform research and earn research credits toward my degree.”

Born and raised in Jacksonville, Keith appreciates the preparation he received at FCCJ. “I don't believe I would be where I am at now without FCCJ,” he said, “specifically Dr. Kevin Pegg and the biotechnology program. The biotechnology program gave me the opportunity to achieve one of the greatest experiences any researcher can have, and that was to perform my internship at the Mayo Clinic. The biotechnology program provided me a great advantage in that I gained lab experience that many university students do not get to experience until their final semesters before graduating.” Clearly, FCCJ was the right choice for Keith.

And clearly, Keith’s goals include more than personal success. “From the moment I began to understand the scientific research field and the goals of biomedical research I have felt that I can contribute to finding a treatment for an incurable disease,” he said. “I feel I have put myself in a good position to be able to accomplish this goal, and can only hope my hard work and dedication will culminate in a career-making discovery.”

We have a feeling that, as Doctor Keith Crosby, he will be well on his way to great things.