Medicine On His Mind

Holy Cross High School sophomore Michael Colasuonno is already working in the field of medical research through a school program and has set his sights on becoming a doctor.
Colasuonno said that he first became interested in science because of his seventh grade life science teacher. The interest grew further while he was studying biology as a high school freshman and discovering that he really enjoyed the subject.
While in Cathy Kenny’s honors biology class as a freshman at Holy Cross, Colasuonno found out about the school’s Science Research Program. He decided that it was something he would be interested in doing and it would also give him the chance to earn college credits from SUNY Albany. Last spring, Colasuonno was offered a spot at St. Francis Imaging Hospital working with cardiac imaging.
Through his research, Colasuonno, a 15-year-old from Whitestone, studies the cardiac images to examine Coronary Endothelial Dysfunction and work under the guidance of the doctors at St. Francis. He also finds articles on the subject to summarize as part of his research.
“Definitely I would say the biggest benefit is that I’m getting introduced to the medical field,” said Colasuonno. “It’s really giving me a feel for what it’s like out there.”
Colasuonno said that the greatest challenge for the Science Research Program is the time commitment it involves.
“It’s a lot to put into it and if you’re not dedicated to it, it’s not going to work,” he said.
In the beginning, Colasuonno said that he did not like the idea of working with the heart but now is not bothered by it at all.
Colasuonno will remain in the Science Research Program through his senior year. He said that he hopes to one day enter the Intel Student’s Siemens-Westinghouse competition.
“Michael is a wonderful young man with a true dedication to his academics. He has a love for the sciences and excels in all of those classes as well as his other subject areas,” said Kenny, who is the Science Research Coordinator. “I have never had the privilege to teach and work with such a fine student. He is a delight in the classroom and a pleasure to have in the research program.”
Colasuonno said that part of his motivation for all of his dedication to his work is knowing that it “is going to place me on a course for life.” He also said that his parents have been his biggest inspiration, after seeing how hard his father works and because his mother has always pushed him to do his very best.
Ultimately, Colasuonno’s goal is to become a cardiothoracic surgeon. He hopes to attend New York University, Columbia University or Cornell and then go on to Columbia Medical School.
“I see Michael as an outstanding cardiac surgeon in the near future. He has a focus that will truly enable him to move in that direction,” Kenny said. “He is diligent in his work and committed in what he believes in and he believes in his education.”
During the remainder of his years at Holy Cross High School, Colasuonno said that he wants to take each year as it goes and set expectations for himself that are not too low or too high.