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Margarette Burd

Biography

Margarette Burd plans to earn a Ph.D. in research psychology and study the causes of and treatments for pedophilia, a disease for which there is currently no known cure. "I want to uncover its root causes and pioneer a treatment that will allow pedophiles the opportunity to operate in society without such deviant impulses," she says. "If pedophilia is treatable, then I will do everything possible to develop the treatment."

Margarette began her part-time studies at Yavapai College in 1999 while working full-time as a waitress to support herself and pay for her classes. Her academic success led to an honors scholarship, which allowed her to attend school full-time. She continued to work as an administrative assistant at a construction firm and completed her degree at Yavapai with a perfect grade point average.

In the fall of 2002, Margarette transferred to San Francisco State University to finish her bachelor's degree in psychology. She is intrigued by human behavior. As a waitress, she often served a homeless schizophrenic man who would take his medicine only periodically because it made him feel "dead inside." Margarette says this experience made her appreciate that the mentally ill are "people with families, friends, feelings, and few options. I am convinced that there must be something more that can be provided for such citizens."

"To me, Margarette epitomizes the qualities of a liberal arts student; she brings a dedication, openness, and joyfulness to her learning processes that are a delight to see," says Brent Boone-Roberts, assistant dean of the science/math division at Yavapai College.

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