Student Spotlight
Hometown: Adel, Iowa
Major: Genetics
Minor: Computer Science
Why did you choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State has a large undergraduate genetics program and many opportunities for undergraduate research.
How did you become interested in your major?
I wanted to help developed cures to gene-associated diseases, so I became a genetics major. I also believed computer science would be helpful from a Bioinformatics standpoint.
What are your current goals following graduation?
I will attend graduate school and obtain a PhD.
Internships: I worked as a research assistant in Dr. Ping Kang, and Hua Bai's lab I enjoyed getting to do hands on research, design experiments and present my findings. This helped me get a sense of what doing research at a PhD level or higher will be like and reinforced my feelings that becoming a scientist is my best fit path.
Campus activities: I am the treasurer of the Iowa State genetics club. It is nice to have a support network and to know some people you could reach out to that are willing to help.
Research experience: I researched aging and cell death in renal tissues. I enjoyed hands on research, designing experiments and presenting my finds. This positions showed me what a PhD program could be like and reinforced my sentiments to pursue a PhD.
What are a few things you love about your major and department?
I really enjoy how inviting everyone is in classes and in labs. I did find it easy to find a lab I could participate in that fit my research interests.
How would you fill in the blank for high school students interested in your field?
“You’re going to love studying the sciences at Iowa State because ….”
They have a lot of opportunities for hands on research where you can have great experiences to advance your understanding and career.
Do you have an example of how a professor or staff member has supported you at Iowa State?
Dr. Ping Kang has been a great help to me as they have supported my reward throughout almost my whole time at ISU. They have pushed me to shoot higher and work harder while also offering funding opportunities.
Last comments:
What’s your most memorable ISU experience so far? What’s your proudest ISU moment so far? Most memorable/proudest moment is being able to present my research at a national conference. My best advice for new students is bio-sciences is to find a lab that you enjoy working in it can offer valuable experiences and the earlier you start the better it looks on a resume. I plan to make an impact on the works by using my knowledge of molecular biology to develop treatments to age-related diseases that currently have no cure.