Majors: Mathematics and Biology
Hometown: Huntington, NY
What accomplishments and/or activities are you most proud of while at URI?
Never did I think I would have gotten as involved as I have during my undergraduate career here at URI. A multitude of opportunities presented themselves as doors kept opening and it encouraged me to strive for more. Initially in my sophomore year, I took teacher assistant positions for math and biology lectures and soon enough I worked daily as a math tutor. Along with realizing this passion for educating, I exercised the communication skills expected of a guiding figure. I earned the secretary position on the executive board for the Asian Students’ Association and served as a URI 101 mentor my junior year. Becoming a research assistant in a “dry” lab involving computational genetics and a “wet” lab of evolutionary ecology engaged me in my consideration of a career in research. Taking on the role in my final year as a student ambassador of the College of Arts and Sciences allows me influence for positive change through my experience and hopefully inspire prospective students to become involved with all this college has to offer. Creating a strong foundation of peers and friends alike made every decision going forward comfortable and easy and so I accredit much of my success as a leader to the diversity of my involvement. This academic, yet social, involvement allowed me to continuously surround myself with motivated people which in turn sparked my drive toward success.
What, if any, research projects, internships, and/or study abroad programs did you participate in at URI?
My consideration of a career in science research led me to join a lab team involved with computational genetics. I had little to no computer science background, but I was intrigued to learn and apply it for I understood the prevalence of “big data”. The experience in this lab was all-encompassing in terms of how research evolves within a team. Participating in their meetings involving progress and discussion of applicable scientific papers allowed me to get a good sense of a career in academia. Being hired (and rehired!) for a summer position at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory on Long Island, New York encouraged me to enhance my knowledge of general laboratory skills and maintenance. I joined and work for credit at an evolutionary ecology “wet” lab which has allowed me to practice common protocols. It has been a contrasting, yet equally beneficial experience to the computational lab as I am better equipped in my skill set going forward with decisions pertaining to a career in this discipline.
If you were to offer advice to an incoming first year student, what would you say?
The one piece of advice I would provide is to get involved. Allowing to immerse yourself in this way opens up opportunities you won’t initially realize. Meeting new people and expanding your social circle allows the potential for professional and/or personal connections. You are indirectly networking, building your resume along the way, increasing outlook for career success. There’s no better inspiration than to surround yourself with people who motivate you. Whether it be spending time with goal-oriented friends or asking your favorite professor about their research, this type of company allows academia to be a lifestyle. College becomes the best time of your life if you allow it to!