Q. Why did you choose URI’s College of the Environment and Life Sciences?
A. I chose CELS because of the close knit environment in the cell and molecular biology (CMB) department. I loved the size of the department, and by talking to upperclassmen when I was a first year student I felt comfortable with reaching out to professors. The research in CELS is so diverse–ranging from using molecular techniques in oysters to investigating the mechanisms behind neurodegeneration!
What experiential learning opportunities did you participate in at URI?
Over the past two years, I had the opportunity to be in two different labs. From August 2023-July 2024 I conducted research with Dr. Kathryn Ramsey where I used molecular techniques investigating the importance of a cell wall enzyme in the survival of the bacterium Fransciella tularensis. And from September 2024 to now, I am currently working with Dr. Steven Gregory where my project focuses on characterizing hinge region mutations in the 30S subunit of the ribosome. These experiences allowed me to develop wet lab skills such as PCR, cloning and cell culturing as a new researcher outside of the classroom. I have also improved on my communication and presentation skills by presenting at lab meetings!
What have been some highlights of your time in the CMB department?
Highlights of my time in the CMB department was the CMB showcase. It was awesome to see other undergraduate students who were presenting their research. After presenting our posters, you can learn more about the research the department offers from professors like Dr. Steven Gregory and Dr. Claudia Fallini.
How was your experience with the MARC U* program?
My experience in the MARC program has been amazing. As a Latina who is a first generation college student, MARC allowed me to build my confidence in scientific research and a career in science after college. MARC helped expose me to a bunch of firsts! My first time attending a national conference in Phoenix, AZ. My first research experience. My first research poster. I hope there are future generations who come from diverse backgrounds that can benefit from a program just like MARC USTAR.
What advice would you give to incoming or current students?
My advice is to take advantage of all your resources! It never hurts to apply to a fellowship or reach out to a professor about conducting potential research. You will never have the chance to ever say “Yes” or “No” to an opportunity if you were too afraid to apply to something.
What’s next for you after graduation?
Currently, I am searching for jobs in industry or research technician opportunities in academia to gain more experience before applying to graduate programs