Student Testimonials

I'm at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I'm a Ph.D. candidate in the Pathobiology and Translational Science Program with an emphasis in Translation Oncology Medicine.  I'm currently studying how different mutations in beta-catenin alter the growth patterns of endometrial cancer in hopes to develop precision medicine options for women with endometrial cancer that show altered Wnt signaling (which is scarily common and worsens prognosis significantly).

Undergraduate research allowed me to pursue a Ph.D. immediately after graduating without needing a master's degree or more job experience first. I am lucky enough to have the same amount of research experience as many of my peers at a much younger age. I firmly believe I would have not gotten into graduate school without all my experience in research. 

My name is Kirsten Meaker, and I currently worked at St. Thomas West as a Medical Laboratory Scientist in the Microbiology department. I have active experience in identifying pathogenic bacteria and providing susceptibility testing. I also perform molecular testing, which the highest volume of molecular testing in our department is COVID-19 testing. I have always had a love for science. As a freshman in college, Dr. Pathiranage invited me to do undergraduate organic chemistry research with Macy Osborne. Undergraduate research was the most influential academic extracurricular I could have participated in while in college. Of course, I have to add the emotional stuff. I learned who I was, built the strongest relationships, found my confidence as a student and person, and obtained a lot of information that not a lot of my friends knew what I was actually talking about. I am forever thankful that Dr. P took a chance and believed in me as a freshman, because I would not be the person I am today without her and her confidence in me.

I'm a PhD Candidate, Biochemistry Program (OSBP) at The Ohio State University. 

Participating in undergraduate research heavily influenced my decision in pursuing a PhD in chemistry. This research experience has enabled me to gain the necessary skills, independence, and confidence required to excel in the lab, making it a smooth transition from undergrad to graduate school.