Research Proposal

Over the past year, I have been conducting biochemistry research in Dr. Crawford’s lab centered around her grant work of Viral Control of Stem Cell Fate. We are currently researching Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a β-herpesvirus found in humans that can cause systemic infection. I am personally researching and conducting experiments with UL3, a specific RL11 gene found in the virus. To further this research, I applied for UCARE funding for the next school year. I drafted a research proposal and a timeline with the help of Dr. Crawford and was able to articulate the science behind what I was doing for the first time. My UCARE funding was approved a couple of weeks ago, which is very exciting. Working on this proposal, I was able to refine the scientific writing skills that I developed in BIOC 205 and was able to think critically about what my next steps in my research project would be. 

This research is very beneficial for me as I plan to attend medical school to become a physician. Research is always important as a physician, as you need to be constantly asking questions and be on the cutting edge of new techniques and procedures. I always find a way to connect what I learn in the lab to my classes and experiences in clinical settings, which is such a rewarding thing. Being able to complete a project of my own this next year is the biggest challenge that I cannot wait to successfully tackle.