“UChicago has some of the most intelligent, insightful, wonderful people I have ever met, and I am glad to have met them and learned from their experiences.”
How did your summer experiences clarify your career or academic interests (for example, a Metcalf internship or research opportunity)?
This past summer, I worked as a student intern at Argonne National Lab in the x-ray science division. While there, I researched the symbiotic relationship between mycorrhizal fungi and plant species. Through this experience, I confirmed my interest in biology, and realized I wanted to continue to research biology throughout my academic and professional life. Biological systems are expansive, complex, and amazing, having evolved and adapted over the years to survive in varying environments. The research I did, where a fungus helped the survival and growth of plants, illustrated one facet of this system, and helped spur my interest to explore more aspects of biology. I am dedicated to biology, and excited to continue my exploration of this expansive, amazing subject.
Please describe how you are choosing your course of study. Have there been clarifying moments in your Core classes or particularly inspiring professors who are helping identify your academic passions?
Taking "Fundamentals of Cell and Molecular Biology" fall quarter helped further confirm my passion for biology. I love molecular and cell biology, and it was wonderful to take a class on that subject, with great professors and equally enthusiastic peers. In particular, the labs for that class were great. We were able to do various, small-scale experiments, such as imaging cells in the presence of Taxol, computer modeling of cell systems, and quantification of oxidative phosphorylation in the presence of various chemicals. Additionally, the lab professor, Professor Chris Schonbaum, is very supportive of learning students and helps to make sure everyone can connect the activities in lab with the theoretical background.
What activities are you involved with outside the classroom?
Currently, I am involved with a few activities outside class. I work as assistant manager at the UChicago Arts box office and as an undergrad researcher at Kovar Lab. Along with work, I also sing as an alto in University Chorus and act as the fundraising chair for UChicago Science Olympiad. Working in Kovar Lab has been an amazing experience thus far, as I have had the opportunity to be involved in research of actin-binding protein networks. I love participating in biological research, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to do so at UChicago. Science Olympiad has been a great student organization to be involved in. I competed in Science Olympiad in high school, so I am glad to continue my involvement by hosting workshops and invitationals for current high school students. Finally, music has always been a huge part of my life, so I try to participate in activities (such as UChorus and the box office) that can help continue that interest, along with my science activities.
If you could speak directly to the person whose gift supported your scholarship, what would you say?
I am extremely grateful to you for making my studies at UChicago possible. I love every day I get to spend here, as I learn more and grow as a person in an academically rigorous environment. Through this scholarship, I have been able to study at an amazing school, and have been given opportunities (internships, research experience, etc.) that I could not find anywhere else. Biology is one of my greatest passions in life, and I am glad that through UChicago, I have been able to further explore my interest. Apart from academics and research, I have also met some amazing people here. UChicago has some of the most intelligent, insightful, wonderful people I have ever met, and I am glad to have met them and learned from their experiences. I will be forever grateful for all the opportunities I have here.
