2015 Participant Biographies

Carlos Alvarado

University: California State University

Major: Cell and Molecular Biology

Hometown: San Pedro

Lab: Champion

Project: Mechanisms of spontaneous mutation in M. marinum

What did you learn? I learned many different lab procedures and techniques that will be useful one day in the future. I learned how hard doing research is and how many times you may fail at an experiment. But also learned how satisfying it feels when an experiment finally works and you receive valuable data. I also learned that I really do want to enter this field as a career and that I made the right choice by switching from Political Science into Molecular and Cell Biology.

Future Goals? To enter graduate school and enter the field of microbiology or work in Cancer research. I really am looking to the day I can give presentations at symposiums as well as publish papers in scientific journals.

Diana Esparza

University: Mount Saint Mary's University

Major: Biochemistry/Mathematics

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

Lab: D'Souza-Schorey

Project: Investigating the extracellular vesicle-association of Wnt proteins

What did you learn? This REU has further my scientific knowledge, particularly in the Biological Sciences since the research I conduct in my home institution is Chemistry based. Performing an invadopodia assay, immunofluorescence microscopy, and cell culturing have definitely enhanced and improved my research techniques. Working in the D'Souza-Schorey lab was a journey that made me feel at the prime of my scientific journey. I got to experience great team work as well as motivation and encouragement from my mentors and the group since day one. My mentors were both my biggest challengers and also my biggest cheerleaders, and I now have additional role models to look up to. Research Like a Champion, Today! was my saying. Lastly, I got to bond and share mutual experiences with my REU peers.They were genuinely interested in getting to know me as a person and when I was hospitalized I got to see the true meaning of "through thick and thin." The girls surrounded me with their love and support, and did not leave my side during that scary event. I will carry this REU experience with me forever as it has remolded both my view of science and community work.

Future Goals? My ultimate goal is investigate molecular mechanism of cancerous cells and contribute to the development of therapeutics.With a PhD in Cancer Biology, I intend to conduct research that links novel discoveries in the lab to trials in the clinic in a government laboratory. I have a strong passion for learning and keeping others informed about what is going on inside our bodies.

Darby Heard

University: East Central University

Major: Molecular Biology/Studio Art

Hometown: Yukon, OK

Lab: Hyde

Project: Validation and Characterization of TG[pax6b:EGFP] Zebrafish Line

What did you learn? This REU experience was filled with amazing experiences all around. Having only worked in a lab for two semesters at my university (and none of my research going past the prep stage), I am thrilled that I have been able to research in Dr. Hyde's lab and make progress with the research. It has given me the opportunity to research in a field I am interested in with fantastic resources. The entire lab, especially my mentor, has been very helpful in aiding me as I learn various new techniques such as cryostat sectioning, immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, and other processes used in the zebrafish research. In addition to techniques, this REU has allowed me to experience full time research, enabling me to make a better decision about grad school and my career. Lab meetings and journal clubs have helped me to think more critically about scientific research and the articles that are published. Journal club especially has broadened my understanding of the current research being performed and what potential benefits they may have. We have been given a lot of information about Grad school, types of grants and grant writing, and various other application requirements that can benefit us both now and in the future as well.

But wait, it's not all about the work! (well it's mostly about the work, but there is some fun too :D) There have been plenty of great experiences outside of lab as well. Outdoor activities, going to restaurants, trying new foods and activities, going to Chicago, hanging out, and encountering other individuals' lab experiences has helped to make a busy time also a fun time. I sang with the Notre Dame choir this summer for weekend masses; what a wonderful experience that was! For me, I found it fantastic that I could walk out of Galvin at 5, hear the bells ringing at the Basilica, and still make it to daily mass on time. Being surrounded by my faith made working in the lab that much more enjoyable.

Future Goals? Currently, I am on the track to attend to graduate school. I would like to research adult stem cells, and considering how much I have enjoyed this lab, I may pursue zebrafish research. Being a double major, I also desire to incorporate my research into my artistic form. I have begun researching bioart, which uses biological processes and principles to make fine art. In this way, my research can benefit the scientific community in furthering our understanding of stem cells, and my art can benefit the general community by communicating that research in a visual form.

I have also begun to look into religious life. Being on campus at Notre Dame has open my eyes and heart to a call I began to feel in February. It has likewise given me access to more information about different communities and the opportunity to talk to various religious sisters on campus or visiting campus.

Right now, I'm not completely sure which path I may take. Perhaps both will be combined and I will be able to teach and research in academia with a religious community. Regardless of where I end up, this experience has taught me a lot about myself, research, and the fantastic opportunities that Notre Dame provides!

Emma Troth

University: Bradley University

Major: Cell and Molecular Biology

Hometown: Eureka, IL

Lab: Lobo

Project: Molecular identification of malaria vectors and novel species- Western Province Solomon Islands and Sulawesi, Indonesia

What did you Learn? I learned many valuable skills. I learned how to independently work in the lab. I learned how to interpret raw data, a variety of lab techniques (PCR, DNA extraction, dissection, electrophoresis, sequencing), as well as how to write a scientific proposal. I also learned a lot about how to apply for graduate schools, and what they look for in applicants. I also learned how the paper-writing process for academic journals is done.

Future Goals? I would like to attend a graduate program in biology, and join a lab that deals with disease research and epidemiology. I am also considering a specific masters degree in epidemiology and global health.

Erik Rodriguez

University: Montreat College

Major: Biology

Hometown: Euless, TX

Lab: Hollocher

Project: Provisioning Pollution in the Population Genetics of Blastocystis in Bali’s Long Tailed Macaques

What Did You Learn? This summer I learned some techniques in the lab that I didn't know before, more specifically in conducting bioinformatics, working with software in the computer. I also learned a lot about graduate opportunities and how to prepare myself for graduate school. Plenty of the things I learned this summer have with great help looking to move on to the next step.

Future Goals? After I graduate this coming year with my Bachelors in Biology, I will pursue a degree in Bioethics, probably a Masters and then pursue a Ph.D in infectious diseases or pathology.

Felicity Newton

University: Belmont University

Major: Biochemistry/Molecular Biology

Hometown: Nashville, TN

Project: Localization of Mutant NPC1 Protein

What Did You Learn? I learned what it truly meant to work in a lab. When you are in undergraduate courses, it seems like you should be able to do everything on your own and know everything, but you cannot and you do not. My lab taught me numerous techniques, from cloning to maintaining a cell line to Live Cell Imaging, but the most important protocol I learned was to ask for help.

Future Goals? After graduation, I plan on taking a two-year gap to serve with FOCUS, the Fellowship of Catholic Undergraduate Students as a missionary and then attend graduate school for a PhD. From there I hope to teach at a University similar to my own.

Jordan Cockfield

University: Stetson University

Major: Molecular Biology

Hometown: Wellington, FL

Lab: Schafer

Project: Ras-mediated evasion of ECM-detachment induced cell death

What did you learn? From the REU Program at the University of Notre Dame, I've so much about lab culture, designing experiments, graduate school, and presenting data. I would not trade this experience for anything! I feel more prepared to take on graduate school applications and map out my next steps to my future career.

Future Goals? My ultimate goal is investigate molecular mechanism of cancerous cells and contribute to the development of therapeutics. With a PhD in Cancer Biology, I intend to conduct research that links novel discoveries in the lab to trials in the clinic in a government laboratory. I have a strong passion for learning and keeping others informed about what is going on inside our bodies.

Katia Cruz Santiago

University: University of Puerto Rico

Major: Biology

Hometown: Farjado, PR

Lab: Hellman

Project: Landscape Variability and Climate Change Implications for Wild Blue Lupine Emergence across the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

What did you learn? The REU Program introduced me to what graduate school is all about. The summer research showed me how tough, overwhelming, stressful, but also how awesome it is to be a graduate student. Through this experience, I can say with certainty that I've become a more independent and open minded women. This summer experience definitely helped me grow as a person. I found out things about myself and discover skills that I never knew I had or that I've simple never had put to use. I also improved my scientific thinking and writing and I definitely acquired new skills. The 10 weeks of research were intense but in the end it was all worth it.

Research, undoubtedly, is something you should pursue if you're really passionate about. It takes a lot time and work but totally worth it. :)

Future Goals? My short-term goal is to become an interpreter for the deaf. My long-term future goals are not quite yet defined, but I do know I would like to pursue a career in either educational neuroscience, deaf studies or deaf education.

Kevin Wilkins

University: Notre Dame

Major: Biological Sciences

Hometown: South Bend

Lab: Hyde

Project: CRISPR/Cas9 system mediated integration of a reporter gene in the Sox2 endogenous locus

What did you learn? I really improved my skills in the lab and deepened my interest in the biological field. Working in a lab over the summer gave me a great insight into what being a researcher means. I grew ever more interested in what I was studying and I learned to put up with the ups and downs of lab life. Developing my own project taught me a great deal of critical thinking and trouble-shooting that will indeed help me in shaping my future scientific paths.

Future Goals? In the future I would like to pursue a PhD in Biology and conduct research in the field of genetics. My research during the summer included working on gene editing and this is a technique I would like to pursue further in my career. I believe that one of the greatest avenues of biology in the near future is gene therapy, and gene editing will play an essential part in this medical development.

Khai Pham

University: IUSB

Major: Biochemistry

Hometown: South Bend, IN

Lab: Ferdig

Project: Phenotype grow rate of Malaria parasite

What Did You Learn? I learned many valuable skills. I learned how to independently work in the lab. I learned how to interpret raw data, a variety of lab techniques (PCR, DNA extraction, dissection, electrophoresis, sequencing), as well as how to write a scientific proposal. I also learned a lot about how to apply for graduate schools, and what they look for in applicants. I also learned how the paper-writing process for academic journals is done.

Future Goals? I plan on getting my bachelor degree in Summer 2017. Then I will transfer to IU Bloomington for my master in Bioinformatics. In 2020, I will start packing my stuffs and moving to Northwestern Medical school for my PhD in Biochemistry (hopefully I already know which lab do I want to work at).

Morgan Petersen

University: University of Northwestern- St Paul

Major: Biochemistry and Biology

Hometown: Glencoe, MN

Lab: O’Tousa

Project: Disruption of the Visual System of Aedes aegypti with CRISPR/Cas9

What did you learn?

I learned how to ask my own questions and figure out how to solve them. I really loved the freedom that this program gave me to be involved in the design and execution of your project. It takes a lot of discipline to stay on track, but I felt that I was really able to take ownership of my project.
This program taught me the importance of collaborations. Because science is about the sharing of important ideas, scientists can't work in a bubble. I was able to experience 2 major collaborations first hand in my project, which allowed me to see how powerful teamwork can be for the progress of a project and the development of a scientist.
I learned that having a support system is necessary. The other members of the REU program and people in my lab provided that for me, and I felt that the community we built was essential to our ability to stay on track and keep learning. This also means that I learned that asking for help is really good thing!
I gained and exposure to and appreciation for the broader community of science. Hearing about the other students' projects and collaborations really opened my eyes to all of the wonderful research that is being done on this campus. I learned that exposure to other fields helps to inspire new questions and more efficient approaches in your own field.
Science is hard, but it is worth it.

Future Goals? I will graduate from my undergraduate institution in the Spring of 2016 and I hope to attend graduate school in biology immediately after that. I'm open to a variety of areas of study, but my dream would be to combine genetics and molecular cell biology with a biomedical focus. Beyond that, I might like to teach at a small undergraduate institution like my own, integrating my other passions, theology and the history and philosophy of science, into my courses.

Nalani Olguin

University: University of Hawaii at Manoa

Major: Molecular and Cell Biology

Hometown: Waianae

Lab: Stack

Project: HPV Detection by In Situ Hybridization

What did you learn? ‘A‘ohe pau ka ‘ike i ka hālau ho‘okahi. (All knowledge is not learned in just one school.) This summer REU program brought this olelo no’eau to life for me. This summer really held true that knowledge comes from many sources. Through this entire program constant learning occurred, weather at the lab, on Notre Dame Campus, city of South Bend, Chicago or in the dorms. The community of people both science and non-science, American or foreign, through lab mentors, staff, fellow undergraduates and REU students, workshops, social and academic activities, field trips and meetings imparted upon me both academic and social knowledge that could have only be learned during this 10 weeks. Although I have learned a wealth of knowledge a few main things that I learned through this time are that I enjoy ‘lab/research-life’ but I am positive MD/PhD is the best path for me, I understand what type of lab environment I enjoy, and that I could live contently on the continent.

Future Goals? MD/PhD

Rebecca Reis

University: Saint Mary’s College

Major: Biology

Hometown: Dayton, OH

Lab: Lee

Project: Ion Channel Inhibitors Reduce Streptolysin S-Dependent Cytotoxicity in Group A Streptococcal Infections of Human Keratinocytes

Future Goals? Graduate school to earn a PhD in microbiology.

Savannah Kounelis

University: The University of Notre Dame

Major: Neuroscience

Hometown: Portage, MI

Lab: Syed

Project: Olfactory responses of a highly conserved mosquito odorant receptor to plant odors

What Did You Learn? I have learned so many things-- from professional skills like giving presentations and applying to graduate and fellowship programs to new techniques in the lab and improved communications skills. The REU program has truly taught me what a researcher's life would be like, and I have loved every second of it!

Future Goals As of right now, I am unsure whether I will be applying to M.D./Ph.D. programs or Ph.D. programs. Most likely I will take a gap year between graduating from undergraduate and going to professional/graduate school to do a research fellowship and figure out my path.