2016 Participant Biographies
Héctor G. Loyola Irizarry
University: University of Puerto Rico - Mayagüez Campus
Major: Industrial Microbiology
Hometown: San Sebastián, Puerto Rico
Lab: Dr. Hollocher
Project: The effect of diet on the eukaryotic microbiome of long-tailed macaques in anthropogenic environments
What did you learn? I learned that research involves a lot of effort and passion. It is not easy (and it never will be), but it is fun and rewarding. There is no feeling like getting results after weeks of failed attempts. Aside from valuable research experience, I also learned the basics of bioinformatics and computer programming, tricks for conducting PCR and DNA extractions, and gained the ability to read scientific papers independently and efficiently.
Future Goals? My short-term goal is to complete my Bachelor's degree and apply for a Ph.D in Genetics or Bioinformatics. In the long term, I would like to return to Puerto Rico, after finishing my Ph.D, to be a professor at the University of Puerto Rico. This way, I can do research and teach, shaping the scientists of the next generation.
Layra Cintrón-Rivera
University: Fairfield University
Major: Biology
Hometown: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Lab: Dr. Zachary Schafer
Project: Investigating Ras-mediated Evasion of Anoikis During Extracellular Matrix Detachment
What did you learn? This summer I learned a lot of valuable skills including lab techniques and analysis of scientific literature. In the lab I worked with an adherent cell line which helped me improve my cell culture technique. Moreover, running and troubleshooting experiments mainly including Western Blots and Co-precipitation Assays helped me reinforce my critical thinking skills. Written assignments such as writing an NIH style proposal allowed to develop my scientific writing. Additionally, through workshops and hands on experience I gained the tools necessary to maintain an organized lab notebook and prepare good presentations. Overall, this program showed me what graduate school is like and began giving me the skills necessary to succeed in research.
Future Goals? My short term goals are to continue doing research and to explore different fields in biology so that I can better define what field I would like to pursue after college. My long term goal is to obtain a PhD so that I may conduct research and teach at the collegiate level.
Haley Barlow
University: University of Notre Dame
Major: Biological Sciences, Italian Studies Minor
Hometown: Austin, TX
Lab: Hyde Lab
Project: Characterizing Roles of NF-kB1 in Danio rerio Retinal Regeneration
What did you learn? I learned how to manage my own time and motivate myself to accomplish my goals.
Future Goals? Pursue a PhD in cell biology to prepare for a career in research and teaching.
John Miller
University: Pensacola Christian College
Major: Biology
Hometown: Keenesburg, Colorado
Lab: O'Tousa Lab
Project: Candidate Gene Screen in the photoreceptor cell of Drosophila melanogaster
What did you Learn? The REU experience taught me what graduate school is all about from the day to day laboratory work to learning how to organize a research project and seeing the project through to the end. Through this experience I have acquired laboratory techniques and personal skills that will be essential for my future career.
Future Goals? To attend graduate school for a Ph.D. and pursue a career in the biological sciences.
Arturo J Perez Dolores
University: University of Notre Dame
Major: Biological Sciences
Hometown: Puyallup, WA
Lab: Vaughan Lab
Project: Regulation of the StARD9 Motor Domain by Phosphorylation
What Did You Learn? I learned cell culturing techniques, both immunofluorescence and live cell imaging, presentation techniques, and developed interactive skills in the lab. I have increased my literature efficiency, continued to practice my presentation skills, and have become a more effective member of the lab overall. Additionally, I have learned the role of collaborations across different disciplines of science.
Future Goals? Currently, I am set on following the MD/PhD track as I do not yet have a certain career plan. I have enjoyed lab research and have some experience in conducting clinical studies, a combination which makes the application decision between MD and PhD programs difficult.
Nelson Feliciano
University:Texas A&M-Commerce
Major: Biological Sciences
Hometown: New York City
Lab: Stack Lab
Project: Isolation and Purification of Wnt5A-V5/Attachment and Imaging of Nanoparticles to Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC25) Cells
What Did You Learn?Throughout the summer I learned a variety of practical skills and techniques including, Western Blot, Bradford protein assay, immunohistochemistry, cell culture, qPCR, and scanning electron microscopy.
The REU program also helped me to develop many skills outside the lab. I learned how to present my research in a more professional manner, how to obtain funding for graduate school beyond typical stipend pay, and I was able to build professional relationships that I hope to maintain past my graduate training.
The REU program has given me opportunities to work in a high-tech biology laboratory with world class scientists and to work in a collaborative research environment. It has helped me to solidify my decision to choose biological research as my career.
Future Goals? To complete my undergraduate studies in 2017 and then be accepted into a quality Biology PhD program. After completing my studies and gaining further experience in private industry, I intend to establish a biotech startup with a focus on oncogenetics.
Catherine Bruno
University: Saint Mary's College
Major: Biology
Hometown: Sagamore Hills, OH
Lab: O'Tousa Lab
Project: Temperature manipulation of Wallenda (wnd) expression induces axon outgrowths in Drosophila melanogaster R7 photoreceptor cells.
What did you learn? My laboratory techniques have grown through my exposure to the resources Notre Dame has to offer. I learned how to cryosection and image Drosophila melanogaster heads to further my study of fly vision. I was able to have first hand experience of the daily ups and downs of research and also learned how to troubleshoot difficulties. Most importantly, I appreciated how a strong sense of community and team work is necessary for a lab to be successful.
Future Goals? I plan to pursue a PhD in Genetics and establish Belles Healthcare with my best friends. Our goal is to open a clinic for women and expecting families offering a variety of medical services from genetic counseling to OB/GYN and neonatal or pediatric care. Our mission is to provide a safe environment for women to seek medical attention while continuously practicing our Catholic beliefs and Saint Mary's teachings of empowering women.
Osvaldo Enriquez
University: University of Missouri-Columbia
Major: Biology
Hometown: Columbia, Missouri
Lab: Hill Lab
Project: Investigation of IT-139 Downstream Activity in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
What did you learn? I learned to many things to count including, how to Western Blot, IF, cell culture, dose cells, keep a good lab journal, and much much more.
Future Goals? One of my big goals for the future is to get a PHD in either Pharmaceutical Sciences or Cancer Biology
Shelby Compton
University: Saint Mary’s College
Major: Biology
Hometown: Saugatuck, MI
Lab: Hyde Lab
Project: Developing a technique to label and isolate zebrafish Müller glia cells for FAC-sorting
What did you learn? I learned many valuable research skills from this program, and experiencing full time research helped me prepare for graduate school and the future. I learned a variety of lab techniques including immunohistochemistry, cryostat sectioning, and confocal microscopy. I also gained other skills such as writing a scientific research proposal, giving presentations, and learned about the process of applying to graduate school.
Future Goals? I plan to attend graduate school to pursue a PhD in biology.
Stephanny Lizarraga
University: St. Mary’s University
Major: Biology
Hometown: Pico Rivera, CA
Lab: Lobo Lab
Project: Evaluation of the temporal species composition and behaviors of molecularly characterized Anopheles species in Karama, Indonesia.
What Did You Learn? I learned how to become an independent scientist and figure things out on my own. I really appreciated the trust and freedom that the program provided me with in order to collect my own data for my project. I did not feel pressured throughout any of the 10-weeks and I felt comfortable enough to ask questions when I really needed the help.
I learned how to write my very first proposal. I had no idea how to write one, and was quite intimidated by it at first. Everyone who helped me with it had great suggestions and helped me improve it a lot. I really like how everyone who helped me improve it did it without actually taking my vision away, but instead just made my vision stronger and clearer.
I learned that no matter how difficult and long graduate school is, it is exactly where I would like to be for the next couple of years.
Future Goals? Currently, I would like to attend graduate school, and join a lab with a focus in virology or epidemiology. With a Ph.D. in any of these areas of study, I intend in perusing an Academic’s path at either a school like Notre Dame or a smaller undergraduate institution like my own. I would love to share my knowledge with new and uprising scientist, while still doing research at the same time.
Dallece Elena Curley
University: Virginia Tech
Major: Clinical Neuroscience
Hometown: Chesapeake, Virginia
Lab: McDowell Lab
Project: Investigation of novel insecticides through the manipulation of mosquito G-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs)
What did you learn? This summer I learned many different laboratory techniques, how to manage my time better, and how to think independently. I also now see what it is like to be a graduate student, and just how stressful research can be! I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to be so heavily immersed in research/lab life for the summer, and for having met so many amazing people!
Future Goals? I plan on looking more into MD/PhD programs and applying to programs before I graduate in 2019. I still have two years to figure out what I am most passionate about and what I want to do with my life, but I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to see what the PhD path will be like.
Emmanuel J. Santiago Burgos
University: University of Puerto Rico at Cayey
Major: Biology
Hometown: Aibonito
Lab: Lee lab
Project: Determining the role of the streptolysin S-associated gene (sag) cluster in MRSA pathogenesis
What did you learn? As a part of the summer REU I got to work in a microbiology lab and I got to see and do many techniques that I did not know such as trans well infections, cell culture techniques, protein purification and growth curves, etc. I learned about the bacterium that I worked with and read scientific papers on the matter. I also got to enhance my English for it is my second language.
Future Goals? My future goals are to continue on the road towards my PhD, go to other summer internships in different universities and to become a successful scientist.
Vanessa Quintero
University: Mount Saint Mary's University
Major: Biology
Hometown: Riverside, CA
Lab: Zhang Lab
Project: Three Dimensional Analysis of Microglia and Vasculature in the Brain during Neuroinflammation
What did you learn? This summer I definitely had a change in perspective on what it means to be in graduate school. This program made me think independently and self-learn. My mentors definitely both challenged and cheered me on every step of the way. I really appreciate this experience and their efforts to make me really think through every aspect of my project. I learned many different techniques that I wouldn't get the opportunity to learn anywhere; such as 3D imaging. I have learned to keep pushing myself out of my comfort zone to accomplish what I want in my future.
Future Goals? I desire to continue research in a clinical setting that will allow me to contribute to innovative cancer treatments.
Jasmine Mayorga
University: Wichita State University
Major: Chemistry
Hometown:Wichita, Kansas
Lab: Champion Lab
Project: Investigating the role of MMAR 0039 in cell wall stability in Mycobacterium
What Did You Learn? This summer I had first hand experience life in graduate school. I learned scientific skills that are essential for research. I also learned to embrace uncertainty more. Science takes you in different unexpected direction and that is okay it's all part of the adventure in this discipline.
Future Goals? My future holds a PhD degree, business deals and a lot of selfies around the world.