2018 Participant Biographies

Ryan Middleton

University: University of Notre Dame

Major: Biological Sciences and Psychology

Hometown: Carmel, Indiana

Lab: Dr. Schafer

Project: Understanding the relationship between RIPK1-mediated mitophagy and immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) resistance

What did you learn? By working in the Schafer lab, I learned several essential techniques for my chosen field, oncology research. More importantly than that though, I gained a glimpse at the life of a full-time researcher and found that it appealed to me quite strongly. I strengthened my passion for cancer research and bonded with others who felt similarly. It was a truly unique and amazing experience.

Future Goals? I hope to apply for an honors thesis this fall, which, if granted, I would write over the next year and a half. The topic of this thesis would be an extension of the work I did this summer, as I plan to continue in the Schafer lab, investigating RIPK1 in ICI resistant cell lines. Additionally, in the spring of 2020, it is my goal to attend a national conference with the Schafer lab to present whatever I may find over the next year and a half. During this fall 2018 semester, I am conducting cancer research in Puebla, Mexico, which I believe will give me another unique perspective on my passion: that of research in another country. I hope to be able to take what I learn here in Mexico to become a more effective collaborator across borders.


Floyd Nichols

University: Saint Vincent College

Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Lab: Dr. Berke

Project: Determining Microbial Community Shifts with Altitude from the Active Layer of Permafrost Regions in Alaska

What did you learn? Many biogeochemistry lab techniques, graduate school process, the importance of collaboration

Future Goals? Attend graduate school to do research in environmental science / ecology


Nicole Marquez-Reyes

University: Universidad de Puerto Rico en Cayey

Hometown: Vega Baja, Puerto Rico

Lab: Dr. Ravosa

Project: Micro CT Analysis of Bone Quantity and Bone Quality in Lizard Skull

What did you learn? During my summer at Dr. Ravosa's lab, I learned how to use a Micro CT machine to do imaging. We learned some things about lizards for the project, like their cranial morphology and what they ate. I also learned a lot about statistical analyses that we used to make comparisons between the feeding apparatus of the lizard species we were studying.

Future Goals? After completing my Bachelor's Degree, I want to continue my studies in a Graduate Program.


Karolina Pellot

University: Universidad de Puerto Rico en Cayey

Hometown: Vega Baja, Puerto Rico

Lab: Dr. Lu

Project: Development of a novel genetically engineered mouse model for von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome

What did you learn? I learned that science is not a straight road, it takes guts to pursue a career in science because it requires you to think ahead, to not be stuck in what we know now, but rather think of what we could learn. In science you never really know what you're going to find, but the greatest discoveries have been made by those who were brave enough to go into the unknown.

Future Goals? My future goals are to pursue a career in science that also involves a clinical aspect


Ciara Walsh

University: Dublin City University

Hometown: Kells, Co. Meath, Ireland

Lab: Dr. Champion

Project: An investigation into the N-terminal acetylation of EsxA in Mycobacterium marinum

What did you learn? The reality behind getting a PhD, and what a career in research truly involves- a lot of hard work and dedication! I've really learned that this is a path I want to pursue, and I loved getting experience in the microbiology and genetics field.

Future Goals? Ultimately to get a PhD, and most likely to follow a career in academia. I'd like to get a taste of industry too though before I make any final decisions.


Evan Nichols

University: University of Notre Dame

Hometown: Akron, Ohio

Lab: Dr. Smith

Project: Elucidating the role of vesicles and MMPs in somatosensory nerve formation

What did you learn? In addition to science-oriented skills like designing experiments and communicating your project and data, I learned that each area of science and biology informs the others. Being open to all kinds of information, data, and expertise is important to conduct great science.

Future Goals? I hope to earn a Ph.D. and pursue research as a career.


Emily Eix

University: University of Oklahoma

Hometown: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Lab: Dr. Schorey

Project: The Role of Host Cytosolic RNA Sensing Pathways in a Mycobacterium avium Infection

What did you learn? I learned so much about what it is like to conduct immunology research in general, something I had little experience with before. I feel a lot more comfortable in a lab environment and more prepared for graduate school. I also learned a lot about Mycobacterium avium and RNA sensing specifically, which was really interesting and new.

Future Goals? After graduating I want to earn my PhD in microbiology/immunology.


Nicole Weaver

University: Manchester University

Hometown: Fort Wayne, IN

Lab: Dr. Zhang

Project: The effect of Rab11b on actin dynamics and the adhesome

What did you learn? I learned a lot about cancer biology and how to troubleshoot experiments.

Future Goals? Get my Bachelor's degree in Biology and Pharmacogenomics and later obtain my PhD.


Taylor White

University: Suffok University, Boston, MA

Hometown: Hyannis, MA (Cape Cod)

Lab: Dr. Schafer

Project: Researched protein kinase SGK1 and how it regulates ATP production in extracellular matrix detachment (ECM) in Inflammatory breast cancer

What did you learn? Even though I had a very positive experience working in the Schafer lab, I learned that I am not passionate about conducting research and pursuing a PhD after my undergrad. This program inspired my appreciation for scientific research even more and has directed my passion for careers in science journalism and medical writing.

Future Goals? My future goals are to keep learning and writing about science and eventually pursue a Master's in science journalism.


Cat Shields

University: Ivy Tech Community College/Indiana University- South Bend

Hometown: South Bend, IN

Lab: Dr. Zhang

Project: Investigating the role of PTEN and mitochondria structural integrity

What did you learn? I learned a lot of lab techniques I otherwise would not have been exposed to. I also learned that collaborating is extremely important and cool.

Future Goals? Get a masters in biology, I could see myself as a lab manager. I really like the hands on aspect of researching.


Maggie Fink

University: Indiana University- South Bend

Major: Biochemistry

Hometown: South Bend, IN

Lab: Dr. Lee


Steven Pesina

University: Eastern Kentucky University

Lab: Dr. Hyde


Jawuanna McAllister

University: North Carolina Wesleyan University

Lab: Dr. Smith


John Fehilly

Lab: Dr. O'Tousa