What years did you participate in UROP?

I was a part of UROP in 2012-2013.

What UROP Program(s) were you a part of?

I was part of UROP and MSTEM[MBIO then.]

What made you choose UROP? 

I enjoy doing research and an opportunity to participate was one I couldn’t pass up.

What do you think you have learned from your UROP experience?

I learned the impact that bench research makes on clinical research. In addition, I learned how to function s a member of a laboratory team.

What is the extent to which you have kept in contact with your Research Mentor?

I have kept occasional contact with them on a yearly basis.

How did your UROP experience shape or inform the next steps you took in your academic and professional journey? 

It cemented my desire to go into medicine and further pursue a science field.

What advice would you give to a current UROP student? 

I would say to keep an open mind about the research you’re doing and where it may take you. Pick labs and projects that interest you as a person and don’t exist solely to serve an end-goal you have in mind.

What are some recent publications or accomplishments that you are proud of? 

I had a paper published in pediatric surgery last year that was part of a multisite study that I was honored to have contributed to: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2019.09.043.

Is there any other advice you would like to impart to current or future UROP students? 

Pursue the research and knowledge that interests you, passion in your work will make all the difference.