Undergraduate Research Scholarships (2020 Summer Participant)
I work in Dr. Karl Wahlin’s lab, which focuses on ophthalmic research, specifically within the retina. My current research focuses on cell cycle regulation and microRNA functions in the processes of cell growth and differentiation within the retina. In gaining a fuller understanding of these processes we hope to tap into the hidden potential of endogenous regeneration in the human retina, which would allow us to potentially treat or cure diseases of the eye that are known to cause irreversible vision loss.
Brief, but impactful introductions to basic biology research scattered throughout my grade and high school years contributed to my initial understanding of research. I viewed the idea of research as a field where you are constantly learning, looking at ideas from different perspectives, and potentially having the answer to all of your questions hidden in plain sight, and I wanted to dip my toes in and try it out at least once. I came to UC San Diego with the hope to get involved in the vibrant research community here as an undergraduate student.
I went through and applied for several lab openings on the REAL portal and Handshake in addition to doing some research and ‘cold-emailing’ several professors that were conducting research in areas of study I found to be extremely fascinating. After several emails that were lost to the void and rejections from other labs due to my lack of experience, I gained an interview with my current PI. I was very fortunate to be offered a position in his lab, and I have been learning and conducting research since then.
Not being able to spend a lot of time and getting work done in the lab has been quite the challenge, especially due to the limited scope of tasks and different work environment. However, this reduction of lab work has allowed me to develop and learn skills that are just as essential to conducting research and highly applicable to my future work in the lab.
Although the focus of my summer project had to be slightly adjusted to accommodate for remote work, I have been able to continue my work without too many hardships. Luckily, we had obtained a substantial amount of data prior to the quarantine, so I have been doing bioinformatics-centered analyses of that data.
Seeing people, not just friends and family, but complete strangers, come together to support each other through these tumultuous times whether through thoughtful handwritten letters or advocating for a specific cause.
I hope to pursue an MD and continue on to practice medicine as a physician following the completion of my undergraduate education. I also wish to become involved in health education, to ensure that individuals not only have access to, but also have the resources to gain a full understanding of essential and relevant information about healthcare and medicine.
Are you interested in undergraduate research and/or scholarship opportunities like this one? Contact UR to learn more.