I Am a Researcher

I wanted to gain research experience in a field that combined both biological and social perspectives. My coursework sparked my interest in how these areas connect, and research felt like the perfect way to explore those questions in a real-world setting. After seeing a posting for the Smith Lab on Handshake, I applied and was fortunate to join the lab!

What has been the most exciting/interesting thing you've discovered through your research?

One of the most exciting things I discovered through my research was how something as simple as hunger can change empathy-related behaviors in mice. We found that food deprivation altered the social transfer of pain differently depending on the sex of the mouse and the type of pain stimulus used. It was fascinating to see how differently male and female mice interact and how sex can shape the way empathy is expressed. Beyond the findings themselves, it was also really exciting to grow as a researcher by learning hands-on techniques like brain extractions and turning raw, messy data into graphs that are more pleasing to the eye.

What did you gain from this program/experience?

Through Smith Lab, CAMP, and UC Scholars, I gained valuable presentation experience and had the opportunity to learn about research happening in many different fields, which I found incredibly interesting. These experiences also allowed me to build meaningful connections with mentors and peers who have helped me grow both as a person and as a researcher.

What advice would you give to students starting research?

At the beginning, you may feel incapable or unsure if you truly belong in research, but growth is often uncomfortable. In a field where things are constantly evolving, and you are always learning something new, it’s normal to have those doubts. The important thing is to lean into those feelings and trust your instincts. Most importantly, nurture the relationships you build with your mentors and research team, and stay committed to the goals you set for yourself.

What are your future plans?

I will be pursuing a master’s program to become a Physician Assistant, where I hope to focus on pediatrics. However, geriatrics also really interests me, so I still have some decisions to make…stay tuned!

Anything else you want to share?

 Being a first-generation college student has shaped the way I approach opportunities like research. Without having family members who navigated these spaces, I had to learn a lot along the way, but that experience made every milestone feel even more meaningful. I hope my journey encourages other first-generation students to pursue opportunities that may seem unfamiliar at first, because these spaces are meant for us too.

I’d like to thank my PI, Monique Smith for the opportunity to join her lovely lab, and my mentor Amanda, for always pushing me to be the best me I can be! Thank you to Dr. Artis and the UC Scholars and Camp Program.

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