JUNIOR YEAR
Pre-Covid:
This year, my interest in biology has (unsurprisingly) continued to grow. I decided to enroll in the departmental honors program for my physiology major. I have been working on a project studying the dopaminergic neurons of transgenic rats with my research lab at the UW Medical Center in the department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Additionally, I am a peer facilitator for Biol 434: Invertebrate Zoology. If you know me, you would know that there is nothing that I love more than marine invertebrates. I have loved the opportunity to help teach my fellow students about my favorite topic, and I have had the chance to work with some really cool animals (my favorite being the Cassiopeia, or upside-down jellyfish). I recently finished up applying to a few NSF REU programs to gain research experience with marine invertebrates over the summer, and I am waiting to hear back any day now if my application was accepted. In the meantime, I have been busy as the marine biology student ambassador. For this position, I have been meeting prospective marine biology students and talking to them about what I love about being a student here. Last, but most certainly not least, I. Finally. Finished. Organic. Chemistry.
Post-Covid:
Winter quarter took a turn, and the final week of classes and exams were online. Soon after, it was announced that Spring quarter would be entirely online as well. Even though world feel like it is falling apart, science found a way to continue. This online quarter provided me with the opportunity to work on a research project with a lab that I have been interested in since my freshman year at UW. We examined the functional morphology of pacu jaws and teeth, and I presented my results at a FHL remote research symposium. I am going to continue working on this project throughout the summer, and depending on the state of the world, I will be presenting a poster at a science convention in Washington D.C. in January. Additionally, I was accepted to a NSF REU program at OSU's Hatfield Marine Science Center! I am disappointed that the program will not be taking place in person, but I am excited to learn from amazing researchers and grow as a scientist.
This year, my interest in biology has (unsurprisingly) continued to grow. I decided to enroll in the departmental honors program for my physiology major. I have been working on a project studying the dopaminergic neurons of transgenic rats with my research lab at the UW Medical Center in the department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Additionally, I am a peer facilitator for Biol 434: Invertebrate Zoology. If you know me, you would know that there is nothing that I love more than marine invertebrates. I have loved the opportunity to help teach my fellow students about my favorite topic, and I have had the chance to work with some really cool animals (my favorite being the Cassiopeia, or upside-down jellyfish). I recently finished up applying to a few NSF REU programs to gain research experience with marine invertebrates over the summer, and I am waiting to hear back any day now if my application was accepted. In the meantime, I have been busy as the marine biology student ambassador. For this position, I have been meeting prospective marine biology students and talking to them about what I love about being a student here. Last, but most certainly not least, I. Finally. Finished. Organic. Chemistry.
Post-Covid:
Winter quarter took a turn, and the final week of classes and exams were online. Soon after, it was announced that Spring quarter would be entirely online as well. Even though world feel like it is falling apart, science found a way to continue. This online quarter provided me with the opportunity to work on a research project with a lab that I have been interested in since my freshman year at UW. We examined the functional morphology of pacu jaws and teeth, and I presented my results at a FHL remote research symposium. I am going to continue working on this project throughout the summer, and depending on the state of the world, I will be presenting a poster at a science convention in Washington D.C. in January. Additionally, I was accepted to a NSF REU program at OSU's Hatfield Marine Science Center! I am disappointed that the program will not be taking place in person, but I am excited to learn from amazing researchers and grow as a scientist.
SOPHOMORE YEAR
What a year! This year, I decided that I am interested in pursuing a PhD in Marine Biology, and I found a lot of fun ways to get more involved in science and research. I started a volunteer position as an interpreter at the Seattle Aquarium, and I enjoyed interacting with guests and teaching people the basics about ocean life. I spent a quarter interning for the Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team (COASST) and SAFS, and I learned about what goes on behind the scenes in organizing a citizen science program and I got to train and help volunteers. I helped with data collection on a marine invertebrate and algal distribution project for the UW Biology department. Also, I started a research position at Harborview Medical Center in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral sciences, and I was able to perform my first brain surgery (on a rat, not a human!). I was chosen to be a student ambassador representing the marine biology major for the College of the Environment. I was accepted to the Biology (Physiology) major!! Additionally, I returned to Friday Harbor Labs and took a course on marine invertebrate zoology. Lastly, I studied abroad in Costa Rica and learned all about tropical ecology and saw some cool animals!
FRESHMAN YEAR
My time at UW is off to a great start! During my first quarter, I shifted my focus from neuroscience to marine biology, and I declared the marine bio minor. In spring quarter, the marine biology major was introduced at UW, and I was the first person to declare the major! I would also like to study physiology to broaden my understanding of the ways that animals function. I spent the summer taking two courses at Friday Harbor Laboratories, and I had a fantastic time! I would love to return to the labs again and learn even more about marine life. Currently, I am interested in veterinary medicine and also in marine mammal research. After returning from the labs, I was scuba certified! I am excited to go on even more dives and I would like to become certified as a scientific diver someday.