How/Why Research? I got involved in gene therapy research because of its potential to treat and even cure genetic diseases that were previously thought to be untreatable. The idea of being able to improve people’s lives, especially those who may not have any other treatment options, really motivated me to pursue this kind of research, especially as someone who wants to pursue a career in medicine. I attended various OUR workshops at the beginning of my freshman year where I learned how to network and cold email professors. I cold-emailed all the professors who work in the UNC School of Medicine’s Gene Therapy Center, and I was lucky enough to be offered an undergraduate research position. I have now since been involved in the Fu Lab for more than two years.
Research Experience: Throughout my time at UNC, my main research involvement was with the Fu Lab. Here, I’ve learned a multitude of skills ranging from molecular biology techniques to scientific writing to data analysis. Through this lab, I did two semesters of BIOL 395, where I pursued an independent research project focusing on a subtype of MPS, MPS IIID. I wrote a 10-page research paper for the first semester and presented a research poster for my second semester. I am now hoping to pursue an honors thesis during my senior year continuing the work that I’ve already done. In addition, during the summer of 2023, I interned at Labcorp as a research and development intern where I developed an assay to test for a rare skin condition. Now for this upcoming summer, I will be interning at the Duke Clinical Research Institute where I will get exposure to clinical research and pediatric research.
Student Organizations/Clubs: Alpha Epsilon Delta (UNC’s pre-health honor society), Carolina Scientific, Buckley Public Service Scholars, South Orange Rescue Squad
Also Happy to Chat about: Making research posters, gaining clinical experience, applying to biotech internships, clinical research
Random Fun Fact: I used to live in Singapore for seven years!