Zhihan Gao
How/Why Research? After I decided to study Biology, I realized that doing research could be one of my career pathways. When I tried to find a lab that studies the field I am interested in, I asked several friends for … Read more
How/Why Research? After I decided to study Biology, I realized that doing research could be one of my career pathways. When I tried to find a lab that studies the field I am interested in, I asked several friends for … Read more
How/Why Research? My research journey, driven by a passion for challenging unjust systems, began with my early exposure to technology and its potential for social good. My first involvement in research started the summer after my junior year of high … Read more
How/Why Research? Gaining an understanding of fundamental molecular processes was always something that interested me. When I came to Carolina, I streamlined my interests, focusing on molecular biochemistry. I reached out to Dr. Erie, whose work in understanding DNA repair … Read more
How/Why Research? After loving the research I did in high school, I started cold-emailing PIs of labs that I was interested in as soon as I got to UNC. Being heavily involved in EMS before starting undergrad, I knew that … Read more
How/Why Research? In college, I found my previous lab through the OUR Opportunities Database and my current lab through a cold email to my current PI. I found my internship through summer research listings. Research is a fun way to … Read more
How/Why Research? I have always been passionate about research since the beginning of my Carolina journey. I was part of the UNC Young Innovators Program as a high schooler, and since then, I wanted to contribute to a larger cause … Read more
How/Why Research? I got involved in research because it is a great way to take what you learn in the classroom and see it applied in the real-world. I also love the problem-solving aspect of research. I have gotten both … Read more
How/Why Research? I got involved with research because I was unsatisfied with the harsh division between art history and art practice. I wanted to bridge this gap and locate common ground by using art history as an informative framework and … Read more
How/Why Research? Since I enrolled in UNC, I knew I wanted to start in research as soon as possible. I wanted my first week of classes at UNC to also be my first week in a lab setting! I was … Read more
How/Why Research? I got involved in research because it allowed me to be part of neuroscience in a way that advances the field as a whole while also furthering my knowledge of neuroscience. Once I was set on getting involved, … Read more