NCCC Success Story

Hometown
Montclair, New Jersey

Degree programs
B. S. Biomedical Science

Year of graduation
2014

Place of employment
Post-Baccalaureate Research Education Program in Biomedical Research at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Job Title
Research Intern

Work Responsibilities
I am working with my mentor, Dr. Cheong-Hee Chang, a. immunologist, and she has assigned me a project that involves investigating the role of hypoxia-induced factors and reactive oxygen species on CD4 T cells. There are two questions I need to answer with my research and it will be challenging, but I am ready for a challenge that will allow me to gain experience in this field and work with an immunologist. This summer’s experience will give me more experience as a researcher and help me prepare my application for a Ph.D. program.

How my career relates to my degree from RIT/NTID
I took advantage of the opportunity to complete summer internships at Columbia University (2012) and the University of Georgia (2013) to gain more experience working in labs. I also had the opportunity to work with faculty in RIT’s College of Health Sciences Technology. I have been collecting as many skills and techniques as I can in my “toolbelt” to prepare for my next step—my Ph.D. My career will be related to Biomedical Science and I intend to work as a scientist in a graduate school or at a pharmaceutical company. My dream job is to become both a researcher and a university professor because I love science and have a natural affinity for teaching.

Advice
My advice would be to never complain about how difficult your major or your job is. Always work hard so you can succeed because success never, never, NEVER comes from pure luck or short cuts. You have to work your way to it. Also, whenever you see an offer that would help strengthen your experience or your resume, take the opportunity and work for it. I believe you can get any job or into any graduate school if you work hard.