Before the program started, I set the goals of “practicing how to think and tackle problems like a researcher and figuring out whether doing basic science research is what I want.” As the program comes to an end, I’m starting to realize my most important takeaway is that I love being a student. Students learn the answers to questions. Scientists are but a special kind of student. They can’t find answers in a textbook or from a teacher, but they must seek answers from the natural world itself. Choosing a career in research would mean becoming a life-long student. It’s exciting, intellectually stimulating, and rewarding. Before BSURF, I often said that I’m interested in research. Now, I’m certain that research will be a part of what I do in the future.
One other thing I would mention is that this program has provided numerous opportunities for practicing how to communicate science. How much communication is involved in a career in science is also something I didn’t understand before. In addition to doing research in the lab, I really enjoyed the seminars and workshop sessions that this program offered. Finally, I would like to thank Rachel, Dr. Ko, members of the Ko lab, Dr. Grunwald, Dr. Harrell, and Austin for making this wonderful experience possible.
