Appetizers

Starting with some basics.

 Fun Starters

Getting to know the human side.

 Main Course

A quick deep dive into the day-to-day student life.

Tell us about yourself and what you're studying.

During my undergraduate studies, I decided to pursue a career as a research professor. In preparation for the PhD that this career path will require of me, I wanted to complete a Master's degree first. My Master's research in biology focused on microbiology and bacterial genetics.

How did you end up in your field? What do you like about it?

Initially, I wanted to pursue psychiatry as I was interested in the brain but even though my major included neuroscience it primarily focused on physiology which in the end I loved. After working as a teaching assistant for the first time during my sophomore year I fell in love with it and decided to continue to chase after teaching in addition to biology research.

What classes are you taking right now? Which is your favorite and why?

I graduated back in June of 2020 but my favorite classes in college were physiology, organic chemistry, and animal physiology labs.

Let's say the school day just started, what's a typical morning look like?

As a morning person, I typically went to sleep fairly early so I was able to wake up anywhere between 5-7 am to cram as much studying as I could before starting my day.

Cool, then what does a typical afternoon look like?

Morning, afternoon, evening, night.... all spent in a lab.

How are your classes/exams and how do you keep up? How many hours per week do you spend studying or doing assignments?

As a grad student, I only had to take 3 classes total in two years and none had exams. The challenging part of a masters is the long hours in the lab.

 Dessert

Now for some juicy insights in the tea room.

What's the most challenging thing about your grad program?

Learning how to conduct research independently. No one is holding your hand through the work, you have to learn the ropes as fast as you can in order to accomplish enough in your research.

What are some characteristics that help someone succeed in your grad program specifically?

PATIENCE. Biology research is hard, slow, and does not always work the way it theoretically should. Patience is key to persevere through your 10th attempt at the same procedure.

Any advice on how to stand out and get into your grad program for those just starting off?

Previous lab experience is key!

What's something that surprised you about grad school?

The speed with which you learn how to think scientifically.

Any last thoughts, advice, or recommendations for someone who wants to get into your grad program?

Choose a topic that you are actually interested in or the whole degree will be brutal.

Drinks

Chat more over coffee or tea?