During my time as an undergraduate researcher in Dr. Alexa Lamm’s lab, which spanned nearly three years, I have gained a wealth of experience and knowledge that I truly could not have found elsewhere. Working on various projects in different roles has really expanded my skill set beyond what I could have imagined. I feel so incredibly lucky for all the opportunities I have had in the Lamm Lab, from giving my first research presentation, presenting in several poster sessions, and even writing a manuscript. However, none of this would have been possible without the amazing support I received from everyone in the lab, especially Dr. Lamm. She has always been there to back me up and encourage my ideas, and for that, I will always be grateful. Dr. Kristin Gibson and Dr. Katie Sanders have also been amazing mentors that are always willing to listen and help me navigate through my thoughts and ideas. Whenever I faced challenges, Kristin and Katie have always been there to offer guidance, share insights, and provide encouragement. Their mentorship extended beyond academic matters; they fostered an environment where I felt comfortable exploring my interests and ambitions.
When I first joined the Lamm Lab, I was a stressed-out pre-med student with plans to go to medical school. But as I dove deeper into research and with the support of my mentors, family, and friends, I discovered a real passion for public health, especially in health policy. This passion has led me to decide to pursue further education in public health, and after graduation, I will be attending Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health to earn my Master of Science in Public Health. While I am thrilled about this next step in my academic career, I know I will miss the Lamm Lab incredibly. I will miss all the opportunities I have had here, but most of all, I will miss the incredible support and guidance from my mentors.
