Why did you choose graduate school at IU Indianapolis?
As a biology undergraduate student at IU Indianapolis, I participated in numerous research opportunities that helped me build a network within the IU Indianapolis graduate school. Even at the undergraduate level, I could see how the IU Indianapolis graduate school community nurtured success and encouraged scientific creativity among its students. This experience motivated me to apply to medical school at Indiana University.
As a first-year medical student, I began to miss the research aspect of medicine. Consequently, I decided to apply for the MD/PhD program and soon after, I was accepted into the Medical Scientist Training Program at IU Indianapolis. Similar to my undergraduate experience, my training as a graduate student in Dr. Rachel Katzenellenbogen's lab has enhanced my ability to critically approach scientific questions. It has also enhanced my ability to communicate findings, which has helped me secure grant funding and publish manuscripts.
What has been your favorite academic accomplishment since you’ve been here?
As a graduate student, I am truly grateful for many things. Being selected as one of the Elite 50 graduate students and serving as the Combined Degree Student Council president have been significant highlights of my training. However, my favorite academic accomplishment was presenting a 15-minute oral abstract at the International Papillomavirus Conference in Scotland, UK.
Effectively communicating your science is as important as conducting the experiments themselves. Presenting at this conference was a surreal experience, as I had the opportunity to share my research with a room full of international researchers. It was gratifying to have several attendees approach me afterward to express their appreciation for my work and say they found my project and rationale easy to understand.
Just one week after the conference, I adapted my presentation to a 3-minute format, competed in, and won the 3-Minute Thesis competition at Indiana University Indianapolis. It is rewarding to know that others find interest in our work. These moments reinforce that my work during my graduate training is essential and that others like to hear about it.
What do you enjoy most about life in Indianapolis?
I appreciate the wide variety of activities available in Indianapolis. As a graduate and medical student, it's essential for me to find escapes from my studies, and this city has provided just that. I became actively involved in a fantastic church, which has enriched my experience here. In contrast to my initially sedentary lifestyle at the beginning of graduate school, I joined a running club this past year and successfully completed my first 5K. Additionally, there are numerous restaurants to explore, which I enjoy trying out with friends.
Lastly, I love that Indianapolis is only a few hours away from my hometown of Fort Wayne, IN. Home is always just a quick road trip away.
Please provide some details about your work/research as a graduate student and/or any activities you are involved in.
As a graduate student in the Katzenellenbogen lab, my research focused on understanding how Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI), interacts with proteins in our cells to promote cancer development. During my time in the lab, I received two grants, presented at six conferences (both domestic and international), published one review article, and currently have one manuscript under peer review.
For two years, I served as the Combined Degree Student Council president, acting as a liaison between MD/PhD students and the administration to foster conversations to improve the program. As a trainee at the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, I volunteered in community outreach events at the Indiana Black Expo and the Indiana State Fair, sharing information about breast and colon cancer with members of the Indianapolis community.
Throughout graduate school, I have sought to engage in meaningful activities that keep me connected to my medical training. I have consistently volunteered at the IU Student Outreach Clinic, where I now serve as the Research Co-Chair, overseeing research projects that enhance patient care and clinic workflow. Additionally, I acted as the Lead Admissions Ambassador for the IU School of Medicine, providing prospective students with insights into the medical student experience at IU. I also participated as a member of the LCME Self-Study Committee, which helped prepare the school for its reaccreditation process this spring.