On May 29, the Nebraska Institutional Development Award Program (IDeA) Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) program welcomed 28 undergraduate students from across Nebraska as they embark on their summer research experience at Creighton University, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and UNMC.
The breakdown of this year’s 28 INBRE Scholars include:
- Representatives of nine colleges and universities;
- 18 women; and
- 10 men.
Below Morgan Shipley, a biology major at Nebraska Wesleyan University, talks about her INBRE experience.
Tell me about yourself. Who are your heroes?
I am a junior at Nebraska Wesleyan, and my on-campus involvement includes the softball team, Delta Zeta sorority, Tri-Beta Honorary, and Pre-Health Club. My biggest heroes are definitely my parents, because they are the reason that I have gotten to the place that I am now. If it wasn’t for their support, there is no way that I would have all the opportunities that I’ve been blessed with.
What are your career goals?
After undergrad, my plan is to go on to graduate school for biomedical research. I haven’t decided a certain area that I would like to focus on, but two areas that I am interested in now are cancer biology and neuroscience. My end goal would be to work in a lab doing biomedical research, whether that be in academia or industry.
How did you become interested in science?
I have always been fascinated by science, specifically the human body and how it works. Once I got to college, I knew I wanted to do something related to human biology as my career. I also am drawn to how many people medicine helps, and how many lives I can change through my work.
What do you hope the INBRE program will do for you?
I hope that through the INBRE program, I can learn to be comfortable in a lab, as well as in conducting my own experiments. I already have made several connections and had amazing opportunities in the few short weeks I have been in the program. Mentors such as Dr. (Justin) Mott, whose lab I am working in for the summer, have helped me understand what graduate school and lab work is truly like. I hope that by the end of this program, I can confidently say that this is what I want to do for my career.
How do you see science evolving over the next 20 years?
Technology is advancing every day, and I believe that these improvements will help scientists find answers to the questions that still puzzle us today. One advancement that I would like to see over the next 20 years in science is the improvement of accessibility of solutions. With all the discoveries we are making in science, we should be able to spread our knowledge to areas and people who don’t have the resources to make these discoveries on their own in a more efficient manner.
I'm proud to say that Morgan is my daughter, and I admire her for her focus and determination to make a difference in the world with regard to health. She has been blessed with this INBRE program opportunity, including the experiences that she is encountering with Dr. Mott and his lab. I am very grateful (as a parent) for this program, and for the individuals who are working with these college students in their desire to make a difference!