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 Tanner Harsin, a biochemistry major at Doane University, talks about his INBRE experience.
Who is Tanner Harsin?
I am from Syracuse, Neb., and am currently a junior at Doane University majoring in biochemistry and minoring in business. I am also involved on campus as the student leader for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter, VP of the Biochemistry Club, as well as running on the track and field team. I like to go hunting, fishing and hanging out with friends and family in my free time. I have a twin brother that goes to Doane and runs track. Both of my parents, sister, and uncle all graduated from Doane as well as ran track.
Has science always been a part of your life?
Science hasn’t been something that I have inherited. Both of my parents are in non-science related careers, but I have always been interested in the science classes I have taken throughout my education, and going into health care has always been something that I have wanted to do.
How is it important to you?
Science has always been something that interests me. I love learning about how things work and function. I especially enjoy studying the human body, and how things such as nutrition and fitness impact the mechanisms that drive our bodies’ function. The lab I am working in this summer does just that, conducting research on how to stop low back pain.
Why did you choose to participate in the INBRE program?
A major interest I have developed while at Doane is in the field of research. I knew after my freshman year of college that I wanted to get involved with research as soon as possible. What really sparked my interest was talking with all the faculty at Doane, and listening to them talk about the research they were doing. One lab really stood out to me, and I was able to do research during the fall and spring semesters of my sophomore year. I heard about the INBRE program during my sophomore year and knew, based off of the experience I have had, that it was something I wanted to do.
What do you hope to gain from the program?
I hope this program gives me a strong background in research and gives me some experience that will help me in my research back at Doane during my junior year. I also hope to build good relationships with people at UNL and UNMC, so that I can have as many connections in the research field as possible.