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, Camille Larson, who is majoring in biology at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, talks about her INBRE experience.
What should we know about you?
I am the youngest daughter of Tim and Lisa Larson. I grew up in Beaver Lake, Neb., with my older sister, Paige, and attended Conestoga Public Schools until I graduated as valedictorian in 2016. I am currently attending the University of Nebraska at Omaha and majoring in biology. My favorite class that I have taken so far is microbiology, taught by a past INBRE scholar, Dr. Christine Cutucache. That class ignited my passion for scientific inquiry and confirmed my love for biology. This summer, I am working in Dr. Tammy Kielian’s lab at UNMC. This is my first time working in a lab setting and I am both extremely grateful and excited to be a part of this program. After finishing my time at UNMC this summer, I plan to work in a lab at UNO. After completing my undergraduate degree, I plan on attending graduate school, either to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) degree or a Ph.D. relating to biomedical research.
What or who influenced your interest in science?
Both of my parents are science teachers and inspired me to pursue any academic endeavor that I wanted to as a child. Their influence and positivity toward education, specifically science, helped me become interested in it. I also had an amazing biology teacher in high school that sparked an interest that hasn’t faded yet! Without Mr. Anderson, I don’t think I would be where I am today.
What is it about science that excites you?
The most exciting thing about science is how it is constantly evolving, adapting, and changing based upon new findings. Something that is well-established one day may become completely obsolete the next! However, this prospect never deters scientists, instead it encourages creative minds toward finding the next bit of information that could possibly change the world.
Why is it important to have programs like INBRE?
Programs like INBRE give students a chance to experience something completely unknown to them, with the possibility that it will change their path in life. Going into this summer, I had never had research lab experience, but I will end my 10 weeks with a basic grasp on what biomedical research as a career would look like for me.