In May, six Virginia scholars packed their bags and traveled 1,000-plus miles to spend 12 weeks in a UNMC lab. The undergraduates are the first to participate in the unique Virginia-Nebraska Alliance, an academic and research partnership between UNMC, Virginia Commonwealth University, five Historically Black Colleges and Universities and a leading Virginia community college.
We’ll introduce you to them this week. Today, meet the first of our Virginia-Nebraska Alliance scholars, Mercedes Bell. Learn more about her, in her words:
Mercedes Bell, 18
Virginia State University junior
Biology major
I was born in Boston, Mass., but moved to Caroline County, Va., when I was 2.
I first wanted to be a lawyer. Then as I got out and was applying to colleges, my great aunt got cancer and it made me think about the need for people to help others.
Now I want to be a neonatologist. I love kids and babies. Putting the two together fits me.
I like research — discovering new things. This is really cool. You get a lot of experience in general with networking, shadowing and you get to do a lot of hands-on work.
I was researching internships and my professor said, “Hey, I’ve got this program in Nebraska.” I talked to students who said it was really great.
This is the farthest I’ve been from home. I’m only 1 1/2 hours away from college so I’m not really away from home.
I work in Dr. (Thomas) Rosenquist’s lab Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 4:30 treating chick embryos with drugs that block folic acid receptors. We harvest them at three days and six days to see what defects they produced and cut the heart out to see if its been altered in any way.
I’m learning how to actually do research. Mistakes can cause you to bring up new questions and find new answers.
I could go to med school here and am really thinking about that. I’m weighing all my options. The M.D./Ph.D., program is so long. You have to have the drive for it or you won’t put in the time or effort.
My aunt, Connie Twiggs, is my inspiration. She pushes me and makes me think of what I have to look forward to.
I’m a competitive person and enjoy sports, going to movies, writing poems, reading.
Summers are usually laid back, but I’m taking a medical terminology class every Tuesday night from 6:30 to 9. I know I need it for the rest of my life no matter whether the credits transfer or not. I’m actually reading medical terms now and know what they are, so I not only tell myself it will help, but I’m able to see how it will help me.
I’m really excited about learning how to use the research equipment. At home we really don’t have stuff like this. Everybody is willing to help you here.
I definitely want to come back. I like it here. I do like what I’m doing and the people I’m around. I’d like to do another research project next year.
Interview by Karen Burbach, UNMC public affairs