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.
Today, meet the second of our Virginia-Nebraska Alliance scholars, Tiffani Bell. Learn more about her, in her words.
Tiffani Bell, 19
Norfolk State University junior
Biology/pre-med major
Last year I did a pre-med internship at the University of Michigan. This year I wanted to do research.
Why Nebraska? It was a new place and seemed like it would be a good program and good experience.
It’s been an interesting learning experience. I’ve learned a lot of lab techniques and how academia works in the science field.
I want to be a physician and specialize in obesity-related diseases. I enjoy research, but I’m more of a people person.
I do miss my little Saturn. I’ve done a lot of walking up and down Dodge Street.
The mystery behind the research intrigues me. You put in all the work and hope that it’s going to work for you. It’s like a puzzle. You piece things together.
My research is in immunology. We mostly focus on how IL-2 binds to the cells of the spleen and thymus. We are currently determining how IL-2 prevents or promotes autoimmunity. Dr. (Lucille) Wrenshall is the PI.
At first I wanted to be a veterinarian, but I have really bad allergies. My mother is a nurse so I’ve been around the medical field.
I enjoy nutrition, health and fitness. That’s why I want to specialize in obesity. It’s become an epidemic. All the diseases that result from it are terrible. I want to prevent it and help people get more active. I’m so passionate about that. I can’t wait to do it, but there’s not really a path to get there.
My father died of hypertension three years ago.
My mother inspires me. She always taught us that education is important and without it you’re not really going to get where you want to go. Now I have a full scholarship in science.
I was born in Virginia, but grew up in Georgia and did my schooling at Stone Mountain, Ga., before we moved back to Virginia.
I like to work out and am teaching my self to play the guitar. I also like to read and write poems. It’s a relaxing way to de-stress.
I don’t know where I’m going to medical school. I’m trying to leave my options open.
This is actually like a job. The program is well structured, really hands-on. You get the opportunity to shadow and network and learn what it’s like to do research. The free health pass to UNO was a perk.
I do smile a lot. I always try to find the joy in life and look for the bright side.
I’d tell others to try the program. It’s a good experience and they should try it for themselves.
Interview by Karen Burbach, UNMC public affairs