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 third of our Virginia-Nebraska Alliance scholars, Nakiesha Bridgers. Learn more about her, in her words.
Nakiesha Bridgers, 19
Virginia State University junior
Biology major
I grew up in Suffolk, Va. I liked living there because we’re part of the “seven cities.” They’re neighboring towns, like Virginia Beach, and we’re all connected by Hampton Road, so it’s easy and fast to go from one city to another.
I spent a lot of my early years in England, from second to ninth grade, because my father was in the military. I loved England. It was beautiful, and the school I attended, a boarding school, was very culturally diverse. We had students from Poland there!
It’s easy to get from one place to the next in Omaha. I can walk to the store or the mall, or I can get on the bus and go to the zoo.
My mom, Margaret Bridgers, works with the Army Corp of Engineers as an engineer’s assistant.
I was the football manager at Nasemond River High School in Suffolk. I loved that because you’re with a group of people who support the same goals, and it was fun to wear the colors of the team. We were the Warriors.
I used to catch frogs and turtles all the time as a child, and try to figure out what they liked to eat. I was a budding scientist early on.
I have a Yorkshire terrier and a rat from Petsmart. I named the rat Hope because I didn’t know if she’d live after I adopted her. The store said she was ill, and I said, “I’ll take her.” I cared for her, she got well, and now — she’s so smart, she’ll come when I call, she’ll follow me around the house.
I talk to my friends and mom every day. Seeing them have goals keeps me in line too. This year we’re going to volunteer. mom says you gotta give back to your community, and be independent. She’s very supportive, but always reminds me to strive toward my goals.
I think I want to be a veterinarian. It hit me when I got here (Omaha). I love animals so much, and they make me happy. I realized I need to be in an environment where I can help animals. My love for animals is a gift that I need to give back. Some day I want to run my own animal shelter, that’s my goal.
I’m working in the lab of Dr. Prema Rao in the Durham Research Center. We’re trying to find a cure for cancer in this lab. Dr. Rao’s work has a lot to do with keeping cancer cells from becoming resistant to drugs. I know for one thing that working in this lab will help my resume, and it gives me experience to help make future career goals. Research is intimidating for a lot of young people. I believe if you put your mind to it, and have the necessary support, you can do what you want to do.
I found out about the summer research program through a friend who was involved in it last year. He encouraged me to join the program, and told me whom to get in touch with. I did, now I’m here.
Interview by Margaret Bumann, UNMC public affairs