On May 28, the Nebraska Institutional Development Award Program (IDeA) Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) program welcomed 29 undergraduate students from across Nebraska as they embark on their summer research experience at Creighton University, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and UNMC.
Below Kai Johnson, a biochemistry and anthropology major at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, talks about his INBRE experience.
Who is Kai Johnson?
“I am a first-year INBRE scholar who carries a nonchalant personality and enthusiasm for new experiences. I like to frequently engage in contemplation and introspection, yet still spend most of my energy striving to live in the moment. However, I do have future aspirations of pursuing medical research in regards to ethnopharmacology and neuropsychopharmacology.”
Has science always been a part of your life?
“Yes. Even as a child, I was always intrigued by the different fields within science. I have always turned towards science for stimulation and to understand the phenomena of the world around us.”
How is it important to you?
“Science has allowed me to interpret and understand the observable aspects of life through problem solving. I have always been a curious person and science allows me to propose a problem and derive a conclusion from objective evaluation.”
Why did you choose to participate in the INBRE program?
“I chose to participate in the INBRE program because I wanted the opportunity to further establish my research foundation. The valuable resources, support, and connections the program offered made the choice to apply obvious.”
What do you hope to gain from the program?
“I hope to gain a better understanding of the aspects encompassing a career in scientific research and gain experiences that will make me a competitive applicant when I apply to graduate school.”