|
|
The INBRE/BRIN program is overseen by James Turpen, Ph.D., professor in UNMC’s Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, and principal investigator of the $17 million National Institutes of Health grant that supports the program.
Established in 2001, the BRIN program was created to expose students to serious biomedical research, build a statewide biomedical research infrastructure between undergraduate and graduate institutions and to strengthen undergraduate institution’s infrastructure and increase its capacity to conduct cutting-edge biomedical and behavioral research.
The students, referred to as BRIN scholars, enter the program after completing their sophomore year of college upon recommendation by their college professors.
Each undergraduate school nominates approximately three students a year for the program. Once in the program, the students are given two-year scholarships worth $11,000. The scholarship provides students with $2,500 during each of their next two undergraduate years and $3,000 during each of their next two summers. During the school year, the students conduct research on their home campuses. During the summers, the students have the option of staying on their home campus or coming to UNMC, UNL or Creighton and conducting research.
The students’ last day in the lab is Aug. 4. On Aug. 8-11, they will give oral presentations at the INBRE/BRIN Annual Meeting in Grand Island. The presentations recap their 10-week summer work.
Beginning today, UNMC Today will highlight several of the BRIN scholars.
Jessica Haight
Nebraska Wesleyan University junior
Biochemistry major
Q. What should we know about Jessica Haight?
A. I am a 20-year-old, ocean loving, French horn playing scientist. My favorite color is purple and I love science fiction and fantasy books and movies.
Q. What or who influenced your interest in science?
A. My mom and grandpa have always encouraged my interest in science by getting me chemistry sets, science projects, and getting me involved in extra-curricular activities that would enhance my education and interests. I have wanted to be a marine biologist since I was three. However, after having to do dissections in advanced biology, I changed my mind to wanting to work in a lab.
Q. What is it about science that excites you?
A. I love to solve problems, figure out how things work, and combine chemicals. At first I thought being a pure chemist would be cool and I’d work as a lab tech, but then I decided researching for cures would be better because there are tons of problems to solve.
Q. Will you pursue a career in science? If so, what do you hope to accomplish?
A. I love science, so I hope to make it my life’s work. I wish to become a researcher and work with the HIV virus to help find a cure, or be a part of a team that finds cures for many of the diseases still out there destroying peoples’ health. I hope my accomplishments in the lab will help other researchers as well.
Q. Why is it important to have programs like BRIN?
A. BRIN helps to provide science majors interested in research the opportunity to work in their field and gain hands on experience. Students are allowed the chance to work with professional researchers and experience what it means to be in a research facility as well as gain support from others in their field that can answer any questions or concerns they may have. Being in a BRIN program opens doors to further educational and work opportunities.