Twenty-six students from 10 different undergraduate and community college programs have joined the Institutional Development Award Program (IDeA) Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE)/ Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network (BRIN) program.
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Maxine White |
Today we meet Maxine White, a junior majoring in biology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Who is Maxine White?
Music is a huge part of my life. I have tons of different music interests and am constantly trying to find new artists that I enjoy. I love spending time outdoors, as well as reading and learning new things happening all over the world. My family and friends are the most important things in my life. I like to keep a constant form of challenge in my life day-to-day life to test my skills and help my knowledge grow, but I also think it’s important to make time to kick back and relax.
Has science always been a part of your life?
Growing up, I was always learning about science in school and I was always interested in it, but it didn’t become very important to me until the end of high school and beginning of college. I came into college as a biology major and wasn’t sure whether I wanted to go to medical school or get a Ph.D., but I was sure I wanted to be involved in science and the growing knowledge and technology it was creating. Now I’ve been working in a lab and have found that the more I learn, the more involved I want to be.
How is it important to you?
I think science is one of the most important fields of study. As they learn more, scientists are developing advanced technology that is better for our planet, a better form of medical treatment that saves lives, or better ways to educate people, for example. Science is like a bottomless pit of information waiting to be discovered and we have so much to gain from it. In the right hands, science can greatly improve the quality of individuals’ lives all over the world.
Why did you choose to participate in the BRIN program?
This is the perfect opportunity to immerse myself in research and figure out what specific field of study I would like to be involved with. I have always wanted to study cancer and hopefully will be able to help find treatments and/or cures for the debilitating disease that takes and changes so many lives. The BRIN program is giving me a chance to peak into that world and preview what it’s like.
What do you hope to gain from the program?
This program is a springboard that will allow me to get involved in cutting-edge research at an early age and learn as much as possible. Working with an intelligent and accomplished mentor will also give me insight I don’t yet have. I get the unique opportunity to observe what a career in research is like.