Twenty-two undergraduate students are spending the summer at UNMC doing research.
They are called INBRE scholars and are part of the largest grant in UNMC history.
Today we feature Taylor Ziegler, a junior at Doane College majoring in biology.
Tell us about yourself. Who are your heroes?
I like to read, I love animals, and enjoy spending time at the lake and traveling. My hero is my mom. She has shown such strength through many obstacles in her life while raising my brother and me with great attention, support, and love. She is a breast cancer survivor, which is the type of cancer I am doing research on this summer. That is one of the reasons I chose the project I did.
What are your career goals?
I hope to become a medical doctor. Furthermore, with this career, I hope to travel to poor countries and do free clinics as several doctors from my community do. Additionally, if I have the time and funds, I would love to open a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing abused, sick and injured animals.
How did you become interested in science?
I have loved science since elementary school. I became particularly interested in human health sciences by watching my mom in her career as a nurse and getting first-hand exposure through doctor visits.
What do you hope the INBRE program will do for you?
So far, the INBRE program has opened my eyes to some great advice for my future schooling and career. I hope that I can continue to receive advice and gain connections that will be beneficial for years to come. Also, by conducting research, I have already learned very interesting things about the body and how complex it is.
How do you see science evolving over the next 20 years?
Science is a field that will always be evolving and advancing. As new technology and discoveries arise, the next generation is going to take on a great change once again. With all the research and new breakthroughs with medicine, the average lifespan will probably increase.