INBRE Scholars: Elizabeth Ramler

The Nebraska Institutional Development Award Program (IDeA) Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) program has welcomed 27 undergraduate students from across Nebraska as they embark on their summer research experience at Creighton University, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and UNMC.

Below, Elizabeth Ramler talks about her INBRE experience.

What or who influenced your interest in science?

My interest in science began my freshman year of high school while learning about genetics and the many cell cycles. Though this biology class wasn’t nearly as in-depth as many of the classes I am taking as of current, it is the sole reason I opted to further my education in science.

What is it about science that excites you?
I enjoy science because it never ceases to amaze me. There is always another study that sparks furthered interest, and each resulting conclusion can lead a scientist to go in many different directions. With biological research, a study literally never ends — it will simply give insight to the next step, whatever it may be. Additionally, there are many fields of science that a student like me can be exposed to. For example, there’s molecular biology, computational biology, ecology, developmental biology, and so many more. That may actually be my favorite part — I have just begun the journey toward a career in science, and I have an endless list of options. I can graduate with a degree only to choose from there which division of biology I choose to focus on.

Will you pursue a career in science? If so, what do you hope to accomplish?
I will most definitely pursue a career in science. Currently, I am following the path toward acceptance into an M.D./Ph.D. program to have the option to take part in both research and medicine. My research interests have guided me toward neuroscience, particularly neuroimmunology, and parisitology. If I can pursue either of these during graduate school, I wouldn’t be opposed. Following graduation, it is expected for a student to go on to residency, which I would likely do. Fortunately for me, this is years away so I haven’t fretted over the uncertainty too much.

About the INBRE program

The INBRE program is overseen by James Turpen, Ph.D., associate vice chancellor for academic affairs and a professor in UNMC's Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, and principal investigator of the $16.2 million National Institutes of Health grant that supports the program.

Established in 2001, the INBRE program was created to expose students to serious biomedical research, build a statewide biomedical research infrastructure between undergraduate and graduate institutions, strengthen the infrastructure of undergraduate institutions, and increase their capacity to conduct cutting-edge biomedical and behavioral research.

This year's 27 INBRE Scholars represent:

Nine colleges and universities;

four states, including Iowa, Minnesota, California and Colorado;

three foreign countries, including India, Japan and Vietnam;

16 women; and

11 men.

The students, referred to as INBRE Scholars, enter the program after completing their sophomore year of college upon recommendation by their college professors. The students are given a two-year scholarship and spend 10 weeks each summer conducting research on either their home campus or at UNMC, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln or Creighton University.

At the end of the summer the students attend the INBRE annual meeting where they give an oral presentation.

INBRE Scholars: Elizabeth Ramler

About the INBRE program

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