On May 29, the Nebraska Institutional Development Award Program (IDeA) Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) program welcomed 28 undergraduate students from across Nebraska as they embark on their summer research experience at Creighton University, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and UNMC.
The breakdown of this year’s 28 INBRE Scholars include:
- Representatives of nine colleges and universities;
- 18 women; and
- 10 men.
Below, Kate Grint, a biology with a minor in chemistry at Doane University, talks about her INBRE experience.
Who is Kate Grint?
I will be a junior at Doane University this fall. I am majoring in biology, with a minor in chemistry. My future plans involve graduate/professional school somewhere in the medical field. I am currently undecided as to the area of specialization.
Has science always been a part of your life?
Science has always been a part of my life. I attribute my love of science to a multitude of different people in my life. My dad is a veterinarian and my mom is a science teacher. Growing up around both of those careers swayed me onto the path that I am on today. I find both careers very interesting, one where you can see what “science” encompasses and then in the other, how science actually impacts the lives of living creatures.
How is it important to you?
Science is important to me because I can make a difference in the world, by making a difference in the lives of others. There is nothing better than watching someone or something recover and thrive because of the care you provided. I could make a difference becoming an orthopedic surgeon, cancer researcher, arthritis specialist, or anything of that nature. Becoming a doctor is not the only way to help, and through the INBRE program I have learned that research plays a huge part in any field of science.
Why did you choose to participate in the INBRE program?
I chose to participate in the INBRE program because of the vast opportunities that it provides. One of the most important opportunities that this program provides is experiencing science from another view. Working in the lab setting is completely different than learning in the classroom. We are able to observe researchers doing amazing research in the medical field, research that could help mankind. This experience also gives me a jumpstart into my junior and senior years of research at Doane University. The INBRE program also gives students the opportunity to work with professors from different schools like UNMC and UNL. I have found that this provides a new perspective and techniques that I can take back to Doane. The research that is being done is very interesting and may be something that I want to further explore in graduate school.