On May 28, the Nebraska Institutional Development Award Program (IDeA) Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) program welcomed 29 undergraduate students from across Nebraska as they embark on their summer research experience at Creighton University, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
The INBRE program is overseen by Paul Sorgen, Ph.D., a professor in the department of biochemistry and molecular biology at UNMC 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 and to strengthen undergraduate institution's infrastructure and increase its capacity to conduct cutting-edge biomedical and behavioral research.
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 receive 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 on their research project.
Below Kristine Hoagstrom, a biochemistry and molecular biology major at Nebraska Wesleyan University, talks about her INBRE experience.
Who is Kristine Hoagstrom?
“In addition to my passion for science, I have a love of music. Music has always been a major part of my life, and I’ve continued to enjoy it by being involved in Nebraska Wesleyan University’s music department. I’m a Sunday School teacher at Sheridan Lutheran Church, and I’m very involved with NWU’s campus ministry. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, especially my lovable lab mix, Midnight.”
Has science always been a part of your life?
“From a young age, I’ve always had an interest in science and a fascination in the possibility of what’s still undiscovered. Throughout my life, I’ve had many inspirational science teachers, including Mr. Maxwell and Mr. Thomsen. They opened my eyes to the endless possibilities associated with science, and they inspired me to continue to ask questions and search for answers.”
How is it important to you?
“Science is and will always be an incredibly important part of my life. I’ve seen how much science can benefit people, and I now realize how I can use my love of science to help make this world a better place.”
Why did you choose to participate in the INBRE program?
“I plan to go onto graduate school, and the INBRE program provides a unique opportunity to gain experience in research specific to your interests. I felt this program would help me to grow as a scientist and gain a better understanding of what life in a research field will be.”
What do you hope to gain from the program?
“The main goal I have from this program is to gain the confidence and experience necessary to pursue my doctorate and begin my career in research.”
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