LeeAnna Lui is a self-described science nerd.
Baking soda volcanos, elephant toothpaste and other simple experiments in childhood have led to more complex inquiries into human DNA and parasitology.
"When you take the slightest peek into how our world functions, it’s hard not to be interested in science," Lui said.
Lui, who is a part of the Scott Scholars program at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, will spend the summer doing biomedical research as an INBRE Scholar.
She is one of two Scott Scholars to join the Nebraska INBRE program, along with fellow UNO undergraduate student, Evie Ehrhorn.
"It’s a wonderful opportunity," Ehrhorn said. "At UNO, I was working more with infectious diseases, however for the INBRE program I wanted to test the waters and try working in a cancer research lab."
The Walter Scott Jr. Scholars Program has been around since 1997 and provides complete funding including room, board and tuition for the recipient, said Harnoor Singh, interim director of student development for the Scott Scholars program at UNO.
Until last fall the program focused exclusively on engineering, information science and technology, but was expanded to include biology, mathematics, biomechanics and economics, Singh said.
That paved the way for a partnership with the Nebraska INBRE program, Singh said that allows two Scott Scholar students with an interest in biomedical research to join the program.
"We have the same interest in creating a pipeline of students who can continue into health research careers," Singh said.
"The most exciting part is these two students not only get to participate in a significant research experience but they also get to interact and be mentored by world-class researchers," he said.
It’s a perfect fit for Lui and Ehrhorn.
"Being a Scott Scholar means you are self-empowered, ambitious but humble and proud to be a part of the next generation of STEM students who will continue to advance the field," Ehrhorn said.
And taking part in the Nebraska INBRE program is only going to build on the opportunities the Scott Scholars program already has afforded the students, Lui said.
"I already have been connected with so many ambitious, driven students, and I am excited to learn from the professionals I will meet through the INBRE program," she said.
The partnership between the two programs, Singh said, mirrors the goals Walter Scott Jr. had when he developed the Scott Scholars program: to provide exceptional learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom so students have a positive and transformational impact on their communities and the world around them.