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 UNMC.
Below Luis Daniel Estrella, a chemistry and pre-med major at Wayne State College, talks about his INBRE experience.
Who are your heroes?
My mother Margarita Guerrero and my late father Pedro Estrella are my heroes. I could not be here without the support that they have always given to me.
What are your career goals?
I want to continue my education in the biomedical field, then apply for M.D./Ph.D. programs and become a biomedical researcher specifically in the neurology area and practice in a hospital at a medical center.
How did you become interested in science?
Since I was a little kid I’ve always wanted to make a difference in the world and in people’s lives. I believe that by choosing science and doing research it will open doors and opportunities for me to achieve my goal.
What do you hope the INBRE program will do for you?
I hope that the program will provide me with a great amount of research experiences that will be useful in my future as I continue my education. I believe this program is beneficial and it will allow me to acquire new research skills which will be helpful to have in my future.
How do you see science evolving in the next 20 years?
I believe science will evolve as it always has. I strongly believe the new ideas and research will lead to a better quality of life for society. This is why scientific research is so important. The moment that scientific research stops, that will be the moment when technological improvements and scientific advancements stop.
Luis, keep working on your goals. You are building on worthwhile and inspiring ideas. I hope you achieve everything you desire to accomplish.