We continue highlighting some of our outstanding graduate students. Meet Dalton Staller!
Name: Dalton Staller.
Hometown: Necedah, Wisconsin.
Graduate Studies program: PhD candidate, IGPBS – integrative physiology and molecular medicine.
Advisor: Ram Mahato, PhD.
What do you enjoy about your research or field of study?
I am passionate about my field of study because its interdisciplinary nature provides a lot of opportunities to acquire diverse skills and a wide base of knowledge. This dynamic environment challenges me to continuously grow and contribute to advancing our research. I like to think of myself as a life-long learner and am deeply appreciative of the opportunities I’ve had so far in graduate school to grow as a scientist, especially as someone who did not have extensive research experience when I entered the program.
What do you want to do after you graduate?
My goal is to find a path where I can continue to grow professionally and make a meaningful impact. While I am particularly interested in continuing to work on therapeutic development, I’m also open to exploring any opportunities that fit my interests and skillset in the next phase of my career.
Why did you choose UNMC?
I completed my bachelor’s degree at Midland University (in Fremont, Nebraska), and was taught by a few professors that had done their graduate work at UNMC. While I had planned on continuing to medical school after completing my bachelor’s, I had a great experience working in the Summer Undergraduate Research Program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln between my sophomore and junior years, and a really rough experience working in direct patient care as a CNA (certified nursing assistant) in 2020. After that I decided on graduate school and applied to UNMC because I looked up to the professors that I knew who had had done their graduate work here. I still feel incredibly fortunate that I was accepted.
What is on your bucket list?
Travel. It’s a big world and I would like to take the time to see it.