Twenty-two undergraduate students are spending the summer at UNMC doing research.
They are called INBRE scholars and are part of the largest grant in UNMC history.
Today we feature Caitlin Molczyk, a junior majoring in biology at Wayne State College.
What should we know about you?
I like to be busy, but when I am not, I like to make balloon animals. My favorite ones to make are the viking hat and the penguin.
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I have always had an interest in science. When I was a freshman in high school, my parents gave me a science kit that would make your DNA double helix. I thought that was so awesome and thus began my fascination with running experiments. Then as a freshman in college, I was given the opportunity to research a little and that really helped me realize I definitely like the research aspect of science.
What is it about science that excites you?
In science, there are so many different areas to explore, and there will always be more questions asked that need answers. Science also offers a chance for people to think outside the box and explore the different way things work together. The really exciting part of science is when all this research develops a solution to the problem posed.
Will you pursue a career in science? If so, what do you hope to accomplish?
I will most certainly pursue a career in science. I will apply for M.D./Ph.D. programs. I am interested in gene therapy research and cancer research.
With these degrees, I hope to research in an area that is applicable to the clinical aspect.
Why is it important to have programs like INBRE?
Because science encompasses such a broad area, it can be overwhelming and possibly intimidating. This is why programs such as INBRE are important.
They give students the opportunity to research and figure out where exactly they want to go after they get their college degree.