Dr. William Lowry

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FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

Dr. Lowry is a professor in the Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology. His research investigates whether stem cells found in different tissues utilize similar mechanisms to undergo self-renewal and differentiation. We had the opportunity to ask Dr. Lowry about his experience mentoring undergraduate students. Read Dr. Lowry’s full interview below:

1. How would you describe your experiences with undergraduate research at UCLA?

Undergrad research has been among the most satisfying aspects of my career at UCLA. The breadth of excellence amongst undergraduates at UCLA is fantastic, and the fact that so many want to take part in lab research is highly gratifying. We have had dozens of student researchers in the lab over the last 18 years, and every one of them has performed important work, and the vast majority have ended up contributing to published papers. I have always appreciated the effort, but also the spirit the undergrads bring to the lab. They not only contribute intellectually, but also in terms of atmosphere.

2. What are your most effective approaches to promote undergraduate research success?

My approach has always been to first determine what the student is keenly interested in, and then point them towards a project that scratches that itch.

3. What resources at UCLA have been the most beneficial to including undergraduates in your research?

The biomedical minor program run by Ira Clark (MCDB), and the CIRM Bridges Program, run by Cindy Malone (CSUN). These programs have guided fantastic students based primarily on their interest to my lab. Both of these programs are fantastic resources, and have been indispensable for the success of my lab.

4. What should undergraduates consider before they begin their research journey?

To start with, undergrads should be willing to take on any kind of project to get their foot in the door. Then, when reaching out to labs, it is important that they do some homework on what the lab is studying. With the number of undergrads that want to get into research labs, it is vital to have a specific interest in the lab, informed by looking into the research in the lab.

5.How do you support students as they navigate different career trajectories in science?

I push students to take every opportunity to present their data possible. From lab meeting, to local and national meetings, I feel it is important to have this experience, even if you don’t plan on having a career in research. These opportunities are unique to research, but the skills gained for taking part are critical to almost any field.

Nirajara Dungwatanawanich

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Meet Nirajara Dungwatanawanich! Nirajara is a fourth-year, double majoring in Computer Science and Physics, and is looking to become a researcher in either industry or academia, in the field of condensed matter physics and/or quantum information science. She is involved in the Clare Boothe Luce (CBL) Scholars Program, which has not only connected her with other undergraduate researchers, but also provided classes on essential research/career knowledge, such as authorship, presenting, conferences, and graduate school. Nirajara advises students thinking about getting involved in research to “Take the time you need to learn all the new information and techniques, and don’t forget to ask questions!” Read Nirajara’s full interview below.

1. How did you first get involved in your research project?

I first reached out through email to Dr. Steven Furlanetto in my third year. After a couple of meetings, I started learning how to use the 21cmFAST code for my research, creating models, and now I am in the process of writing a paper.

2. How would you describe your research experience at UCLA?

My research experience at UCLA has been very rewarding. It has taught me a lot about the research process and how research is about incremental progress. I have learned to stay persistent and develop a research workflow, especially when it comes to generating, saving, and making data presentable. Being organized has been a very important part of my research experience.

3. What is your year and major?

I am a fourth year double majoring in Computer Science and Physics.

4. What is one piece of advice you have for other students thinking about getting involved in research?

Be patient with yourself. Starting a new research project can be intimidating and can come with a huge influx of new information. Take the time you need to learn all the new information and techniques, and don’t forget to ask questions! Also, make sure to take notes throughout the process. It is very easy to forget what you did 6 months ago.

5. Have you attended a conference before? If so, can you describe your experience on preparation, presenting, etc.?

I have yet to attend a conference to present my research! However, I have attended the Clare Boothe Luce Program Women in STEM Conference in Chicago, where I attended workshops and met many accomplished scientists.

6. Have you had your work published? Can you talk about what that process was like?

Not yet, but hopefully soon!

7. What are your future career goals?

I am looking to become a researcher either in industry or academia in the field of condensed matter physics and/or quantum information science.

8. Please list any URC/departmental programs you are/were involved in. How has your experience been as a Clare Boothe Luce Scholar?

I am grateful to be involved in the Clare Boothe Luce (CBL) Scholar program at UCLA. CBL has not only connected me with other undergraduate researchers, but it has also provided classes on essential research/career knowledge, such as authorship, presenting, conferences, and graduate school. Additionally, CBL has given me the opportunity to visit Chicago and meet other CBL scholars from around the nation.

9. What was the impact of undergraduate research on your career path?

Doing research as an undergraduate student has ultimately led to my decision to pursue a research career. I have really enjoyed the novelty and the creative aspect of research, as well as its interdisciplinary nature. I have happily used my programming skills in each of my research projects and I look forward to continuing to do that.

Kimberly Jorge

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Meet Kimberly Jorge! Kimberly is a third-year Human Biology and Society major with a minor in Chicana and Chicano studies. She has been involved with the URC – Sciences Summer Program, a 10-week program designed for undergraduate students to undertake research with a UCLA faculty and receive professional development through workshops and seminars. Through this program, Kimberly is now a California Alliance for Minority Participation (CAMP) scholar, which she credits for helping with her public speaking skills, as well as opening up doors for additional opportunities to present her research. Kimberly is currently preparing to present at the CAMP Scholars Symposium, and plans to become a pediatrician in the future! Read Kimberly’s full interview below.

1. How did you first get involved in your research project?

I got involved with my research project/lab due to the PEERS (Program for Excellence in Education and Research in the Sciences). They held an event where we could meet potential faculty looking for undergrads and that was where I met my mentor, Dr. Hayes.

2. How would you describe your research experience at UCLA?

My research experience has been amazing. Admittedly, coming into UCLA I was very nervous to venture out and get involved in research as I had little exposure to what research consisted of. However, due to PEERs and my mentor, research has helped me gain confidence in skills consisting from lab skills to networking, etc. I’ve gained so much knowledge about the lung cancer field that I otherwise would not have been exposed to and am excited to continue learning these next couple of quarters.

3. What is your year and major?

I am a third-year HBS (Human Biology and Society) major with a minor in Chicana and Chicano studies

4. What is one piece of advice you have for other students thinking about getting involved in research?

Look at sites such as Handshake or ask around to learn about labs. Put yourself out there as scared as you may be. Most importantly, when interviewing or thinking about potentially joining a lab, ensure you will have a great mentor who can guide you and that the overall lab environment makes you feel comfortable as you will be around this environment a lot.

5. Have you attended a conference before? If so, can you describe your experience on preparation, presenting, etc.?

I have not yet presented at a conference and will be doing so soon. I will be attending the CAMP scholars symposium where I will present my current findings on a poster. I have been in the process of gathering materials and thankfully my mentor has been there to guide me along the way. She has helped me feel prepared by giving advice and feedback whenever needed. I have presented in smaller settings such as the URC-Sciences Summer Program where at the end of our 10-week session we presented on what we did during our 10 weeks in the lab. My mentor also has us present in our lab meetings to begin facilitating our public speaking skills.

6. Have you had your work published? Can you talk about what that process was like?

I have not had any work published yet.

7. What are your future career goals?

My future career goals are up in the air. I know I certainly want to become a pediatrician but am constantly going back and forth on if I would like to pursue a PHD/MD or just continue with my original plan of getting an MD.

8. Please list any URC/departmental programs you are/were involved in. How has your experience been as a CAMP Scholar?

This past summer I was involved with the URC-Sciences Summer Program which was a 10-week full-time program. This program helped me develop the skills I would need for this school year to begin independently working on my experiments/projects. Through this summer program, it is how I became a CAMP scholar. Overall being a CAMP scholar has tremendously helped in my public speaking skills due to the presentations we had during the program and during our research seminar. Not only has it helped my public speaking, but has opened the door to opportunities of presenting my own research which I otherwise probably would not have done. This current school year I am part of the Undergraduate Research Scholars Program where I can continue working in my lab and then present my work/submit a paper, helping me gain more skills in the research field.

9. What was the impact of undergraduate research on your career path?

It has led to me seeing the many different career paths I can take, and really hone in on what exactly I would like to see myself doing in the future. As of now, it’s created some confusion on what path I’d take, but I know this is all part of the process of figuring out what is best for me.