Tell Us about Yourself
What AEOP program(s) did you participate in?
Research and Engineering Apprenticeship (REAP) Alumni at the University of Central Florida
Words of Advice?
Communication is key. Ask questions and seek clarification. Hold regular meetings with your PI to ask for explicit expectations and guidelines. Feel empowered to talk when you are bored or frustrated, and they will be willing to work with you to remedy things.
Best Things about the Program?
I loved how it was a full-time commitment. Because of the dedication that comes from both the members of the lab and from the students participating, I was able to spend a lot of hands-on time learning.
I ended up getting mentioned on two papers, which was a great experience to leave high school with. REAP gave me a strong understanding of what research was at a university level and what my fit within that realm could look like.
How Participating in AEOP Inspired You to Advance in the STEM Field?
I was inspired to see the researchers comb through papers and experiments to formulate and test novel hypothesis. I have carried that zeal for wanting to help the world through innovation since REAP.
What are your future hopes and dreams
To change the world through technology by leveraging data as a means to personalize medicine, derive new insights, and discover new patterns in nature.
Fun Fact
Since starting college, I switched majors from biology to computer science! It is never too late to explore new things and seek new challenges.
