Sciences

Transcript

Let’s meet Lauren. She is doing work in the field of microbiology, even though she’s just starting her senior year. Lauren is majoring in molecular and cellular biology with a minor in sociology and anthropology. So she is the perfect person to tell us about the unparalleled opportunities in the sciences at Puget Sound where one-third of the students here are stem majors. Lauren.

– Thanks Alex. Hi everyone. I always knew I wanted to study biology, but when I visited Puget Sound, I was blown away by the resources in the facilities, like the OTPT clinic and the cadaver lab. About 10 minutes into my tour, I looked at my mom and said, this is my new home. Coming in I knew I wanted to conduct research as a freshman, which is one of the distinct features of sciences at Puget Sound. During my first semester seminar, I met professor Martin who saw potential in me as a scientist and asked if I would be interested in joining his microbiology lab. I now run my own independent research project, studying bioluminescent bacteria in their naturally occurring mutation steered by professor Martin. Additionally, I’ve been given the opportunity to work towards a publication, which has an extremely rare opportunity for an undergraduate student. One of my favorite things in the department is our Slater museum, which houses the second largest collection of vertebrates in the state and is home to our awesome science mascot, Bungee the lung fish. The breadth of labs here is really unique for a school our size. There’s the mass spectrometer, an observatory, the greenhouse and more. Additionally students have a ton of opportunity to work hands-on at the slater museum or as docents. I never imagined the number of opportunities I would have here for growth as a scientist and through my research, I’ve discovered a passion for all things microbiology and plan to pursue a PhD in the field. That’s all for me, back to you Alex.

– Lauren, that was so cool. Your research is literally glowing. I can’t wait to see your name in print when you’re publish. And before you graduate, Incredible. Congrats on all that you’ve accomplished. Thanks again for that, Lauren.