Student Perspectives
Damien Abreu, Yale University
Few summer programs are as rigorous, or rewarding, as SSRP. In a span of eight weeks, I spoke with more graduate students, post-docs, professors, and university administrators than I had in my previous two years of college. More importantly, everyone I spoke with had a genuine interest in helping me achieve my goals. In particular, SSRP helped me solidify my interest in pursuing a combined degree as a physician scientist. Needless to say, the SSRP staff and students were amazing, but my summer lab placement was simply phenomenal. In the Pringle lab, I dove head first into the world of yeast genetics. I learned how to navigate through primary research papers, troubleshoot experiments daily, and focus my energy on a project that I could sincerely call my own. I loved my lab experience. The unfaltering guidance and support of Dr. John Pringle and Dr. Masayuki Onishi is unlike any I have ever experienced. I speak of the Pringle Lab experience with great pride, for it was not only a source of great learning, but also of personal growth. SSRP inspired me to be bold, take risks, and perform to the best of my abilities. My only regret is that the program ended when it did, otherwise I might still be in Stanford, pipetting away at my lab bench.
Jesus Guardado, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Each summer, I have been blessed to be able to say, “This has been the best thing I could have done this summer.” Spending my summer this year as an SSRP student conducting research in the Sidow Lab under the mentorship of Cheryl Smith has left me with precisely that impression. The program paired me with a nurturing lab mentor and principal investigator that never hesitated to set aside some of their time to address any of my curious questions. I had the opportunity to explore the field of functional genomics, a subject previously unknown to me, and I found the research innovative and interesting. As a rising sophomore, I was exposed to the laboratory setting and its protocols, and I witnessed the impact undergraduates can make, even early on in their academic careers. SSRP assigned me to a dedicated program assistant who helped improve my presentation skills and who was there for guidance throughout the program. The program arranged for students to attend various seminars on post-undergraduate education where I learned more about potential paths after an undergrad education. Throughout the program, SSRP made it easy to meet several professors in diverse fields of study and to see how a researcher’s mind works. SSRP ’08 was an enriching experience on several levels, and I do believe it was the best thing I could have done this summer.
T. Lydel Newsome, Morehouse College
My SSRP experience was like nothing I have ever experienced. I was very nervous about working in a research laboratory at a highly acclaimed institution such as Stanford University. But after meeting all of the students and staff associated in the program, I became very comfortable and excited about the experience that I was given the opportunity to be a part of. Being a member of Dr. Pak Chan’s Neurosurgery lab was one of the most enlightening summer experiences that I have ever had. I felt as though I learned more information about ischemic stroke than I ever would have expected to in one summer program. Dr. Carolina Maier worked with me to ensure that I fully understood all of the information that I was presented as well as assisted me with presentation strategies as well as lab techniques. Overall, I was able to build relationships and network with various faculty members, mentors, and colleagues around the world in an enriching environment I have yet to find anywhere else.
Nghi Nguyen, Stanford University
While I have participated in a variety of research programs, including the Research Science Institute and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute EXROP Program, SSRP has most influenced my training. Not only did the program allow me to continue working on my thesis in the laboratory of Dr. Helen Blau under Dr. Penney Gilbert's discerning and critical guidance, it also sharpened my technical writing and scientific oratory while honing my experimental logic and design. Beyond preparing me for a career as a physician-scientist, SSRP introduced me to the biotechnology industry and the world of academic medicine. Moreover, I was surrounded by colleagues whose passions I identified with, whose ideas I connected to, and whose qualities I admired. This program taught me that those who are conducting high-profile research can be my most down-to-earth colleagues. As soon as I dived head first into SSRP, I no longer wanted to come up for air.
Marcus Parrish, Yale University
My experiences in the Stanford Summer Research Program have truly helped solidify my desire to be a scientist. By working for eight weeks in Dr. Jennifer Cochran's lab in the department of Bioengineering, I was exposed to an entirely new field of research. I learned about protein engineering and yeast display and also gained many new laboratory skills. Outside of lab, the Program Assistant group meetings, led by a grad student, taught me a lot about graduate life and what it takes to get into and to thrive at a top graduate school like Stanford. In addition, these meetings also helped me to refine my presentation and writing skills. All in all the Stanford Summer Research Program has been one of my best summer research experiences.
Ar'Lena Smith, Hampton University
I thoroughly enjoyed participating in the Stanford Summer Research Program 2008. Along with the laboratory preparation to pursue graduates studies in the biomedical sciences, I was introduced to a world of options available to me in other aspects of the field. I interacted with various medical professionals, top faculty members, and graduate program directors, an opportunity not offered in many summer programs and I gained many valuable contacts. My networking abilities were strengthened through the meetings and seminars offered throughout the program. The close relationship I developed with my lab colleagues and my PI made for a comfortable research atmosphere and I felt that my contributions were an asset to the greater goal of one of the lab’s projects. In addition to the laboratory experience, the other SSRP participants made the summer experience most enjoyable, as well as the planned activities and the time we had to explore the city. I really couldn’t have imagined a better summer research opportunity and as a result of participating in SSRP, Stanford University is certainly at the top of my list of potential graduate schools!
Nicole Titus, Chaminade University of Honolulu
Coming from a small school with no real research experience, I was intimidated to be among those chosen for this program. However, the way this program is set up allowed me to overcome my insecurities and focus on my job in the lab. I was very lucky to be placed in Dr. Miriam Goodman's lab where everyone supported me and encouraged me to ask questions. In my opinion, the best feature of this program are the small groups or Program Assistant (PA) groups. They give participants a great opportunity to meet once a week and discuss everyone's progress. I learned an incredible amount in the 8 weeks of this program; about my individual project and about the opportunities available to me after graduation. I am so grateful to have been a part of this program.
