#undergradresearch

I'm going to need a larger conference table; the #IshaqLab is growing! Seems like just yesterday that I met with my first applicant at Thanksgiving, and then there were 10! In total, we have 3 grads, 4 undergrads, and 3 grad affiliates from other labs. #futurescientists #undergradresearch (at University of Maine) https://www.instagram.com/p/CAfxL1LAdts/?igshid=187n44e1d77fl

#facebookmemory 5 years ago when I finished my #undergradresearch “Analyzing Clothing Fit using 3-D Virtual Tool” #funtimes #appareldesign

It's gonna be a great weekend... 😒 #undergradresearch #finishingtouches

The team I worked with on this study was amazing and I'm so glad I got to be a part of it! #myeastern #ecsyou #undergradresearch

Officially starting work on the actual research part of my thesis today!! #undergradresearch #myeastern @whyeastern (at Eastern Connecticut State University)

Today I went to the orientation for my Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), and as usual they asked that we go around the table and introduce ourselves/teams and our projects. In my own department, my project has gotten a lot of positive attention and I was starting to feel like I was really doing something - and I am; I don't need to second guess the importance if my research, but the caliber of these other projects really made me sit down and think about my priorities and at least the lens through which I view them. One project that particularly struck me is that of a young man who is the same about my age and is working independently. Throughout the course of his project, he will be seeking to discover the "latent" cells which are targeted by a strain of HIV that is currently not treated by available medicine and therapy. His goal is to identify these cells and ways in which they can be activated to fight against the virus, as well as discover what kinds if medications or alternative therapies can be used to treat them. I was so amazed. And he was so shy to talk about it. He wasn't looking for kudos, bragging rights, or cookies. He just really wants to help people. Meanwhile, I'm over here gawking at him and shoving my face with a whole humble pie. I believe we are all put on this earth to accomplish different missions/ lead different lives and therefore you can't say that you are better than anyone else or that someone else is better than you. But I do believe that we should be able to step back from ourselves and appreciate the lives and works of others, especially those who are trying to make significant contributions for humanity. And if that means we have to take a slice of humble pie and eat it or even go back for seconds sometimes, we should be bold enough to do that. It not only looks better on us than jealousy or pettiness but it will eventually push all of us to greater heights. I just wanted to share and encourage everyone today to be the best YOU that you can be in this moment. Because you're special and you're the only one ft for the job. Seize the day! Peace and love to ya'll~ Xoxo, Su