She started by combing through hundreds of
REU sites, specifically ones that focused on molecular genetics. "I stumbled upon the Ohio State University’s
molecular genetics REU and applied…and was accepted by their Center of RNA Biology’s summer program instead, which is run alongside the REU program. The Center of RNA Biology’s program is aimed more towards people who may be considering a career in medicine
along with a career in research," Tina Tian said.Tian worked at the Sullivan Lab in the Department of Microbiology. Her project aimed to characterize novel bacteriophages that are active against pathogenic E. coli to eventually develop phage therapy options in response to the rise of antibiotic resistance. In terms of lab work, she gained new knowledge in research techniques regarding bacteria cultures and phage lysate generation. She described how huge The Sullivan lab is, "Apparently they are “The Virus Lab” at Ohio State with probably over 30 people working in the lab total." With 2 days of training, she joined their large-scale experiments. Even though it was a steep learning curve, working in a lab full-time for a change has given her a glimpse of what the future may look like.
"Both the REU and this Center for RNA Biology programs offer opportunities to think, talk, and write like a scientist, having all students give a 5 minute presentation about their summer project in front of PI’s and grad students in the first 2 weeks, writing a lay document, writing specific aims, and arguing about research ethics. We’ve also toured OSU’s cutting-edge microscopy center as well as their greenhouse."
"The program has definitely provided a great means of making new friends, people who are just as interested in research as you are and can be excited about it. Plus, with all the restaurants around OSU that take the BuckID, there are a lot of places to hang out and try new foods every day. Also, have to take advantage of the gym at OSU after all the food, haha. (Fun fact: OSU has 4x the number of students as UAB. Campus is like 2 miles across. It’s about a mile to walk to lab every day!). I haven't had a chance yet to truly explore the city but I do have some places in mind such as CoSci and the zoo/aquarium. The Sullivan lab itself has many undergraduate students who have graciously taken me in and are eager to show me around Columbus."
If you are interested in exploring similar research programs, this is what she has to say:
"Definitely start your applications as early as possible. Have as many people read your personal statement as you can. One personal statement can work for many applications, and honestly, apply to as many as you care to since there are no fees! I believe I applied for around 14 with 2 acceptances. Spread yourself out and hope for the best. These programs are definitely more research than medicine focused, so you do have to truly have an interest in pursuing research in your future career path!" She added that she aimed for 6 weeks in advance contacting professors who will write recommendation letters early in the application process, and giving periodic reminders, which is a key to ensuring that letter writers do not get upset.
Tina Tian is a senior in the neuroscience program, in the Science and Technology Honors program, founder of Music Notes for the Souls. You can reach her at tinatian@uab.edu.
http://rna.osu.edu/education-and-outreach/undergraduate-program/
https://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/reu_search.jsp
Contributed by Tina Tian
Edited by Isabella Mak
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