Through the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) granted to me by the UVM undergraduate funding, I was able to continue my research on the role of estrogen receptors on chemo-resistance in acute lymphoblastic leukemias in adolescent and young adult patients. I was funded to work full time in the lab, further exploring my future career as a physician scientist.
What I wish was different
I wish I had more time! I have continued my research into the semester, unpaid, for credit. I wish I could continue to work full time, as 6 hours a week isn't nearly enough to get results.
Advice
Don't be afraid to apply or reach out. I met my boss because I googled "leukemia research UVM" and emailed Dr. Heath about potential shadowing or research experience. Here we are 2 years later, after being granted the SURF award and now just receiving a $50,000 pilot fund from the UVM hospital to continue our research for two more years. The UVM faculty highly encourages students and love teaching inside and outside of a classroom setting. Find what you're interested in, find somebody doing work on that, and try to get your foot in the door.
