100 Research Reflection by Mary Fairbanks

Faculty Mentor: Martin Horvath (School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah)

Working in Dr. Horvath’s lab has taught me how to be curious and what it means to be dedicated to a project regardless of the results. I’ve been encouraged to ask questions and explain findings to form a cohesive pattern that tells a story. Through research and being involved in the DNA lab taught by Dr. Horvath, I have been able to see a project from start to finish. Being able to design my own experiments has given me the opportunity to act as a scientist. I have been able to improve my critical thinking skills and laboratory technique, as well as adapt to change. Having to constantly adjust experiments to fit our specific scenarios taught me to be more flexible. Years of readjustment with varying results taught me persistence. I have grown through research and it continues to expand my view of the possibilities of innovation. In a career in the medical field, I believe my experience in research will make me a more open-minded thinker, accepting of change.